jimski

Responses from jimski

Audioquest William Tell Zero + Bass vs ThunderBird Zero
I have the William Tell Silver Biwire speaker cables. I did not initially find them to live up to their advance billing, or their price, although they did improve substantially over a rather long break in period. However, at the strong recommendat... 
Silver Speaker Cables
My experience with both speaker and interconnect cables is that they can make a big difference, in fact can be the most cost effective system upgrade money you can spend, dwarfing the cost effectiveness of upgrading electronics (which I've done pl... 
Roon ready Music Streamer with I2S digital output?
I believe Omega Mikro has a streamer with I²S connection.  They were onto I²S long before anyone had heard of it. 'course they've been onto a lot before others. 
Streamer Software
I agree about letting hardware and software companies do what they do best. My understanding is that it’s expensive and time consuming to develop music management software, meaning it adds significantly to the cost of a component whose company has... 
Audio Connection/Johnny Rutan
There's no need to add to the accolades for John, but maybe add a new view:  John is very good at getting you the best sound quality for your money.  His product lines, to me, are long on value and sound quality and short on bling.  His very exten... 
Diminishing Returns
Here on June 4 the wind has probably died off for this thread.  Nonetheless, I can't resist suggesting used Vandersteen 3A Signatures, often appearing for under $2k.  I've long considered this buy among the best in sound for the money.  Then pair ... 
What is tour opinion on the Aesthetix Rhea signature and the Calypso signature
I owned Calypso Eclipse and liked it a lot, only sold to get Aesthetix's Metis preamp, which is another order of magnitude.  Also have had long experience with other Aesthetix equpt, Atlas Eclipse stereo amp, Romulus Eclipse DAC/CD player, and I a... 
Heard the Computer Audio Design GC1
Not given to overstatement in describing audio gear, I nonetheless have to agree with the OP that this is a must listen product (see below). I came onto it in the ideal way--a friend brought one (the GC1 base model) to my house and I listened to i... 
Aesthetix Metis/IO preamp with Convergent Audio Technology Black Path Legend preamp??
I don't know how much use this will be to you since I can comment only on the Metis linestage.  Less than a year ago it replaced my Aesthetix Calypso Eclipse level linestage which was already very good.  I was, well I'll use the word, startled, at... 
What are some of the most underrated and overrated loudspeakers you’ve auditioned?
Another example:  Wilsons don't make music for me, but apparently very many people love them.  I'm not about to dispute their taste, and in fact am glad they enjoy them.Jim Heckman 
What are some of the most underrated and overrated loudspeakers you’ve auditioned?
Fun topic, but meaningless.  Sure, I have my entries in both categories (overrated KEF ls/50, underrated Vandersteen 3A  Signature), but like all else in audio (and the world) it's a matter of personal taste.  Vandersteen is never going to sound g... 
A little History lesson on, "High- End" cables:
O yes, also Omega Mikro recommends single-ended cables, in contrast to my component companies that recommend balanced which I'd thought were superior.  Not trying to start another thread here, but again just curious.  Their RCA-ended cables did be... 
A little History lesson on, "High- End" cables:
fleschler, I'd never heard of Grover Huffman cables.  They do look interesting, and certainly nicely priced.  Once again I have to marvel at how apparently many of these almost invisible companies there are that may well be selling superior produc... 
A little History lesson on, "High- End" cables:
No doubt the brickbats descending on some pricey mega-cables (or many others) are well deserved, but, wading into better cables years ago with no knowledge or expectations, my ears instantly recognized a favorable difference, since reconfirmed man... 
1973
I was in the Peace Corps in a remote town in Ethiopia with no electricity, running (or potable) water, medical service or regular transportation (a DC3 would occasionally come and land on an open field).  The inside walls of my house were sprayed ...