john_l

Responses from john_l

You got $10000, build a system.
HMMMM. On the used market I would go for:Magnepan 3.6 $3200Wolcott P220's $5000Resolution audio CD-55 $1200Bare solid core copper wire $100Nordost Quattro-fil 1/2M $400I chose the resolution audio cd-55 because it has one of the best analog output... 
Coincident vs Silverline vs Ref 3a
The ref 3's have unmatched 'natural' sounding very high resolution and decent bass. I think this is due to their lack of a crossover. The drivers are not the ultimate in resolution, but they are being fed a more pure signal. They are a little roun... 
Ayre V-1x or Accuphase A-50v for Eidolon Avalons?
I use the V-1x with my Eidolons as my reference setup and would say they are a match made in heaven. The liquidity, wide soundstage, and instrument timbre were spectacular. They had that 'cut from the same cloth sound'. The bass is quite good, but... 
cd burning speed
In general the lower the speed, the better the copy. I would guess that some error correction scheme in in place for the copies. When speeds go higher, the error correction get's call up more, so the data is less uniformly written. This is just a ... 
Best Line Stage
Used, I would head straight for a vk-30SE. I would guess you can get one for under 3K. The transparency, dynamics and drive of this preamp win it for me. I've heard it in the same system as my old ARC ref1, and felt it was no contest. There is a t... 
How much to spend on analog to get a decent sytem?
I would go with a P25 w/RB600 and super elys or exact table (850-1000 doc & cart). Add a an arc ph-3 ($900) or pass labs ono ($1200). Total cost if bought used will be around 2K and provide an outstanding vinyl rig. If you want to go cheaper, ... 
Will I hear better sonic from WE300B on my system
I have tried my modern day WE300B's against some 'other' 300B's in my Cary 300-SEI Signature. It was easy to tell the WE was considerably superior. I'm using NOS sylvania silvertops for the input tubes. I believe it is a very good investment - esp... 
Thinking about a VK-50SE Pre-amp? Any opinions
vk-50SE is THE BEST tube preamp I've heard. Staggering transparency with tube 'aliveness'. Most tube preamps trade resolution for this 'sense of life'. Not the BAT.I use a vk-5i w/nos tubes with my tube amps. Less transparency, but golden hearted ... 
Review: Rega Planar-25 Turntable
I'd love to hear what a P9 sounds like. I really like the simple design and appearance of regas. I own a basis 2500 now. A good looking table, and actually better looking than most audiophile tables, but a little 'over the top' in some ways. 
Review: Rega Planar-25 Turntable
I couldn't agree more. I've upgraded my main system to a much more expensive table, and it is indeed better in every way. Thing is though, my old rega setup makes me just about as happy. In fact I'm hesitant to sell it because the big table would ... 
How hot do a pair of Pass Labs X600 amps run ?
I have an X350 that I leave on continuously. It's roughly the same as one x600 monoblock. The top is slightly warm but the heat sinks are usually around the 'mug' temperature of a 3-5 minute old cup* of coffee. I would say that it generates A) Les... 
Cartridge recommendation for Rega P-25
I have two rega P25's that I keep for my smaller systems. Absolutely wonderful tables. One has the Super Elys which retails for 395 and the other has the exact which retails for 600. The SE is very good and nice to listen to, but the exact is noti... 
Need opinion in searching for new pre-amp
Of all the TUBE preamps I've heard and used the two best are the vk30SE and the 50SE. Though I heard them about a month apart, I didn't recall a huge difference between them. I would try upgrading the amp or maybe a cable or source change. If budg... 
Verity Parsifal Encore VS. Vandersteen 5a
The tenor's can EASILY drive the Vandersteen 5a. Why ? Because to an amp, a vandersteen 5 looks like a monitor speaker. There is a vandersteen high pass filter box that goes between the preamp and amp. This filter removes 6db of the subwoofer's ra... 
Silverlie sr 17 for bookshelf speakers
Keep in mind that I'm a silverline dealer, so take this as you will.I have a set of SR-17's which I keep on a high wall to wall to ceiling open lattice timber bookshelf. Their rear port is about 4" from the rear wall, with books on either side and...