joncourage

Responses from joncourage

Need an integrated amp that sounds engaging at lower volume
Enleum 23r  
Which pair of speakers changed your Hifi life?
Aerial 7b were the first time I realized how good a modest system could sound, and were probably my gateway to wanting to keep finding incremental improvements; ie the merry-go-round.  
Scansonic MB-2.5B vs Sonus Faber Lumina III
Have the 3.5b and am very happy with them. They have the level of punch, speed and neutrality I gravitate to. Highs are extended without being harsh. Also like the way they look.  
Class D Integrated Amplifier Recommendations.
NAD M23 Aavik  
Qobuz or Apple Music?
Completely agree with all the pro-Qobuz comments.  
Enleum AMP23-R buyer beware!
The Enleum 23r is worth the wait. Far as communicating, that doesn't seem to be Soo In's strong suit, but he has answered me each time I've written, and I get the impression he is somewhat overwhelmed by the unexpected demand. If you want an inc... 
Competitive class D amp suggestions
The AGD room at Florida Expo was one of the best sounding rooms at the show. And the amps are really works of art; gorgeous. The Aavik is another class D beast, but on the expensive end. I've read many good things said about the NAD.  
Luxman 595ASE
Have to admit I didn't like the look in pictures, but saw it in person recently and definitely agree it's a special, very nice looking piece of gear.  
What are your top 3 favorite DAC or DAC/Streamer devices?
Lumin U1 to PS Audio Direct Stream, via USB with Intona and iFi Micro, is the best I’ve heard so far.Others I’ve heard: Roon/ROCK on Intel NUCi5 > PS Audio DSD; Synology NAS/Minimserver > PS Audio DSD; Logitech Transporter > Audio Note DA... 
Best standalone music server?
Just got a Lumin U1 and extremely happy with it.For years I used a Logitech (Slim Devices) Transporter. Was always pretty happy with that, but it started showing it’s age once Logi abandoned it, and getting things done through the user forums was ... 
Ideas for my next DAC....?
Meh, I realized I can’t go back to my AN DAC since I also need the DAC to have volume control/be my pre-amp.So now I'm looking at: Bricasti, dcs, Lampizator, Manhattan.  Maybe eventually the Ayre; I'm not sure why but I'm not as jazz'd about the A... 
Ideas for my next DAC....?
Fwiw, the Ethernet requirement is about being able to a/b USB vs Ethernet.  My theory is that as time goes by, changes in either protocol could make one preferable to the other. 
Ideas for my next DAC....?
Most likely will be getting the Antipodes CX streamer when it comes out.What do you guys think about:Auralic VegaLampizator (if I take out the Ethernet requirement, I think, which may not be a deal killer) 
Ideas for my next DAC....?
Very cool suggestions, thanks!I will keep an eye out for a few of these.As far as those saying rare to find something that will sound like the AN, I tend to agree, but I'm not happy with some of the limitations.  That said, maybe I do need to reco... 
Pass x250.8 vs Hegel h4se vs Ayre VX-R
Thanks for all the great feedback.  So many amazing sounding SS amp choices.I ended up going with MX-R Twenty (and going seriously over-budget) for a few reasons:-- I've had a couple of Ayre amps before and like the Ayre "house sound", so it was a...