joncourage

Responses from joncourage

Music Server/DAC in Same Box
Modwright Transporter and a NAS for storing your files.No way I want some appliance in control of my music collection. I want to rip, tag, organize and backup my music files my way, not some set of compromises someone else came up with so they can... 
Personal speaker evolution
Bose 301s my dad gave me while I was in collegeLinn Helix II once I was working.Amphion Argon once I was married.Recently, Aerial Acoustics 7b.The Argon were the speakers that hooked me on great sound and i was very happy with them for several yea... 
My system's high frequencies hurt my ears
I don't buy the all digital front end argument. I've heard several non fatiguing all digital, computer-audio-based front ends, including my own that sound fantastic. The highs in my system I would describe as crystalline, extended, natural, sweet.... 
Any better DAC then dCS Scarlatti?
No love for the Audio Note DAC 5?I have not personally travelled in the rarified air of the Scarlatti, CF, etc., but the AN stuff has always beat the pants off others I have heard.I've got to think the top of their competes favorably? 
What Speakers are avail Similar to Nola Contender
I heard the Contenders recently and really like them. Good looking and better sounding. Sweet mids, tight bass, holographic. 
NAS connected digital streamer with digital out?
Transporter or Touch.You can run the server-side software on several NAS, without need for a PC. Many do.You need some facility with computers, or a friend with such. Nothing major, but some. 
The best digital IC, period.
I too am interested in more information on these HD cables.Here are my initial thoughts:I like what xyz says has been his method for comparing;I am concerned however that there is no mention of this brand anywhere else on any audiophile forum or r... 
integrated help please
Another vote here for the AX-7e and a separate DAC. The Ayre is a stellar piece of equipment, and there are so many dac options that would bring you in at your spend, you could dac roll until you dial in the perfect sound to your taste. 
Amphion Argon 3
The Argon will be plenty loud with 55w, as long as its a decent amp. From what I understand you can't go solely by efficiency rating, you need to look at the response curve which with the Argon turns out to be an easier load than the efficiency ra... 
Aerial 7b, Nola Contender, with Ayre AX-7e?
I took a set of Aerial home and can now vouch they mate very, very nicely with Ayre amplification. 
Amphion Argon 3 or Lenehanaudio ML1
The Argons are excellent speakers. I'd be concerned about putting them inside an armoire, they are not small, and they put out a surprising amount of bass. Maybe look at their little brothers the Helium. 
Looking for a DAC for the Squeezebox Touch
Take a look at the Audio Note. A 1.1 in your range or a 2.1 at slightly more.They pair great with the Squeezebox and offer as much of what's valued in analog as I've heard in a digital front end. 
Aerial 7b, Nola Contender, with Ayre AX-7e?
Absolutely love the Argons. Wanting to see if I can get something I like as much but with more authority in the bass, something more full range. I'd look for something else from Amphion but they rarely come up on I can easily live with them while ... 
Itunes downloads
I wasn't aware iTunes offers lossless downloads. I do not think they do.... 
Top big-name monitors current versions .
Of the ones you've listed I've heard the Totem and B&W, and far prefer my Amphion Argon. More punch, livelier, great imaging and dimensionality, fuller and more "present" sound to me.