karls

Responses from karls

Virtually lost, a minimalist cries out for "help."
Have to throw in my 2c. Having owned several Wadias and an Audio Aero, they are all excellent players. Do not get hung up on the digital attenuation of the Wadia system, it is not an issue in the real world if you adjust the player's max output le... 
Subwoofer thoughts from a newbie...
Don't worry, you're right! Most sub crossovers are set too high and overlap with the mains, which is annoying to say the least.Also, placement is quite variable. Corner placement reinforces the output the most, but also generates the most uneven s... 
Bridging Bryston 3B-STs a few questions
Usually when bridging amps you want to keep the speaker impedance no less than 8 Ohms, because the current is already doubled in bridged configuration. If I remember right, Thiel 3.6's are more like a 4 Ohm load, which is going to get the amps awf... 
Amp for use w/ REL Stentor III?
Y's can be used for splitting, but summing is more difficult and I personally wouldn't try it, certainly not without some inline resistors at the very least. 
Amp for use w/ REL Stentor III?
Thanks for the suggestions. I tried using the Ayre's RCA and XLR grounds as suggested by several people including Sumiko, but to no avail (hum from the REL). I've escaped without damage so far, but don't want to keep messing around until I blow so... 
5 way binding post connection advice
If you're not going to redo the connection often, just run the bare wire through the hole and tighten it down hard. As long as it's really tight, it won't oxidize at the actual contact point. Don't tin it; that will just make it oxidize faster. Cr... 
Audio Research D-300 & LS-9
I had an LS-9 and liked it a lot for the price, and still think it's an excellent bargain on the used market. My only complaint was the funky volume knob which doesn't actually spin, but instead is just an up/down switch that controls a digital la... 
Tired wiating - good Bryston/what else to get?
McCormacks are a relatively "crisp" sounding amp, and I mean that in a good way. Usually priced nicely on the used market. Also look into Marsh, good stuff at good used prices. 
Preamp for ARC-Proac System - Is Balanced Best???
Actually, in my experience the people who refer to ARC as "overly analytical" like to have their music on the warm and sugary side of reality, so it's not surprising to hear this. I tend to think that they are simply less euphonic than many other ... 
Bryston amps VS the rest... too clear and neutral?
The ST series is just better musically than its predecessors, so try to stretch your budget to a 3B-ST at least. It's not as good as the 4, but still does a good job. The 2B is substantially less powerful and probably won't be enough for you to be... 
Alternatives to Dunlavy speakers?
I agree with the Thiel/Vandersteen/Dynaudio recommendations, all excellent choices. My personal preference is Dynaudio, as I find the Thiels too bright and the Vandys too warm, but system matching is important as always. Re Dunlavy, IMO most peopl... 
Bryston amps VS the rest... too clear and neutral?
I've owned several ST Brystons although I don't have any currently, and I have nothing but good things to say about them. Bombproof as they come, extremely neutral, and nothing that gets in the way of the music. In my experience, they are vastly b... 
Solid state preamp for 1500 used
I agree with BAT, but if for some reason you have to be different, try an Ayre K-3 or ARC LS-12, also excellent and in your price range. 
Preamp for ARC-Proac System - Is Balanced Best???
Definitely go balanced if you have any balanced sources. A balanced preamp with a single-ended source will still be better but not as good as all-balanced. ARC has made a lot of excellent preamps, with and without phono, which would be a good matc... 
neutrality vs. realism
Thsalmon: Right on! Your descriptions, although generalized, match my impressions exactly in every case. Funny how that works!Re the original post, I'm not sure what point is being made here. "Neutrality" and "Realism" ought to be one and the same...