kendrick2

Responses from kendrick2

Upgrading my system
Some good advice in the preceding post.   I would only add that Hegel H190 and Belles Aria (std version) sounded entirely different in my system (Lumin>amp>Harbeth).  The H190 was the darker sounding amplifier, as were the H80 and H90 that I... 
Purchase from Canada
Import duties vary by county, type of item, value, and other factors.   Canada is a close trading partner so import/export duties are generally somewhat low.  I've bought and sold several audio items from our Canadian neighbors.  It's been my expe... 
what happened to the Belles website ?????
I also use a tiny strip of tape (red) on the volume knob of the Aria integrated to mark the setting.   That helps avoid a loud surprise when playing that first song in a listening session!   Yes, the Aria Signature volume knob is not particularly ... 
The Belles Aria Signature Integrated Amplifier
I think the Belles Aria is a fantastic amplifier that sounds better than some other integrateds I've recently owned, like Naim Supernait 2 and Hegel H190.  The Aria costs about 50% as much as these amplifiers, so it is a great value, too. I may up... 
Speaker Placement
Another option to consider: a Lyngdorf integrated amplifier with RoomPerfect to minimize the bass issues.  The Lyngdorf is supposed to be very effective at this and also sound quite good according to the reviews.  It might be a more elegant and pr... 
Speaker Placement
My sense is that your Triton Reference speakers with multiple sub bass speakers, passive radiators and a 12 hz bass response will overdrive your modestly sized room.  Placement options will be limited in this space and your listening position is l... 
Rogue Sphinx or Belles Aria???
I bought a Belles Aria integrated after following several discussions on the Steve Hoffman Forum and could not be more pleased with the sound quality.  Matched with Harbeth speakers, the Aria sounds more realistic than my previous integrated ampli... 
Quadraspire Racks - Q4 EVO vs SVT in Bamboo
The second HRS Damping Plate added to the Lumin D2 streamer further improved the sound quality of my system.  The plates dampen the component, add weight, and minimize ringing common with thin bent steel construction.  My next change in the coming... 
Quadraspire Racks - Q4 EVO vs SVT in Bamboo
Thank you both for the comments.  I really do like the appearance of the Quadraspire Sunoko Vent rack, but decided to postpone that purchase until after trying a few isolation tweaks and maybe an audiophile fuse.  This seems the most sensible upgr... 
New Look for Audiogon hard to work with
The new site design is absolutely horrible.  Keyhole images.  Really?  What the hell were they thinking?   It's not like Audiogon members are professional photographers and you can tell much about the first image posted... other than it is a black... 
How to drive yourself insane
 baxsc01 - My advice is to set realistic goals, have a plan, and listen to audio gear that might work in your system.  You can read reviews online or the Audiogon Forum but home demos are best way to find the sound you like.  Dealers can supply th... 
GutWire Ultimate Grounding Cable
Following this tread with great interest, so please share whether the initial brightness of the Ultimate version subsides over time.  Thanks.I'm using a modest IFI Groundhog on an Aqvox switch that connects a modem, (2) routers, and server.  I bou... 
PS Audio NEW Huron Firware upgrade. 😩😫😩
The "problem" with FPGA dacs is that designers can tweak the software for a totally different presentation that is better for some and worse for others.  The PS audio dacs have been through a number of "upgrades" and not all were better.  Personal... 
Music Streamer Quality
Welcome.  The combination is beyond decent...the Holo dac with Aurender streamer should sound fantastic.  Great choice.  I bought a used the Aurender N100H last year and liked it very much.  The unit is well built, the control application was very... 
Music Streamer Quality
falconquest - If I understand correctly, Soekris is merely winding down its US operation, and will continue to produce/sell from the EU and expand the product line.  Even so, there is added financial risk when buying relatively unknown audio gear ...