khokugo

Responses from khokugo

Merlin TSM vs the other top monitors
I live in NYC, and I feel your agony. I ended up, and will keep as long as I am here, Sonus Faber Signum. The sound is gorgeous. In my room size, I firmly believe that I can't do better. Since this model has been discontinued (to make room for Cre... 
Best Audio-Manufacturing Countries?
In terms of importance currently, I agree with Rives - China. You never know how much proportion of your high-end gear or home appliances are actually made or assembled in China. There are many "proudly made in USA" products in US, but I believe t... 
Japanese/Asian Speakers???
Like other posters mentioned, there are lots of "mid to hi-end" speakers in Japan by major brands. The reason why you don't see them in US is that those Japanese mfrs don't market products unless they think they can sell them overseas. Japanese mf... 
Sonus Faber repair?
Where else than Sumiko Audio, the North American distributor for SF. Check www.sumikoaudio.net. I believe it is in CA also. 
Problems with my Berning ZH270
Hello gain, George.Well, glad you got ZH from Allan because I had heard that outdated worn down ZH270s are floating in the used market.I never mean to imply that the stock unit is inferior in any way, but cryoed output tubes will give you one notc... 
NOS tubes, why can't modern tubes sound better?
What I once heard is that NOS tubes were typically "vacuumed" much more than the current production which are vacuumed so-so that it just qualifies the "electronic specification" standard. I don't know how exactly that theory is connected to the d... 
Problems with my Berning ZH270
George. We need to know HOW bright it is. You must be comparing with something else (your previous amp, perhaps?). In my experience, ZH270 has much better and controlled bass than many other tube amps. In fact, I deferred sub-woofer purchase for a... 
Paradigm 100 v.2 /Sonus Faber Signum/ Martin logan
I own Signums. I have heard Maggy and ML at several occations (shows, dealers, etc.).My general observation (which may be biased pretty much) is that Maggy and ML can't win in the mid and high area (I am a strict small classic listener). On the ot... 
Concert attendance
Certainly. That's how I (try or intend to) maintain the "reference" sound in my brain. I am 98% acoustic music listener, and I don't know how else I should judge the sound of my system. Easy access to such opportunites (Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Cent... 
Every make a purchase you truly regret?
Yeah, HT gear, specifically "High-End" AV receiver, and surround speakers. I should have known that I am a music buff, NOT a video buff. Soundwise, HT gear in affordable price range is not good enough. I am no longer interested in "surround sound"... 
What's more important; sound or brand name?
I mostly agree with previous posters. Sound is the most important factor, of course. But I am also mindful of the brand's track record - reliability, durability, quality, and servicing. "Famous, popular, big, and expensive brand" does not necessar... 
Anyone running Cary 306/200 CDP directly to Amps?
I was. Have never tried pre-amp, though. One caution, and the reason why I sold it, was that when turning the volume all the way up - when utilizing my amp's volume control - there was a slight buzz. Cheater plug didn't cure it. Maybe amp's fault ... 
Warranty Misconceptions
Just FYI, CJ like others changed its warranty policy. All products manufactured AFTER March 2001 does NOT have transferable warranty. According to CJ then, it was decided based upon "dealers" opinion. Yet, CJ's customer service is still first-rated. 
Music Reference RM200 or David Berning ZH270?
Slowhand,I would contact Allan Bhagan as Kriskosiba mentioned above (Hey Kris, how are you? great meeting you in Montreal!), because (1) he is the one who knows Berning best, and (2) there is quite a good chance that current ZH270 owners actually ... 
OTL Tube Amps-- are they superior to everything?
I guess I have to apologize, too. I am not so regular here as I don't have as much experience or knowledge as many of you. But I can say that Berning is a terrific amp, regardless of the definition of "OTL", with respect to cost, performance, reli...