larryi
Responses from larryi
| Tube pre-amps: turn off when not in use? I turn all my tube gear off when not in use. Tube gear gets warmed up pretty quickly, as compared to solid state, so there is less of a reason to leave the stuff on all the time. All of my tube gear uses tube rectification, so the turn on is relat... | |
| Basis Vector vs... I have a Vector I arm; I am pleased with its performance. My primary beef with the design is with the inability to adjust VTA easily. I have resorted to making a series of spacers (PVC pipe) to fit between the base of the arm and the armboard, eac... | |
| Cartridge upgrade for SME 20/2A??? Esoxhntr,I noticed that you have all Blue Circle electronics. If you like the sound of a particular line of electronics, it does make sense to stick with that line all the way through a system. That would argue in favor or staying with the BC phon... | |
| Is there a modern equivalent of Allison Ones? Amoung the most versatile, in terms of placement, and best sounding along the wall or in corners that I've heard is the Gradient Revolution (active), though I bet the passive version would be no slouch.Audionote speakers also sound very good when ... | |
| Kharma Midi vs. Sonus Faber Stradivari Amati Aside from shows, I have heard Kharma speakers in two home systems. In both instances I did not like the sound at all -- a strange combination of dry, antiseptic sound and dynamic lifelessness (i.e., poor microdynamics at lower listening levels). ... | |
| How high is your soundstage? Chesky Records put out a test CD that included a very interesting set of test signals that sound like short bursts of static. If the system is set up properly, and if walls or furniture, etc., do not interfere too much with the direct sound from t... | |
| Top ten tube amps The following are some of the better amps I've heard in my system or in familiar systems. Most of them can only be used with somewhat efficient speakers.Audionote (uk) SogonAudionote (uk) Gaku-OnAudionote (UK) Kageki (the one I own)Western Electri... | |
| How high is your soundstage? How much have you experimented with placement? Generally, the more you tip the speaker backwards so that the drivers are aimed upward, the higher the apparent soundstage. The amount of toe-in can also affect the height of the stage as well as the ... | |
| Why Tube Pre-SS amp over SS Pre- Tube amp? Warren, I do agree with you that all tube, is the way to go. I currently use a SET amp as well. I have, however, heard a number of non-SET amps that are really good alternatives. One is a near one-of-a-kind OTL that is about 20 years old that the ... | |
| Do you ever use the balance on your pre amp? I use the balance control. I don't know of a single setup where I thought the balance was so perfect that use of a balance control would not be of help.It is quite surprising how noticeable even a small shift in balance can be perceived. I have (n... | |
| Why Tube Pre-SS amp over SS Pre- Tube amp? The primary reason for going with tube pre into solid state amp is that it is much easier to get a lot of power from solid state than tube circuits. While I am not a fan of solid state amps of any power rating, I am also not a fan of most high pow... | |
| Tally up best digital player ever I've heard several systems with Pitracers in them. That is a funky transport. It makes horrible mechanical noises, has an unreadable "readout," spends more time in Japan (being repaired) than in the states. I would vote no on it. Then again, in bo... | |
| Has anyone heard the Magico Mini? Wow, there are quite a lot of differences in opinions expressed here. I heard them two years ago at CES/THE SHOW. Under those conditions, I thought they were among the best sounding speakers at both shows. What they had that I particularly liked w... | |
| Mid/high unit on the new SF Amati Anniversary The Anniversario and the Stradivari have identical tweeter/midrange units housed in the same truncated pyramid enclosure. The woofers on the Stradivari are larger, and the Strads also have a completely different baffle and enclosure. Both are beau... | |
| "Reference" Preamps I own both a Placette Active and a Levinson Ref. No. 32. As far as control flexibility, ease of use, and all other non-sonic considerations are concerned, no question that the Levinson is better. As far as sound, both have their strengths. The Pla... |