lradder

Responses from lradder

Tube preamp match with Solid Stare amp
Save yourself money. Sell the Cary and buy the Rouge Audio Pharaoh II Integrated. $5,000.00 buys you an ENGINEERED SS Amp with a Tube Preamp that, according to Stereophile's Herb Reichart's Dec 9, 2022 review; "Forgive me if I am overworking the ... 
Recommendation Tube Integrated
Totally agree with marcasazza. Rogue Audio products are fantastic. Dependable, reliable and that’s the staff as well as the Products. I’ve owned the Cronus Magnum, (2) Sphinx and now the Pharaoh II. All are under your budget parameters and America... 
Is There Just One Single Album That Does It For You, Completely? Just One.
A Single Choice? Very hard. There are many great examples listed already, but mine would have to be "Leonard Cohen, Ten New Songs". Such a Strong Artist. Unbelievable voice. His Lyrics actually tell a story, and he takes care in how he tells it. S... 
Dealers with excellent listening rooms?
Qudos and Strong Agreement with Quintessence in Morton Grove, as well as Audio Salon in South Florida. My personal in-house favorite is Salon 1 Audio (Eric) in Ormond Beach Florida. If you can come to Florida, come in February on the 16 - 18 to ... 
Need a new integrated, what say you?
Rogue Audio Pharaoh II Integrated. This is my fourth Rogue Integrated Amp as I've moved up the line. First was the Sphinks 1, then 2, then Cronus Magnum II, and now the Pharoah II. Lots of Power. Loads of manipulation. SS Power with Tube PreAmp Hy... 
Rogue Audio. Reliability issues? Anyone?
I have happily owned various Rogue Audio products for over 10 years. I have always been pleased with the availability to speak with Nick and even Mark himself. And no issues with product reliability. Surprised to hear the issues you've expressed. ... 
How To Keep Cat Off Stereo Equipment?
Personally, not a cat lover, however if you are, great! My past experience was with cat pee. The warmth of the equipment is usually the draw. A lot of good ideas presented here, but not knowing the home circumstances (wife and/or kids love the cat... 
What's your experience with snooty HiFi salesmen?
An interesting, and appropriate question. In reading through the replies, I have to agree that I have run into a few audio salespeople who “knew everything”, and had no interest in answering my questions. I had also agree with the “80-20” rule cit... 
How do you find time to enjoy your $$$ speakers and system?
Wish I could find unlimited time, but alas, life. It would be great to make a living at it, but I use my precious hours to unwind after work. Somedays just the music. Hard days with Bourbon.  
What is the VERY BEST CD album you've ever heard?
Leonard Cohen - "Ten New Songs"   Fantastic songs, well-engineered audio.  
Integrated amp recommendation for Maggie .7's
Allow me to second the recommendation of The Rogue Pharaoh II. More than enough Class D power with the taming of a Tube Pre-Amp. Feel free to call Nick or Mark directly if you want a straight opinion, but you won't be sorry. BTW, it also fits very... 
Speaker of My House…!
Trust the heritage, as well as the new attitude of Sonus faber. You won't regret it!  
Tube or solid state
Don't forget to include hybrids. Clean background and oomph can come from SS, but adding tubes on the preamp can be the best of both worlds. At least consider.  
What I wish I knew before starting my audiophile journey
dman, thanks for your post. It made me think and appreciate the journey...my journey! I began my second journey after the kids left the comfortable confines of mom & dad's house and went on their own. The "before" kids group had decent equipme... 
Best amplifier with Sonus Faber Sonetto V
Wow, just came across your inquiry. Allow me to share that I own Sonetto V's and have paired them with Rogue Audio's Cronus Magnum Tube Amp, and loved the sound. However, I have since upgraded to the new Pharaoh II Amp and I am now phenomenally ex...