martykl

Responses from martykl

Good match for Merlin?
My Merlins (VSM-SE) seem be more sensitive than most to partnering electronics. The only SS amp I've used with them is a Krell KSA 50s. As Duke notes, this type of amp emphasizes the highly damped nature of the SE's bass (I understand that the MM ... 
Does Verity Parsifals mate well with solid?
I've used the Verity P/Es with both tube amps - Cary 805, ARC VT130SE - and SS - Krell KSA 50s and Odyssey Monos. The speaker sounds great (but somewhat different) with each amp. The Cary (especially with 845 output tubes) and Krell both tend towa... 
does a stereo system sound like live music ?
The real hole in the argument:Cheap gear vs expensive gear is a real choice (given access to enough cash). Gear (any sort) vs live music is not a real choice:Hey, should I put on a cd or run out to see a show tonight?You make your hardware decisio... 
I profess no knowledge re. Professor Longhair...
Theduke makes a point, if you are going to build a collection, why not start at the beginning?HOWEVER, if you're coming from a rock'n'roll listener's context and just starting out with blues piano , the later recordings are much more accessible - ... 
Duke Ellington
I'm not sure if they'e available on cd, but on lp:1) The Queen's Suite2) Intimacy of the BluesThis is not "Take The A Train", middle of the fairway Duke Ellington BUTthese are two of the greatest records I've ever heard.BTW "Take The A Train" and ... 
I profess no knowledge re. Professor Longhair...
I'll second Onhwy61: Queen Mary is one of my all time favorite recordings.FWIW Prof spawned a generation (or two) of blues piano players in N'awlins. You may want to check out James Boooker's "Lost Paramount Tapes" which is my favorite record from... 
Best Beau Jocque CD
I assume that you're not a zydeco purist because Beau Jocque isn't a purist's band (a la Beausoleil). Similarly, it pays not to be an audio purist in the case of this band. The BJ cds tend toward forward/bright and I haven't found one that I'd cal... 
Marantz TT-15S Opinions?
At a glance it looks a lot like the clearaudio emotion which sells for $999 with the satisfy arm but no cartridge. Note that the emotion uses a continuous run of wire from clips to phono cable- not sure about the Marantz. If the two are identical ... 
What speakers use a "minimal" crossover?
I'd like to clarify Jond's comment:It is my understanding that the Reference 3a de Capo uses 1 element (high pass) to protect the tweeter. As far as I know, this is the simplest x-over used on a multi-driver system. Most 1st order x-over systems u... 
Do you know of small speakers that sound ''BIG'' ?
By far! - the most dramatic example of this phenomenon I've heard is the Red Rose Monitor. This tiny box produces ridiculous bass. Overall- you may or may not love this speaker- but, as far as big bass from from a small box goes, this one is off t... 
Best Live Shows 2006 ?
Marshall Crenshaw at McCabe's in LA. A generation ago, he would have been a superstar. And, by the way, the boy can play guitar! (acoustic only at this solo show) 
Reference 3a Dulcet with Solid State Amp?
I own de Capos and, while I'm sure they're fine with ss electronics, their reason d'etre is that they are uniquely well suited for tubes. These speakers employ a very simple (almost no) crossover network. Most crossovers cause a spike (or dip) in ... 
Your 5 Fav Rock Concerts
OOPS, forgot a couple (since limit of 5 doesn't apply to me - I granted myself a special exemption!)I just read Walter Salas post - How could I forget the Feelies?! The Glenn Mercer& Bill Million guitar fest every couple of months at Maxwell's... 
Your 5 Fav Rock Concerts
5 (+) that coime to mind:GENESIS Nov, 1971 at Bergen Community College gym. Peter Gabriel in full theatrical mode in a tiny gym on folding chairs. The scale of the show was so large relative to the venue that the impact was amazing (especially at ... 
How Can I Use MY IPOD For a Music Source?
A stereo mini (i-pod headphone) to rca (preamp in) cable should be fine. I use this set-up on all my systems with no problem. As long as your i-pod's volume is up fairly high, you shouldn't be have meaningful volume limitations. That is, the outpu...