mr_hosehead

Responses from mr_hosehead

Suggested PC laptop models for computer audio
Have to agree with Zd542 - why a laptop? You'd be paying a premium for portability and included components. Build/buy your own box for the music server w/o the overhead of screen, keyboard, battery, and similar unneeded components. It sounds like ... 
Bad news for audiophiles?
"The problem is that it's much easier to set up double blind tests with wine than audio gear."True - I can lift a glass of wine in each hand but I don't think I can even lift one of my front speakers anymore. Heck, if I'm doin' two-fisted tests wi... 
Best amp for $550 to mate with the following...
You got lucky and got some great responses. I'll admit I'm partial to Odyssey (& listen every day...) but the Emo does a great job too. However, w/ your $550 budget you should at least look at the Class D site and the SDS-400C offer... 
amplifier for large advents?
Maybe Hafler? Once upon a time a DH500 drove the heck out of a certain pair of Large Advents - they sort of make a "period pair". There are definitely others that worked (B&K, maybe Carver or Rotel, even Dynaco) so you really don't have to go ... 
Paradigm 100 v2 vs. 20 v5?
No. Nope. No way. And I actually have both. Back when, we had room for the 100s in the den and it was just worth it (got 'em used in a very special deal...). The 20s are also very special at what they do and I like them where they are but they are... 
Ever notice most audio magazine cover are white?
Gotta agree w/ Chayro. Can you say "iMagazine"? 
Does anyone really need to spend 10k on power
"its all about elementary economics." Naaah - it's really more about the size of one's e-penis. And as far as your "what the market will bare", even I ain't goin' there. 
New HT Receiver
Really depends on what other features are important to you? The advice on pre-outs is critical but partly off - if you do any digging (or have any luck) you can find very capable mid-level units in the $400-500 (your price - $899+ list) that are f... 
What's the sonic advantage of bi-wiring
The cables may not make all that much difference - the speaker crossovers are probably the bigger determining factor for what if any benefit you might find with bi-wiring. There's some fairly good and accessible info at sites like Elliott Sound Pr... 
Top CD transports vs USB converter shootout
CAPS = Computer Audiophile Pocket Server (NOT capacitors in some other electronics). Basically they are designs for small servers published at Computer Audiophile - several iterations or versions, you can build your own from the parts list or find... 
Amps - New vs. Used
My vote is Mains first - that's what's making the sound, etc. etc. Then consider what you like (or don't) about your AVR - if you like it but think it's still stressed when driven hard then consider getting that 2X or 3X amp. The vast, vast majori... 
Here’s my $1750…just tell me what to buy..
Buy the Emotiva XPA-5 and send me the difference. There, your decision is made and all you have to do is implement...;~)Or get the Anthem - "someone" has lusted after one of those for years and with good reason. Or go a bit over your budget and ge... 
Confusion
I think perhaps both you and your son might be confused about this acquisition. Your son wants you to buy an Oppo? And do you actually want an Oppo? If so, then for starters I'd think the discussion could be about how he should consider buying the... 
Music that everyone else loves but you just don't
"I think growing up listening to Grand Funk Railroad ruined me for heavy metal music....nothing compares I'm afraid to Mark, Don and Mel."That line might help explain much of your post (but maybe you should have just cut it off after the "me"). Yo... 
In re: MOG, and Anne Briggs
Google and/or wikipedia can help resolve Bredon/Johannson vs. Page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babe_I%27m_Gonna_Leave_YouSorry - no idea how Briggs fits into any of that...