mraybeck

Responses from mraybeck

Headphone amps
I am currently using the same source and phones in my office setup, and can readily endorse the microZOTL. I do agree that it is a touch more laid-back than some SS amps I have heard (Headroom). Nonetheless, I find this to be a good match with the... 
Help with a new TV.
Jond, I went through the exact decision process approx 6mos ago. I moved into a condo with an oddly-shaped family room that would not accomodate a floor-standing set of any size (while still maintaining ideal conditions for the 2-channel system, o... 
What other obsessions do you have?
Bicycling - Timo, I own an earlier Tom Kellogg masterpiece - Merlin Extralight built up with Dura-Ace, FSA Pro Team Carbon cranks, Velomax wheelset, etc - just under 16lbs for 54cm, it is a climbing terror (when the motor's in shape, of course), y... 
Just ordered Axioms, any comments?
Tunes4me, I previously owned the M3Ti and I loved them, especially at the price. I think I paid $175 used, and I could not believe the sound for the price. They definitely get the all-important midrange right, very smooth and detailed. The treble ... 
Up grading speaker help
As a former owner of CDM7SE's, I think that this move would be lateral, as opposed to an upgrade. You may gain a touch of midrange detail and refinement, at the cost of slightly bright highs. I love the 100's, but they love power, and your SLI-80 ... 
Anyone have problems with Arcam digital gear
I own a CD23 and it has never even hiccupped over the last 2 years of heavy use. Until about 3 mos ago, I used an older Alpha 8SE without problem in a second bedroom system. So, in my experience, Arcam only represents an exceptional bang-for-the-b... 
What to do?
Hello, Smjason. You have a very impressive system and I can understand your attachment. Did you purchase the items used on Agon? If so, although it may sting a bit, I would sell everything and recoup your losses. In the meantime, I would make do w... 
B&W 7NT vs. Paradigm reference 80 for plinius mkII
Another vote for the Paradigm's. I previously owned the 7SE's and have listened fairly extensively to the 7NT's - and the Paradigms were much more balanced overall. I share very similar music interests to you and let me tell you, as a guitar fanat... 
Just received my tube integrated and i'm hooked
Kray, I, too, just started experimenting with a tube integrated, the CJ CAV-50. I have been curious about tube amplification for some time, and I decided to take the simpler, integrated approach with a smaller, second system that I put together (C... 
Best Small Efficient Speaker for Office or Sm Room
As I write this, I am listening to Axiom M3Ti's and feel that they quite capably meet your requirements for $275 shipped (new, ~$150 used). There was a lot of hype about these speakers about 2yrs ago, and it was well-deserved as these are solid li... 
A few questions about DAC basics
Thanks for the update, Lkdog. I am happy to hear that you do, in fact, have an analog bypass circuit. So, if in the future, you wish to add a DAC, you should be able to reap all the benefits. Your little experiment also proves that the DAC in your... 
A few questions about DAC basics
Lkdog, I do feel that getting a dedicated 2-channel preamp will be a significant upgrade in your system. However, even with a preamp, you will still need either a speaker-level input on your ACI (like the RELs), or use line-level input from a spli... 
A few questions about DAC basics
Lkdog, That does sound promising, that passage in your owner's manual. I tried to get your manual and the spec's from the Denon website, but I was unable to do so. I do not know for sure if your particular model does have the analog bypass or not.... 
A few questions about DAC basics
Lkdog, I must caution you against buying a new DAC for your system. My return to 2-channel audio was through home theater, so I went through a similar process to yours. I enjoyed watching movies, but my primary focus was music, so I wanted to impr... 
ProAc 1.5, Joseph Audio RM22si, Tyler Ref. monitor
You bring up a good point, Brulee - and I agree completely. However, with so many fine products available, the vast majority of which are difficult for many A-goners to audition, reviews are a good STARTING point. They also provide a far better te...