mrwigglewm

Responses from mrwigglewm

ARC VT100MkII
I loved my ARC VT100Mk2. Sound was natural and warm. Would refer you to my comments in other threads as to my experience tube rolling it. Then, I liked the Svetlana power tubes; now, I would recommend using the Russian Tung-Sol 6550s. Still have t... 
What to expect?
From around 1984-1990, I happily listened to a budget system built around an Onkyo receiver, an Onkyo 1130P table and Spica TC50 speakers. Since you are listening to Innersound Eros MkII speakers, yours is not truly a budget system. I think you wi... 
I need a live great recording
Harder to find, but on a par IMHO with the classic Evans/La Faro Village Vanguard Sessions/Sunday at the Village Vanguard is Bill Evans at Town Hall w/Chuck Israels and Arnold Wise and recorded on February 21, 1966 (UMV 2053). Verve released the L... 
Jazz recommendations for a beginner?
A good number of people do not appreciate jazz when they begin this journey. But as they listen, they develop an ability to hear and relate emotionally to the music. There is broad agreement as to who the masters of this art form are. Books like T... 
ARC VT-100MKII to MKIII, upgrade worth the cost?
I noticed a significant improvement when I rolled the tubes in my ARC VT100mkII, but it was no walk in the park. Replacing the power tubes was simple enough. I would definitely recommend the Svetlana KT88s over the stock Svetlana 6550s: they will ... 
6922 tube question
Of the dozen or so 6DJ8s I have personally experimented with in preamp application, the Siemens 7308s ae my favorites. But, for the price, the Siemens 6922s and Amperex 6922PQs are hard to beat. Joe's Tube Lore at AudioAsylum's FAQ is a good place... 
8 Time Grammy Award Winner? For Real?
Who is more deserving of recognition than Norah Jones? At least in this instance the awards went to someone with talent, a style of her own and who has good taste in selecting material. She isn't a jazz singer and I don't think it's fair to compar... 
I need a recording with a good drum solo .
For great playing you might want to listen to Max Roach on St. Thomas from Sonny Rollins' Saxophone Colossus. For soundstaging and realism, I would recommend Wayne Phillips' solo on Moliendo Cafe from the 45 rpm direct disc recording entitled Char... 
Is There Big Trouble Brewing?
One can argue that the economics of the music industry drives what we are allowed to hear. To a certain extent it would be correct that in Europe during feudalism the wealthy aristocrats controlled through patronage what composers were able to wri... 
Warm vs. Analytical
I'm with Zaikesman. Clinical/Analytical means you are hearing an X-ray of the music: the information is all there, just not the depth of emotion/soul. Similar to a mechanical performance. Warm, lush sound is a good thing, at least up to the point ... 
Amplifier Recommendation for B&W Nautilis 804
I purchased the very same speaker, amp and preamp last year. IMHO the problem of lack of weight, particularly in the bass, is inherent in the speaker. Find yourself a REL Storm or comparable powered sub and your problem will be solved. 
Replacing Sovtek 6922 for NOS
A good place to begin your research is at Joe's Tube Lore. To get there, go to audioasylum.com, then to FAQ, then scroll to Joe's Tube Lore. My experience has been that the Sovtek 6922 lacks the dynamics, subtle inner detail and imaging of premium... 
Killer female vocal recordings-show me the light..
Of the female jazz vocalists you have mentioned, I would recomend the following recordings:Since you find Lady Day's voice during her Verve years too raspy, I would recommend her Columbia recordings. These came in two great LP sets: Billie Holiday... 
The heat of tubes...
There are really two issues: tube life and room comfort. To assure long tube life, you need to have at least a foot of clearance above the amp for ventilation. I remove the top plate from the amp when in use for extended periods. This helps the am... 
FM Reception question, please
You can get excellent medium range reception from two modestly priced indoor antennas: the Magnum Dynalab ST-2 and the Fanfare FM-2G. They also will provide pretty good TV reception. Not a bad option if, like me, you mainly watch videotapes/DVDs a...