rackon

Responses from rackon

Help Need to improve front end . . .
I have the Cary 303. You should really try to hear this player.When I was shopping last year, I compared the Cary to the Sony. All the Sonys I've heard were great on SACD but nowhere nearly as good with Redbook - I found their Redbook playback ver... 
Anyone herad the Audio Physic Avanti 111's?
I heard them recently with all Herron electronics & Wadia digital and the Avanti's displayed excellent, deep, tuneful bass. They sounded great - very musical, very "alive". (A specialty of Herron gear.) The Herron mono amps are powerful and cl... 
Cary 306/200 vs Marantz SA-1 vs Sony SCD-1
I compared Redbook playback of the Cary players and the RB playback of the Sony 777ES pretty seriously awhile back & second Abe's suggestion. For my money, I much preferred the Carys. SACD can sound very fine, but the vast (I mean VAST) majori... 
Sony SCD 777 vs. Wadia 830?
I have listened to the Sony, the Wadia and the Resolution Audio CD55, plus the Linn Ikemi and others, and for my money, the Cary 303 surpasses them all. The Sony sounds great on SACD, but falls FAR short of the Cary for Redbook playback IMO. (I ha... 
Preamp expriences? Good value amp
I love my Rogue 66. This has to be one of the best buys in audio. The 66 is indeed slightly warm (but not wooly), has a huge soundstage with excellent imaging and impressive dynamics. Very natural tonality. I think it has good detail, though not a... 
Best Mid Fi Amp from 90s to today. Look
You don't mention your speakers, other gear or music preferences. Here's what I've heard...The Marsh is a terrific amp and affordable too. It powered a friend's ML Ascents to excellent effect, a tonally accurate , musically realistic amp. Another ... 
ARCAMS
I had an Alpha 9 (upgraded from an 8) which I enjoyed very much. I haven't heard the new DiVas, but I have heard the FMJ CD23 and the Sony mentioned above.The 9 or the FMJ are a BIG step up from the 7SE, which is a very nice budget player. However... 
Cary303 and SACD777es
Cary 303 lists for $2995. Most everyone I've heard about paid 20 to 30 % off list. I bought mine barely used for well under 2K. Do you have a local dealer? 
Pet Stories
Right on DeKay! Richard is a fine name.I had a cat named Richard when I was a teen, named for actor Richard Burton. (The kitty was dark and handsome and was given away by folks whose surname was Welsh). His full brother was named Albert (for Alber... 
Cary303 and SACD777es
Well, SACD on the Sony is pretty darned wonderful, and the CD playback would be plenty good enough (and is good enough) for many audiophiles. But I thought the 303 was better on Redbook, tonally richer and more colorful, and more musical overall. ... 
What Chopin solo piano cds are the best?
I always come back to the Rubenstein recordings. 
Tube Friendly Speakers
Look for a pair of used Alon Lotus speakers. Especially designed (14 ohm bass drivers) to mate with low power tube amps. Fabulous with acoustic music. Open, airy, spacious, huge soundstage, musically realistic tone and timbre. Dynamic enough for y... 
Snell C/V Speaker Question
Still think you should check out the Alons. Good luck with the trade. You're safe with the Vandies. There is an upgrade to the 3s that is well worth it. 
Suggestions on CDP
I had an Arcam Alpha 9 and really liked it. I listen to mostly classical and jazz, with a little rock as well. The 9 was a great player, in another league compared the to the 7. I've found the Arcam line in general to be terrific buys for the $$s ... 
Love My Maggies But.....
A former Maggie owner, I was on the same quest as you last year. I haven't heard those particular Paradigms, but I'm familiar with the 2.7s, and you may have a hard time equaling or surpassing them for $1000 used.Your post requiring both openess a...