roadsterluver

Responses from roadsterluver

Who has a McIntosh C70 anniversary preamp? Thoughts?
I've had the C70 for about six months now.  Upgraded the tubes to Gold Lion.  I'm running it with a Benchmark AHB2 amp and DAC3L.  I've had many Mac preamps over the years and all have been very good in their own ways.  The C70 is perfect, the cul... 
Some love for the Benchmark HPA4/LA4
yyzsantabarbara - Totally agree about the performance of Benchmark.  I have the AHB2 and DAC3L and will be adding the LA4.  But in reading all of your posts, what I really wanted to know was what brand of Scotch were you drinking? 
Never Owned a Tube Amp and Want Advice
There is a great deal of tube amp experience offered in many of the submissions.  The sheer volume of responses reflects the complexity of the variables involved.  If there really was a simple answer, we would all have had our respective audio epi... 
Benchmark LA4 Preamp?
After years of emails to Benchmark support with endless questions on the application of their DAC 3L with various amplifiers, and with excellent, patient responses from Rory Rall, I made the purchase about two months ago.  Over many years of havin... 
Best used integrated under $5k
A lot of excellent suggestions here.  I've been very happy with my McIntosh MA5300.  100 watts and an upgradable DAC.  About $3900 from Audio Classics. 
Considering getting a CD player (again). Used? New? Criteria?
Agree with "Its Just Me" above.  Just rip your CDs.  I did so a few years ago after selling my McIntosh player and never looked back.  My music is both on my MacBook and in the iCloud.  I then downloaded Audirvana 3.5 ($75) which accesses my strea... 
Tube Sound Question
A seriously subjective question, but an interesting one.  Consider checking out a Kevin Deal video on Upscale Audio's site.  He talks about tube power amps and preamps, with some discussion relevant to your question.  He ultimate suggests, as a "r... 
New McIntosh amp build quality
In terms of the MC 275 VI, I've had a pair mono-blocked for several years, both purchased new. Absolutely flawless construction and glorious performance. No issues with tubes and if rolling is your thing, plenty of alternatives to select from vari... 
Carver 275 Crimson tube amp --- any feedback appreciated
Connect with Jim Clark Stereo.  He's a very knowledgeable Carver dealer and can answer any of your questions about the 275 or 350.   
Best Preamp New or Used up to $3,000 ??
PS Audio BHK tube/solid state hybrid preamp. Rock solid build and fluid musicality. List price is $6000, but go online to The Music Room in Broomfield, Co. and work a deal on a new or very clean used. Under $3K is very doable. They WILL deal, they... 
What's happened to the used high end market recently?? Sales are tough....:0(
When the time approaches, I will not "go gentle into that good night".  I will enjoy my over-engineered, tube-burning two-channel system with unrestrained satisfaction. I will avail myself of excellent, used gear whenever the desire take me, and I... 
Have you ever hated the sound of your system one day, and loved it the next?
Well, if it's going to be Scotch, let me suggest Auchentoshan Three Wood.  A lowland single-malt aged in two kinds of sherry, as well as bourbon casks.  If you have reservations about the sound of your system, this will remedy any anxiety.  It mak... 
Have you ever hated the sound of your system one day, and loved it the next?
I thought I was the only one who felt that way.  Despite top end gear, I was never fully satisfied.  I thought it might even be crap cables.  Then I discovered that single malt scotch improves audio quality.  Cognac elevates it to the sublime. 
New McIntosh MA252
I’ve owned an MA6500 used with Olympica I’s and it was an excellent combination. Not sure I’d use the MA252 with the Olympica III’s, at least not without some major demo time at a dealer. I’m currently running the MA252 (and a PS Audio DSD) with a... 
What is your favorite system for an Office or a Secondary System
Secondary system:Bower & Wilkins 706 S2 bookshelvesMcIntosh MA252 hybrid integratedPS Audio DSD dacREL T Zero or T5i subShunyata cables & cords