rtn1

Responses from rtn1

Pass Labs XA200.5
Personally, I'm a fan of their current design. It is classic, and totally their own. Very easy to spot. They are massive, and exude quality. Yet, it is a very simple design as well.I know that not everyone likes the bright blue lights in a dark ro... 
Magico Q5
I thought the tonality was reasonable, and with some attention and experimentation, had potential. My problem is that the speaker totally dissociated the performance from the listener. It was like the musicians were placed on a pedestal, behind 2 ... 
solid state vs tubes
BB, Good point. Perhaps I was being a bit melodramatic. I would like to see something more like: It does A, B, C. But it does not do X, Y, Z. 
solid state vs tubes
Dev,There is a profound lack of criticism in audio, which is even more extra-ordinary considering the prices. I will not comment on Spectron, not having heard it, and not having an interest in hearing it.Of course, your perception is not valid bec... 
Modwright LS 36.5 or BAT VK-51SE
Greg, I have no information specific to Lamm being noisy with other amps. However, you are correct to be concerned, and you should pay attention to this issue with a demo. Particularly with the Pass which are so quiet, adding a noisy preamp is one... 
Modwright LS 36.5 or BAT VK-51SE
I think these preamps would have a world of difference between them. All good, all different. In the right system, the best out of the 3 could mean the difference between magic or dull. 
Dan D'Agostino is back with a new line
Why?Sounds like he wanted the money a capital investment firm can bring, but didn't like the strings attached. Since this is in court, all we get are carefully crafted PR pieces by the lawyers.Here comes a non-compete lawsuit... 
Modwright LS 36.5 or BAT VK-51SE
Well...If one cannot tell the difference between 3 entirely different preamps, I'm not sure if I would consider that a curse, or lucky.At least it makes life simpler. 
Tripoint Spartan
I am glad everyone is enjoying their new outlets.Now, in regards to the other 99.8% of the Spartan...I am learning so much about music and how we perceive sound. After some experimenting with different cables, I am now of the mind that the Spartan... 
Modwright LS 36.5 or BAT VK-51SE
If you have it narrowed to 2, get both, return or resell the one you don't like. Some sellers maybe even willing to let you try for a week with the option to return. Of course, you cannot lowball someone and then ask them to do this for you, but i... 
Tidal Sunray vs Gryphon Trident
Murataltuev, I would also like to know your thoughts on the Kaiser. Looking at it, I'm not sure how it made your list. It isn't full-range, and rear-facing woofers are a challenge. Anyway, maybe something about it will click... 
Wadia or Arc CD player?
I'll take a dissenting view, based upon the ARC Ref 8. I thought the build quality was poor, particularly the transport. I also thought the presentation was smeared and colored.The Wadia is not for everyone. It is very clean and precise. In some s... 
solid state vs tubes
Are we going to debate whether tube gear is reliable?Well, I'm always willing to root for the underdog...But, people don't buy tube gear for the dependability. And people don't switch to solid state because tubes are too reliability. 
Cable Options from Breaker to Receptacle
Anyone with experience comparing some of these? 
solid state vs tubes
Again, this concept is missing the point. A system should not sound like tubes or sound like solid state. It should sound like realistic and natural music. If you think something is tube-ish or solid state-ish, then you are not there. The amp need...