rtn1

Responses from rtn1

pass labs xa30.5 vs aleph 3
Tpk123, OK. That made me laugh.And it's not just the beer talking! 
pass labs xa30.5 vs aleph 3
Tpk123, I have had excellent and very responsive service from Mark Reno. He's not my pal, but I'd also be happy to recommend him. When someone treats you well, no harm in mentioning it to others. It's not being a shill, it's called word-of-mouth.T... 
Wadia S7i direct to amp
Even when volume is matched, there is unacceptable loss of dynamics when the digital volume attenuator is used. It is a flaw of the technology, and is not dependent upon the number of power supplies. Apparently, those last couple of bits really ma... 
Wadia S7i direct to amp
I agree with Inpieces. When the level is reduced to 90, there is a very substantial drop in dynamics and detail. I'm not sure I can accurately differentiate 99 vs. 100 in a blinded trial, but definitely 90 vs. 100.If you like the Wadia direct, gre... 
Thiel CS3.7 and CS2.4 comparisons?
I used to have Thiel CS 2.3 and then 7.2s. The 7.2s are still a great value - probably could find a pair in the $5-6k range. With the 7.2s, I would listen to new speakers, and could never convince myself that any under $30k were truly any better, ... 
Sonus Faber Stradivari amp: X600.5 or X1000.5 ?
Extreme levels! That's not safe.If you listen at a lower level, your ears will open after a few minutes. You will actually hear more of the music and deeper into the recording.The X.5 series is a relatively good value, and can provide brute force.... 
Sonus Faber Stradivari amp: X600.5 or X1000.5 ?
I suspect the XA160.5 will have more than enough power, and is superior to the X600.5 (which I owned). The extra class A power provides the ability to play music more cleanly at a high volume. The remarkable thing about extra class A is the contro... 
Tripoint Spartan
Sacman, I am not aware of any scientific investigation or meaningful measurements of outlet quality from an audio perspective. My experience is that everything that transmits power or signal has a sonic signature. There are many means to modulate ... 
BAT REX power consumption
OK, that's more helpful. How much do you have running on a 15 amp line, and can you get another line to your stereo? It sounds like a single circuit may get overloaded.My stereo runs on 2 dedicated lines of 10 gauge wire and 20 amp breakers.Standb... 
BAT REX power consumption
Lula, I'm really not sure what your post is asking. If you are concerned that the heat would cause excessive wear and tear on the components, I would not be overly concerned as long as the recommendations for spacing are followed.In terms of power... 
Kondo, Zanden, CJ, Ref 5? Pre w/ Pure Tonal Color?
I would add the BAT Rex to your list. There has been much discussion on these forums, but the highlights, in addition to the qualities you list, include no noise, great bass, balanced connections, and no syrup. I think that those qualities set it ... 
Gabriel Gold vs Marigo vs NBS
Hi Jafox, I found the Epic Gold to sound a bit thick in my system, with insufficient top-end extension. I thought it was OK, nothing special to my ears. Tonality was fine.I agree with what you say in that some people use 'synergy' to cover flaws a... 
Gabriel Gold vs Marigo vs NBS
Bsimpson. Has your wife considered reviewing for audio? We could use her! 
Gabriel Gold vs Marigo vs NBS
Jorma Prime costs over $10k for a 1 meter XLR IC that uses copper. How can that be?I've been learning alot about cable costs which can be quite high due to materials. Unfortunately, gold, platinum, and silver are unreal. 
Gabriel Gold vs Marigo vs NBS
I agree with Jafox. I also have the Jade Audio Hybrid and Reference ICs. These are special. J.D. has accomplished something that is rare.The Dream State Epic Gold power cables did not work in my system, but the Jade Audio ICs have tremendous syner...