rufipennis

Responses from rufipennis

ayre K-5xe anyone tried the mp upgrade
Over at audioasylum, Charles Hansen made it clear that this "MP" upgrade (not to be confused with the filter MP upgrades for the digital players) is *only* for the K-5. To my knowledge, the "e" upgrade is still current production for the AX-7. 
Attn Vinyl lovers - what CD Player do you use?
Another vote for Ayre CX-7eMP. Overall, my vinyl rig sounds just a bit better, with small but noticeably more texture. But if I didn't already have a vinyl collection, I'd go digital only and never look back. I only have about 6-8 duplicate titles... 
Pre and power amp for Vandersteen 3A Signature?
Stringreen, that IS very interesting. Another example of how one size does not fit all in this hobby. I've not tried many different cables but I am *very* happy with the Ayre's. AFAIK, the Ayre is essentially a Golden Reference but with a differen... 
Pre and power amp for Vandersteen 3A Signature?
>>>Very nice set up. I assume you clicked the link to my "System" (sorry everyone for taking this thread OT).>>>You mentioned wanting more midrange resolutionWhen I first got the Vandies, the midrange, especially voices and acous... 
Pre and power amp for Vandersteen 3A Signature?
Rrog wrote:"Richard Vandersteen used Audio Research at the shows more often than not"I agree that's true and ARC certainly makes great gear. I've never heard ARC paired with Vandersteen but don't doubt it's a good match. But check out what RV uses... 
Vandersteen 7s
>>>I guess Michael in fact did compare the Maxx 3 to the 7s. He mentioned the 7s were not the last word in dynamic slam and also the stage height wasn't the best in class. That's also how I read it - Fremer implicitly compared the two. He... 
Speakers that disappear
Vandersteen 2ce sig II and 3a sig.These disappear to my ears. Even when the signal is all in one channel, it doesn't sound like the music coming from "that box". With the lights out and a good recording, I get a room full of unbounded music. 
Best speakers for about $2000 a pair
My $2K went to a pair of Vandersteen 2Ce Sig IIs. I haven't heard or heard of anything else that makes me regret that decision. 
Pre and power amp for Vandersteen 3A Signature?
Ayre is an excellent match with Vandersteen and also matches your needs for HT bypass. 
Tally up best preamplifier ever
Ayre KX-R 
Sony SCD-XA5400ES-Best SACD for under $10,000
Thanks for the reply, Kal"I would never use that term because, in comparing among high quality components, it is totally inappropriate."I agree. The OP stated "The Sony blows it away!!!" in reference to the Ayre. That seems not to be a credible re... 
Sony SCD-XA5400ES-Best SACD for under $10,000
Kal, Does it "blow away" the Ayre? 
Sony SCD-XA5400ES-Best SACD for under $10,000
Wa6itd: in what regard does the Sony "blow away" the Ayre? 
Thiel CS7.2 vs Revel Salon2
Audiolui,>>>I am going to audition it this weekend I sure hope your audition can be at home! I've heard the 7.2 and the Studio (original) and would certainly rate the Thiel as better (among the best I've heard). BUT, it wasn't a fair comp... 
Ayre SPDIF DAC
Umm, where has it been announced that Ayre now has a spdif DAC? The QB-9 is, clearly, USB only and the newly announced DX-5 also has USB only input (per the Soundstage blurb). Reading the other forums, it's obvious that Charles Hansen thinks Gordo...