smatsui

Responses from smatsui

Benchmark AHB2 or Class D (GaN FET)
I owned an AHB2 for about 7 months and I just sold it about a month ago. I used it for headphones and I tried it on my speakers as well.  It was ok but not my cup of tea so that was the reason I sold it.  It was quiet and it provided a black backg... 
Klipsch Speakers
The first thing to reduce brightness is to position the Forte’s to fire directly forward to start off. The more you tow them in until they’re facing directly at you, the brighter they will be. Second, I’ve tried several tube amps including the Mc... 
Grimm MU1 Roon Question
I've tried the above suggestions but for some reason it's not working.  Like I said before, it was working for the last 6 months until about a week ago.  I called my dealer who originally helped me set it up and he'll help me but he's in the middl... 
WiFi extension for streaming
I have 2 high end streaming systems in my home, one is hardwired and the other uses a WiFi extender. My streamers are a Grimm Audio MU1 and Aurender W20SE. My network uses a Netgear Mesh router and 2 extenders. The WiFi Mesh extender is hardwired ... 
Bricasti Model 1 Series II DAC
The new display on the M1S2 just became available.  I haven't seen it advertised anywhere but it was on the M1S2 at Axpona.  I just got my M1S2 last week and I got the new display but I knew about it and it did cost me more.  The colors are blue, ... 
2023 AXPONA Show Report
I have a different opinion of the Fritz Audio speakers and Atma-Sphere class D monos. When I walked into the room on Sunday, I didn’t like the music being played (I forgot what it was). My friend and I looked through the LPs and CDs that were avai... 
Bricasti Model 1 Series II DAC
I just received my M1 S2 DAC that was upgraded from a M1SE.  It’s really like getting a brand new DAC.  It has the new multicolor display and remote control (I didn’t have a remote with my M1SE).  It sounds great out of the box but I think it shou... 
If you had to narrow your choices to 4 - 5 speakers
The OP asked for recommendations of speakers he can listen to at Axpona. Many of the suggestions aren’t going to be at Axpona. Here’s a link to a list of Axpona exhibitors: https://axpona.com/exhibitors/    
Mat for Rega P10
I measured my stock mat at 1.5mm thick using a digital micrometer.  The P8 has a different stock mat so it's no surprise that its thickness is different.  I consider a 1.5mm thickness difference significant.  Looks are subjective but I don't like ... 
Mat for Rega P10
Just looked at the Hexmat on the Music Direct site.  $375 for the Eclipse, no thanks!  Its 3mm thickness is 1.5mm thicker than my white P10 stock mat so it would affect VTA.  I also don't like the looks of them.    
Bricasti Model 1 Series II DAC
What is the turnaround time at Bricasti for the M1SE upgrade to the M1S2 not including shipping time?  The reason I ask is that I just shipped my M1SE to Bricasti and they should receive it on Wednesday and I’m trying to estimate when I’ll get it ... 
Mat for Rega P10
@sokogear, thanks for the recommendation but I’m happy with my Herbie’s mat.  I rarely need to clean it and I like the way it looks.  Most importantly, I like the way my system sounds with the Herbie’s mat.  
Headphone amps
@shtr74sims, since you’re considering solid state amps in the $3K price range, I recommend also considering the Holo Bliss KTE. Check out the thread on Headfi on the Holo Bliss KTE. It’s more powerful than the other amps on your list but more impo... 
Mat for Rega P10
@gbmcleod, you didn’t answer the OP’s one simple question any better than anyone else. The OP’s question was for the Stein mat with a P10, not a Planar 3. Regarding dust showing on the Herbie’s mat, I would rather be able to see it and clean it. ... 
My experience with the First Watt F7
@J_Andrews, if you decide to go with the F7, then I recommend sending your preamp back to AVA to change the output impedance to 47 ohms. My Van Alstine FET Valve CF tube preamp has an output impedance of around 100 ohms per Frank Van Alstine.   I...