smoffatt

Responses from smoffatt

Why the facination with integrated amps?
Here’s my phisological take on this.Esoteric F03-AAfter 35 years in this hobby, I never thought an integrated could sonically match (and exceed) a stack of reference tube electronics that it replaced in my system. This is a feat that would never h... 
Hegel H360 vs Accuphase E470
Depending how much power you need you can also check out an Esoteric F-05 or F-03A or Grandioso F-1.I have a F-03A (30w/ch) pure class A that have replaced a stack of ARC tube separates and I am not looking back. The sonic are just stunning. Same ... 
Accuphase E600 or Esoteric F-03A
I just acquired an F-03A. It replaces a full stack of ARC tube separates. I was leery that I would not have enough power/gain to drive my Verity Audio Parsifal to acceptable level in my 15.5´ x 24´ room. Not so. This is my first SS piece in over 3... 
Integrated Amp to match with Magico A3
Agree with ebm. If you can audition Esoteric you should. Their F-05 class AB 120w/ch or the F-03A pure class A 30w/ch is subime sounding with the right speakers. If funds permit you can go to the top of the SS Japanese heap with their Grandioso se... 
Accuphase E470 v. Luxman L509x
Since you are looking at Japanese integrated, do not leave out Esoteric. The 30w/ch pure class A F-03A or the 120w/ch class AB  F-05 are both work of art. Cheaper than their Accuphase siblings and approx same pricing as Luxman in the US and Canada... 
6550 tube in an ARC Ref 5 SE
Hi. Had the same issue with my Ref3 LE a couple months ago. I was listening to some music one night and suddenly nothing. I looked at my Classic 120´s and all the tubes were lit. I looked in the Ref3 and my vintage Tungsol 6550 black plate is dead... 
SOTA vs VPI (or stick with my Rega?)
I started out with an AR in the early 80’s than replaced it with a SOTA Star Saphire, a dealer’s démo then. I was so impressed that I traded it in for a Nova a few years later. Both were used with an SME V tonearm. I traded the Nova for a new Cosm... 
Anyone tried a Mark Levinson 585 integrated amp with Focal Sopra No. 1s or Sopra No. 2s
I am also considering replacing my Audio Research separates with a ML 585.5. The new model with the phono board.Also considering an Accuphase E470 as it has both a DAC and phono optional boards as well. Not sure which way to go yet. I just wish I ... 
Dated but still A rated DACs
Weiss DAC2 or DAC202. No USB input though. Will not handle DSD but will do redbook and up to 24/192.Firewire, optical Toslink, and S/PDIF inputs. Bal and SE output.Both can be had under $3k used. Stunning built and sonic qualities. 
Firewire immune to jitter?
Thanks Steve. Advice well taken. 
Firewire immune to jitter?
Interesting read. Thanks shadorne.In light of that, I may just replace my firewire cable for a better one. A Diamond or similar. Will look at the used market first. 
Firewire immune to jitter?
Shadorne, I do not think there is something wrong with my Weiss. To your point it is an incredible DAC and would not want to part with it as I would likely go sideways (or worst) with something else. I was only throwing a few ideas around to lower... 
Best used or new DAC under $3500
The best DAC under $3500 is the one that sounds best in one’s audio system/room. There is no such thing as an outright “best” DAC on it’s own. As this thread gets longer, the list of “best” DACs suggestions will continue to lengthen. 
Aurender N100h vs. SOtM sms-200 Ultra
Treynolds155Which DAC are you using with your N100h.I am also considering replacing my Mac/Audirvana combo feeding a Weiss DAC2 via FireWire.I would likely have to use a N100c since my DAC does not have a USB input but has an S/Pdif input. Also, w... 
Classe Audio rises again
Unfortunately, Classe is only a small shadow of what it once was when all of the design/engineering and production was performed at their facility in Montreal prior to being taken over by B&W a few years ago.