soulbrass

Responses from soulbrass

Amp suggestions please...need some power
Many thanks to all - lots of great info here for me to digest. 
What is better than AZ Satori in high freq?
If your speakers are new, give them some time to break in - I had some Focal speakers several years ago that were unbearable to start and softened nicely after several weeks.I also was using Satori. 
Kimber Monocle XL vs Acoustic Zen Satori
What are you using now?I can't speak to the Kimber but have used Satori with Focal Chorus 714S to very satisfying results. I found the Focal's top end could become a little too much when matched with the wrong cable (e.g., Blue Heaven) - Satori wa... 
Creek 5350 SE vs YBA YA 201
I have not heard the Creek but can heartily recommend the YBA YA-201. It is a robust, extremely well-built, integrated with a neutral presentation.Currently using one to drive PSB Stratus Goldi speakers in a 20' x 18' x 8' room. 
what is the best, least costly DAC...?
IMHO, I doubt a V-DAC will improve upon a Rega Saturn...my thoughts would turn toward a Wavelength DAC as a minimum to get near the USB performance you're looking for.Good listening! 
preamp help
Don't know JD9/JD9II differences. All use tubes in their circuitry to varying degrees. I believe the Bellari will work with MM or HOMC only and is not adjustable; the Jolida (JD9) is a variable gain MM or MC pre with very flexible loading options.... 
Monitors for a small room - please help
Lots of great recommendations here.Drawing from direct experience and available listings within your budget...The Naim NAIT 5 (with [better] or without Flatcap) and Totem Arro in a small room (mine was 10x13) is sublime.Good luck! 
Earplugs for concerts?
I've used both suggestions listed above - either is a good choice! 
Is my room too small
BTW...agree w/ Rhyno - room treatments help immensely. I DIY'd some great panels from Owens-Corning 703. 
Is my room too small
I used to have an 11'x13' room...best sound I had, after many trys (planar, stand mount, floor standing) were mid-sized, front-ported monitors (Paradigm S2) in a near-field (6' speaker to ear) setup - magical! ...although the Totem Arro was a very... 
Looking for a portable amp, preferably $100-200
Headroom Total Bithead or Total Airhead. 
Salk Songbirds or Totem Arros for bedroom system?
The Arros are a 4 ohm load - I drove them very nicely with a Naim Nait5 (30 wpc into 8 ohms); I miss that pairing!!! Your room size is very similar to mine.As long as your amp can pass some current into loads that dip a little below 4 ohms, you'll... 
What's in a NAIM?
Try this...it solved a similar problem for me w/ a Denon universal.A short run of solid copper wire (bell wire - Home Depot) from the center screw of the electrical wall plate to a CHASSIS screw on the Pioneer should solve your problem.Good luck. 
Squezebox + iTunes + FLAC
It seems I may be mistaken...how does one get 24/96 playback out of iTunes?Windows Vista > iTunes 9.1.1.12 Assume I have a 24/96 FLAC file...then what???Thanks for bringing me out of the dark : ) 
Looking for the Honda S2000 of turntables
I'll throw my vote in with the Technics lot...I totally understand and empathize with your stance. I own both a Technics SL1210 mk5 and a Linn LP12; I'm pretty sure they represent opposite ends of the vinyl spectrum from a turntable tweaking, care...