sturgl

Responses from sturgl

What should I upgrade?
04-18-13: Swampwalker"If your primary mode of listening is headphones, I would upgrade them AND get a stand along headphone amp."+1I own a set of Senn HD595s because of their versatility: they're easy to drive, and sound pretty good. Driving them ... 
Best bourbon?
Black Maple Hill - black label. 
Girlfriends and wifes, how do YOU cope?
We have a sort of "don't ask, don't tell" arrangement. The stereo rig is in the man cave, which can only be accessed from the outside - so she rarely sees it (her choice, not mine!). I keep a separate slush fund for business expenses, gifts - and ... 
how do YOU stream?
Server > (ethernet) Slim/Logitech Transporter > main stereo rig in listening roomServer/Windows Media Center > (coax) surround rig in great room / stereo speakers in living roomServer/WMC > (wireless) WMC extender > soundbar rig in ... 
Cars. What does the typical audiophile drive?
Correction: Panamera SPORT Turismo, not Gran Turismo! 
Cars. What does the typical audiophile drive?
1. modified 2012 Audi S42. Porsche Panamera Gran Turismo (only the Gran Tur - no GT, no Panamera); possibly the new E63 Wagon, now that it's AWD; Tesla Model S? Could be...3. Money no object, I'd want at least two cars: maybe the new Range Rover f... 
PC Media Players - significant SQ differences?
The biggie (assuming you're using Vista, 7, or 8) is to use WASAPI for bit-perfect output. When I tried Songbird a couple years back, the WASAPI plugin kept crashing it. Today I use foobar2000 when playing directly off my PC. J.River Media Center ... 
Can a new amplifier affect speaker placement?
Mine neither (it's a refurb). So... whadya think so far? 
Best single-malt Scotch...
Funny - I was just reading that today (3/27/2013) would mark his 71st birthday. I have a well-worn copy of his Malt Whisky Companion, and it still sees occasional use. Haven't heard of anything from him posthumously though - I'd be interested too. 
Can a new amplifier affect speaker placement?
Hey there Foster - Plan on a loooong break-in for the M2. More than 200 hours in (I've lost track at this point), I sat down to listen to the Branford Marsalis Quartet's new disc: Four MFs Playin' Tunes. While traveling recently, I'd listened to i... 
Integrated amp with dac - opinions?
Hi Max,I bought a NAD M2 not long ago. After a looong break-in, and spending some time on speaker placement, I can say the sound very much what I was looking for. It is quite detailed, revealing and dynamic - and it circumvents the DAC.I agree wit... 
Best single-malt Scotch...
That's easy: Lagavulin 16. 
Best drink while listening to your rig?
Currently, Knob Creek Rye. Generally, Talisker (single malt). 
Most achingly-beautiful music
"Hope", written by Joey Calderazzo, as performed by the Branford Marsalis Quartet on "Braggtown" 
Improving sound quality of streaming setup
For streaming audio, I'd think a used, tube-modified ModWright Transporter would run circles around the Zardoz. Logitech's server software is quite good, as are its smartphone and tablet apps. It's an ease-of-use/ease-of-setup winner IMO. Of cours...