tiger

Responses from tiger

Does a Postal Money order need to "clear"?
When it is deposited, it could be returned. UsPS does maintain a 'stolen' do not pay list, which is sometimes checked. It does not hurt the seller to wait 10 busines days to be sure. 
CD Player with the best Built-in Volume Control...
Cayin units have remote volumne. 
room treatment effectiveness
Often the only way to decide after making a 'best solution' decision, is to try it. Find a dealer that will give you a return without stocking deal, or better yet maybe a loaner, that will take the stress out of the decision to move ahead. 
What's the best way to send stuffs over to Europe
DHL, value pricing and handling is better then UPS. Call them for a quote. 
Need guidance on isolation devices
Since you cannot afford a clean room electron microscope isolation table (+$5K, each), the bike/sand is a good place to start. Putting spikes on the corners should be done. After that its tweak, tweak until you find the improvement something that ... 
compare VPI Aries & TNT SM to Nottingham 294
Tighter bottom. Super was muddy. Mid was clearer. And yes, same amp (Cayin/VAS), preamp (Cayin/VAS) and speakers (ProAc 140's). 
Sony XA9000ES mods?
Sell it. Does not add value, or in most cases a better listening experience. 
Counterpoint upgrades discontinued not all
From a value standpoint, up grades do not cut it. The manufacturers/distributors make as much on the upgrade sale as they general did at the wholesale level of the main unit. Dealers want turnover, it is their economic life. Take VPI, their upgrad... 
compare VPI Aries & TNT SM to Nottingham 294
I've heard the Aries I and the Superscout. Aries wins. Both had 10.5 arms and Clearaudio Victory H cartridges. Also, both had the SDS in the chain. 
good horns less than $3000
Used set of K-horns the best, not sure what the weight will be since the vintage can vary, but even with shipping at $500, the total bill will be under $3000. Benn there done that. 
speakers for classical music
ACT, nothing does it better. 
A future city dweller's dilemma...
Going from a free standing house to a multi unit housing unit will create major problems in 'listening' conditions, mostly negative. Work to correct those problems before spending any funds on new equipment. 
PCs: Transparent vs Audience
Be sure any cord you buy is returnable without a restocking fee. If a material, improvement in the sound takes place, keep it. Otherwise, move on to another. Yes, some cables can make a significant difference, but they are hard to find and the pri... 
component problems driving me from the hobby?
Hang in there. I've been at it for fifty years. Most likely you are going through a rough patch. I agree with earlier poster's that most likely you have a power problem. Do call the power company and ask them to check the transformer that is feedi... 
A future city dweller's dilemma...
The way to go: ProAc 1SC used on good stands. Hold on to every thing until you get into your new 'quarters'. Mostly likely you will need a sub, but I would wait until you move and then see what the room does.