tobias

Responses from tobias

Digital cable upgrade? Can you tell a difference?
IME better USB (just like better S/PDIF) cables do improve the sound. I noticed this even when using a very inexpensive Muse TDA 1543 DAC and Valab Teradak USB converter to feed a very inexpensive 1972 Harman Kardon HK630 and (v.i.) PSB Alpha Mini... 
Custom Power Supply for 6v DC Motor
My very humble experience in upgrading power supplies and connections suggests that it would be wrong to neglect the quality of the cable which connects the PS to the equipment.For example, a shielded and (perhaps I should blush here, it does seem... 
Custom Power Supply for 6v DC Motor
Acopian is a specialist in quality power supplies. They have a lot of choices. An appropriate Gold Box model would very probably cost less than you say you're ready to pay. 
Surge protection for new Panasonic Plasma TV
I suggest an isolation transformer rated for three times the TV's top power draw. 
Cryo Treating Silver Cables?
I have two cryo treated silver cables -- one USB, one phono pair -- and I think they are very good-sounding. I can't say anything about the purity of the USB cable, made by Audiogoner Acreyes, but the phono cable, from Audio Sensibility in Toronto... 
Amarra 2.3.2 vs Puremusic 1.82 playback software
The next issue of UHF Magazine, due out just before Christmas, will include a shootout between Amarra and Pure Music. 
RE: Shipment Stopped by US Customs
Was your package shipped by Ground or by air? 
best phono preamp under 500?
Moon 110LP 
Smooth/Musical Bookshelves upto $1500 - $2000
I have a pair of Air Tight MSM-1 Bonsais that would fit well on a desk. ( No I'm not selling them! ) They are single-driver so they work well nearfield, but they can also fill a room. To get much sound below 100Hz you'd need a sub, but that's true... 
Newbie help how to store and backup iTunes library
Rdavwhitaker's warning about the different formats required for MAC and PC is useful and his advice is good. If the OP wants to understand why it matters and what to do if he takes it on himself, there is a clear and easy-to-read explanation on th... 
Newbie help how to store and backup iTunes library
I did much as Kbarkamian. I bought two external 2TB drives from Other World Computing. I copied my iTunes folder to one of them using a FireWire 800 connection. I then daisy-chained the second drive to the first and made an exact copy using SuperD... 
Smooth/Musical Bookshelves upto $1500 - $2000
If your speaker must actually be on a bookshelf, back to the wall, you should look for a speaker especially designed for that placement. Otherwise you will risk nonlinear bass and a messed-up image.The North Creek Kitty Kat is one such speaker. 
Best platter mat for Acrilic platter ?
Herbie's turntable mats are consdered the best by many. You would probably need the grungebuster model for your Amazon One's acrylic platter. 
Best Late Night Low Volume Speaker
Another recommendation for late night, low volume: Air Tight MSM-1 Bonsai. And BTW, I would expect single-driver designs in general to do well at low volume, obviously with a good amp. 
how much $$$ to really upgrade my DAC
If you can go for a break-the-bank solution, why not do it? If I could, I'd get a DAC which could handle 24/192 over a FireWire interface. That, along with a Mac, iTunes and Amarra Mini would make me very happy.