tom_hankins

Responses from tom_hankins

Recommendations for retipping service for my Benz-Micro?
Both myself and a close friend have had our Benz LP-Smr cartridges retipped by Soundsmith recently.  Great results, 8 weeks turn around time for both of us. We both had the tip only done. I also had a Dynavector XV-1s done years ago, that was good... 
Does anyone run 2 or more turntables...
Two tables here. One for mono, one for stereo. If my stereo table allowed two arms I would have one table two arms. 
Phono cartridge Goldilocks
Benz Micro LP-S mr. Ive owned both the Kleos and RSP. It has all the weight and texture of the RSP, and close to the kleos detail without ever sounding tipped towards the top end. Check reviews online. Its a powerful, detailed, sound, balanced fro... 
Simaudio Moon 600i or Bryston B135SST with Focal 836W Prestige Speakers.
I would get the Simaudio. I have heard it at a couple shows but not with those speakers. Have not heard the Bryston. I have owned two different Bryston amps and one Sim amp (and preamp) with the same speakers. To my ear, the Sim products were a pr... 
Best type of Sub to consider?
I greatly prefer the sealed over ported subs in almost all cases. I like the JL audio subs alot, after them the RELs.  The REL hookup procedure is nice if you dont have the outputs on your preamp, or dont want to purchase extra cables. In my exper... 
What is your go-to online place to buy physical medium of music? And why?
Over 90% of my new LPs are bought from musicdirect. The rest from record stores while buying used vinyl 
REL subs with BAT amps
For me it would be easier to attach to the amps. My preamp is close to 30' from amps,  and possibly farther from subs depending where they end up.  
REL subs with BAT amps
gtsnyder,Mark Schneider at musicdirect said yes they can be used together. The black wire from the REL is used as ground (attached to amp frame somewhere) instead of the negative (black) speaker output. The other two wires attach as normal to the ... 
Help! Best amp for Rockport Aviors?
I've heard them sound really good with  BAT SS amps, and with simaudio. Neither system was "hot" sounding. Both played big, detailed,  and slightly warm.  
REL subs with BAT amps
I've got an email in to both BAT and music direct. I'll let you know what  I find out. 
REL subs with BAT amps
The BAT integrated is very nice.  I haven't heard the newest model, but would buy one of the previous model, if i was looking for an integrated. 
BAT VK 250 vs Pass XA30.5 for Wilson Sophia 2
You can get a used BAT VK-600SE for, at most, 1/2 of your budget.  A very powerful and very good sounding amp.  
$16K new/used speaker question?
Hi Mike, Those Anats are on my list. Hoping to find a dealer pr. that I can do a trade in with my speakers and avoid going through the hassle of selling mine online.  
$16K new/used speaker question?
Well we've been out every weekend listening and have come to the conclusion, we will save/add a little more cash to our budget and either get a nice used pair of Anat III signatures or see if YG will build an active pair of Haileys. Either way, go... 
Where do you guys buy tubes?
For new tubes I go to either thetubestrore.com or tubedepot.com I've used both for many years and every transaction has been flawless. Tubes have always arrived safe and sound. For NOS, upscaleaudio.com even though they are pricey, lots of options.