tomaswv

Responses from tomaswv

Class D amplifiers. What's the future look like?
I just turned 70 and have vowed never to by audio w equipment I can’t easily lift. I can say that because I’ve been very happy with Be Canto monoblocks for many years (ref 300s and now ref 500s.) No going back to the heavy and hot power amps I use... 
XLR cables for a reasonable price?
I am happily with my Morrow MA4s and MA5s in XLR. I also used Kimber Select KS 1116s and they are great—much higher price point than the Morrows. They were a little better than the Morrows but a lot more expensive. In my system at least, balanced ... 
Does an upgrade make sense?
I just switched to wired streaming.  The WiFi worked well with only an occasional drip out, but was surprised to find that hard wire connections made an improvement in sound quality.   I’m looking for a better Ethernet cable.  
Does an upgrade make sense?
I have 4 inch maple plinths under the monoblocks and preamp. These are in a salamander cabinet and have rubber feet (when they were in the carpet I used spikes). I use IsoAcoustic pucks under the Cambridge 851N. Under the speakers I use IsoAcousti... 
Does an upgrade make sense?
Thanks all. First thing I’m going to do is look into a Puritan 156. And tweaking my room set up. I have a solid, dead center image and excellent side to side sound staging as is — can I get more depth? I need to hear my system without the tv and c... 
Does an upgrade make sense?
Lol. For critical listening I have thrown blankets over the tv. Very slight difference but it makes me feel like I’m doing something.   
Does an upgrade make sense?
LOL all good advice and pulling me in so many directions. I’m thinking I’d update speakers before bringing in subs. Have thought of the Rubicons—I got the Mentors because I couldn’t afford the Epicons at the time. I also see that my DAC is long in... 
Does an upgrade make sense?
Thanks all. Good ideas to chew on. The speakers are actually out further from the wall than in the pics.  About 30 inches from the rear of the cabinet to the wall. The room is a huge finished basement, roughly 36’ square. So there really is no sho... 
Help us build our playlist for our next show in November!
Goodbye Porkpie Hat from Three or Four Shades of Blue with Philip Catherine and Larry Cornell on guitar. Alabama from Jack DeJohnette’s In Movement with Ravi Coltrane on sax.   both tracks are the definition of realism.   
Does the Audio press ever excite you anymore?
Don’t read them much anymore, but I have always enjoyed HIFi+ for the wonderful smells of the fresh ink. You don’t get that much anymore. They also use a better grade paper.    
What was your first record?
Songs of Leonard Cohen. In 1968 I found the album in a record store. I “hid” in among the classical albums til I could return the next day with money. I think it was $3.99. At the time I had a turntable but had not finished building my Heathkit re... 
Inexpensive streaming amplifier
I helped a friend set up a Cambridge Evo 75 with Focal Chora bookshelf speakers and I liked it so much I bought one (the Cambridge) for my tv set up and to stream Qobuz. Solid and reliable. Full disclosure: I run a Cambridge 851N with my main syst... 
Ahmad Jamal passes.
Loved his music, there always little surprises.  His 2008 “It’s Magic” is one my go to files for the car.  Miles just roll on by. RIP.  
Heading to London - Hifi Store/Record Shop Recommendations?
Haven’t been since Covid hit but Honest Jon’s Records in Portobello Road and Ray’s Jazz at Foyles bookstore in Charing Cross.   
Wayne Shorter RIP 3/2
I was driving around yesterday morning listening to Radio Jazz FM from Poland—they were playing weather Report — the Legendary Live Tapes 1978-1981 as a tribute to Wayne.  Well done.