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1: Cable Asylum, Why do you need a special cable? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-04-13, 11:47:31 (67.204.172.113)
What you need is a good quality 12 gauge power cord (12 gauge is superior to 14). The power supply of the device should take care of any problems encountered inside the box. I also recommend use of a .......
2: Digital Drive, RE: Rotel RCD-1572 MkII or Oppo BDP-105 (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-04-11, 18:41:42 (67.204.172.113)
If you want a one-box player, then check out Rega for lower cost options and Luxman for higher cost options. My advice is to get yourself a dedicated transport and a separate dedicated DAC. ::: TOPIC .......
3: Digital Drive, I'd recommend using a higher quality dac - like one from Schiit* (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-04-09, 18:35:24 (67.204.172.113)
.......
4: General Asylum, Zoot Sims and Al Cohn (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-04-07, 10:21:24 (67.204.172.113)
would do a similar schtick ... one would hold the horn (tenor sax) and breath while the other stood behind and did the fingering. I saw them do it once - I thought it was pretty impressive. ::: TOPIC: .......
5: Digital Drive, Even more final words from Anthony Cordesman (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-04-03, 13:04:06 (67.204.172.113)
His review of the PS Audio MK2 Direct Stream Dac. https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/ps-audio-directstream-dac-mk2/ .......
6: Cable Asylum, RE: No-nonsense power cables (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-03-31, 07:23:24 (67.204.172.113)
The biggest factor in power cables, imho, is wire gauge. I use 10 awg cables on my amps and power regenerator, and 12 awg on my dac, transport, and preamp. You can get good quality cables made to orde .......
7: Cable Asylum, RE: Cable Recommendation (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-03-29, 09:25:05 (67.204.172.113)
The anti-cables will be superior to any stranded cable you can buy, except maybe Kimber. I use them myself and would never consider them to be 'fragile. Hard to work with, yes, but not fragile. ::: TO .......
8: General Asylum, Record producers (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-03-27, 17:30:59 (67.204.172.113)
Why do serious, competent musicians need producers? What do they contibute? Did Duke Ellington or Basie need one? How about Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday and Nina Simone? How about Willie Nelson, .......
9: Cable Asylum, Check out Bluejeanscable * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-03-23, 08:06:55 (67.204.172.113)
.......
10: General Asylum, They 'upgraded' to Wilsons ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-03-22, 06:30:21 (67.204.172.113)
and for the same or less money could have had Sound Labs ... .......
11: Planar Speaker Asylum, A pair of "skinny" 545s would look great in my listening room! * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-03-20, 11:59:31 (67.204.172.113)
.......
12: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Some final words from Anthony Cordesman (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-03-20, 08:15:37 (67.204.172.113)
Always liked him, and the linked review of a D'Agostino integrated amp is just another reason why. https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/dan-dagostino-master-audio-systems-progression-integrated-a .......
13: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Amps, amps, and more amps (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-03-18, 18:54:57 (67.204.172.113)
If you like the Pass amps, why not try out their even bigger 3 series? More power = more better? I concur about the PS Audio M1200s. And will you be issuing a blanket invitation to all and sundry to c .......
14: General Asylum, RE: Same Old Song: Private Equity Is Destroying Our Music Ecosystem (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-03-18, 18:47:41 (67.204.172.113)
Well, private equity will buy up "music" that it thinks it can sell. It's not going to buy up what it doesn't think will sell. I don't think anyone is buying up the catalog of Zoot Sims or Maurice And .......
15: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Two new preamps from McIntosh (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-03-18, 09:23:01 (67.204.172.113)
The C55 and C2800. One tubed, one solid state. $9k for either. No doubt that the units they replace were inferior. Somehow. The new units will sound MUCH MUCH MUCH BETTER and have much greater functi .......
16: General Asylum, It's highly annoying (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-03-15, 06:48:40 (67.204.172.113)
I note with great annoyance that Craft Recordings is reissuing many great old jazz recordings originally issued by Pablo, Riverside, and other smallish jazz labels on vinyl only. No CD or SACD or digi .......
17: General Asylum, You can have crappy experiences at live performances (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-03-13, 16:31:45 (67.204.172.113)
depending on where you sit and the quality of the house sound system. Not to mention the people around you. There are plenty of truly great recordings out there. You just have to find them. One of the .......
18: Jazz Alley, Dick Hyman is 97 years young! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-03-09, 08:19:48 (67.204.172.113)
I have had the privilege of hearing DH live many, many times. And every time was indeed a privilege. I do not know if he still plays, but his recorded legacy is wide and deep. He has few equals - Osca .......
19: Digital Drive, I'd give preference to the Marantz * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-02-23, 20:26:13 (67.204.172.113)
.......
20: Speaker Asylum, RE: Has anybody... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-02-17, 10:36:15 (67.204.172.113)
You might contact Paul McGowan at PS Audio. He was one of the founders/owners of Genesis. .......
21: General Asylum, That's a reasonable for a top shelf act (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-02-16, 20:15:12 (67.204.172.113)
Who else is playing with him? BTW - cost me $52 to see Tommy Emmanuel at local 400 seat theatre, and he's got Trey Hensley and Rob Ickes on the bill too. A bargain, methinks. .......
22: Cable Asylum, RE: But Consider This (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-02-14, 18:38:35 (67.204.172.113)
Kimber uses PE insulation. Does this chinese cable use PE insulation? Is the metallurgy of the actual wire exactly the same between the Kimber and the chinese knockoff? Assembling this cable is going .......
23: Digital Drive, What's your budget? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-02-12, 10:11:26 (67.204.172.113)
If you've got the money, check out the PS Audio transport and MKII dac. That DAC uses a proprietary FPGA. Piano is notoriously difficult to record properly. Maybe your complaints about hardware have m .......
24: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Magnepan Mini Maggie Speakers (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-02-12, 07:21:32 (67.204.172.113)
I'm contemplating something similar with my 1.7s. Not quite so close as your setup, though. Further reports to follow. .......
25: Digital Drive, Time for a new transport (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-02-11, 20:20:58 (67.204.172.113)
I assure you the newer one are far superior to older ones. The PS Audio transport is a true revelation, but it's expensive. .......
26: Digital Drive, If the music is good enough ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-02-11, 20:18:26 (67.204.172.113)
then some hiss does not matter, because I'm concentrating on the music. Same applies to 30s/40s recordings remastered from 78s. A few clicks or ticks or pops are OK if the music is good enough. If the .......
27: General Asylum, I have bookmarked this site and will consult it regularly! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-02-10, 12:33:13 (67.204.172.113)
Thanks! .......
28: General Asylum, What's going on with Daily Audiophile? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-02-10, 08:21:48 (67.204.172.113)
Seems quite moribund the last few months. Anyone know anything? .......
29: Amp/Preamp Asylum, There is no winner (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-02-09, 17:54:19 (67.204.172.113)
They are all pretty damn fine. .......
30: General Asylum, RE: Yeah, well, Willie's cool (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-02-09, 17:52:24 (67.204.172.113)
Brian, you are a man after my own heart. I too do not own a tv, do not do social media - is AA social media? - and almost all of the music I like originated before 1955. There are some current practit .......
31: Speaker Asylum, I am into audio for the music (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-02-09, 06:36:27 (67.204.172.113)
I don't much care about the sq of the recording if the music itself is good. Granted, it's very nice to have older music restored using modern tech to remove imperfections. Similarly, new music which .......
32: General Asylum, That was harsh! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-02-09, 06:28:24 (67.204.172.113)
For the most part, I agree with you. Easy examples include: Rolling Stones, Ozzy Osborne, ACDC, Guns N' Roses, Nirvana, Madonna, Snoop Dog, NWA, and Kenny G. There are exceptions to your rule, and the .......
33: Tweakers' Asylum, RE: New Ac cord installed..thank you Tre (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-02-08, 16:11:28 (67.204.172.113)
You would be even more awe stricken if you used 16 or even 14 gauge wire. .......
34: Jazz Alley, And now for some ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-02-07, 20:55:22 (67.204.172.113)
Mose Allison!! He sings, he plays solo piano, he plays trumpet for an hour! Enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ykv78mLRcS0 .......
35: General Asylum, There's a lot of them (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-02-07, 14:29:47 (67.204.172.113)
Prince, Mariah Carey, T Swift, Beyonce, and almost every act which has appeared at a Super Bowl halftime show ... .......
36: Speaker Asylum, If you love the MMGs ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-02-06, 11:42:34 (67.204.172.113)
you will really love the LRSes. .......
37: Speaker Asylum, My new Wretched Excess champion! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-02-05, 08:17:40 (67.204.172.113)
I mean, really ... $750k for a box speaker?? I love to hear a shootout between this beast and my favorite beast, the Sound Labs 945. My money will be on the Sound Labs unit. .......
38: Planar Speaker Asylum, I believe current production Quads are made in China (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-01-31, 18:51:39 (67.204.172.113)
That in itself would be quite enough to turn me off. Good alternatives are Magnepan, Martin Logan, Sound Labs (if you have the money) and Sanders Sound Systems. There are others including the newer Fr .......
39: Jazz Alley, I'm glad he stuck to clarinet (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-01-31, 11:53:47 (67.204.172.113)
His tenor playing is waaaaayyyyyyyy too Lestorian. .......
40: Cable Asylum, Check with Blue Jeans Cable * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-01-28, 07:54:04 (67.204.172.113)
.......
41: Jazz Alley, An excellent idea!! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-01-23, 10:55:11 (67.204.172.113)
I've got plenty of Django, plus some HC of SF, and a HC of 52nd St. I'll spin! There's also a couple of long videos on YT of Bireli Lagrene that are worth playing. .......
42: Jazz Alley, RE: Those European box collections (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-01-18, 17:48:12 (67.204.172.113)
European copyright law provides for much shorter copyright times than does US law. Thus, a European company issuing USA created material in Europe is strictly within the bounds of European law. My pr .......
43: Tweakers' Asylum, RE: Hospital Grade (or industrial) with Copper plugs- PC's and wall plugs (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-01-18, 13:55:03 (67.204.172.113)
You want plugs from Hubbell or Pass and Seymour. You'll very likely have to get them from an electrical supply house - Home Depot and Lowe's won't carry them. Get hospital grade and do not worry about .......
44: Jazz Alley, RE: Those European box collections (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-01-18, 10:56:09 (67.204.172.113)
My experience in the past with such collections is that they are pretty good. And the price is definitely right. A lot of the music will never be released by the owning label over here, so we have to .......
45: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Eventual amp / preamp replacement (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-01-17, 11:27:03 (67.204.172.113)
Rogue has some very nice integrateds, either all tube, or tube/class D hybrids, at reasonable prices. I'd listen very closely to anything from Bryston before purchase. My experience of Bryston is that .......
46: General Asylum, RE: From what I just gathered (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-01-17, 11:24:05 (67.204.172.113)
I think your demographic assessment of the local citizenry is pretty accurate. I will not be going to any shows. There are none near me, and I do not travel well these days, for various reasons, not t .......
47: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: After being so enthusiastic about the Eminent Technology... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-01-12, 08:11:59 (67.204.172.113)
What dealer are you using for purchase of the Sound Labs. I'm dying to get my hands of a pair of 545s ... .......
48: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Wretched excess from McIntosh (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-01-11, 10:56:01 (67.204.172.113)
If I were buying cost-no-object amplification, I'd probably buy a DartZeel or Bricasti, darn sure not a McIntosh. .......
49: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Wretched excess from McIntosh (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-01-11, 08:42:46 (67.204.172.113)
Behold the McIntosh MC2.1KW monoblock amplifier, which uses 3 - yes, 3 - boxes per channel, and costs $50k. You will need a pair of these beasts to power your 2 channel stereo. Short writeup here: htt .......
50: Cable Asylum, RE: Power cord recommendation (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-01-02, 11:16:49 (67.204.172.113)
The primary requirement for a power cord is wire gauge. For an amplifier, the gauge needs to be at least 10 awg. Good copper is also desirable. I use the Forte F3 from Audience and it works very nicel .......
51: General Asylum, Well let's see here (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2024-01-01, 11:32:53 (67.204.172.113)
A decent dac chip such as the ESS 9038PRO costs $91 each (qty 1) or $62.79 each (qty 100) from Mouser Electronics. So if you are building a dac using this chip, you will also need a power supply and a .......
52: Digital Drive, RE: Question about portable storage for digital files... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-12-28, 10:05:04 (67.204.172.113)
I vote for SSDs. I also advise making two instead of just one, AND using an offline backup service. .......
53: Amp/Preamp Asylum, It may be insanely good (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-12-19, 19:20:12 (67.204.172.113)
but in red and gold it is insanely ugly, rather like some cheap french whore working the streets of a saturday night .......
54: General Asylum, RE: Saw John Pizzarelli Trio last night... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-12-11, 09:17:28 (67.204.172.113)
Have always liked and enjoyed listening to John (and his father Bucky). Boy is he looking old, though ... .......
55: General Asylum, Old Guys Stayin' Alive (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-12-11, 09:01:04 (67.204.172.113)
Sigh ... too true ... https://biggeekdad.com/2023/12/old-guys-stayin-alive/ .......
56: Digital Drive, RE: Looking for New CD player (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-12-09, 08:14:09 (67.204.172.113)
You are not going to get great reproduction from a sub $1k cdp. I have heard the low end Marantz units and they are just OK and are within your budget. Any Rega unit would be an upgrade. Once you hear .......
57: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: MG3.6r help? (It's been a while) (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-12-01, 21:06:08 (67.204.172.113)
Do NOT use those crappy steel jumpers that Magnepan supplies. Get some quality 12 or 10 gauge SOLID jumpers. Anticables makes such things at reasonable prices. .......
58: Digital Drive, RE: Cheap DACs (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-12-01, 08:09:01 (67.204.172.113)
The VMV D2R looks intriguing, but I can't find anything about the analog section. .......
59: Digital Drive, Cheap DACs (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-11-29, 07:40:54 (67.204.172.113)
A nice survey of sub $1k dacs by TAS. https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/best-dacs-under-1000/ .......
60: Digital Drive, Independent subsidiary? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-11-28, 13:32:31 (67.204.172.113)
No such thing. All the underling entities are subject to the whims of the ultimate owner. Harman will likely manage Roon so as to extract maximum profit for the parent company and its shareholders. If .......
61: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Power Strip (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-11-27, 20:08:27 (67.204.172.113)
If your amp has no on-off switch, it is meant to be left on all the time. In no case should you plug the amp into a power port on the preamp. Plug the amp and the preamp into a decent power strip and .......
62: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Preamps at/over $50k - lots and lots of wretched excess! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-11-26, 06:50:42 (67.204.172.113)
Check out the mini-reviews at this link: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/best-preamplifiers-50000/ and then read my trenchant and insightful comments. So let's see, what do you get for $50+ .......
63: Jazz Alley, Perfection at speed (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-11-21, 21:52:02 (67.204.172.113)
Emmanuel and Stephan shred - shred! - Sweet Georgia Brown. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4NvioAq1yg .......
64: Cable Asylum, Well, you could go to the Belden website (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-11-21, 20:52:56 (67.204.172.113)
and read up on all their different offerings. .......
65: General Asylum, A rather large music and memorabilia collection needs a new home (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-11-21, 06:48:17 (67.204.172.113)
Story here: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/nov/16/archive-of-contemporary-music-new-york Which brings up at least 2 questions: (1) is all this material really worth saving? (2) if the origin .......
66: Jazz Alley, Bad link, and ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-11-20, 20:21:48 (67.204.172.113)
A former acquaintance had, when last I knew, at least 10K lps and 30k cds, probably 60% jazz. .......
67: General Asylum, A hifi show induced rant (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-11-18, 07:23:24 (67.204.172.113)
An excellent rant on the subject of hifi shows ... https://twitteringmachines.com/a-hifi-show-induced-rant/ .......
68: Digital Drive, What is an "NOS DAC"? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-11-16, 07:34:07 (67.204.172.113)
To me, NOS means New Old Stock, usually used in reference to tubes which were manufactured a few decades ago but which have never been put into service. .......
69: Digital Drive, RE: There is an audible difference in transports. (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-11-15, 11:51:54 (67.204.172.113)
The BCD1 was fine for me for a long time, about 10 years. Then I got a PS Audio GCD, and the dac therein was better than the one in the BCD1 in every way. So I just used the BCD1 as a transport, until .......
70: Speaker Asylum, RE: Try it. See what happens. (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-11-14, 21:48:03 (67.204.172.113)
Try some 10 gauge solid speaker wire. You might be pleasantly surprised. .......
71: Digital Drive, There is an audible difference in transports. (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-11-14, 16:38:11 (67.204.172.113)
I was using a Bryston BCD1 as a transport only. It died. I bought a Cambridge CXCV2 and it was a distinct upgrade. Then in bought a PS Audio transport (it does CDs and SACDs). It is a real serious upg .......
72: Speaker Asylum, Try it. See what happens. (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-11-14, 16:33:27 (67.204.172.113)
You might like it, you might not. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. .......
73: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Capital Audio Fest Nov 10-12, 2023 (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-11-11, 07:56:54 (67.204.172.113)
These price increases are breathtaking ... .......
74: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Capital Audio Fest Nov 10-12, 2023 (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-11-11, 07:55:38 (67.204.172.113)
Very worthwhile improvements. Thanks for posting this. .......
75: Tweakers' Asylum, It might work (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-11-09, 12:17:50 (67.204.172.113)
but seems like it'd be really ugly .......
76: Jazz Alley, A report on 2 european jazz festivals of the past summer (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-11-08, 06:10:39 (67.204.172.113)
Neither of which seem like my cup of tea, but that's OK, musical diversity and innovation are good. https://www.stereophile.com/content/road-again-year-later .......
77: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Is this audible? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-11-07, 14:06:21 (67.204.172.113)
A newer amp will most likely sound better due to less wear on components, better components, and general advances in design and manufacturing practices. .......
78: Digital Drive, RE: MHZS CD88J or CD88K CD player (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-11-06, 14:20:13 (67.204.172.113)
If you want a cheap CD player, look at Rega and Marantz. .......
79: Jazz Alley, A most excellent essay about Louis Armstrong's legacy (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-11-06, 08:06:46 (67.204.172.113)
https://www.thenation.com/article/culture/louis-armstrong-archive/ .......
80: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Pass INT 60 - 1.7i's (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-11-01, 08:21:57 (67.204.172.113)
An INT60 will struggle except at very low volume levels. An INT250 will perform very nicely at any volume level. If you buy one, determine its resting place well in advance, because it weighs 105 poun .......
81: General Asylum, A question (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-10-31, 06:57:35 (67.204.172.113)
Do you use music to listen to equipment? Or do you use equipment to listen to music? .......
82: General Asylum, An observation (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-10-31, 06:56:10 (67.204.172.113)
Harry Pearson liked to carry on about "The Absolute Sound". There is no such thing. If you attend a live music event, where you sit in the venue, how the musicians are arranged on stage, the quality o .......
83: General Asylum, RE: Madonna set a good example decades ago (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-10-31, 06:19:10 (67.204.172.113)
I could not agree more. Spot on, brother. As re: Taylor Swift and her songwriting, there are academic types who think she's writing serious poetry and have organized whole academic conferences devoted .......
84: Planar Speaker Asylum, The unvarnished truth(s) about Magnepans (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-10-30, 21:27:35 (67.204.172.113)
If you are contemplating the purchase of a pair of Maggies, watch this video; it will tell you everything you need to know, good and bad, plus and minus. 15 minutes, worth every minute. https://www.yo .......
85: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Magnepan .7 (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-10-22, 12:11:12 (67.204.172.113)
If your room is small, and you do not play your music loudly, that amp might work. But I would not count on it. My advice would be to replace your amp with a Rogue Sphinx V2 and, if you have not alrea .......
86: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Magnepan 2.7i (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-10-19, 07:44:52 (67.204.172.113)
No mention of this on Magnepan's website or on anywhere on the web that I can find. .......
87: Jazz Alley, Yet another (the 307th) version of A Love Supreme by Coltrane (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-10-17, 07:02:18 (67.204.172.113)
Really? Really?? Are the faithful really this gullible that they would buy this, no matter how infinitesimally "better" it might be than some previous version? And if they do, are they listening to th .......
88: Cable Asylum, A whole lotta wretched excess, all in one place (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-10-11, 08:43:36 (67.204.172.113)
See link. You read these reviews, and you come away thinking that each cable is the greatest thing since ... what, a free night in a high class bordello? And nary a comparo test to be seen or heard. .......
89: General Asylum, A truly revelatory video about turntables (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-10-10, 07:41:55 (67.204.172.113)
Michael Fremer shows us the difference in SQ between 2 high-end turntables. Everything in the demo was the same except for the 'tables themselves. Quite frankly, I was shocked at the differences. Pers .......
90: Vinyl Asylum, A truly revelatory video about turntables (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-10-10, 07:41:55 (67.204.172.113)
Michael Fremer shows us the difference in SQ between 2 high-end turntables. Everything in the demo was the same except for the 'tables themselves. Quite frankly, I was shocked at the differences. Pers .......
91: Digital Drive, RE: My Bricasti Model M3 DAC review (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-10-06, 20:47:35 (67.204.172.113)
That's one excellent review, John. On many levels. I have always liked your scribblings. Which leads me to wonder ... if the M3 is this good, why bother with an M1 or M21 when, at my age, my hearing i .......
92: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: At 370 watts quiescent power and 17¢ kwhr, that up to $600 a year (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-09-30, 11:01:53 (67.204.172.113)
A good reason to love class D amps, such as my m700 pair from PS Audio. .......
93: Amp/Preamp Asylum, I'm not an EE (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-09-30, 06:56:15 (67.204.172.113)
but I suspect it's better to leave them on constantly than to be turning them on and off, simply because constant current is easier on components than constant on-off. As an example, most light bulbs .......
94: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Pass labs warm up time (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-09-29, 20:26:11 (67.204.172.113)
Pass states that the amps need about an hour of warm up time to sound good. I suggest that you leave the amps turned on 24x7 if that's how they sound their best. Yes it will cost you some money on you .......
95: General Asylum, WTF is mu follower topology in a preamp? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-09-26, 10:03:14 (67.204.172.113)
I am looking at an integrated amp which uses 2 12au7 tubes in what the manufacturer describes as mu follower technology. This tells me nothing. Can someone explain, in simple terms that an electronics .......
96: Jazz Alley, Dizzy and Roy and Oscar (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-09-26, 07:49:49 (67.204.172.113)
Good essay on above subject https://trackingangle.com/features/jazz-maturity-where-it-s-coming-from-dizzy-gillespie-roy-eldridge .......
97: Digital Drive, Reno HiFi has closed up shop (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-09-25, 20:41:13 (67.204.172.113)
A good company, hated to see them close. .......
98: Jazz Alley, A remastered, apparently complete, and expensive Jazz at Massey Hall reissue (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-09-25, 07:26:09 (67.204.172.113)
I didn't know the original contained overdubs by Mingus, which this one does not have. Review here: https://www.ecoustics.com/music/hot-house-album-reissue/ .......
99: Digital Drive, It wasn't used (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-09-23, 22:26:57 (67.204.172.113)
It has a full manufacturer's warranty and the box(es) it came in appear never to have been opened. .......
100: General Asylum, Why would you go to a "concert" and need earplugs? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-09-23, 09:16:07 (67.204.172.113)
I just don't understand that. But then again, I like acoustic music played at reasonable levels in small venues. .......
101: Digital Drive, I'm underwhelmed by these new offerings (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-09-23, 08:08:05 (67.204.172.113)
I'm presuming the SQ of both items will be just fine, but I think they're overpriced, as Abe points out. For at or under $4k, you have a choice of a lot of excellent DACs - Schiit, Benchmark, Bryston, .......
102: Digital Drive, Well, I apologize for misunderstanding you (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-09-18, 07:56:53 (67.204.172.113)
As I have said, transports range from bad to great. The good ones are worth the money. .......
103: Digital Drive, You must have specially tuned and trained ears! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-09-17, 08:16:43 (67.204.172.113)
My ears don't hear what yours are apparently hearing. Maybe you could tell us how to tune our ears to all the evils of CDs. Meanwhile, back on topic, transports are like everything else. There are bad .......
104: Classical Court, A trumpet virtuoso (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-09-16, 01:49:47 (67.204.172.113)
At 13 years of age! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHfToi8C4Gk .......
105: Digital Drive, RE: Suggestions for replacing CD player (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-09-05, 07:27:11 (67.204.172.113)
I'd check out units from Rega, Luxman, and Technics. The Technics SLG700M2 recently got a rave review in TAS: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/technics-sl-g700m2-cd-sacd-player-and-streaming .......
106: Tweakers' Asylum, Depends on who's doing the rubbing ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-09-03, 07:46:48 (67.204.172.113)
nt .......
107: Tweakers' Asylum, I am quite sure (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-09-02, 08:08:54 (67.204.172.113)
that someone has tried this and heard an "improvement" in SQ ... Now, we just need to build different versions using different woods (true pine lumber is hard to find, most is fir) and different veget .......
108: General Asylum, Damn, Damn, and Double Damn ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-09-02, 07:53:58 (67.204.172.113)
He made a lot of people happy and made a lot of money in the process. I'll miss him. Here's a link to my favorite JB tune https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cn9qGf1w0FQ .......
109: Jazz Alley, Oleo! Featuring Joscho Stephan and Bireli Lagrene (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-09-01, 22:12:11 (67.204.172.113)
It's just amazing what A+ musicians can do ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81qsu_6UgnU .......
110: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Amen, brother * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-08-28, 07:30:30 (67.204.172.113)
.......
111: Cable Asylum, Wire gauge (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-08-27, 19:04:05 (67.204.172.113)
16 gauge wire is hardly adequate for speaker wire. Generally, the larger the wire diameter, the less resistance the wire has, and thus the better the sound that emanates from your speakers. I changed .......
112: Speaker Asylum, Having your prejudices validated (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-08-25, 07:38:19 (67.204.172.113)
I have been a planar speaker guy for a very long time. The only pair of box speakers I owned in the past 30 years ... well, I quickly sold them in favor of another pair of Magnepans. But sometime in t .......
113: General Asylum, Look at the woman's left hand (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-08-23, 06:30:55 (67.204.172.113)
Can you put your left hand on your hip as shown in the pic? .......
114: General Asylum, Equipment warranties (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-08-16, 07:54:31 (216.170.173.167)
If you buy an expensive piece of equipment, should it not come with a longer warranty period than a cheaper piece? After all, the more expensive piece is (supposedly) made with better parts, better as .......
115: General Asylum, Indeed so! * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-08-15, 09:34:39 (216.170.173.167)
.......
116: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Class D vs. class AB amps (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-08-15, 07:52:01 (216.170.173.167)
I run a pair of class D monoblocks that drive a pair of Magnepan 1.7is. The current draw is minimal, based on the fact that my power regenerator (max output 300w) has NEVER gone into shutdown mode. No .......
117: General Asylum, RE: AC receptacle outlets (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-08-14, 18:46:10 (216.170.173.167)
Out my way, Hubble outlets are near impossible to source, so I used Leviton HG outlets. Pass-Seymour may or may not be superior to Leviton. Ultimately, I intend to replace all switches and outlets in .......
118: Tweakers' Asylum, RE: Expensive Cable Lifter (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-08-14, 09:45:08 (216.170.173.167)
Paul McGowan of PS Audio recommends speaker cable lifters, which is good enough reason for me. I have mine attached to the posts on my equipment racks with cable ties. But almost anything will work ju .......
119: Planar Speaker Asylum, Steve Guttenberg having cluster orgasms over Eminent Tech LFT8C (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-08-12, 06:40:51 (216.170.173.167)
Video review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4vC3V00-3Y Price of $4500 makes it extremely affordable, given that you can't get anything remotely comparable from other planar manufacturers for a .......
120: Planar Speaker Asylum, Sanders complete system (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-08-09, 09:10:19 (216.170.173.167)
Check this out. Looks like a serious bargain, if you have the coin. https://tmraudio.com/components/power-amplifiers/sanders-sound-system-10-electrostatic-hybrid-speakers-full-system-w-amplifiers/ ::: .......
121: Digital Drive, DAC or dog? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-08-07, 11:33:29 (216.170.173.167)
I have recently been considering a new dac, why I am not sure because I cannot identify any deficiencies in my existing DAC. But you know how it is ... the urge to "upgrade" comes upon you and you jus .......
122: Jazz Alley, Getting the lyrics (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-08-07, 07:11:50 (216.170.173.167)
Lester Young learned the lyrics to a song before he would play it. Erroll Garner was recording a solo album once, and he's laying down a terrific take on some tune, and suddenly he just stops playing. .......
123: Planar Speaker Asylum, Best solutions (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-08-05, 15:18:09 (216.170.173.167)
1. Don't have cats 2. If you must have them, get them declawed. No, it's not cruel and it's not painful to have it done. They can still defend themselves, climb trees and kill lots of bird, rodents an .......
124: General Asylum, LMAO !! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-08-03, 10:43:17 (216.170.173.167)
nt .......
125: Speaker Asylum, Single proprietor audio businesses worry me (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-08-02, 13:13:11 (216.170.173.167)
Once the founder/guiding light dies or retires, what happens to the business and existing customers? Ayre seems to have survived the death of its founder, and PS Audio's Paul McGowan's son is actively .......
126: General Asylum, Wretched excess - tonearms (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-08-02, 06:50:36 (216.170.173.167)
TAS has a survey of tonearms $10k and up. But nary a linear tracker in the lot. Read here: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/2023-editors-choice-best-tonearms-10000-up/ These are tonearms only .......
127: Jazz Alley, This is impossible (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-07-28, 07:11:18 (216.170.173.167)
https://youtu.be/BzcsArJYYfs .......
128: Digital Drive, +1 !!!! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-07-27, 19:52:21 (216.170.173.167)
nt .......
129: Digital Drive, Serious wretched excess!!! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-07-26, 12:19:17 (216.170.173.167)
Only $49k for a tubed dac!! How could you not love it?? How could it not sound like the choirs of heaven?? Every home needs one!! Or not. These overpriced audiophool toys are just wearing me out. I su .......
130: Cable Asylum, My standard advice about speaker cable. (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-07-25, 09:33:24 (216.170.173.167)
12 gauge cable is perfectly adequate for most systems, 10 gauge might be a little better. Solid is infinitely preferable to stranded. Solid cable does away with smearing and lack of cohesiveness. ::: .......
131: Planar Speaker Asylum, Absolutely not * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-07-25, 06:26:43 (216.170.173.167)
.......
132: Jazz Alley, This is just otherworldly (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-07-18, 15:33:49 (216.170.173.167)
When the other musicians in the band are giving you a big hand, you know you did something good. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoBbt5GrFuM .......
133: Tweakers' Asylum, RE: A Sensible Possibility for Cable Risers (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-07-17, 17:16:17 (216.170.173.167)
Paul McGowan of PS Audio recommends getting speaker cables off the floor and I respect his opinion. The rebar chairs are an excellent, inexpensive choice. At the price, who cares if the make a differe .......
134: General Asylum, I'd sell those tickets if they were mine (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-07-17, 17:12:48 (216.170.173.167)
and I'd jack the price way up - say $3500 - and I bet I'd get it. But ticket price is just the barest tip of the iceberg - you've got extortionate hotel room prices, parking, food, merch, etc., to pay .......
135: General Asylum, Taylor Swift in Denver (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-07-17, 07:41:01 (216.170.173.167)
This is astounding. Taylor Swift played two shows in Denver on July 14 and 15 at the stadium, capacity 70000 or so. Both were sold out long ago, obviously. The show was 3.5 hours long. She did 45 tun .......
136: General Asylum, Does AR have a future? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-07-16, 06:21:41 (216.170.173.167)
And what is it? What is their business plan? What niche market are they going to appeal to? Do the new owners have deep pockets? Do they have, or can they attract, good enough engineering and producti .......
137: General Asylum, Linky?? * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-07-14, 20:43:38 (216.170.173.167)
.......
138: General Asylum, RE: Time To Reevaluate Earlier Era Digital Transfers? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-07-08, 20:16:24 (216.170.173.167)
As Rod says, it depends. I have some CDs of older material that were mastered in the 80s and 90s and the SQ is perfectly acceptable. I also have some where the SQ is less than acceptable. BMG, before .......
139: Amp/Preamp Asylum, The WhizBang 9 preamp (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-07-08, 06:55:43 (216.170.173.167)
Read it and think. https://positive-feedback.com/audio-discourse/whizbang-9-an-unbelievable-review-of-an-absolutely-incredible-preamp/ .......
140: General Asylum, RE: How loud do you listen to your system? Any break up? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-07-04, 16:46:05 (216.170.173.167)
I listen as loudly as the spirit moves me to listen. But it's in a fairly narrow range, probably 5 or 6 clicks of the volume control on my Pass XP12. I have never had problems with harshness or breaku .......
141: Digital Drive, Check out (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-06-30, 18:23:38 (216.170.173.167)
the PS Audio PWT transport. It also plays SACDs. .......
142: Cable Asylum, If you are verifyin', you ain't trustin' * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-06-30, 07:36:42 (216.170.173.167)
.......
143: General Asylum, If you think the sales person ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-06-28, 12:12:08 (69.130.180.113)
is pissing on you while trying to convince you it's raining, run, don't walk, away. I have had good luck dealing with PS Audio, The Cable Company, Reno Hifi, and TMR Audio. If you need/want new cables .......
144: Speaker Asylum, My new Wretched Excess champion!! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-06-27, 06:37:04 (69.130.180.113)
$750K? Really? And it's a box speaker. I expect a pair of Sound Labs 945s, at about 1/10 the price, would be an improvement. .......
145: Jazz Alley, Boring navel-gazing * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-06-23, 17:00:30 (69.130.180.113)
.......
146: General Asylum, Are you looking for a low cost good system to buy? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-06-22, 10:40:30 (69.130.180.113)
Let me suggest: Rogue Sphinx V2, Magnepan LRS+ speakers, Rega cd player (can't help with vinyl). If you have a smallish room, this setup will sound veerryyyy nice. .......
147: General Asylum, RE: My take from the THE show in Costa Mesa (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-06-13, 21:43:04 (69.130.180.113)
I've been to exactly one audio show in my life, and see no reason to go out of my way to go to another one. I don't understand how you can judge the SQ of any component at a show, except perhaps speak .......
148: General Asylum, How to sing the blues (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-06-13, 09:25:35 (69.130.180.113)
A lot of us here love the blues, right?? Well, here's the perfect primer to get you started being a blues singer! HOW TO SING THE BLUES By Lame Mango Washington (attributed to Memphis Earlene Gray wit .......
149: Cable Asylum, Balanced or single-ended interconnects? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-06-11, 11:51:52 (69.130.180.113)
I run balanced interconnects everywhere since they are far superior at noise rejection. I also think that excellent balanced interconns are much cheaper than excellent single-ended wires, thus obviati .......
150: Speaker Asylum, Here's a radical suggestion. (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-06-11, 07:11:43 (69.130.180.113)
Forget box speakers. Planar and electrostatic speakers are always going to sound better than box speakers, with the possible exception of extremely expensive box models. Once you hear a good planar or .......
151: General Asylum, How did ARC and Mac wind up together? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-06-08, 10:34:39 (69.130.180.113)
Didn't ARC have something to do with that "merger"? .......
152: General Asylum, The problem is ALWAYS incompetent management * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-06-08, 06:30:15 (69.130.180.113)
.......
153: Digital Drive, I positively L O V E that recording!! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-06-04, 07:04:55 (69.130.180.113)
It's true desert island music. .......
154: Digital Drive, Johnny Hodges! * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-06-03, 18:50:14 (69.130.180.113)
.......
155: Jazz Alley, OP - Blues Etude (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-06-02, 09:21:39 (69.130.180.113)
live in 1974 ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdd5pn1xs7M .......
156: Amp/Preamp Asylum, I note a couple of things (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-05-31, 21:50:26 (69.130.180.113)
The AVA amp takes only balanced input, and it is comparatively lightweight for the amount of power it can output. A class AB amp that can generate 750 watts output usually weighs considerable more - f .......
157: General Asylum, What's more important? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-05-31, 21:35:33 (69.130.180.113)
A woman or your sound system? .......
158: General Asylum, Can a system sound too good? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-05-25, 07:49:56 (69.130.180.113)
Interesting question, no? Here's an interesting essay on this topic. https://positive-feedback.com/audio-discourse/can-a-system-be-too-good/ Persoanlly, I'm trying to reach a certain level of music/eq .......
159: General Asylum, RE: So Mofi gets sued for "lying" I wonder if anyone will sue Analog Productions for lying? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-05-24, 07:19:25 (69.130.180.113)
You can't possibly make 500 or more copies from the original master tape (if such even exists) or from the safety copies and expect the tape to survive. Tape is like vinyl: every time you play it, the .......
160: General Asylum, Why not listen to everything? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-05-23, 07:30:10 (69.130.180.113)
Good essay from the pages of Stereophile. https://www.stereophile.com/content/why-not-listen-everything .......
161: Amp/Preamp Asylum, How about Rogue Audio preamps? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-05-21, 09:31:41 (69.130.180.113)
They regularly come up for sale (used) on TMR audio, but you have to buy an upper end one (RP7 or RP9) to get balanced connections. .......
162: General Asylum, Tube amps (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-05-19, 20:25:22 (69.130.180.113)
I think manufacturers who build mostly or solely tube amps need to rethink their product designs. Not only are power tubes getting expensiver and expensiver, class D amps are easily competing with tub .......
163: General Asylum, The plot sickens ... er, thickens ... * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-05-18, 18:30:14 (69.130.180.113)
.......
164: General Asylum, Latest on Audio Research (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-05-18, 07:47:19 (69.130.180.113)
Apparently it will continue as its own brand. https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/valerio-cora-of-acora-acoustics-corporation-to-lead-new-corporation-for-audio-research-brand/ .......
165: Planar Speaker Asylum, This happened 4 years ago (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-05-14, 21:52:35 (69.130.180.113)
What's the point of rehashing it now? Yes, Magnepan screwed up big time on this one. Still ... .......
166: General Asylum, This is a cash grab (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-05-13, 13:24:37 (69.130.180.113)
by the AAA crowd (whose sensibilities have somehow been offended) and a bunch of scummy lawyers. .......
167: General Asylum, That's music? * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-05-12, 07:25:57 (69.130.180.113)
.......
168: General Asylum, Audio Research has been saved! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-05-11, 08:21:21 (69.130.180.113)
Apparently, with further info to come. See link. https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/audio-research-corporation-is-dead-long-live-the-new-restructured-audio-research-corporation/ .......
169: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: The new old tube system again.... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-05-08, 20:08:17 (69.130.180.113)
That looks like an original CM; the CM2 is an improvement on that, and the CM3 is apparently an even bigger improvement (haven't heard a CM3). CM2 and CM3 come up regularly on TMR and Hifishark. And y .......
170: Amp/Preamp Asylum, But how's the power output? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-05-06, 19:14:00 (69.130.180.113)
nt .......
171: General Asylum, RE: If you had to start from scratch today ...... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-05-06, 11:06:48 (69.130.180.113)
Assuming I have the funds, I'd do this: Pass INT250 integrated amp PS Audio perfect wave transport PS Audio DAC 2 PS Audio P20 power regenerator Magnepan 20.7s And lots more SACDs of my favorite recor .......
172: General Asylum, RE: Boring music (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-05-06, 07:04:48 (69.130.180.113)
I was raised catholic so I know all about the "singing" in the latin high mass. And back in the day there was something called the "solemn high mass" - 3 hours of solid boredom with even worse music - .......
173: Tweakers' Asylum, It's 30 years old?? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-05-05, 08:31:54 (69.130.180.113)
Time to send it to it's final resting place and buy something new. Marantz and Rega and two reasonably priced possibilities. .......
174: Digital Drive, RE: SHM CDs from Japan? Anyone? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-05-04, 18:13:12 (69.130.180.113)
CDs from Japan almost always sound great. Its one of the reasons they're so expensive. The CXC transport is outstanding for the money. Glad you are enjoying it. I enjoyed mine until I got the PS Audio .......
175: Amp/Preamp Asylum, I'm guessing ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-05-02, 13:34:37 (69.130.180.113)
it's something you use when your gall bladder has the golden fever ... .......
176: General Asylum, Wonderful! Thanks for posting! * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-05-02, 07:22:33 (69.130.180.113)
.......
177: Planar Speaker Asylum, I had an interesting conversation with Eric at Magnepan (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-05-01, 07:25:18 (69.130.180.113)
I had a pair of original LRS, which I sold to purchase a pair of 1.7i. I was thoroughly thrilled with the LRS, but thought the 1.7 would be an upgrade. Well, with all the hype about the LRS+, I'm thin .......
178: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Thanks, Rod * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-05-01, 07:14:42 (69.130.180.113)
.......
179: Amp/Preamp Asylum, New preamp (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-30, 08:06:56 (69.130.180.113)
I am thinking about buying a new preamp. The choices are down to a Benchmark LA4, a Pass XP12, and a Rogue RP7. But I have scratched the Rogue off my list. Why? Tubes. Replacements (or different ones) .......
180: General Asylum, For all the vinyl lovers ... and haters ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-30, 07:57:03 (69.130.180.113)
Doonesbury 4/30/23 https://www.arcamax.com/thefunnies/doonesbury/s-2814706 .......
181: General Asylum, Another form of bagpipes, methinks ... * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-30, 07:01:18 (69.130.180.113)
.......
182: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Sorry about that ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-28, 07:37:24 (69.130.180.113)
will fix, and I will PM you. .......
183: Amp/Preamp Asylum, That was sly ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-27, 15:30:14 (69.130.180.113)
PM at your earliest convenience please .......
184: Cable Asylum, Power Cables (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-27, 08:38:08 (69.130.180.113)
I recently had occasion to replace power cables in my system. I had been using AQ NRG4s on all pieces. I am now using an Audience Forte (10 awg) on my power regenerator (PS Audio P3), and Wireworld St .......
185: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Thank you, Abe (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-27, 08:29:51 (69.130.180.113)
Very informative. I'm wavering between the XP-12 and an LA4 from Benchmark. .......
186: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Pass Labs XP-12 preamp (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-26, 09:38:45 (69.130.180.113)
This unit has been very well reviewed and I can find no negative comments about it on the web. Any here own one or otherwise have experience of this piece? Thanks for your input. .......
187: General Asylum, Wretched excess - electrical outlets (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-26, 09:13:00 (69.130.180.113)
Music Direct sells hodaddy electrical outlets for anywhere from $100 to $280 EACH. They also sell "RF Isolator AC Outlet Caps" for a mere $130 for 4. Really? Really? Are these outlets anything more th .......
188: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Esp. if one is married ... * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-22, 08:34:14 (69.130.180.113)
.......
189: General Asylum, Well, add this to your re-think (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-22, 08:29:53 (69.130.180.113)
Taylor Swift as poet?? https://news.yahoo.com/isn-t-just-high-class-142954759.html .......
190: Jazz Alley, That's about the lamest thing I've ever heard. (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-21, 07:13:32 (69.130.180.113)
And the narrator is obviously an AI. .......
191: General Asylum, You have to be pretty smart ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-21, 07:05:17 (69.130.180.113)
to have as much money and as many fans as she has. Apparently she can entertain, at least a certain segment of the "music" consuming populace. .......
192: Jazz Alley, Who is James Morrison? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-20, 15:01:24 (69.130.180.113)
Do you know? Watch this video and you will know. Saw him live decades ago and he was fabulous even then. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-ZzPVflfnc .......
193: Digital Drive, I take your point about "wretched excess" (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-19, 12:37:02 (69.130.180.113)
I did not pay $7k for mine, I paid about $4k when they were on sale. PS Audio puts almost everything on sale at least once a year, which is when I buy. They also have a generous trade-in program. ::: .......
194: Digital Drive, RE: Cambridge CXC Transport - Nice! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-19, 08:04:54 (69.130.180.113)
If you are happy with the CXC, then do not audition a PS Audio SACD/CD transport ... you will become very unhappy very quickly ... .......
195: Inmate Central, RE: Is an NFL QB worth $51 million a year? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-17, 16:58:18 (69.130.180.113)
The reason Tom Brady has 7 SB rings is that he always took less than he could have so that the team had money to pay other players necessary to have a championship team. The NFL probably needs to hav .......
196: Jazz Alley, That was absolutely delightful (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-17, 07:06:50 (69.130.180.113)
Thanks so much for posting it. .......
197: Amp/Preamp Asylum, I know how to post a link (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-15, 16:40:20 (69.130.180.113)
I just overlooked doing so. You could learn how to highlight and right click on a link, if you wanted to ... it's easy ... .......
198: General Asylum, RE: I was a radioman in the Navy and . . (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-15, 08:05:10 (69.130.180.113)
I too was a radioman in USN. Wanted to be a submariner so they sent me to school in Charleston SC to learn to copy morse. Never could get beyond 5wpm, so I wound up on a WW2 vintage destroyer. Just as .......
199: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: While of a different nature (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-14, 21:06:56 (69.130.180.113)
I don't rant about anything related to vinyl because I do not pay any attention to vinyl, with rare exception. I gave up vinyl 30 years ago but will still periodically post a screed on the subject whe .......
200: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Over-the-top wretched excess (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-14, 07:11:12 (69.130.180.113)
Read this review, then ask yourself some questions: https://www.stereophile.com/content/karan-acoustics-master-collection-powera-mono-power-amplifier How much product will this review sell? I suppose .......
201: Speaker Asylum, Well done! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-12, 20:40:57 (69.130.180.113)
Personally I don't care for the sound of B&W, but that's my problem. It seems from the video that these speakers are exceedingly well made. .......
202: General Asylum, I enjoy music when it is well reproduced (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-12, 20:31:26 (69.130.180.113)
I recently purchased some new power cables. They have made what I think is a large improvement in the sq of some of my favorite recordings. I am hearing much more detail from recordings with which I a .......
203: General Asylum, You might try https://tmraudio.com/ (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-11, 21:48:45 (69.130.180.113)
Very reputable and easy to deal with. .......
204: Planar Speaker Asylum, My experience (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-08, 11:38:29 (69.130.180.113)
When I had LRSes, I used a pair of PS Audio M700 monoblocks to drive them. When I traded the LRSes for a pair of 1.7s, I continued to use the M700s, and still do. In both cases, these amps drive both .......
205: General Asylum, RE: Oldest and newest equipment in your current system (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-07, 20:56:59 (69.130.180.113)
Everything I have is 3 or less years old. I'm of the firm opinion that, in things audio at least, newer is better. With automobiles, older is far better. .......
206: Digital Drive, Power supplies make a HUGE difference in any component (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-05, 16:43:48 (69.130.180.113)
The better the ps the better that component will sound. .......
207: Speaker Asylum, RE: Famous speakers (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-05, 07:44:36 (69.130.180.113)
I held onto a pair of Original Advents for a looonnnnngggggggg time after I stopped listening to them. .......
208: General Asylum, Perhaps ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-03, 07:54:46 (69.130.180.113)
ingestion of the stuff in sufficient quantity makes the babblings of seriously dedicated audiophiles more tolerable ... or not ... .......
209: General Asylum, Jerry Lee and Chuck Berry ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-01, 13:07:37 (69.130.180.113)
are the twin Kings of Rock and Roll! .......
210: General Asylum, RE: One person's 5 classic rock albums (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-04-01, 11:25:01 (69.130.180.113)
Any such list which does not include Live at The Star Club, Hamburg, by Jerry Lee Lewis is ... deficient. .......
211: Speaker Asylum, How about ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-03-29, 10:13:16 (69.130.180.113)
a pair of Sound Lab 945PX? https://www.soundlabspeakers.com/majestic/ Might also want to read their FAQ page. .......
212: General Asylum, How about ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-03-28, 20:24:20 (69.130.180.113)
PRAT - for pace, rhythm and timing. The PRAT comes from the recording, not the equipment. .......
213: General Asylum, RE: Dealer mark up (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-03-25, 07:57:54 (69.130.180.113)
Well, the way I have always understood pricing in this hobby is as follows: the manufacturer sets the selling price, aka MSRP. The manufacturer then sells the goods to the dealer for 50% to 60% of MSR .......
214: Jazz Alley, RE: Keith Jarrett Interview (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-03-24, 07:37:29 (69.130.180.113)
He is not my cup of tea, but his talents are off the charts. Great interview. .......
215: Jazz Alley, How to swing ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-03-20, 09:38:58 (69.130.180.113)
and mightily so, I might add ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwkvC2FT7Xs .......
216: Digital Drive, RE: What happened to discussions of regular CD players (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-03-19, 07:46:51 (69.130.180.113)
Well, there's some nice one box CD players still out there. Rega, Luxman, Sony, Panasonic, Yamaha, Marantz and a few others are making worthwhile units. Personally, I'd like to try the new Luxman unit .......
217: General Asylum, My first one was ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-03-19, 07:40:03 (69.130.180.113)
a Rega Planet, I think, but can't remember. Currently using a PS Audio setup, which is somewhat better ... If I had the coin, I'd certainly like to try any of the new Luxman units. .......
218: General Asylum, I don't care squat about grammies (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-03-19, 07:37:27 (69.130.180.113)
(no need to capitalize the word, any more than one would capitalize dog poop). But I like that woman, she can sing! .......
219: Digital Drive, Let your ears be your guide * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-03-18, 08:22:35 (69.130.180.113)
.......
220: General Asylum, There is some truth in what you write (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-03-18, 08:19:53 (69.130.180.113)
I don't think you can ask a highly trained classical guitarist to play the blues or to play infinite variations on some tune in the jazz cannon. Nor can you expect a pop guitarist to play much from th .......
221: General Asylum, RE: I'm In Love (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-03-17, 19:55:23 (69.130.180.113)
There are so many magnificent classical guitarists with youtube videos that you can't count them. I've long been of the opinion that the average classical guitarist is so superior to even the very bes .......
222: Jazz Alley, Well ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-03-16, 15:35:23 (69.130.180.113)
the orchestra is a lot better than the leader, but the leader is assuredly a great front man ... a good leader always has a great band behind him anyway ... .......
223: Classical Court, Holy smokin' keyboards! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-03-16, 12:29:15 (69.130.180.113)
Yuja Want, Flight of the Bumblebee! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8alxBofd_eQ .......
224: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: My Separates weigh 1/2 as much as my Integrated (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-03-13, 07:58:06 (69.130.180.113)
The reason the LA4 and AHB2 are so lightweight is, they use switch mode power supplies, which are much much lighter than linear ones. There is nothing wrong with this, provided of course that the powe .......
225: Digital Drive, Decware's digital audio clarifiers - any users here? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-03-12, 08:28:49 (69.130.180.113)
Also known as "pills", a device you place between your dac and preamp. Anyone have any experience of these? Apparently they are selling quite well, as Decware is out of stock and has quite a wait list .......
226: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Availability of Pass Labs INT250 (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-03-12, 08:20:45 (69.130.180.113)
The INT250 is an integrated amp, if you didn't already know. I've been semi-lusting for one of these for quite a while now, and so periodically I check the renohifi.com website for availability. When .......
227: General Asylum, Why do we even care what he thinks? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-03-11, 09:09:37 (69.130.180.113)
There is no "holy grail" in this hobby. There is no audio nirvana that you do not create yourself. People who make youtube videos are saying "look at me, look at me, look at me". They are wildly insec .......
228: General Asylum, Well, how about (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-03-09, 19:04:17 (69.130.180.113)
Eastbound and Down, by Jerry Reed, except that JR is one of the best guitar players in the history of the planet. Or Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini? Or It's My Party and I'll Cry if I .......
229: Planar Speaker Asylum, I was going to suggest ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-03-09, 07:39:23 (69.130.180.113)
a Pass INT250, but that's out of your price range ... sure would make those loudspeakers sing, though ... .......
230: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Discounted wretched excess for Mike K.! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-03-07, 20:29:50 (69.130.180.113)
LOL!! I am heading to my bank first thing in the morning to see if I can arrange a loan! I certainly do not want to miss out on such a bargain!! I wonder why the owner is selling. Is he going to purch .......
231: Cable Asylum, Wire - sitrep 1 (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-03-07, 08:47:48 (69.130.180.113)
As I wrote below, I have an Audience Forte F3 and 2 Wireworld Stratus 7s on loan from the cable company. I was highly impressed with the improvements made by attaching the Forte cable to my power gene .......
232: Speaker Asylum, RE: PS Audio FR20 speakers are here (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-03-05, 15:56:26 (69.130.180.113)
How much help did you need to get them in the house, unpacked, set up, and put in place??? They're big! Did you get a chance to audition before buying? I will expect further reports! .......
233: General Asylum, Wire (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-03-02, 22:59:33 (69.130.180.113)
I have long been a wire skeptic. Recently I find myself in need of some new, flexible power cords. So I contacted The Cable Company, and "borrowed" an Audience Forte F3 (10 awg), and 2 Wireworld Strat .......
234: Cable Asylum, Wire (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-03-02, 22:59:33 (69.130.180.113)
I have long been a wire skeptic. Recently I find myself in need of some new, flexible power cords. So I contacted The Cable Company, and "borrowed" an Audience Forte F3 (10 awg), and 2 Wireworld Strat .......
235: General Asylum, The price of "ultra high end" goods ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-03-02, 11:16:13 (69.130.180.113)
is of no concern to me, nor should it be to you. You can spend high 5 and into 6 figures for a preamp. But can you do better than a Benchmark LA4? Can you do better than a pair of big Sound Labs elect .......
236: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Help me find phono preamp (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-03-01, 11:24:39 (69.130.180.113)
Check out the PS Audio Stellar phone preamp. Fremer absolutely loved it. And PS Audio has it on sale this month for $2k, normally $3k. I love PS Audio product, and have a lot of it, but no affiliation .......
237: Classical Court, I will check those out (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-02-28, 08:16:22 (69.130.180.113)
I was familiar with him thru his Goldberg Variations, which I find astonishing. .......
238: Amp/Preamp Asylum, I've been contemplating getting one for a while now ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-02-25, 21:15:33 (69.130.180.113)
and like you, I am using the PS Audio GCD/Pre. You may have pushed me over the edge! .......
239: Classical Court, Holy Crap! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-02-25, 21:13:07 (69.130.180.113)
I'm basically a classical ignoramus, but I do know good playing when I hear it, and this is some real good playing, folks ... Glenn Gould playing Bach Partitas. Enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= .......
240: General Asylum, Well said, John Marks!! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-02-25, 09:28:48 (69.130.180.113)
And ... LMAO!! .......
241: General Asylum, I don't think so ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-02-25, 09:25:55 (69.130.180.113)
Yes, Oscar is playing very quickly, which is irrelevant. He's also playing several different styles of jazz in that video. You should watch the looks on the faces of NHOP and Kessel in that video - at .......
242: General Asylum, Well, I have a good stereo ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-02-25, 08:08:21 (69.130.180.113)
but zero musical talent. I've tried to play two different instruments, with no success; I've tried to learn to read music, with no success; I've tried to learn some basic music theory, with no success .......
243: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Rogue Pharaoh vs. Sphinx v3 - Upgrade Pharaoh to Version 2? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-02-20, 06:46:50 (69.130.180.113)
The V2 version of the Pharoah is supposed to be a large improvement over the original. The Sphinx V3 is supposed to be the best thing since sliced bread. I don't know which is better since I haven't h .......
244: Digital Drive, RE: Best DAC for classical/opera? R2R or......? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-02-18, 06:56:46 (69.130.180.113)
The tech used in a particular DAC is not terribly relevant. What matters is what your ears like. And, the sound of any DAC is going to be highly dependent on the quality of the power supply and the an .......
245: Speaker Asylum, RE: Best Bargain in loudspeakers under $20,000? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-02-17, 20:03:15 (69.130.180.113)
for my money: Magnepan 20.7 or any speaker from Sound Labs that comes in under $20k. .......
246: Digital Drive, Non issues (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-02-15, 07:29:51 (69.130.180.113)
Any decent transport will buffer the output from the actual transport, so the actual output to the DAC will be free of those issues .......
247: Cable Asylum, RE: Monosaudio P902 Power Cord - Another Discovery (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-02-12, 11:13:30 (69.130.180.113)
These are interesting to me, but ... The Accuphase cord seems to be unavailable. The P902 seems to be unterminated cable and I'm not good with DIY. And the aliexpress links you provided all seem to be .......
248: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Anybody with planers have cats? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-02-11, 21:12:15 (69.130.180.113)
Declawing a cat is not cruel. It's done under sedation and the cats don't feel pain afterwards, per my veternarian. As for defending themselves with the front feet, watch cats fight and hunt sometimes .......
249: General Asylum, That was great!! Thanks* (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-02-11, 21:04:23 (69.130.180.113)
.......
250: Digital Drive, You are right to wonder ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-02-11, 09:57:59 (69.130.180.113)
if the hardware isn't way better than the software. This piece certainly qualifies for the "wretched excess" designator! And of course the reviewer knows of no better digital reproducer. That will be .......
251: General Asylum, The worst possible evil is ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-02-11, 07:58:55 (69.130.180.113)
Constant dis-satisfaction with the system you have. Well, if these small speakers are great, then the next model up the line will be even better! Or, these new ho-daddy power cables costing 4 or 5 fig .......
252: General Asylum, RE: MoFi (MFSL) News that is not behind a paywall (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-02-10, 09:09:49 (69.130.180.113)
People who are suing and bitching about MOFI's supposed lack of honest dealing cannot even hear the difference between an LP that has some digital in the processing chain and one that is all analog. A .......
253: Jazz Alley, New versions of old recordings from HDTT (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-02-07, 08:29:30 (69.130.180.113)
By all accounts, HDTT does an outstanding job of reissuing older recordings which they master from R2R tapes, in some cases even the original master tapes. I've purchased a few, and can attest to the .......
254: General Asylum, This is a nightmare (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-02-06, 07:36:15 (69.130.180.113)
I completely disassembled my system because of rearranging my living room and getting some new furniture. Previously, components sat side by side on a long bookcase; now they are in 2 four shelf racks .......
255: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Pre (Tube) / Power Combo for MG 1.7s? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-02-04, 06:27:19 (69.130.180.113)
If you want a decent tube preamp at a reasonable price, investigate the offerings from Schiit. You get a 15 day trial period. If you are looking for more amplifier power, look long and hard at the M70 .......
256: Digital Drive, RE: Schiit Bifrost 2/64 versus Topping D90ES - any opinions? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-02-03, 20:09:50 (69.130.180.113)
I believe Schiit gives a 15 day evaluation period, during which you may return for refund if not satisfied. Check their website. .......
257: Jazz Alley, Nice essay about T. Monk (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-02-03, 15:18:00 (69.130.180.113)
I love Monk! Found the essay informative. So might you. Or not. https://thebaffler.com/salvos/jazz-is-freedom-grimstad .......
258: Jazz Alley, RE: Oldest living Jazz greats in 2023? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-02-02, 15:52:40 (69.130.180.113)
Dick Hyman - will be 96 on March 7. Wikipedia page here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Hyman .......
259: General Asylum, Shirt clip?? * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-02-02, 07:05:20 (69.130.180.113)
.......
260: Cable Asylum, RE: 12 gauge IEC power cord (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-02-01, 18:00:26 (69.130.180.113)
The cable can be manufactured outside the USA, but NOT in mainland China. .......
261: Cable Asylum, 12 gauge IEC power cord (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-01-31, 19:34:26 (69.130.180.113)
made in USA, sounds good, well made, and reasonably prices. Anyone know of such a critter? Best I have been able to find is Anticables level 2 power cord. .......
262: Jazz Alley, RE: At the risk of invoking a "label," I ask people to nominate albums for the non-existent category of, "Best 'Chamber- (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-01-31, 08:02:59 (69.130.180.113)
Well, there's always Paul Desmond's albums that he made using just guitar, bass, and drums. Or how about recordings like those of Django Rinehardt, or are those too lively? .......
263: General Asylum, As re: #5 (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-01-30, 07:09:37 (69.130.180.113)
There's lots of fantastic speakers on the market these days, built by Sound Labs, Magnepan, Avalon, Wilson, PS Audio, and others. You don't need to resurrect a pair of Quads from 65 years ago to get t .......
264: Cable Asylum, Personal observations on cabling (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-01-29, 11:26:21 (69.130.180.113)
I use balanced interconnects, so I don't think there's gonna be a lot of differences no matter which brand of XLR's I use. I use Anticables level 2 speaker cable (solid), and it is a vast improvement .......
265: Tweakers' Asylum, The best CD enhancer ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-01-27, 07:02:09 (69.130.180.113)
is a disc free of fingerprint smudges and dust, a really good dac, and a really good transport. .......
266: Digital Drive, The sound quality of any DAC (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-01-25, 07:44:40 (69.130.180.113)
is far more dependent on its analog section and on the power supply than on the decoding chip. .......
267: Jazz Alley, I don't know what happened to art ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-01-23, 09:52:16 (69.130.180.113)
but I have some ideas about music: Rock n Roll displaced higher quality pop and most jazz; bebop and post bop and so-called "free jazz' displaced the more accessible forms of jazz; and so-called "coun .......
268: General Asylum, Magnepan 1.7i and PS Audio M700 monoblocks * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-01-23, 09:44:40 (69.130.180.113)
.......
269: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Class D amps ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-01-22, 11:57:14 (69.130.180.113)
are the future. As are switch-mode power supplies. .......
270: Cable Asylum, Nice looking work (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-01-22, 07:39:28 (69.130.180.113)
What brand of outlets are you using, and what brand of wire? .......
271: Amp/Preamp Asylum, The first thing you need to do ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-01-21, 19:18:40 (69.130.180.113)
is to get an estimate on the cost of round-trip shipping and packaging. You may well be surprised just how expensive this will be. Once you get over the shock of that, you might well consider buying a .......
272: General Asylum, Most recognizable songs ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-01-21, 07:38:45 (69.130.180.113)
each year for the past 100 years. I don't recognize hardly anything after about 1970. https://biggeekdad.com/2023/01/100-years-of-music/ .......
273: Digital Drive, Yes I do. (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-01-20, 21:15:16 (69.130.180.113)
I use a PS Audio sacd/cd transport. .......
274: Digital Drive, RE: DAC or player (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-01-19, 22:08:53 (69.130.180.113)
Over at TMR audio (tmraudio.com) they have several used PS Audio Direct Stream Jr (junior) dacs for about $1800. It's what I use and I like it a lot. .......
275: Amp/Preamp Asylum, I am getting closer (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-01-17, 18:26:06 (69.130.180.113)
to pulling the trigger on an LA4. Didn't realize the software can be updated, now I know, thank for telling us. I presume the update did not denigrate the sound (or lack thereof) in any way. Excellent .......
276: Jazz Alley, RE: Someone on this site reminded us that this "live" album was partially (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-01-15, 08:47:44 (69.130.180.113)
This article from Wikipedia should clear up a lot of things about this recording. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellington_at_Newport .......
277: Jazz Alley, Little help here, please (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-01-08, 09:33:19 (69.130.180.113)
I spend a lot of time at my computer and usually play some music from youtube for background. I try to listen to music I haven't heard before. So yesterday, I played Coltrane's 'My Favorite Things'. I .......
278: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Magnepan LRS stands? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-01-07, 16:03:10 (69.130.180.113)
Contact me at: mkoonce@protonmail.com - I've got some stands you'll like. .......
279: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Wretched excess from CH Precision (and TAS) (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-01-07, 08:51:11 (69.130.180.113)
The L10 preamp - 2 box ($76k) or 4 box ($132k) version! The M10 power amp(s) - stereo for $104k or monoblocks for only $198k per pair! The reviewer loves them (how could he not). To quote: "These elec .......
280: Digital Drive, RE: DAC Question (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-01-04, 10:55:33 (69.130.180.113)
I use the PS Audio SACD/CD transport. It is a large upgrade over the Cambridge Audio CXCV2 that I was using. The CXC is a nice transport, don't get me wrong. Several folks hereabouts use it. The PS Au .......
281: Digital Drive, RE: DAC Question (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-01-03, 23:03:16 (69.130.180.113)
I use a PS Audio Direct Stream Junior. It it long discontinued, but you can usually find them available (used, obviously) on TMRAUDIO. The Direct Stream (also called senior sometimes) is reportedly be .......
282: General Asylum, This list is a very large joke. (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-01-02, 19:47:33 (69.130.180.113)
It cannot be taken seriously. Where are: Nat Cole, Joe Williams, Johnny Hartmann, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae, Roy Orbison, Betty Carter, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, the Boswell Sisters? And why no ment .......
283: Hi-Rez Highway, I'm betting you will like it. (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2023-01-02, 07:07:05 (69.130.180.113)
But be aware: the SA12 is available outside North America and it is supposedly better. .......
284: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Website (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-12-31, 14:55:41 (69.130.180.113)
https://www.ch-precision.com/ .......
285: General Asylum, Becoming immersed in the music (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-12-29, 07:52:07 (69.130.180.113)
The linked article is actually a review of a phono preamp, but the first few paragraphs deal with the subject mentioned. I found them quite thoughtful and commend them to you for your reading pleasure .......
286: Speaker Asylum, RE: New suggested bookshelf speaker (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-12-27, 09:36:01 (69.130.180.113)
For only $1200, you can have (after a goodly wait) a pair of Magnepan LRS+, or for about $800 or so you can likely find a used pair of original LRS (there are 3 pair available in my area). The little .......
287: Speaker Asylum, An all-new S3 from Magico (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-12-27, 09:32:23 (69.130.180.113)
It's made from extruded aluminum, and costs $45k-$52k depending on finish. I'm sure the sound emanating therefrom will be quite enough to cause the average listener to have cluster orgasms. Several ma .......
288: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: 3.7i's powered by Musical Fidelity A5.5 enough? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-12-26, 12:44:41 (69.130.180.113)
This amp appears to have enough power (400 wpc @ 4 ohms) and appears to have a decent enough damping factor. Try it and see. You have a very nice of speakers. Do NOT cheap out on amplification. If th .......
289: General Asylum, If you are a Guns 'n Roses fan ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-12-24, 13:47:23 (69.130.180.113)
then you might like this article. I will refrain from snarky remarks about G'nR and fans ... https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/guns-n-roses-chinese-democracy-fans-leaks-axl-rose-123464 .......
290: Digital Drive, The problem(s) with blind testing ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-12-21, 20:19:56 (69.130.180.113)
What you hear in any component test, blind or not, is influenced by several things: the state of your ears, the state of your mind, how hungry you are or are not, how sober you are or aren't, the stat .......
291: General Asylum, One of my favorites too. (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-12-21, 20:10:01 (69.130.180.113)
Another is Charles Brown's Cool Yule. .......
292: Amp/Preamp Asylum, What's so intriguing? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-12-20, 13:39:17 (69.130.180.113)
Granted, they may sound great - haven't heard them - but they're quite expensive for what you get. Check out the class D offerings from PS Audio - you get a lot more for your money. .......
293: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Pass labs x260.8 monos or 350.8 on 20.7 (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-12-20, 08:41:15 (69.130.180.113)
PS Audio M1200s. Class D. Much better damping. Much lighter. Runs a lot cooler. Draws way less power. Costs less than half as much as the Pass units. https://www.psaudio.com/products/m1200-amplifier/# .......
294: General Asylum, RE: Chet Baker (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-12-20, 08:31:07 (69.130.180.113)
CB was a drugged-up little weenie. .......
295: General Asylum, Famous feuds in rock and rap (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-12-19, 08:39:40 (69.130.180.113)
A 2017 article from Rolling Stone about some rather famous dustups and serious feuds amongst and between rappers, rockers, and others in the pop music genres. https://getpocket.com/explore/item/music- .......
296: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Magnepan speakers ,,,,, underpowered vs proper power ,,,, sound difference .. (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-12-17, 14:36:25 (69.130.180.113)
When underpowered, they will sound strained. When properly powered, the sound will just flow. .......
297: Digital Drive, RE: Is digital audio analog? Oh, geez (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-12-17, 08:32:47 (69.130.180.113)
The "laser reading portion of CD playback is analog"?? Really? Then why do we need a DAC? The signal that comes off of a disc is digital, as I understand it. It is then passed to a DAC, which converts .......
298: General Asylum, RE: What Part Of A System Is Usually The Last To Become Dated? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-12-17, 08:21:01 (69.130.180.113)
Try one pair between your two most sensitive components - say, between disc transport and DAC, or between phono preamp and preamp - and listen closely for differences. What you hear or don't hear shou .......
299: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Choices, choices ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-12-15, 09:41:09 (69.130.180.113)
For nearly the same money, I can purchase: A new Benchmark LA4 preamp, or A used but still under warranty PS Audio BHK preamp (there's lots of others I could purchase too, but I'm only considering the .......
300: Jazz Alley, Phil Urso (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-12-14, 21:36:50 (69.130.180.113)
Phil Urso lived and played in Denver in the 80s and 90s while I was there so I got to hear him fairly regularly. Nice guy, great player, but boy was he an airhead! The album in question apparently doe .......
301: Speaker Asylum, Speaker wire binding posts (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-12-13, 15:59:47 (69.130.180.113)
If the existing posts accept plug-in banana plugs, terminate your speaker cables with banana plugs and forget changing out the posts. Also, try some solid core speaker wire before you spend a bunch of .......
302: Digital Drive, RE: Dac Attack (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-12-10, 09:39:12 (69.130.180.113)
Look around for a PS Audio Direct Stream Junior (Jr). They are long discontinued, but if you poke around the internet you can still find some new ones (never registered) for $2500-$3000. You will not .......
303: Cable Asylum, Stop buying cheap Chinese crap (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-12-10, 09:35:46 (69.130.180.113)
Just stop. If you just have an urge to spend money, buy music or go to a concert. .......
304: Speaker Asylum, You may well be right (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-12-08, 13:26:15 (69.130.180.113)
I had a pair of original LRS but sold them to buy a pair of 1.7i; there are times I regret doing that. I talked to a Magnepan dealer this morning who advises of a 12 week wait for delivery of LRS+. I .......
305: General Asylum, Why didn't you post this over at Cable Asylum? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-12-08, 07:48:32 (69.130.180.113)
I know, I know, you didn't want to get banished ... .......
306: General Asylum, RE: All aboard for a spectacular musical journey. (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-12-07, 06:29:44 (69.130.180.113)
I'll just bet more than 1 person worked on this, but the amount of time spent must be staggering. But if you're retired ... That's one hellaciously good model train layout. .......
307: Cable Asylum, RE: Canare 4S11 connector selection (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-12-05, 12:14:36 (69.130.180.113)
Try some solid conductor speaker cables. I find solid to be vastly superior to stranded. .......
308: Cable Asylum, RE: Worth the look (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-12-05, 12:13:47 (69.130.180.113)
The connectors look like WBT knockoffs. Apparently it's easier to make and sell knockoffs that to try to sell your own designs ... .......
309: Jazz Alley, I do not understand this (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-12-03, 18:39:15 (69.130.180.113)
If you car stalls on railroad tracks, common sense dictates you get out the car asap and stay out of it and off the tracks. There is no positive result to staying in the car. And how do you get stuck .......
310: Digital Drive, RE: Upgrade ARC DAC8? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-12-03, 09:56:59 (69.130.180.113)
That DAC8 is a dinosaur. And it probably is not upgradeable. Sell it. Check out tmraudio.com - they always have lots and lots of used equipment available and they are reputable. .......
311: Digital Drive, RE: Possible Transport Decision (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-12-02, 06:52:58 (69.130.180.113)
I have a Cambridge CXCv2 transport. It is surprisingly good. It does not play SACDs. I have retired it, however, in favor of a PS Audio sacd/cd transport. It is audibly superior to the CXC. It is also .......
312: Speaker Asylum, RE: OLAs and Maggies.... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-11-28, 07:22:24 (69.130.180.113)
Did you ever try stacking the OLAs? Back in the day, that was a thing. I had a couple of Dual turntables along the way, too, and I think one of them was a 1209, not sure. Also had a Miracord 50H that .......
313: Speaker Asylum, Original large Advents (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-11-27, 19:18:51 (69.130.180.113)
I bought a pair when they first came out and used them for a long time. Then I discovered Magnepans and the Advents got put away. But I kept them for a long time afterwards and years later sold them. .......
314: Jazz Alley, My fave is #8 - The Last Concert * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-11-27, 08:38:36 (69.130.180.113)
.......
315: Speaker Asylum, +1 on the Avalon Eidolons (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-11-26, 07:23:06 (69.130.180.113)
They remain the best box speaker I've ever heard. I've moved on to Magnepans since then, and lust after some big Sound Labs. .......
316: Speaker Asylum, RE: Anyone heard the KLH Kendall? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-11-25, 21:01:50 (69.130.180.113)
I have not heard them. The retail price in $750 each. I'm sure they are competent. For $1500, I'd buy a pair of Magnepan LRS+ with stands. I'm not a fan of box speakers and I have no reason to think t .......
317: Jazz Alley, I love solo Monk! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-11-22, 12:37:22 (69.130.180.113)
And I have at least a half dozen of his solo albums. Also really like his work with Charlie Rouse on tenor sax. .......
318: Cable Asylum, Try using solid conductor cables * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-11-20, 20:39:07 (69.130.180.113)
.......
319: General Asylum, TAS super LP list (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-11-16, 08:11:40 (69.130.180.113)
The latest version thereof. We need a super CD/SACD list. https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/2019-tas-super-lp-list/ .......
320: Digital Drive, Aren't they annoying enough in currently available formats? * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-11-15, 17:55:24 (69.130.180.113)
.......
321: General Asylum, I've been ruined (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-11-12, 10:50:24 (69.130.180.113)
I bought a whole bunch of new (to me) music recently. One was an SACD - I didn't know I was buying an SACD. I haven't heard an SACD in decades. I knew that a properly mastered SACD is audibly superior .......
322: Planar Speaker Asylum, +1 on the Anticables (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-11-12, 09:58:36 (69.130.180.113)
Reasonably priced, well made, reputable company, and a serious upgrade over stranded speaker cable. .......
323: Planar Speaker Asylum, Well ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-11-11, 10:57:55 (69.130.180.113)
if you google "magna risers", you will get a link to their website. Once there you can click on "contact". They (owner or wife) are very good about responding to email promptly. I used a pair of their .......
324: Speaker Asylum, RE: Andrew Jones new speaker reveal... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-11-11, 10:51:16 (69.130.180.113)
To me it's just another box speaker, nothing to get excited about. .......
325: Speaker Asylum, Sound Labs Majestic 945px (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-11-09, 09:54:06 (69.130.180.113)
Plenty of pics of it on the web, just search. If you have the room for it, and the electronics, and the source material, I expect there isn't anything on planet can touch it for SQ. In my own case, I' .......
326: Planar Speaker Asylum, And what was the charge including two way shipping (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-11-09, 08:00:32 (69.130.180.113)
to have this done? .......
327: Jazz Alley, Nice! * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-11-08, 16:34:12 (69.130.180.113)
.......
328: Classical Court, I love Scarlatti! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-11-06, 15:54:35 (69.130.180.113)
I put this one on my wishlist over at Amazon. Thanks for the recommend. .......
329: Jazz Alley, What's not to like? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-11-04, 21:34:20 (69.130.180.113)
Good musicians playing well, smiling and having a good time. Life don't get much better than this! .......
330: Digital Drive, RE: Marantz CD60 CD Player (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-11-03, 11:12:25 (69.130.180.113)
It may be a perfectly fine unit, but it isn't even the top of Marantz's line of CD players (top of their line is the SA-10 here and SA-12 elsewhere). .......
331: Planar Speaker Asylum, A further thought (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-11-02, 07:54:04 (69.130.180.113)
If you don't believe it, you won't hear it. .......
332: Jazz Alley, RE: NYC live jazz suggestions? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-11-01, 14:54:08 (69.130.180.113)
New Yorker magazine used to publish of who was playing where in the city - probably worth checking out. Be prepared to spend some serious coin ... .......
333: Planar Speaker Asylum, I am quite sure ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-11-01, 10:17:40 (69.130.180.113)
that, for $600, you will hear differences. I'll bet that if you open up your electronics and replace the internal fuses they have that you will hear even more improvement. And if you replace the point .......
334: Speaker Asylum, Excellent review of Magnepan's LRS+ (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-10-29, 09:10:40 (69.130.180.113)
Apparently it is a huge improvement over the original LRS, which I owned and liked a lot (before I replaced them with 1.7is). Review is long but worth the read if you are considering any speaker in th .......
335: General Asylum, The Killer is gone (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-10-28, 20:27:44 (69.130.180.113)
Jerry Lee Lewis has expired at age 87. IMHO, he was the white king of R&R (Chuck Berry being the black king). Obits are everywhere. Check out this video from the mid 1980s. Rock never got any better .......
336: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Sizing Maggie's to room (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-10-27, 17:25:45 (69.130.180.113)
1.7s will be better in that room for that kind of music, IMHO. I listen to a lot of big band jazz and the 1.7 is better than the LRS. That said, I do love me some LRS! It's a great speaker. ::: TOPIC: .......
337: General Asylum, How about ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-10-27, 08:17:58 (69.130.180.113)
"Wretched Excess, In A Small Room, With Bare Walls". .......
338: Jazz Alley, RE: What are your favourite big bands? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-10-26, 07:01:36 (69.130.180.113)
Basie is way out in front; Duke is 2nd. Been listening to and loving Mulligan's Concert Big Bands lately. Then there's the usual suspects - Woody Herman first and second herd, Lunceford, some of Fletc .......
339: Speaker Asylum, PS Audio FR30 loudspeaker (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-10-25, 09:33:36 (69.130.180.113)
I do not own this speaker. Nor have I heard it. Nor am I likely to, unfortunately. Nor am I in the employ of PS Audio. I am a huge fan of their equipment - my system is made up entirely of their equip .......
340: Cable Asylum, I have used those LC1 cables in the past (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-10-22, 17:36:02 (69.130.180.113)
Now, I only use balanced interconnects, which I bought from BJC. .......
341: General Asylum, RE: if you could spend 2 hours interviewing any (2) audio designers past or present, who would it be? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-10-22, 17:32:24 (69.130.180.113)
Henry Kloss and Paul McGowan. If two musicians, Count Basie and Clark Terry. .......
342: Planar Speaker Asylum, If you think ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-10-22, 08:48:03 (69.130.180.113)
The Red Hot Ray Brown Trio is good, get yourself a copy of Summer Wind: Live at the Loa, on Concord! Actually, all of the Ray Brown Trio records from the 1980s forward are worth having. Ray Brown was .......
343: Cable Asylum, A first class operation. I use them whenever I can. (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-10-21, 19:10:11 (69.130.180.113)
Just wish they made power cords. .......
344: Jazz Alley, One of the true greats (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-10-21, 06:22:46 (69.130.180.113)
On a par with Ray Brown and George Duvivier. .......
345: Classical Court, Wretched excess - Gould's 1981 Goldberg Variations (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-10-20, 13:17:03 (69.130.180.113)
Sony have issued an 11 CD with book package which apparently contains every outtake, false start, re-do, do-over, rehersal take, and whatever associated with this legendary recording. And the price se .......
346: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Wretched excess - darTZeel NHB-468 Monoblock Amplifier (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-10-20, 09:27:56 (69.130.180.113)
TAS is waxing rhapsodic about these amps, and why not? They are only $238K per pair!! $238K for two of 'em! And why wouldn't they sound great for that kind of money?? I know, I know, these things are .......
347: Digital Drive, RE: Naim Nova; need to add cd player (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-10-17, 11:11:04 (69.130.180.113)
If you are looking solely for a cd transport, I highly - highly - recommend the PS Audio unit. I also highly recommend the PS Audio Direct Stream DAC. You can also find Direct Stream Junior DACs if yo .......
348: General Asylum, Yes ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-10-16, 18:15:18 (69.130.180.113)
I would replace the GCD with an LA4, if I go that route. .......
349: General Asylum, Two questions (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-10-16, 10:27:15 (69.130.180.113)
1. How much money do you have invested in your current system, excluding equipment you may have but are not currently using. 2. What will be your next equipment purchase. For myself: 1. About $13k inc .......
350: General Asylum, Cash on the barrelhead (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-10-16, 06:49:55 (69.130.180.113)
Meet in a public place and bring a friend or two with you, preferably ones who are stout and mildly intimidating. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CmhGGkR2BQ .......
351: Planar Speaker Asylum, What I hate even worse ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-10-15, 15:21:00 (69.130.180.113)
is when the drums are on the right for the first half of the tune, and the all of a sudden are on the left! Do these engineers even have ears??? .......
352: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: I've scoped it out... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-10-15, 08:46:38 (69.130.180.113)
going from 175 to 300 wpc won't make much difference with Maggies. Look into some high powered class D amps. I'm running PS Audio M700s (700 wpc @4 ohms) and my Maggies seem quite happy. .......
353: Jazz Alley, Here's Rick Beato getting all moist ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-10-12, 18:30:10 (69.130.180.113)
about Steve Gadd's playing on AJA. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXH7cqrTbmM I don't really understand what all the hand waving is about, but apparently what Gadd was doing 50 years ago was all new. .......
354: Digital Drive, I have a Direct Stream Jr. (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-10-12, 08:46:10 (69.130.180.113)
And I do love it! Now, if you want to really kick things up a notch, get yourself a PS Audio SACD/CD transport. The improvement is ... big. Real big. .......
355: General Asylum, Well ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-10-09, 13:13:34 (69.130.180.113)
there's McIntosh apparel and "gifts" which you can see here: https://shop.mcintoshlabs.com/collections/gifts And all those "gifts" have the same primary attribute as Mac hardware: overpriced! ::: TOPI .......
356: Jazz Alley, Would that bassist be Brian Torff? * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-10-08, 19:06:57 (69.130.180.113)
.......
357: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Ordered 1.7i (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-10-08, 09:06:57 (69.130.180.113)
If you get your 1.7s in 6 weeks, I will be very surprised. Took at least twice as long to get mine. I'd bet that Magnepan makes a run of a given model, then makes a run of another model, etc. I'd also .......
358: Jazz Alley, Here's a story (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-10-03, 10:39:10 (69.130.180.113)
One night in NYC in the 1940s, Coleman Hawkins is sitting in with a band, and several other guys are waiting their turn to sit in. One of those waiting is an older, experienced player, and he is sitti .......
359: Cable Asylum, RE: I found some Incredible Value / Sounding Cables (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-09-28, 20:08:30 (69.130.180.113)
The company is indeed called Chicago Cable Company and they have a large and assorted number of cables available at reasonable prices. I've no idea about SQ, however. I've been using Blue Jeans Cable .......
360: General Asylum, Live Music (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-09-28, 09:09:36 (69.130.180.113)
In my life, I've been fortunate to hear many world class musicians, in several genres, unamplified (or minimally so), up close, and personal. I treasure these moments. I know what unamplified music so .......
361: General Asylum, RE: This is fallout from the MoFi fiasco (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-09-24, 20:46:07 (69.130.180.113)
If it sounds good to you, why do you care whether there is any digital processing in the production chain? .......
362: General Asylum, I believe this boy is telling the truth!! * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-09-24, 10:04:41 (69.130.180.113)
.......
363: General Asylum, High Definition Tape Transfers (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-09-22, 09:26:12 (69.130.180.113)
HDTT is a (small I presume) company in Canada which does superior - and I do mean superior - reissues of classic recordings, both jazz, some pop, and classical. I recently purchased 5 of their reissue .......
364: Planar Speaker Asylum, Magnepan obviously has production problems (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-09-21, 16:56:24 (69.130.180.113)
could be people, could be parts, could be broken machinery, who knows. Whatever it is, Magnepan needs to get it fixed before they start losing business. .......
365: Speaker Asylum, It certainly looks that way, doesn't it! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-09-20, 20:45:12 (69.130.180.113)
Well, I hereby consign all of them to Wretched Excess! .......
366: Speaker Asylum, Wretched excess - a new high! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-09-20, 08:55:21 (69.130.180.113)
Or low ... The Magico M9 .. a mere $750k (per pair I hope). Robert Harley says it's a "landmark achievement"! For that much money it better be. I am sure my local Magico dealer will have it in stock f .......
367: General Asylum, The solution is simple (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-09-20, 08:41:21 (69.130.180.113)
shitcan your tv and tv service. Most of what you can see on tv is moronic at best, not to mention insulting. And I don't know if the ads or the programs are the worst offenders. Listen to music, read, .......
368: Jazz Alley, Indeed he does - thanks for posting * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-09-17, 08:26:30 (69.130.180.113)
.......
369: Jazz Alley, RE: Diana Krall versus other singer/pianists? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-09-16, 08:21:42 (69.130.180.113)
DK is popular, she brings jazz to the masses, which is a good thing. Plenty of better pianists are virtually unknown outside of various factions of the jazz community. Who, for instance, knows of Dan .......
370: General Asylum, Yet another 100 best albums list (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-09-15, 12:52:26 (69.130.180.113)
Lots of the usual suspects, but not much of interest to me ... https://consequence.net/2022/09/best-albums-all-time-list/ .......
371: General Asylum, Capacitors blowing up in slow motion (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-09-15, 12:11:00 (69.130.180.113)
Now you know why power surges are so destructive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WUxgmMDts4 .......
372: Jazz Alley, Talk about damning with faint praise! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-09-14, 17:08:08 (69.130.180.113)
She is a B+ pianist and an A singer. She may not be your cup of tea, and I admit to not being her biggest fan, but she does what she does very well. I do know Ray Brown - he of bass playing fame - lik .......
373: Jazz Alley, Blasphemous? Blasphemous??? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-09-11, 13:43:12 (69.130.180.113)
How could you say such a thing?? LOL! .......
374: General Asylum, Thank you, ABE!!! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-09-11, 13:38:13 (69.130.180.113)
You have spelled out my frustrations with vinyl to a "T"!!! .......
375: General Asylum, Here's the question (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-09-11, 09:45:41 (69.130.180.113)
Do you enjoy the distortions of LP or of digital? Take your choice. Do you enjoy the constant fiddling and never-ending expenses of LP, or the simple convenience of digital? Take your choice. Do you l .......
376: General Asylum, Thank you! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-09-11, 09:40:27 (69.130.180.113)
This is the invisible elephant in the room that no one wants to discuss. And yet another reason why I'm not giving up my CDs. If you entrust your data - be it personal music, personal data, or corpora .......
377: Planar Speaker Asylum, Tom Martin of TAS on the LRS+ (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-09-09, 08:50:19 (69.130.180.113)
Speaker of the decade?! https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-magnepan-lrs-when-is-an-exceptional-speaker-what-you-want/ .......
378: Jazz Alley, Yet ANOTHER version of KOB!! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-09-07, 08:26:03 (69.130.180.113)
This one from HDTT, in Pure DSD256. But it's not mastered from the original tapes, but from a copy. And ... wait for it ... it's the best version yet issued! That is, if you believe the review in Posi .......
379: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Suggestions (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-09-06, 12:41:07 (69.130.180.113)
1. The input you are using could be bad. Try a different one. 2. Try using a different electrical outlet. 3. Is the mute switch activated. 4. unplug and leave unplugged for 30 minutes. Then try again. .......
380: Speaker Asylum, I tried testing the bottom end (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-09-03, 18:37:36 (69.130.180.113)
of my neighbor's wife recently ... didn't go well ... .......
381: General Asylum, Rolling Stone's 100 greatest country albums (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-09-02, 08:20:56 (69.130.180.113)
It's a good list, and we won't all agree about it, but it's someplace to start. Was happy to see Merle Haggard on it 3 times. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-country-albums-1234581 .......
382: General Asylum, I'd get a new cd/sacd transport (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-30, 15:12:26 (69.130.180.113)
You'd be amazed at the difference a new one makes. .......
383: Digital Drive, RE: Do I bother with a DAC? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-28, 19:59:36 (69.130.180.113)
If you are going to stick with physical media, then I recommend you get the best separate transport and DAC that you can afford. A good quality transport makes a HUGE difference in the sound you hear. .......
384: Jazz Alley, I love good drummers! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-27, 07:45:07 (69.130.180.113)
And Purdie is a good one! And you're right, we need more joy in jazz. .......
385: Inmate Central, You ask a tough question! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-25, 13:02:01 (69.130.180.113)
I will say that Jeep is the real deal for off-roading. Mac is terrible at off-roading ... .......
386: General Asylum, Vintage vs. modern (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-23, 10:35:02 (69.130.180.113)
In every equipment category, modern trumps vintage, and usually in a very big way. I loved my Original Advents. They can't hold a candle to modern box speakers. I loved my old Mac gear. It doesn't hav .......
387: Digital Drive, PS Audio Perfectwave SACD transport (pwt) (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-21, 13:39:49 (69.130.180.113)
I have had this unit for 8 days now. It is connected to my Directstream Jr. DAC via the i2s connection (hdmi cable) as recommended by PSA. It replaces a Cambridge CXCV2 transport. The PWT is clearly s .......
388: Planar Speaker Asylum, Try these (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-21, 09:12:49 (69.130.180.113)
The work great, on both ends of cable (need 5 way binding posts on amp). https://www.parts-express.com/BFA-Plug-with-Dual-Set-Screws-and-Poly-Carbonate-Shell-2-Pr.-091-3600 .......
389: General Asylum, RE: Do your music preferences affect you sound character preference? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-20, 10:23:28 (69.130.180.113)
I listen to a lot of acoustic guitar and piano-based music. This has led me to prefer Magnepan speakers over the decades because Maggies reproduce this type of music particularly well. .......
390: Planar Speaker Asylum, My experience (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-19, 07:45:58 (69.130.180.113)
I used a pair of Magnarisers on my LRS before trading them for a pair of 1.7s. I am somewhat dis-satisfied with my 1.7s. Maybe it's because I do not have them properly positioned. I think the LRS give .......
391: Speaker Asylum, Well ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-17, 18:49:48 (69.130.180.113)
The B&O merged with the C&O and WM in 1973 to form the Chessie System, so it was a long time ago ... .......
392: Planar Speaker Asylum, What do we think? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-17, 09:56:51 (69.130.180.113)
I think we've been over this before. Forget the Arcam. Get a higher power class D amp and be happier. .......
393: Speaker Asylum, It was a good railroad, back in the day * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-17, 09:55:23 (69.130.180.113)
.......
394: General Asylum, R2R tape machines (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-16, 09:28:52 (69.130.180.113)
A survey (?) of available quality tape machines, priced from $6k to $90k. I was mildly tempted to do a "wretched excess" post on these machines, but decided, no, these things really are complex and mu .......
395: Planar Speaker Asylum, Sales guys get paid to talk ... * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-14, 14:37:14 (69.130.180.113)
.......
396: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: PS Audio BHK 250 vs PS Audio M1200 (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-14, 14:34:29 (69.130.180.113)
I have a pair of PSA m700s (class D) and they have no treble issues. Call PS Audio and talk to them. Their sales guys are knowledgeable. Also, they have BHK250s on markdown (thru August I think). ::: .......
397: General Asylum, Well, I didn't do this intentionally (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-14, 09:43:01 (69.130.180.113)
I now have all-PS-Audio system, except for cables (mixture of BJC, Audioquest and Anticables) and speakers (Magnepan 1.7i). Of course, it sounds pretty good to me - how could it not, I got a lot of mo .......
398: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Thank you Rod!! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-12, 19:15:17 (69.130.180.113)
Works now! .......
399: General Asylum, RE: Canada Honors Oscar Peterson on new Loonie... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-12, 19:14:31 (69.130.180.113)
Oscar was THE best! .......
400: Digital Drive, RE: PS Audio PerfectWave SACD transport on the way (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-12, 08:34:52 (69.130.180.113)
Does i2s provide any benefit when playing regular ol' CDs? .......
401: Digital Drive, RE: PS Audio PerfectWave SACD transport on the way (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-11, 20:06:01 (69.130.180.113)
I have a PS Audio Direct Stream Jr. DAC, which can handle anything the transport outputs. .......
402: Digital Drive, RE: PS Audio PerfectWave SACD transport on the way (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-11, 15:33:03 (69.130.180.113)
Thanks, Abe. I was about to buy a Luxman d-03x cd player for about the same price. And then I saw this sale. I never buy PS Audio gear at full price - just have patience and wait for a sale! I shall h .......
403: Digital Drive, PS Audio PerfectWave SACD transport on the way (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-11, 09:58:14 (69.130.180.113)
I'm jazzed! It also plays CDs or course, but now I might have to start buying SACDs?? Sigh ... Nice sale going on at PS Audio right now ... .......
404: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Hey Rod! Help! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-11, 09:54:44 (69.130.180.113)
Rod - still no joy. Cannot create new topic in General. Not a problem in other forums. This is very strange ... .......
405: Jazz Alley, New release from Duke Robillard! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-11, 08:35:02 (69.130.180.113)
Love me some Duke R!! Short review at link. https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-duke-robillard-band-they-called-it-rhythm-blues .......
406: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: The first production run of LRS+ are showing up (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-09, 16:38:51 (69.130.180.113)
Watch this video also. It's quite informative. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUyyyCGz4zo&t=0s .......
407: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Hey Rod! Help! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-09, 08:05:41 (69.130.180.113)
Rod - I cannot post to General Asylum, but can post to other Asylums. Can you help? Thank you. .......
408: Jazz Alley, RE: Saying goodbye. I'm exiting. (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-08, 19:18:32 (69.130.180.113)
I'll miss you. .......
409: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Mofi debacle even makes the Washington Post (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-08, 07:26:35 (69.130.180.113)
I am not a consumer of vinyl, as all of you who frequent this board assuredly know. Nonetheless, I've been following this situation with mild interest. Mofi broke trust with its customers. That's not .......
410: Jazz Alley, Just F*in' Fabulous - thanks * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-07, 18:40:06 (69.130.180.113)
.......
411: Digital Drive, Problem reading a disc (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-07, 09:19:32 (69.130.180.113)
My CD transport will not read a new CD I bought. So I cleaned the disc and tried it again. Still no joy. Transport is a Cambridge CXCV2 purchased about 18 months ago. My neighbor's cd player (brand/mo .......
412: Jazz Alley, RE: Flavors of Nearness - pick your favorite or post it. (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-07, 08:00:15 (69.130.180.113)
Here's a nice one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEC8XPqSkvw The version by Norah Jones is sublime. The one by the 'Stones is ... well ... interesting ... .......
413: Amp/Preamp Asylum, You may well be right (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-05, 08:19:49 (69.130.180.113)
But there are already a lot of amps in this price and power range out there, so I guess I don't understand why they want to try to compete in that market segment. Maybe customers are demanding somethi .......
414: Amp/Preamp Asylum, PS Audio new BHK600 power amp (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-04, 21:02:44 (69.130.180.113)
Per email from PS Audio, they will be releasing a new class AB amp, the BHK600, next month. I seem to remember seeing somewhere a price of about $30k, and I don't know if that's for a single stereo am .......
415: Digital Drive, Luxman d-03x cd player (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-04, 20:36:29 (69.130.180.113)
This unit has gotten a couple of nice reviews and my regular sales guy says his customers who have bought the unit rave about it. Anyone here have any experience of this piece? .......
416: Digital Drive, DACs are like phono carts (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-04, 10:23:16 (69.130.180.113)
If you don't like the sound of one, try another. There's a lot of them out there you can try. .......
417: Planar Speaker Asylum, Probably not (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-03, 11:40:30 (69.130.180.113)
It's underpowered. Get yourself something that outputs about 250w @ 4 ohms. The Parasound Hint 6 integrated comes to mind. A PS Audio Stellar stack would be a lot better. .......
418: Jazz Alley, Thanks for posting (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-08-01, 06:58:12 (69.130.180.113)
always nice to hear from someone with musical training .......
419: Planar Speaker Asylum, Steve Guttenberg thinks otherwise (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-07-30, 10:18:57 (69.130.180.113)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGR6iw9FpkI .......
420: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: NO (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-07-22, 08:13:43 (69.130.180.113)
One might also do the same with one's lady friends ... .......
421: Jazz Alley, Time for a change indeed (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-07-20, 19:03:36 (69.130.180.113)
Grant the Duke the award posthaste. He more than earned it. If I recall correctly, Wynton Marsalis was once asked for his opinion of various jazz musicians. When asked about Ellington, his response wa .......
422: Jazz Alley, Tom? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-07-18, 11:06:52 (69.130.180.113)
Never heard him refered to as "Tom", always "Tommy". Anyhow, he could flatly play. Thanks for posting. .......
423: Music Lane, Get this record! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-07-15, 09:57:47 (69.130.180.113)
Doc and Dawg, on Acoustic Disc label. Doc Watson and David Grisman. Every tune is a keeper, esp. Bye Bye Blues, which is a "hidden" track that starts about 30 secords after the final listed track. Thi .......
424: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Your assumption is correct * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-07-09, 18:44:16 (69.130.180.113)
.......
425: Planar Speaker Asylum, My (not so) humble opinion (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-07-08, 10:34:59 (69.130.180.113)
If you are happy with your 20.7s, then be happy with them. Spend the money you'd spend on replacements on music instead. But if you've got the bound-tos to replace your 20.7s, then I suggest you consi .......
426: Classical Court, RE: Is any music really bad? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-07-05, 18:44:29 (69.130.180.113)
I readily admit to being a musical snob. I have heard music played by some of the truly great players. I have also heard music played by truly bad players, or, in some cases, under-experienced players .......
427: Classical Court, A madman's guide to Wagner (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-07-05, 07:58:47 (69.130.180.113)
Interesting essay by a Wagner fanatic. https://thecritic.co.uk/a-madmans-guide-to-wagner/ .......
428: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Tubes and LRS, Glorious! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-07-02, 07:20:50 (69.130.180.113)
Excellent! When I first got my LRSes, I used a Rogue Cronus Magnum 2 integrated, and the sound was lovely; but my room is large and the amp was constantly straining. A pair of class D amps solved that .......
429: Digital Drive, RE: Jolida JD100 vs BAT VK-D5SE (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-07-01, 19:23:45 (69.130.180.113)
Buy a NEW cd player. I'd recommend a Rega, but there are others in your price range. The problem with old cd players is their age - the transport can fail at any time and will (usually) be unfixable o .......
430: Digital Drive, RE: " The qualities of the vinyl disc are unquestionable " (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-06-25, 09:35:44 (69.130.180.113)
Just so: clicks, ticks, tape hiss, pops, warped media, tracking errors, speed errors, sensitivity to vibration, static electricity, expense vs. digital, need for cleaning, sleeves, and on and on and o .......
431: Digital Drive, RE: Audiolab 6000CDT in da house! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-06-23, 07:07:04 (69.130.180.113)
A while back I had to have a new CD transport and purchased the Cambridge CXC V2 because it uses a conventional tray and not a slot. I was worried about the slot swallowing a disc and never ejecting i .......
432: Amp/Preamp Asylum, You reinforce my point (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-06-22, 07:24:30 (69.130.180.113)
I am anxiously awaiting the day I hit a big lotto jackpot so that I can (1) buy the bigger version of my current speakers, and (2) give most of that money to worthy causes. Beyond a certain amount, mo .......
433: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Wretched excess, $100k amps (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-06-21, 22:06:03 (69.130.180.113)
I am sure all these amps sound perfectly wonderful. I am also sure that they are manufactured to be purchased by people with waaaayyyyyyyy more money than ears. After all, you need a $100k+ amp to go .......
434: Amp/Preamp Asylum, I will get there!! * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-06-21, 15:05:11 (69.130.180.113)
.......
435: Digital Drive, RE: 100V Japanese unit with a step down work???? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-06-19, 08:59:29 (69.130.180.113)
There apparently are a lot of fake CEC units available from Asia. And the US distributor won't service them. .......
436: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Wretched Excess! Heavyweight division (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-06-18, 08:27:28 (69.130.180.113)
A 151 pound preamp? Really?? But Fremer says it sounds wonderful (how could it not?). https://www.stereophile.com/content/gryphon-commander-line-preamplifier .......
437: Digital Drive, Very helpful - thank you * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-06-14, 07:01:21 (69.130.180.113)
.......
438: Digital Drive, CEC belt drive CD transports (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-06-11, 12:05:18 (69.130.180.113)
Does anyone have any experience with and/or informed opinions about said transports? I like the top loading feature, and the fact that you can get a stabilizing puck if you want, but I'm unsure about .......
439: Planar Speaker Asylum, Well, this is irritating (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-06-11, 07:52:52 (69.130.180.113)
I've been fiddling wit my 1.7is, trying to get them exactly - hah! - positioned. It's an ongoing process, still far from complete. Until Tuesday. Had some house cleaners in and they move at least one .......
440: Jazz Alley, Thigpen * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-06-07, 13:06:01 (69.130.180.113)
.......
441: Jazz Alley, Anita O'Day in concert (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-06-06, 20:13:54 (69.130.180.113)
and in top form, I might add. Enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwueWoo7n-8 .......
442: Jazz Alley, A gem indeed (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-06-06, 07:55:17 (69.130.180.113)
Three A+ players and one only an A ... can't help with the best version, however ... .......
443: Cable Asylum, RE: Audio Magic vs. Top Manufacturers. (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-06-05, 08:11:48 (69.130.180.113)
Buy one of their products and try it in your system. Let your ears be your guide. If you spend big bucks on something they sell, I'm sure you'll hear some difference. Whether it's an improvement is su .......
444: General Asylum, There are lots of clips on Youtube (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-06-02, 12:58:40 (69.130.180.113)
This is one of my favorites ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9-FfwwXRDg .......
445: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Is the 'temporary' suspension of speaker repair & parts orders still on? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-05-31, 15:23:46 (69.130.180.113)
Magnepan responds to dealers faster than to ultimate purchasers. .......
446: General Asylum, RE: Here's a REAL factory for audio gear (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-05-31, 08:52:51 (69.130.180.113)
I am a HUGE fan of PS Audio. Their equipment is really good, esp. considering the prices they charge, and Paul's videos tend to be quite informative, even if - as expected - they do occasionally push .......
447: Tweakers' Asylum, So which end goes up? * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-05-30, 14:59:45 (69.130.180.113)
.......
448: Digital Drive, RE: Using OBJECTIVITY which would sound better (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-05-30, 07:27:48 (69.130.180.113)
The best sounding one will be the one with the best power supply and the best analog output stage. But, and it's a big but, it will sound better or worse depending on what amplification chain and spea .......
449: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: So, my amps repair with shipping, about $1600.00 (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-05-26, 19:11:08 (69.130.180.113)
Repairing a 34 yo amp is like putting lipstick on a pig: the pig looks prettier, but it's still a pig. Junk that old amp, get something new. Schiit and PS Audio are good choices, but if you are going .......
450: Digital Drive, Listen before you buy (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-05-25, 06:49:44 (69.130.180.113)
That unit is ancient so there could be lots of problems, particularly with the drive or servo units. If one or other goes bad, you may not be able to replace it with new parts. Sony units had some nic .......
451: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Good survey of integrated amps (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-05-24, 07:56:48 (69.130.180.113)
I'd like to hear the VAC piece, but $150k?? Wretched Excess! https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/editors-choice-integrated-amplifiers-3000-and-up .......
452: General Asylum, You forgot to mention ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-05-22, 09:08:40 (69.130.180.113)
the joy of driving thru Denver on I25, esp. during rush hour. Colo. Spgs. is probably just as bad by now too. I left Denver in 2001. Spent 22 years there and loved every minute. But anymore, it's just .......
453: General Asylum, There is no standard (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-05-18, 09:31:13 (69.130.180.113)
A reviewer for one of the big two audio mags makes this statement in a review of a DAC: "But I will go on the record that if a neutral, high-resolution, modern, well-configured DAC that sounds as true .......
454: Planar Speaker Asylum, The binding posts are designed for banana plugs (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-05-18, 09:12:17 (69.130.180.113)
and yes it is hard to manipulate the allen screws. I suggest you get speaker cables that are terminated with bananas and your problem will be solved. And if the bananas are tight enough you won't have .......
455: Cable Asylum, RE: Warm Side of Neutral Interconnect (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-05-17, 07:46:57 (69.130.180.113)
How do you determine what's "neutral"? And then, how do you determine what's "warm"? Maybe if you stopped fiddling with cables and got yourself something like a Schiit Loki Max, you could spend less t .......
456: Amp/Preamp Asylum, 20 wpc per channel!! A real powerhouse! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-05-12, 08:20:53 (69.130.180.113)
And you can heat small spaces with it! And buy new tubes regularly (note you have to buy in pairs, even if only one tube is bad)! And lots of distortion! And you choice of loudspeakers is rather limit .......
457: Digital Drive, New McIntosh cd player/DAC (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-05-11, 11:01:00 (69.130.180.113)
Mcintosh has introduced the MCD12000, price $12K, which you can read about at the website. The writeup states as follows: "All outputs are driven by discrete amplifiers or a blend of vacuum tubes and .......
458: Speaker Asylum, Think Magnepan! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-05-11, 10:53:46 (69.130.180.113)
I recently traded in a pair of LRS, which I dearly loved, for a pair of 1.7is, which I am also loving. You owe it to yourself to audition them. .......
459: Jazz Alley, RE: Ron Carter at Carnegie Hall (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-05-08, 19:18:15 (69.130.180.113)
I don't live in NYC thank god, but if I did I'd definitely attend this. He's a living legend. .......
460: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: PS Audio SALE (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-05-05, 12:39:30 (69.130.180.113)
I don't think you will have any problem with PS Audio gear in this regard - I don't, anyway, and I listen to a lot of piano and other string instruments. If you listen to a lot of piano music, you may .......
461: Amp/Preamp Asylum, S300 vs. M700s (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-05-05, 08:48:20 (69.130.180.113)
When I purchased by first batch of PS Audio gear, I was considering the S300, but the sales guy (since departed) stated that the M700s were a far better product sonically. I've never heard the S300, b .......
462: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: PS Audio SALE (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-05-04, 19:27:32 (69.130.180.113)
Great discounts on great gear. My system is almost completely composed of PS Audio gear and I like what I hear. No affiliation. .......
463: Planar Speaker Asylum, Talk to a dealer (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-04-30, 07:16:45 (69.130.180.113)
Dealers will get action quicker than you can. .......
464: General Asylum, Are you bored? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-04-30, 07:14:43 (69.130.180.113)
Need something to whine about? Nothing wrong with the format of AA. It's quite servicable and it works nicely. Besides which, changing the format will not increase traffic or the level of intelligence .......
465: Amp/Preamp Asylum, The problem (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-04-28, 11:25:41 (69.130.180.113)
DACs with a volume control implement same in the digital domain by dropping bits. If you're OK with that, you don't need a preamp. I tried using the volume control feature of my Direct Stream Jr., but .......
466: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: my next integrated SS amp / suggestions? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-04-27, 12:54:09 (69.130.180.113)
For $5k, my top choice would be the Anthem STR integrated. Check out the BAT VK3000i (now discontinued) for $6400 at Upscale Audio for $6400. .......
467: Speaker Asylum, RE: Magnepan LRS (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-04-22, 20:20:04 (69.130.180.113)
The LRS are hellaciously good. Be prepared to wait about 5 months to receive them after your order is placed. They will be better with after-market stands - I used Magna Risers on mine. .......
468: Planar Speaker Asylum, Steve Guttenburg likes the LRS+ (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-04-22, 08:14:57 (69.130.180.113)
Video here, and a good video it is. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGR6iw9FpkI .......
469: Planar Speaker Asylum, Actually it does (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-04-22, 08:02:18 (69.130.180.113)
If you currently build 10 products and cannot keep up with demand, and you introduce a new product for which there is demand, then your production of the original 10 will fall even further behind. You .......
470: Planar Speaker Asylum, My thoughts exactly (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-04-21, 18:49:36 (69.130.180.113)
Stop introducing new models until you've got your production problems under control. .......
471: General Asylum, The other side of the tracks (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-04-20, 13:29:09 (69.130.180.113)
Excellent essay by Dan Crary. Do you see yourself therein? I sure saw myself. https://dancrary.com/t-other-side-of-the-tracks/ .......
472: General Asylum, RE: Well... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-04-16, 19:50:26 (69.130.180.113)
I am very much interested in the success of American companies, so I wish Steinway all the best. As for B'dorfer, I've no idea about piano quality as I don't play one. And I appreciate your input on t .......
473: General Asylum, RE: Steinway & Sons files with SEC for NYSE IPO... start saving up! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-04-16, 13:06:07 (69.130.180.113)
I hate to see a private company go public. Just hate it. FWIW, which isn't much, I've always been under the impression that Bosendorfers are better pianos than Steinways. .......
474: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Gryphon Diablo / Pass X/XA compare with Mags (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-04-15, 14:10:22 (69.130.180.113)
The INT250 would work nicely I think, but try to find one. A good class D amp would be cheaper and sound just as good, if not better. Several people here are using PS Audio M700 or M1200 and like them .......
475: Jazz Alley, A short history of jazz drumming (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-04-15, 08:09:25 (69.130.180.113)
Good essay from Stereophile. https://www.stereophile.com/content/from-congo-square-times-square-short-history-drums-jazz I note that Gus Johnson, Butch Miles and Jeff Hamilton are not mentioned ... si .......
476: General Asylum, RE: Surprised you, as a jazz fan, would agree with him. nt (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-04-13, 11:01:48 (69.130.180.113)
The last live jazz performance I went to was in 2006 to see Les Paul at the Iridium in NYC. I went to put eyeballs on Les and to see the stage show, not necessarily for the music. Although the music w .......
477: General Asylum, On live music (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-04-13, 08:23:24 (69.130.180.113)
Excellent short essay on the subject from Stereophile. The author enumerates many of the reasons I do not attend live performances very often. https://www.stereophile.com/content/live-music ::: TOPIC: .......
478: Planar Speaker Asylum, The Sanders 10e showed pretty well too (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-04-12, 22:09:11 (69.130.180.113)
I'd be very happy with the Sanders or the Maggies or the Sound Labs! .......
479: Cable Asylum, RE: How is this helpful? (nt) (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-04-12, 12:24:26 (69.130.180.113)
Nobody else has my ears. All anyone can say is, this component sounds good to me. It's impossible to say that said component will sound good to anyone else. Besides, the number of different speaker ca .......
480: Cable Asylum, Are you listening to music or cables? * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-04-12, 08:21:36 (69.130.180.113)
.......
481: Cable Asylum, You have to have a gimmick, I guess ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-04-08, 08:08:23 (69.130.180.113)
Sigh ... https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2022/04/08/purist-audio-design-poseidon-speaker-cables-review/ .......
482: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Hey Abe - how's that LA4 sounding now? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-04-07, 10:42:12 (69.130.180.113)
Inquiring minds want to know! .......
483: Speaker Asylum, RE: Are 3-way speakers better than 2-way, with piano recordings ? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-04-07, 07:53:29 (69.130.180.113)
Magnepans do piano extremely well. I suspect that all planar speakers do. I do not like box speakers. They all tend to sound boxy. .......
484: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: LRS - poor man review (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-04-05, 19:22:30 (69.130.180.113)
I used a pair of LRS for two years and flat out loved them (now using 1.7s). I would not hesitate to buy another pair for a 2nd system. I think as long as you keep your room small you will be happy w .......
485: Jazz Alley, What's your favorite iconic jazz image? Here's mine, post yours. (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-04-03, 09:25:14 (69.130.180.113)
.......
486: General Asylum, You need one of these! (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-04-01, 20:21:07 (69.130.180.113)
And it's solid silver too! https://tmraudio.com/accessories/miscellaneous/tmr-waxcavator-99-9999-pure-silver-6-piece-audiophile-earwax-removal-kit/?showHidden=true&utm_source=The+Music+Room+Email+News .......
487: General Asylum, A little further info (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-03-31, 10:48:35 (69.130.180.113)
The PS Audio room at Montreal was NOT put on by PSA directly but by their local distributor, who also happens to be a Kimber distributor. This info per a conversation with PSA this morning. ::: TOPIC: .......
488: General Asylum, This is very interesting (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-03-31, 07:20:15 (69.130.180.113)
At the recently concluded Montreal Audio Fest, PS Audio was displaying their new loudspeaker, powered by an all-PS-Audio suite of electronics (as one would expect), and the cabling used was ... Kimber .......
489: Digital Drive, My experience (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-03-30, 18:01:59 (69.130.180.113)
I was using a Bryston BCD1 as a transport only. Then it died. So I purchased a Cambridge CXCV2 transport. The difference was striking. I do not know why. I beleive Paul McGowan of PS Audio has made a .......
490: Speaker Asylum, Speakers under $1000 per pair (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-03-28, 08:22:16 (69.130.180.113)
A nice product roundup from TAS. I can personally attest to the goodness of the Magnepan LRSes. https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/editors-choice-speakers-under-1000 .......
491: Digital Drive, RE: Suggestions for a redbook CD player $800-$2000? (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-03-27, 11:29:14 (69.130.180.113)
How about a Cambridge CXCV2 cd transport and a Schiit Bifrost DAC. Well under $1500 including shipping. You will need a coax cable to connect the transport to the DAC. I suspect this combo will sound .......
492: Planar Speaker Asylum, Questions about those ficus trees (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-03-27, 11:21:10 (69.130.180.113)
Where did you get them? How much did they cost? How tall are they? And any and all additional info will be very helpful. Thank you. .......
493: Digital Drive, I did read the same review you read (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-03-24, 21:26:58 (69.130.180.113)
When I say "best", I do not mean complimentary necessarily, I mean well written. You can write a great review which trashes a product, or one which praises a product. .......
494: Digital Drive, Luxman D-03x cd player (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-03-24, 14:39:43 (69.130.180.113)
Anyone have any experience with this unit? It gets decent reviews. .......
495: Digital Drive, That's one of the best reviews I've ever read (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-03-24, 09:08:43 (69.130.180.113)
I suspect the problem with this player is the analog output section. The review says nothing about that, though. .......
496: Digital Drive, Another good reason to remain unmarried ... * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-03-23, 07:41:55 (69.130.180.113)
.......
497: Digital Drive, RE: My Luxman Encounter (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-03-22, 08:43:16 (69.130.180.113)
Perhaps you would have been more impressed with the PS Audio unit if you had used a better transport. Cambridge is low-end gear. But I must say, I use their CXCV2 as my transport. I know there are bet .......
498: Amp/Preamp Asylum, How many people ... (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-03-19, 09:48:58 (69.130.180.113)
participating in this thread are electrical engineers, or have ever designed an amp from scratch, or to a price point? If you have not done these things, then how are you qualified to pontificate on t .......
499: General Asylum, Great stuff! Thanks! * (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-03-18, 21:34:24 (69.130.180.113)
\ .......
500: Jazz Alley, 13 female jazz singers you need to hear (0.00)
Posted by Mike K on 2022-03-17, 08:26:41 (69.130.180.113)
at least according to an article in TAS ... https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/thirteen-female-jazz-vocalists-you-need-to-hear .......
Found total of 500 records, Query: , Author: Mike K in All Forums, Time: 4 sec.