abecollins

Responses from abecollins

Help on premium cd player
Cary 306/200 $5000 LIST but who pays LIST?http://caryaudio.com/cd306_200.html 
Tube Experts -- Help with Retubing AR amp
I would recommend getting TWO sets of matched quads for the power tubes. I used Svetlana 6550C's in my VT100 MKII. For the driver tubes I chose JAN-Philips 7308 Low Noise. You need 8 driver tubes and I had 12 on hand to get a reasonably good match... 
Digital front end for Bryston/Thiels??
I would seriously consider Cary CD players like a used model 303 or 306 or the newer 303/200 or 306/200 line. I'm running Thiel CS 1.5s with Conrad-Johnson Premier 11a tube amp and my Cary 306/200 CD player. Cary players are not simply "warm" but ... 
Classe CA 200 or DR 25
I owned a DR-10 then later bought a CA-100. I thought the CA-100 had better defined bass and was a little more open over all vs the DR-10. After selling the CA-100 I bought the CA-200 which was better yet. ...Abe 
A reasonable integrated w/ remote - possibly tube?
You didn't mention if you needed a "full-function" remote that not only adjusts volume and mute but can select various input sources. If you want a tube integrated with full-function remote your choices are limited but the Audio Research CA-50 com... 
Warmest? BAT VK200, Classe CA200, Mccormack .5
My Classe CA-200 was somewhat warm and smooth with solid punch but not lacking detail. It was a nice match for my Thiel speakers. I currently use Conrad-Johnson tube power amp and ARC tube preamp but the Classe was very good and had better bass sl... 
Looking for a amplifier. Need help. ML Classe
Tube amps can sound very nice but they have to be up to the task of driving possibly difficult speakers. I have owned Audio Research VT100 MKII and currently use the Conrad-Johnson Premier 11a tube amp in my system.As for solid-state amps, I think... 
Is the CAL ICON a reliable choice in a used CDP
I'm not sure about early Icon's but the used Icon MKII that I had in my system for 6 years was very reliable electrically and mechanically. Never had a single problem with it. I sold my Icon MKII this past summer and the new owner is still enjoyin... 
Cary 303-100 versus a modded 333ES
There's no doubt that the Cary 303 is a very good player and now that the 303/200 is out, you should be able to find a used 303/100 at a reasonable price (since NEW 303/200's can be had for less than $2K discounted).Just my opinion but... I doubt ... 
Upgrade for Cary 303?
I don't know about an upgrade from 303/100 to 303/200 but there are some owner comments and comparisons of these two models up on http://AudioAsylum.com in the Digital section. 
DACs - New vs. Old
I agree with most of the posts here. I would lean toward a newer "high-value" DAC vs an older so-called "class-a" rated expensive unit that has plumeted in price. I think you'll find that there are significant improvements to be found in modern di... 
Bryston or Classe
I've come to similar conclusions on my own about Classe gear. Bryston is an outstanding value but not in the same league as Classe. Someone asked why there seems to be so much used Classe gear on the market. It is my belief that this is because Cl... 
BAT VK-75 vs. ARC VT100 MkIII?
Regarding ARC. They do charge a lot for their tubes but if you're buying this class of gear, you had better be able to afford the maintenance and upkeep. And by the way, you DO NOT have to buy the tubes from ARC. I bought mine from an independent ... 
Audio Research...
It seems to me that the natural silver is more popular or more available. Just a hunch. 
Tell me if i got it wrong..
I like your style Mr. Fatparrot but I take exception to your comments on the Moog synthesizer! Don't be so harsh on the Moog. That old analog circuitry and early digital had real "soul" compared to the mass produced Yamaha and Casio stuff we find ...