arni

Responses from arni

LFD NCSE and JL F110
Sorry, but the tape outputs are NOT controlled by the LFD volume control, so you would have to adjust the level on the JL F110 every time you would change the volume on the LFD. Hence, not a solution.Unbalanced RCA type inputs are always line leve... 
Subwoofer hook up
You can do that with the REL Storm which has independent High Level (neutrik speaker connection from amp) and Low level (RCA from AVR). However, other subwoffer manufacturers usually do not offer independent High and Low level inputs, so without k... 
How to connect external speakers to plasma TV
What you are proposing should work fine, although I am not sure what you mean by a D/V processor... if you are referring to an Audio/Video processor that decodes Dolby Digital and PCM datastreams and has analog audio outputs and a volume control, ... 
Which sub 200 usd DAC if using an integrated amp?
If your source will be a computer, then yes, asynchronous DAC like the HRT Streamer II will outperform a non asynchronous DAC, like the Audioengine. 
Am I going to regret the Gallo 3.1s?
You gotta go by your ears, not your eyes, if you are going to be happy in this hobby. Resist... when on a budget you will get much more for your buck going for higher efficiency speakers... quality watts are sum squared....... in dollars 
Can DAC with volume control act as Pre-amp?
Do not underestimate the advantages of a good quality integrated amp; no impedance issues, one less interconnect etc. usually translating to less hassle, more bang for your buck-but yes, less flexibility.When looking at budget DACs with volume con... 
What makes a bigger change, dac or preamp?
In your particular situation I second Buconero17 and Swampwalker. I would pay particular attention to Swampwalker's argument as it applies to your setup. Also, with the active Quads where you need longer Interconnects, consider preamps/pre-amp DAC... 
Oppo options
For the DAC, $500. Does that include digital cable? Maybe a better power cable? NO SACD or Blue Ray playback through the DAC. I bet that you will need a very good DAC to outperform the 95, most of which cost significantly more than $500. 
PS Audio DL III?
There are a lot of threads here in the forum that discuss the DL-III. Overall, very positive. There is only one generation, the Stage 3 and 4 units refer to the Cullen's stage III and IV modifications(Cullen is now Wyred 4 Sound), which take these... 
Is an amp the next upgrade path for me? Advice...
As you suspect, your new speakers may be letting your other component and cables shine through... in particular when you turn up the volume. I don't think the Arcam is your weakest link however. I would start with better power supply for the Touch... 
Airport Express/Apple TV into DAC vs Mac into DAC
Kijanki, understood and agreed. I am referring to asyncronous new generation USB DACs (HRT Music Streamers), which don't seem to have the same jitter sensitivity as inexpensive spdif input DACs. 
Airport Express/Apple TV into DAC vs Mac into DAC
From your question and the responses above, the dilemma seems to be: With a computer there would be inconvenience, but you could get decent DAC without any jitter problems (i.e., the HRT Music Streamer II) for very low price (Better yet, going for... 
Cheap Blu Ray Player + DAC for hi fi ?
Yes, Blue Ray audio material will not output via the players coax and optical out, only via HDMI and analog. CDs and DVDs can, however, be played via most higer bits traditional DACs. 
Cheap Blu Ray Player + DAC for hi fi ?
Keep in mind that a regular DAC connected via coax or toslink (as opposed to HDMI) will not decode BlueRay audio.So in the context of your budget, I would recommend to set priorities. Your Mac Mini can double as a CD player, even DVD player if it ... 
Squeezbox Touch USB or SPDIF?
Grannyring, happy to know this worked out for you!Marakanetz, In in Grannyring's case, he has a DAC/integrated with only USB input. An USB is a great option to have, but I do not know which will ultimately sound better. Like Kal said, try it out a...