browndt

Responses from browndt

Pass Labs X250.8 or MC452 ?
The Pass 250.8 is an excellent amp. Much better than MAC. Actually it is about the best you can buy in that price range. 
How long should Pre amp (12au7) tubes last in Rogue Preamp?
Usually 5000 to 10000 hours if the tubes are not defective.  
For our European friends
My experience is that the Polish audiophile community is very interested in quality equipment. I know several experts in tube equipment and they are very knowledgeable. I buy most of my tubes from a firm in Poland.They have NOS tubes that you can ... 
Looking for a New Cartridge
I have two VPI Prime Signatures and have used two Koetsu carts,the Vermillion and the Rosewood platinum Signature. Set up properly both sounded great. I also have used several Benz Micro carts and their sound fine but bright. Finally I settled for... 
Dealing with a power amp that need 20A connection
You need a 20 amp line run to the amp. It probably should be a dedicated circuit , that is just for the amp. The C19 power cable is the standard for 20 amp equipment. Put all your other equipment on the existing 15 amp circuit.  
Pass labs xa25 amp and BW 804 d3?
I know pass equipment and their Class A amps are quite powerful.It should drive the B and Ws easily and sound very smooth and detailed.If your room is really large and you need additional volume go to one of their Class A/B amps to get the extra p... 
Speakers with the most detailed midrange? (non-ESL/planar)
B and W 800 series hands down.  
Do 45 rpm 12" LPs really sound better than 33 rpm?
I have done a number of 3 way tests on 45 vs 78 vs quality CD recordings. The 45s always come in last. In fact on my system, a top end system, they just sound "bad" when compared to the 33 LP.  To me it is just a gimmick to sell records.  
Don't buy Allnic H1201 phono stage new.
In Allnic phono amps the quality of the tubes will effect sound more thananything else. Allnics come with Mullard E188s, good tubes but there are much better tubes available in the NOS/NIB market. I suspect that Phillips tubes would be a better up... 
Warmer sounding Solid State
Almost any Pass Labs  integrated amp will solve your problem.About the best SS you can get with moving to tubes. 
Are Pass Labs amps probably the best ever you can buy ?
I have owned many of the Pass products There is no better SS ampmade anywhere. And the customer service is second to none. You will not be disappointed.  
Getting close to giving up on CD's
IT depends what you play your CDs with. If you have a reference Marantz or an Esoteric player they will sound better than steaming/storage devices and almost equal to LP standards. My opinion, LPs are hard to beat if you have a top notch system to... 
What separate tube phono stage do you use ?
I have the Allnic 7000 and am quite satisfied with it. I doubt that you can do better. A very flexible phono stage. The build quality is superb.  
Amplifier upgrade
I agree the Pass Labs amps will fix your issue. Frankly their class AB amps are a fantastic buy with incredible power and clarity. They run in class A most of the time and with more power and less heat than their class pure class A amps. 
Power Conditioners: Audioquest Niagara 5000 or Shunyata Denali 6000S
I own the Audioquest Niagara 7000. It stabilized my voltage, cleaner upmy noise problems and provided endless power for my amps which are quite power hungry. It is probably the best single purchase I have made.It  also is a fine power surge protec...