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dennis_the_menace

Responses from dennis_the_menace

Which HIGH-END Player/DAC/Volume Control?
Emm Labs... the original DCC2 + CDSD is a great value in my mind at the used prices you can get them. Everyone tells me if I like the original I really need to get the SE versions but I have to say I've been very satisfied with the original and ha... 
Current Trends in multi thousand dollar speakers
I think Sean is done w/ Audiogon. I've gotta say it's weird to know that my speakers on paper should sound a bit bass heavy or have some bass slop. I can't stand bass slop or low-end muddiness. It's actually one requirement for me in a speaker tha... 
Kharma FE 3.2 - be careful, space crucial
ouch is right. i feel for you, i've been there, buying speakers based on reputation, and then realizing they just aren't what i wanted, or in your case, wouldn't work in my space. i've done both. it's a painful lesson. this last go around, i ended... 
Best female vocals on CD
Anytime Tboooe. I heard her for the first time on the soundtrack for "Shortbus" as the vocalist in Azure Ray, and was sold ever since. Something special about her voice. Also check out Sia, her latest album "Some people have real problems" is amaz... 
Integrated Tube Amplifier for First Timer?
VTL IT 85 for about $1300 used would be my pick. No brainer IMHO. 
Personal speaker evolution
Polk M5Martin Logan Aerius iMartin Logan VantageVerity Audio Parsifal EncorePiega C8 LTD 
Wilson Sophia vs. Piega C10 LTD... Which To Buy?
I heard the Wilson Sophia 2 with reference level front end gear and to me it did not sound as natural as the Piegas I heard (TC 70 and C8 LTD). The Sophia has an unnatural detail where as the Piega has an openness and detail that sounded much more... 
It's time for some new music
dont recognize any of those groups. have you tried pandora.com? 
preamp for dartzeel amp?
hey mike, from what i've heard in my own system, the preamp section in the dcc2 is excellent and will take some bucks to beat. what are you looking to add, or conversely, what do you feel is missing? 
Best female vocals on CD
M A R I A T A Y L O R 
The CD you most listened to back in 2007 ?
"under the iron sea" keane 
Modwright LS-36.5 vs Hovland HP-100 / HP-200
The 9.0SE I had was definitely quieter than the Hovland 100, stronger bass presence, but leaner in the mids and missing some magic in the mid/high end. Hovland high end is so open and transparent yet smooooth and totally non-fatiguing. 
PC-Audio vs. High-end CD Player-GAME OVER
To me, a transport (CDSD) sounded better than a hard drive using the same DAC (DCC2)... and oddly enough, I feel it's more convenient to just pop a CD in the transport vs. using a computer. Different strokes I guess. 
Rich; organic true balanced amp w good detail $6k
My vote is for a used VAC Phi 110 if you can get your hands on it. Otherwise, Musicbloc, or VTL MB 125, 185, 450... 
Brand preference and opinions
Shsu... what kind of speakers are you using? If it's just about easy resale, then VAC, Audio Research, VTL, McIntosh can all be easily resold IF you buy them at the right price. Pay for the bluebook, it'll give you a good idea of what you could pr...