mattkimb96

Responses from mattkimb96

Speaker recommendation
In the used category you could pick up the Aerial 7-T speakers in price range. 
Which DAC as a preamp?
Another vote for the Aesthetix Pandora with volume control.  Have not hear any of the others mentioned.  In my setup the Pandora is running into an Audio Research Ref 75 amp.   
I hate biasing!
Pin the tail on the donkey is a great analogy.....I do have the yellow biasing tool....not sure how many hours are on the tubes.....in the 6-8 week intervals there is not a lot of drift but eneough that I want to use the tool to adjust. I would lo... 
I hate biasing!
Once I get the plastic bias tool into the podemeter adjustment screw the biasing is a snap.  Just can take awhile to get the plastic tool into the relatively small adjustment.  I am typically biasing ever 4 to 6 weeks. 
Very Bad purchase from upscale audio Acoustic Zen Adagio
I second the endorsement of Andy at Tube Vintage Services....have never been dissapointed and would not consider shopping elsewhere. 
Roon I-Pad App
Thanks DT....Roon got back to me late today and pretty much confirmed what you stated above. 
Refined SS Stereo pwr amps under 10K?
At the under 10 grand price point the Pass XA-100.5 should certainly be on the consideration set. With the new XA 100.8 series out the used pricing on these amps have dropped. Still very expensive but if I was going to allocate up to 10K for ampli... 
Will a Aerial Acoustic CC5 work w Rockport Atria
Have you tried using your Rockport's with the processor sent to phantom center. Primary center use is targeted towards vocals so unless you are going to have very off center seating where the middle channel speaker is necessary to keep the dialogu... 
Best Rock Album of 2014
For those who like Lana Del Ray give the MS MR CD a listen . 
DAC Recommendation around 2.5K
Can't believe there has been no mention of the Ayre QB-9. Does 24/192. 
Aesthetix Calypso getting hot on the left side
I have a Janus and previously had a Calyso. The left chanel tube is much close to the left side than the right channel tube is to the right side....my left side is warmer than the right side. I don't believe you have an issue. 
Solid State Preamps
Since you have the Marantz amps, you may want to try the Marantz 7S2 pre-amp. If it had HT pass-thru I would have strongly considered keeping the one I sold close to 3 years ago. 
"What's The Best Value Speaker In $5k-$10k Range?"
Not sure about the best value as I have not had the opportunity to hear many other speakers in that price range. I am using the Aerial 7-T's and would throw their name into the list of candidates assembled above. 
Your Favorite Cover Songs?
In the Air Tonight - Axel Rudi Pell, (Phil would applaud!)Bridge over Troubled Waters - Eva CassidyWho'll Stop the Rain - Courtney Jaye 
Do I need a center channel?
Don't think you would gain anything and depending on your amplification and center channel speaker, you could end up taking a step back.