noble110

Responses from noble110

Calling Dave Berning ZH-270 owners
I also had the ZH-270. I agree that a preamp does improve the system. I found that the First Sound pre was an excellent match, better than Supratek. 
Levinson 383 integrated vs Moon i-7 integrated
Have to agree with Phijolet about the 383 sound. Did not live up-to-it's reviews in my system. 
Air Tight ATM2 Direct Driven by CDP?
I have owned the ATM-2 and ATM-3 monos. The ATM-2 continues to be one of my favorite amps. I did try running the CDP ( Wadia ) directly into the ATM-2. While it worked fine, I did prefer the preamp, which at that time was the First Sound Deluxe. T... 
Lamm 2.1 amps
Interesting thread as I also have Rowland (201) mono amps with Dynaudio 5.4 speakers. I am also condsidering the Lamm amps. Interested if anyone has experience with the Lamm/Dynaudio combination. The Dynaudio does like more power. 
air tight atm-3 vs. berning zh270
Hi Diamond,Yes, I have owned both. Both are excellent amps. The positives for the Berning include less than half the tubes and much longer tube life. Plus it is relatively small. Positives for the Air Tights are better bass, great mid-range. My ch... 
First Sound compared to Supratek, VAC, or Audio No
Addition to my post above.... the First Sound and ARC PH3SE phono with stock tubes was a easy winner vs. the Supratek Syrah ( has a very good built-in phono ). This comination does cost more that the Supratek, so I still place the Supratek as the ... 
First Sound compared to Supratek, VAC, or Audio No
Audiofankj... you asked about phono amps. I use the ARC PH3SE which works very well with the First Sound. I have had several phono amps, but have only used the ARC with the First Sound. I would suggest that any high end phono amp will mate well wi... 
First Sound compared to Supratek, VAC, or Audio No
I posted on "preamp deal of the century" my comments of the First Sound Deluxe vs. Supratek Syrah. A short recap: The Syrah is an outstanding value, but the First Sound remained in my system. Check out the thread for more information.Glad that you... 
Berning ZH-270 Amplifier,Which Speaker?
I have the Genesis 500 with the Berning ZH270. This is a very nice sound as they also have the servo amp for bass. I have not heard the Merlins but would love to compare. The Genesis are available used for under $5,000 & maybe under $4,000. 
Preamp Deal of the Century
Baranyi,I am in Indianapolis and have the First Sound/Berning combination. You are welcome to audition if in the area. 
Is the Berning ZH270 revalatory?
Mew,Thanks for starting this thread. I am now among the believers having aquired a ZH270. I went through an agonizing decision to replace my Air Tight amps with the Berning, but in the end am keeping the ZH270 mated with the First Sound Deluxe MK2... 
Small size tube amps...any recommendations??
Wavelength amps are among the very best and a must for your list. 
Best Used Solid State Amp for less than $5000?
Russell,I am not clear on the preamp in your system. The pre in combination with the amp is very important. 
Best Used Solid State Amp for less than $5000?
I would add the Ayre V-5X to Chuck's list. A very nice amp! 
First Sound & Jeff Rowland
I purchased a First Sound Deluxe MKII from a user that was upgrading to the more $$ First Sound. He used with the Rowland mono blocks ( don't know model) and loved this combination. Hopefully he will see this post and add his comments.