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MikeD

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  1. ...forgive my hijacking the thread- I want to share my experience with Audio Research (is that ok Chris?). I purchased a used (like new) Audio Research HD220 hybrid power amplifier $5k under full warranty from my audio dealer a few years ago that has failed 3 times under my ownership. First, immediately upon taking home it was stuck in standby mode and had to go in for repair (and was repaired under warranty). After a few years of use it went back to standby mode and back to AR for repair (fall 2015). It was repaired and returned. It worked for A WEEK(!) then would "pop" and go into standby. I immediately let AR know (phone calls and voicemails not returned, emails not responded to until 1 year later by Kalvin Dahl their main tech, apparently he was on an extended vacation per his response email). Mr. Dahl agreed that since i reported the issues within the standard 90-day period of return from service that repairs would be honored under warranty (got it in writing). I sent back in September 2016, got a response December 14, 2016 from Dave in customer support that "our technician has confirmed that the unit has bad thermal trak transistors, causing it to go in and out of protection mode. We cannot reliably repair this unit, as such, we would like offer a pair of DS450M, in natural, and free shipping, for $4,000.00. Please advise if you would like to proceed with the new product." Sparing the gory details (i'll provide them if there's interest): (1) AR went back on their word that the unit would be fixed under warranty, (2) they went around working with a dealer, to buy me off with a replacement that they wanted to charge me $4k (f*ing insulting) and have offered me various other "deals" on Wadia products all at considerable cost to me, (3) Dave refused to replace with a working new/like new amplifier and/or offer a refund, (4) are about to consider my amp abandoned as of 5/14/17. AR knowingly passed a faulty design (lemon) off in their HD220 to the public, and have no interest in making right (there may be a few previous HD220 owners here at CA that cut their losses and took whatever deal AR offered). AR is not interested in retaining my business consumers spending ~$5-10k, which to me is big money. I did use it for a few good years and was reasonable happy with it, but now out $5k because i refuse to spend another dime with this company. Please learn from my mistake: if you're looking to spend ~$5-10k on an AR product, you are not their target consumer and you could end up in a situation like me.
  2. Straycat- The Channel D line of phono preamps (depending on your cartridge (mm vs mc) and budget) seem to be what you're looking for -I'm not aware of other flat phono pre's that allow you to dial in the correct cartridge load. I'm saving up for an ad/da so I'm not currently using it, if you want to borrow it for demoing a few vinyl rips, PM me. Sent from my iPhone using Computer Audiophile
  3. Igor- Glad to see this thread. Ive bought a ChannelD Seta model L and am in the market for an AD/DA. Do you have plans to try the RME Adi-2 pro in your process? Also- do you utilize this system only for ripping and playback of digitized vinyl, or do you also listen to your vinyl "live" through the Seta/Antelope Pure2?/pure vinyl software? Could you comment on any issues with listening to vinyl live in this setup? Thanks. Sent from my iPhone using Computer Audiophile
  4. I can vouch for the ion my buddy has had that thing out for years in all types of loud drunk friend gatherings, not an audiophile experience if that's what you're looking for - it's a ghetto blaster that gets the job [emoji736] it's almost like hooking into a guitar amp, the next best thing going in that direction would be a PA system but really unnecessary unless you're talking looking for live band volume Sent from my iPhone using Computer Audiophile
  5. Thanks Maldur and Miska- can you comment on the AD capabilities (vinyl or tape transfer live music band practice)? I'm also in the market for an AD/DA- I see on gearslutz that the RME ADI-2 pro may give Lynx Hilo and Antelope Pure 2 a fight, not just due to its additional dsd capabilities but in pcm as well? Sent from my iPhone using Computer Audiophile
  6. I randomly found that channel d seta buffer just by searching around for more information and reviews on their products, I'm into digital and analog and just bought their seta model L phono preamp for digitizing vinyl and for normal spinning. I'm not aware of anyone using their products other than Michael Fremer, but I've reached out to Rob Robinson at Channel D, he's a nice guy and pretty patient I'm sure he'd take time to answer your questions and offer suggestions. Btw no affiliation or anything like that. Once I get set up with the phono I'll post thoughts on it (in another thread). Happy new year! Sent from my iPhone using Computer Audiophile
  7. https://www.google.com/amp/s/parttimeaudiophile.com/2013/09/15/channel-d-presents-the-seta-buffer/amp/?client=safari Sent from my iPhone using Computer Audiophile
  8. Thanks dtc! Good point on avoiding dsd I've read about that before, I'll search the forums for A/DC's. Sent from my iPhone using Computer Audiophile
  9. Thanks audguy! Agreed on the A/DC with gain control and chain recommendations, the goal is high quality since vinyl has more to offer (even if the vinyl is digitally sourced, agreed again on cleaning the records, was thinking of MacGyver-ing a record cleaning setup with a 160w ultrasonic cleaner and a modified suction nozzle attached to a shop vac (those records cleaning machines are really just these two things in one fancy package). Based on Fremers shootout, a decent A/DC could suffice while a better phono preamplifier & phono cartridge would improve the digital capture. I'll look into some A/DC's and download the Audacity and vinyl studio software. Thanks again, any further advice is welcome. Sent from my iPhone using Computer Audiophile
  10. I appreciate the feedback, agreed that Fremer's A/D shootout displayed very little difference to my ear but my system is modest, glad you listened. Any other vinyl rippers out there with recommendations I'd love to hear them. To be clear, I'm interested in ripping 24/96 minimum, possibly 24/192 or even dsd if the equipment allows. Sent from my iPhone using Computer Audiophile
  11. Thanks Sal1950 I will try that out Sent from my iPhone using Computer Audiophile
  12. Thanks Chris! It's an addiction[emoji15] Sent from my iPhone using Computer Audiophile
  13. Hi everyone - first time poster, I visit the website daily and appreciate the group. I just picked up a used 1st generation Well Tempered Labs Amadeus TT with new WTL TLC moving magnet cartridge (big upgrade from my first TT 11+ years ago). I'm so happy with the purchase, got lucky to have called my local Cleveland audio dealer and got it before he had a chance to post it for sale. I took a vacation day to work on the house, needless to say I haven't been nearly as productive as I hoped (took the dogs for a run in the park, made some food and coffee, started pulling out records...) So I'm pulling a bunch of records i want to hear on the new table (Talk Talk Laughing Stock reissue, DJ Shadow Endtroducing mainly because it could never track on my first record player, Tricky Maxinquaye, Slint Spiderland Remaster from AAA source, Wu Tang Enter the 36 Chambers, A Tribe called Quest Low End Theory to hear that Ron Carter double bass, Shellac 1000 Hurts & At Action Park, Jesus Lizard Goat remaster by Bob Weston, Cocteau Twins re-release of Blue Bell Knoll, some Miles and Coltrane...) and I see my old hand-me-down copies of Led Zeppelin (my 1st love), Cream, Blind Faith. It turns out that I have an Atlantic Robert Ludwig pressing of Zeppelin II in VG+ condition (insane! John Bonham is in my living room destroys 2014 Jimmy Page remaster which sounds sterile in comparison), Robert Ludwig Houses of the Holy NM condition (same comment as LZII), 1st press Blind Faith US ATCO in NM+ (I bought this for $3 at Square Records in Akron, love this album, best i've heard, it sounds ALIVE!, beats the pants off HD tracks) and VG+ stereo ATCO Disraeli Gears (again beats HD tracks IMO). On the same topic, I was scrolling through Album list - Dynamic Range Database and saw someone upload some vinyl rips with HIGH DR values (Mahavishnu Orchestra Apocalypse, some excellent jazz albums). The poster had a link to his site, here: Experience Pure Vinyl - Pure Vinyl Club So now I see the light, I'm interested in digitizing my vinyl collection so I can have it with me when I'm not home. I've read the excellent guide Chris posted from 2013 and this AnalogPlanet A/D shootout article Analog To Digital Converter Files Identified, Converters Profiled | Analog Planet. I'm curious if anyone here is doing the same and could recommend ripping software and equipment? I'm interested in Rob Robinson's ChannelD PureVinyl software, his Seta Phono preamps (big $$$$ in my world but if it lives up to the hype I would get one), and an A/D converter that would deliver on the same level as the ChannelD Seta if thats what I went with. Thanks in advance!
  14. https://www.audiogon.com/listings/full-range-devore-fidelity-the-nines-speakers-2016-10-08-speakers-10037-new-york-ny
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