Hi-Fidelity-4-All

In any multi-component setup, always power down the amp first. In this case, with active speakers, the amp is bundled in the speakers, so shut them off first. Then work backwards up the chain turning off the rest of the components. Power on from sources to preamp to amp, power off opposite order. 👍🏻

Vintage Muse Electronics amps (if u can find a good deal), also punch way above their power ratings.

I've always gone separates, AV receiver and speakers. For the last 10 years, into my second Onkyo, and highly recommend. With passive speakers, so many options. I currently use Def Tech speakers, with powered subs built-in to fronts, and that was a mistake. One of the amps developed a problem and still have not been able to get it fixed or replaced. I wouldn't do built-in subs ever again. Good luck in your search 👍

Excellent. Thanks! I've been using the KORG DAC-DS-10R for the last couple of years, and happy with the results. However, I recently added a large number of new and NM condition records to my collection. I'm thinking of upgrading to the KORG MR-2000S as I currently also have a relatively new high-end cartridge. Seems like a good time to get a better ADC for these new records. Based on the functionality of the 2000S it seems I can just swap the units and expect better results. Also, the one thing I don't like about the DS-10R I'd that it runs off USB power. I would expect the power supply of the 2000S (and of course the upgrade ADC components) to make a significant improvement. Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions 👍

I'm using a KORG, thinking of upgrading. What'd you get?

JRiver Media Center

Using Focal Chorus 806V in a second system. Very detailed and transparent. Suggest you give them an audition.

I fully agree. My priority has always been good construction and able to last through numerous changes in audio hardware/components. I also personally have an issue with buying a $1000 cable for a $3000-$4000 system (for example). As mayhem suggests, there are probably better upgrades that will get you more bang for your buck, whether it be software or hardware. I have the LH 1G and 2G cables as part of the Geek Pulse / LPS purchase. Unfortunately, I'm in the minority/majority (?) that received a defective unit, and can't give any listening comparisons/impressions at the moment. Enjoy the Music!

Wondering if anyone here knows the reason behind this. Is it he that the hardware (mainboard, dac chip, other) is missing the ability to pass through the digital, is it Windows Phone 8 OS that doesn't have th functionality (strangely, as Windows can do it), or is it just an app that is required to implement it (couldn't be that simple, could it)? I am happy with the build quality of my Lumia 920 and happy with how WP8 is progressing (I'm Windows all around - work, home, HTPC, Surface tablet, etc.), but the inability to simply pass the digital to the microUSB so I can use an external DAC is just unacceptable. Anyone? Thanks!

I recently pulled my Monarchy M24 DAC/preamp out of my computer chain and put it back in my main setup. I replaced it with a Monarchy DIP (to convert optical to coaxial because my soundcard has only optical out and the DAC input is coaxial) going into the DAC (no volume control on DAC), with the expectation of controlling volume through my media software player JRiver Media Center. It works fine, although the gain is not quite what I had with the preamp, i.e. the volume will not go as high, but that is acceptable in this second system. I do have some hum that wasn't there previously. I will pay around with cables and checking what else may be plugged into the outlets in the room and any room's on the same house circuit to ensure no appliances are generating the interference. I obviously can't compare sound because they are two different DACs of a different class. Are the comments to this point applicable or is my control of volume through the software player introducing anything different. (or am I missing something?) Thanks!