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Dewey2

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  1. I also have the UltraRendu with the power supply. I've had it for a number of years and have honestly forgotten about it, because it's been working reliably via Roon and the sound quality has always been very high. I like the fact that it's compact (I have enough junk on my rack) and that it doesn't have an internal DAC. I think it's a very good choice for a serious audiophile who wants something that isn't fussy and is simple and very well made. I bought a Bluesound Node for a second system for its price/convenience factor. It's fine for background music, but for critical listening I really enjoy Roon and the UltraRendu through my Luxman DAC and tubes.
  2. I understand the problem with families and hifi gear, but you can train them to use the amplifier volume and not the computer. Not sure I understand the headphone amp issue. You can use the Proton with a headphone amp if that's your goal. The Halide seems like a great deal since interconnects are included.
  3. You heard a Halide and it impressed you? You don't like what you're getting from your Proton? What's the catalyst for this? I have a Proton and I'm pretty happy with the result. The features you mention are pretty innocuous if you don't need them.
  4. It was time to set up a music system for my daughter and we came up with a simple solution that sounds really great. An Arcam i-pod dock, i-pod classic with AIFF files and Audioengine A2 powered speakers. Everything was pirated from my collection of audio gear out of circulation, so the cost was zero. Best of all, it sounds so much better than any dock or single box system I've ever heard.
  5. Have you listened to each amp? I prefer the sound of tubes, but really enjoy the "plug it in and forget it" ease of solid state. Tubes are great, but there's some effort. Decide if the tube sound appeals to you and if it's worth the added fuss.
  6. So far no one has mentioned the great used gear that's out there. Go to www.audiogon.com and you may find the components that you settle on for half of retail. I think most will agree that it's a great resource and that buyers and sellers are very honest.
  7. Lisbon Concert / Red Book He's best known for some groundbreaking modern stuff in the 60's and 70's (especially "In C") and he's the guy whose name comes up after Glass and Reich. I've seen him live a couple of times and most recently his guitarist son joined him, which was nice. The Lisbon Concert is solo piano - beautiful, quiet and reflective. Following this -- new Bjork from HD Tracks in 24/96. I'm still digesting this, but so far really enjoy it.
  8. Jim,<br /> I enjoyed your book and feel like you saved me from ridiculous impulse purchases with common sense suggestions.<br /> <br /> One of the things that I respected most about your book was your (mostly) faithful promise to NOT discuss specific brands or recommend products. Of course this made me very curious to know exactly what was in your listening room.<br /> <br /> Well, what a surprise to see the grocery list of gear in your signature. I'm sure we'll all study it carefully.<br />
  9. Anyone lay out hard cash for an audiophile electrical outlet cover? Did it really tighten your bass?
  10. Retouching sales rep (= take zits off of super models) ben & jerry's heath bar is awfully good
  11. I can't comment on any of the albums you've listed, but I have a few albums from HD Tracks and I'm very pleased. My favorite so far (sonically and artistically) is Esperanza Spalding's "Chamber Music Society". It's refreshing on so many levels. It has a dynamic range that's uncommon these days and she creates a wonderful contrast with her beautiful feminine voice and the depth of her bass. This one is a no-brainer.
  12. That is funny. I'm fortunate that my wife has similar taste to mine. I see lots of suggestions for pricey components. Maybe you'll want to survey the space and think about best placement and some vibration isolation. Those considerations can give you a lot more bang-for-buck.
  13. Since you're visiting Japan, look at the Luxman SQ N100. I got one (indirectly) from Japan and saved 1/3 on the price in NYC. It's driving 87 db efficiency speakers with no problems, is small enough that it won't consume valuable real estate in your office and it's a superior headphone amp (see the 6 moons review) which might make good sense in an office environment. You're using a laptop -- which player? Will you be playing anything more than redbook quality? 5K is a nice budget for an office system, but then you'll probably use it more than the one in your home.
  14. UL, If you're worried about what 3.5 watts can do, check out this video of the Miniwatt driving Wilson Watt Puppies http://www.miniwatt.com.hk/video-demo/n3-video.html It's really quite a bargain. I upgraded to another EL84 amp, the Luxman SQ N100 and at 8x's the price I begin to understand the audio law of diminishing returns. The Lux is a great amp, but the Miniwatt isn't so far behind.
  15. Does Luxman fit the criteria? Is it still the same company? Weren't they making some questionable stuff in the 80's that targeted the mass market? I just bought their new integrated tube amp (SQ N-100) and love it, but I think my amp has a dubious lineage. I seem to recall they were bought by Alpine around that time. How many of the brands we're listing in this thread have an uninterrupted path to the founders?
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