I don't have all of my facts in front of me, as it's been a while since I did all of the research into the technology of SACD recording. Suffice it to say that some of the early SACDs were recorded/sampled at a higher rate than normal CDs, but the mastering process had not caught up with the...

Good news, thanks for the info. When I talked to them earlier I was told that they couldn't/wouldn't make the balanced versions. I guess the requests for them have been numerous enough to warrant this option. It DOES make the cable quite a bit more expensive though than the single-ended version.

Quote: I may consider a balanced version of this cable Unfortunately, Z cable does not currently make a balanced version of this cable. This is what will likely keep me from trying one in my Omega II/717 system. I need a balanced cable to go from my Classe SSP25 pre/pro to the Stax...

I second the vote for the Ikemi. One word: magical. The CD12 must REALLY be something.

I haven't heard the 1951 Horowitz version, but the 1970s edition (forgot the exact year) was a live recording and as a performance is one of the most exilerating I've ever heard on record. There is a reissue of this done by RCA in the last few years (I have a copy) that is remastered in...

I don't think there is any "best" amp brand. There are LOTS of best choices--it's a matter of taste. You left out my favorite---Classe. David

Regarding the Omega IIs presentation of the highs, my perception is that, compared to the 404s, the Omegas emphasize the mid to low end a bit more--they're more solid down low. It's this low end emphasis in relation to the 404s, I believe, which accounts for the Omega IIs less bright sound on...

Quote: I actually prefer the Omega II with the 717; it's much faster and the bass is actually deeper. However, the 007 does lend the midrange that great tubey warmth (007/Omega II is great for female vocals). I agree with this completely; I bought both amps and preferred the 717...

I haven't heard the new combo, but Signatures + 313 should be the best bang for the buck. I've heard this combo, and, while not up to the standards of the more expensive Stax amps (717/007t), it's amazingly good for the price (Audiocubes). The amp doesn't have the dynamic level of the more...

Quote: IMO, it's also very difficult to record well (so that it sounds realistic). Better listen to a wide range of piano recordings if you're gonna use this to evaluate a system, because imho many of them sound so fake and unrealistic compared to actually standing next to a piano. Some of...

1. Piano 2. Strings Piano is, IMO, the most telling of a system's neutrality. It has the widest range of the instruments listed (except organ). It requires a system that can reproduce the very quick transient of the attack, plus the airy decay of sustained sounds complete with overtones...

If you're going to venture into Horowitz territory, be sure to check out the Jubilee Concert reissue of the Rachmaninov Piano Concerto #3. Some of the most emotionally charged playing you'll EVER hear (and the audience is charged also, a live recording).

I was one of the early adopters of the CD back in the mid-80s. When they first came out (and for the first 5-10 years), CDs were VERY difficult to scratch in a way that would harm playback. In fact, that was one of the big pluses that lured consumers away from LPs. The jewel cases were also made...

Well, If you want to eliminate the chronic upgrade-itis, why not just cut to the chase and go for the Omega II? That's what I did

Welly Wu, Any particular reason you've eliminated the Meyer Prehead? I had the chance to audition it at a Head-fi meet and found it to be as good as, if not preferable to the Max with stepped attenuators (and as good as the Cosmic Reference with base station is, the Max is a step up...