This topic has really caught my interest so I "stumbled" upon a vinyl rip of MFSL UHQR 'Dark Side of the Moon' and 'Sgt. Pepper's'. I must say, the musicality of both these rips is absolutely outstanding. There is such a warm and involving presence that I don't see on the 'regular' discs...

First off, if you are thinking about an SA8001 I'll second the SA8260 recommendation above. I've heard both and would personally save a few bucks and pick up the 8260. Both are outstanding and would be a nice upgrade from your sony. Now, with that said, I say forget the source upgrade for...

Kimber Kables are not directional, but as said above, it is recommended that the name badge end is connected to the output component. I have tried both ways and really wasn't able to notice any difference in sound quality. I just make sure all my interconnects are connected in the same fashion...

I believe that the source is a very critical part of one's system and should be choosen with care. Please read...care, not price. Trying different sources and different approaches to find a solid match for your other equipment and your personal tastes is always a great idea. I'm not...

I'm sorry, but one thing that I have learned is that at the end of the day all the measurments and specifications in the world are entirely meaningless, within reason. When I sit down to relax and enjoy my system I am only hearing the music at the end of the chain of my equipment. It is...

I checked out the site and couldn't find it either. I think maybe the OP was referring to the zupromo ebay aucitons, which I believe are going to be no longer come the first of the year.

What cans do you have?

Yes, yes, yes! I always love it when these speakers are brought up. The TC-50's are nothing short of outstanding. Imaging is very, very important to me and the TC-50's are some of the best imaging on two stands. They aren't exactly the easist load, however. 4ohms and I believe 84dB...

I can't speak too much for Paradigm other than definitely a solid recommendation. I will, however, throw my hat in the ring for the Focals. Both the 705v and 706v have a very similar presence with the 706v besting in the extremes, but may be just a little too much for desktop application. I say...

Klipsch usually has pretty high sensitivity. Can't really recommend any particular models, but there are probably quite a few around here that can.

For Prog Rock and Metal I would suggest auditioning a pair of Focal JM Labs 705V and Totem Dreamcatchers. Both are excellent speakers for your musical tastes. The Focals would be about $50 over your budget new, but both the Focals and Totems can be found on Audiogon for under budget. Also...

I'm thinking that maybe once the amp detects the presence of a headphone it is bypassing the preamp section, for the most part, and acting mainly as a poweramp. I've seen this situation occur before, although not with NAD gear. The only other reason I can think of is that you have the RCA's...

Quote: Originally Posted by olblueyez Are you talking about speaker cable or ICs? Both.

You don't even need the amp to start listening immediately. Just plug the cans in to your soundcard. Now, to better the sound, start with a smaller DAC with a headphone out, like the Zero, and add on an amp when your budget allows. Really though, just a tiny bit stretching and start off with...

I'll second Kimber Kable. I've run my kimber all over the place while fine tuning my speakers and I've noticed not one problem with the lack a shielding. I find Kimber to have very good focus, but may not be the warmest option, well, compared to the Audioquest and Acoustic Zen that I've used...

I ended up going with the NAD C525BEE. I'm a fan of Marantz gear, but I really didn't care for my dad's 8260 paired with my NAD integrated, plus I got a really good price for a pretty much brand new one on Audiogon.

Thanks HighLife. The CE595 is the 5-disc changer, right? I prefer single disc players so I'll check out the 5001 and Azur 340. I some experience with Marantz. I was initially thinking about just pair an NAD player with my NAD integrated. Might have a 521BEE available to purchase...

Well, my Philips 963SA won't turn on any longer. I had unplugged it yesterday and had it sitting over night in my bedroom. Went to power it on today to mess with the settings and now it just won't power on. My bedroom is kind of cold. Could this have caused it? I don't really know. It just won't...

With $200.00 I recommend going with a pair of bookshelf speakers and adding a sub once you have the funds. The speakers can always be moved to the rear when you upgrade further. For $200.00 you can pick up a pair of Paradigm Atoms or Infinity Primus P162. I recommend the Infinities. If you...

Quote: Originally Posted by QQQ Look for transformer coupled output tube amp for use with low-impedance phones. For example-some of Woo Audio amps. While this is sound advice, I must say that my 336SE drives my RS1's effortlessly with no hum/noise issues at all. Others have also...

Quote: Originally Posted by TheMarchingMule Still don't understand the only reply I got down below this post.... What? You don't like deep dish pizza? Hater.

I'll only eat deep dish pizza from now on.

I know, but I just jumped on the bus....Sorry. Anyways, off the bus....hmm....Not the best, maybe not even my favorite, but China Doll from the Reckoning album is a very eerie 5 or so blissful minutes of music and tight beautiful harmonies.

If we are going to choose moments from Floyd albums, let's pick one that is exceptional good. The build up to the murderous scream from 'Careful with that Axe Eugene' from Ummagumma.

"Might be your man, I just don't know" It's Allman Brothers night. Play it if you got it.