Amp
recommendation?
December
18, 2017
Marc,
If
at some point I decide to move out of my McIntosh MC601s, do you have any recommendations
for solid-state monoblocks that would be a definite improvement, will work with an Audio
Research preamp and phono stage and won't break the bank? I looked at the MC1.25kw amps
from McIntosh, but I don't know if that would change anything. I'm looking for something
slightly more dynamic. It might help when my Audio Research Reference 10 breaks in -- it
only has 120 hours right now.
Herb
Dawson
I
do have a recommendation for amps that are almost solid state: Lamm
M1.2 Reference monoblocks. They will work well with the rest of your electronics, and
they have solid-state-like reliability (their one tube lasts for many years and is common,
so not expensive to replace). Best of all, I've used them with many Audio Research
products, and they match well electrically (they have both single-ended and balanced
inputs) and sonically. -Marc Mickelson
"Are headphones this costly worth it?"
December
12, 2017
Marc,
Are
you familiar with Grado headphones and Schiit Audio amps? Grado says the combo is great.
Grado considered their latest Statement Series GS2000e to be their best headphones to
date, even surpassing their Professional Series PS1000e, until they recently upgraded this
to the PS2000e, which is now their best. But at $2700, it costs about double the $1400
GS2000e. Are headphones this costly worth it?
Jeff
Levine
You
have to remember that I'm someone with a very expensive audio system, so obviously I
believe that extra money can certainly buy better sound. On the other hand, I am a fan
Sennheiser headphones, especially the relatively reasonably priced HD600s and HD650s,
which continue to astound me whenever I listen with them (I have other 'phones that cost
far more as well). They have a more loudspeaker-like tonal balance and a bottom end with
real weight and power. If you want to know if the Grados you mention are worth their
price, my advice would be to try the Sennheisers I mention first -- if for no other reason
than to calibrate your ears and wallet. -Marc Mickelson
The B-52s
December
6, 2017
Roy,
I
am intrigued by the large-scale reproduction of The B-52’s album cover in your
listening space. (What a system!)
Can
you please let me know if this is a reproduction or painting, copy or transcription -- and
if available commercially?
Kevin
Hauff
The
large-scale image between the speakers is a commercially available graphic display. It
consists of a fabric screen that is edged by silicon strips that press into an aluminum
extrusion. The dimensions and proportions of the frame can be adjusted to suit, although I
believe it needs to have 90-degree corners. The supplied image is printed directly onto
the fabric and is designed so that it can be backlit as well as easily changed or updated.
In this case, the aluminum frame is mounted on wooden standoffs that space it in front of
a bank of RPG Skyline diffusers, the fabric acting not unlike a speaker grille cloth,
relatively transparent to acoustic energy while hiding what’s behind it. The fabric
is also available with a black opaque backing that is more effective when used as the
front covering for a bass trap. I actually have a range of different images based on LP
cover art that can be interchanged according to taste, whim or acoustic requirements.
I
bought my graphic panels from an office-interiors and exhibition company in London, but I
suspect that any similar specialist suppliers could source them or something similar.
-Roy Gregory
Reader
list
December
1, 2017
Marc,
Please
add me to The Audio Beat subscription list.
Neil
Shade
You've
been added to the e-mail list. To join TAB's reader list and find out about new
articles first, send e-mail to rl@theaudiobeat.com.
-Marc Mickelson
