[MaxCast]

As long as Leamps have the DC blocking cap removed they are the same.  The cap was never on the MB 100's and only on the first run of Le Amps.  New they are $500 a pair or used they are around $350.  I'd look for a used pair and use the rest toward another component.

There is a Midwest AudioFest in Lima on April 12.  Boulder Cables will be there, nOrh, maybe IRD, and some others.  Look for threads about MAF.

[Rocket]

hello jack,

there is a clock in the cdp which can be replaced with an ultra high precision one.  once the clock has been replaced it gives similiar performance to a dac upgrade.

it would be easier to buy a dac tho.

regards

rod

[John Bauder]

As long as Leamps have the DC blocking cap removed they are the same.  The cap was never on the MB 100's and only on the first run of Le Amps.  New they are $500 a pair or used they are around $350.  I'd look for a used pair and use the rest toward another component.

There is a Midwest AudioFest in Lima on April 12.  Boulder Cables will be there, nOrh, maybe IRD, and some others.  Look for threads about MAF.

The $500 does include shipping so consder shipping when you decide between new and used.  You can get them here ==> http://ird-thailand.com/     Mike at nOrh referred me to IRD because nOrh is out of amps now.  IRD builds the Le Amp for nOrh and this is the same amp according to Mike.

[Jack_Geo]

I just missed out on a new in box ART DI/O on Audiogon for $90!!!  Gotta be a bit quicker on the trigger, I guess.

Another question...for my situation, do y'all think I would be better off getting a pair of MB-100's now or waiting for the I-75 to come out?

[Jack_Geo]

I was checking out the Scott Nixon DAC's...if I read the web site correctly, the Tube DAC is $350 and the SS is $250...assembled and shipped.

What's the difference between the two...that is, how does the tube compare with the SS?

Also, would I still need the same connection / cables as I would with the ART D/IO?  

Thanks

[JohnR]

You would use regular cables ie RCA for digital in and two RCAs for left and right out.

I believe they are the same circuit but the tube one has a unity gain tube buffer after it. Personally I'd think I'd be inclined to do the tubes in the preamp but then again I haven't heard either and of course it all depends on what you're looking for (all additional usual disclaimers apply  )

JohnR

[blizzard]

Hi Jack_Geo,
  I don't know if you are set up to receive alerts when you get private messages.  So, if you're not, check your private messages.
       Thanks,
            Steve

[Jack_Geo]

One other question came to mind as I was looking at amps, DAC's, pre-amps, etc...

How are all of you playing SACD or DVD-A discs?  What I mean is, all of the pre-amps I've been recommended have analog (2-channel) inputs, rather than 5.1 or 7.1 or whatever's required for DVD-A.

I know my RP-91 has 5.1 outputs, so short of a receiver or an expensive pre-pro, how do you have your gear set up?

Thanks

Jack

[Jack_Geo]

Sorry for being impatient...but was wondering if someone could chime in on my DVD-A / SACD question (above).

Thanks

Have a good weekend...

Jack

[KevinW]

I think a majority of the people here listen to 2-channel audio for music.  I'm not trying to speak for everyone, but I think it is easier to set up a system using only two speakers and maybe a sub woofer.  This is because music is very critical of problems with distortion from having multiple speakers that are hard to align perfectly.  You would be surprised just how sensitive the ear can be when listening to music!

Having said that, there are people who find 5 channel music a revelation.  I haven't even tried it myself, because I am quite happy with 2.1 stereo sound.  I also think that there are more sound quality benefits to maximizing dollars spent on only two channels as opposed to five.... especially for a new audiophile with a limited budget.  Limiting the amount of complication is also a good idea when you are starting out.

However, take the above recommendations as applying towards a music-first system.  If you are also using it as Home Theather, then 5 channels may be nice.  Finally, if you are sold on 5.1 channel music sound, then you might be very interested in the new Adire Audio 6-channel preamp designed for music reproduction.  I suspect that the musical quality of your Marantz receiver will pale in comparison.  
http://www.adireaudio.com/home_audio/electronics/vaza.htm

[MaxCast]

One other question came to mind as I was looking at amps, DAC's, pre-amps, etc...

How are all of you playing SACD or DVD-A discs?  What I mean is, all of the pre-amps I've been recommended have analog (2-channel) inputs, rather than 5.1 or 7.1 or whatever's required for DVD-A.

I know my RP-91 has 5.1 outputs, so short of a receiver or an expensive pre-pro, how do you have your gear set up?

Thanks

Jack

If you want to take advantage of the 5.1 you will need a receiver, pre/pro, or 5.1 channel preamp.  Once you decide you want hi rez 5.1 then you need to decide on the crossover issues associated with hi rez.

[Jack_Geo]

Hi all...back again.

I've been doing a lot of research on sites, listening, and scouring Audiogon.  I guess I'm just not ready to pull the trigger yet.  The RM2's sound wonderful, and I sent the midrange panels back to VMPS for an upgrade.  While I'm in audio limbo, I've been trying to decide where to go from here.

I keep getting hung up on the whole 2-channel vs. home theater thing.  I don't have the room or resources to do two separate systems, so I've been trying to maximize my potential purchases to get the most out of both genre's.

For instance, half of me wants to get a Scott Nixon TubeDAC, a IRD LLC-S pre-amp, and some MB-100's.  That would definitely be kick-ass for music...but then I wonder about watching DVD's, DVD-A and running sound from my HDTV tuner (Samsung TS160).  I could get a nice 5 channel amp and something like the Outlaw 950, obviously giving up some 2-channel performance, but opening the door for HT.  (Granted, I'd need some more speakers!)

I've also looked at some Jolida gear (1501RC), some Antique Sound Labs pre's, just to get some tubes into the system.  The Adira Vaza also crossed my mind.

I'm a sea of indecision at this point.  I guess there's not really a question in here, but am open to advice.

Jack

[Carlman]

A 'sea of indecision' .... wow! That sounds dismal.

Just a quick note on what I've done...  keep in mind while reading this that I'm not into high-end video systems.  However, I like surround sound in a "wiz-bang, ooo that's neat" kind of way.  So, I have my big 2-speaker hifi all hooked up to a dedicated outlet, all wires nicely organized, everything is perfectly setup for great sounding music.  

THEN... I added a pair of RCA's coming from my wife's Aiwa minisystem's pre-amp outs into my pre-amp.  The Aiwa then powers the center and rear speakers that came with it.... I have instant HT and an FM tuner to boot.  I think it sounds great for HT.  Of course, 'great' to me for HT is pretty far from 'great' to a video enthusiast.  I don't think the timber is matched from the Aiwa to the Revel's.  

Just thought I'd add a possible scenario if the priority of HT is a distant second to music.  I get to keep my audio section pure and simple and the Aiwa makes for a great little wow factor for movies.  By the way, the Aiwa in its entirety was under $500 new at the time... probably under 400 now.

Hope you get a lifeboat to rescue you from the sea....

-Carl

[Jack_Geo]

Carl...

OK...so maybe a "sea of indecision" was a tad melodramatic...

Thanks for the input.  I assume your pre has a HT pass-through feature?  That's one reason I was looking at the IRD LLC-S.

Thanks again for throwing me that life preserver!

Jack

[Jack_Geo]

OK...I admit I'm asking this only because it looks cool but...

Does anyone have any opinions on the Parasound Halo P3 as a pre-amp?  Those blue buttons sure are pretty!

http://www.parasound.com/halonew/P3details.asp

Any thoughts on this new Parasound line?

Thanks

Jack

[Rob Babcock]

I wish I could say from experience, but it actually has gotten really good reviews from the print and online media.  I know that Parasound isn't "cool" or cutting edge, but a good product is a good product, no matter who makes it.  And I agree it really does look cool!

The companian amp was an Amp of the Year runner up in The Absolute Sound, which happens to be the only American mag I put any stock in.

[MaxCast]

Hi all...back again.


I keep getting hung up on the whole 2-channel vs. home theater thing.  I don't have the room or resources to do two separate systems, so I've been trying to maximize my potential purchases to get the most out of both genre's.

For instance, half of me wants to get a Scott Nixon TubeDAC, a IRD LLC-S pre-amp, and some MB-100's.  That would definitely be kick-ass for music...but then I wonder about watching DVD's, DVD-A and running sound from my HDTV tuner (Samsung TS160).  I could get a nice 5 channel amp and something like the Outlaw 950, obviously giving up some 2-channel performance, but opening the door for HT.  (Granted, I'd need some more speakers!)

I've also looked at some Jolida gear (1501RC), some Antique Sound Labs pre's, just to get some tubes into the system.  The Adira Vaza also crossed my mind.

I'm a sea of indecision at this point.  I guess there's not really a question in here, but am open to advice.

Jack

If you start with a two channel system as you described above, all you have to do is add  the right receiver and a few more speakers and your all set for HT and 2 ch.

[Carlman]

I agree about the receiver idea.  NAD makes a receiver with 5.1 pre ins and outs for a variety of configurations.  (model is 751 I think)  You could use the amp in the receiver to power the center and rears or use the preamp outs to multiple amps, and use the sub out for a powered sub.  This would totally separate your audio and video other than one pair of cables.  The L&R main outs from the receiver would go into an empty input on your pre.

An all-in-one system is like all season tires to me.  It doesn't stand out in any season but, doesn't totally suck either.  The above mentioned gives you the potential to have great musicality and very good HT.  It's the only way I'd do it.

-Carl