Recent content by randysmith

Not really answering your question, but... I just had this experience with the Spire. I dialed the bass down about -8db just playing around with it, and forgot to reset it. A few days later I installed a new preamp and thought it was way too forward, "a tad bright" was the polite phrase I...

Really? I'll check it out. May be able to get a trade in on one of my other sumikos. That's closer to my price range and will definitely reduce the pucker factor. thx Bernard, Now that you mention it, I need to do some tube replacement soon. I've got about 7 or 8 yrs on the the power...

I have learned a lot on this thread Thx all the replies. This thread has been very helpful. My analog setup is my old sumiko bluepoint (ca 1991!) / SME309 / VPI HW 19. Through a series of events I've ended up with an Audio Research SP16L and a PH3SE (54db gain) is on the way. I really love...

Oh, I didn't realize that was an issue. Boy, I wish I would have asked these questions first. I'll run the ARC into a line input for now. Sounds like I should have just gotten a transformer to up the signal into the quicksilver. Dang. Thanks for your help!!

Thx again. I've been looking on-line for vinyl, and it seems there are all kinds of great albums around at good prices. With the internet, it's probably easier than ever to get music you like on vinyl. Way more than I could manage to find in the mid '90s.

hijack re cartridge output and preamp gain LOL!! I never thought about it that way. Good advice. Thanks for the replies. I hadn't thought about the re-tipping aspect. I guess a good cartridge should be thought of as an investment rather than a throw away item. And if 1,000 hours plus is...

Thanks for the welcome!! TOMDAC, count me in! I've only ever met a few people who even recognize that ML speakers are actually a speaker, and who don't roll there eyes when I bring up hi end audio, especially the price. I can't imagine being around half a dozen audiophiles. Please put me on...

Thanks for that info. There don't seem to be many VTL owners on-line, and I was very concerned that my reasonably priced system would require upgrading for the Spires, but I'm relieved that they sound so good. It's really incredible that right out of the box the Spire sounds amazing, and they...

update on spire amp compatibility As stated above, I'm using a VTL MB125 w/ the spire. I just got the spire yesterday, and they have about 6 hours of play on them (I know, it should be about 44 hours by now). The amps are switchable from tetrode to triode. The manual rates them as follows...

Hi, I've posted a few times but thought I'd take a moment to introduce myself. I'm 45, and I've been addicted to "high-end" audio gear since about 1990, when I got an Audible Illusions Pre, Quicksilver 8417, and ML CLS, with a VPI analog and various digital source (moderately priced). I lost...

I'm upgrading my Sumiko Bluepoint to a much pricier higher end unit (thanks to the resolving power of my new ML I think I need an upgrade, that and my wife decided to dust the turntable one day, and yada yada, I need a new cartridge) and I've decided to buy used. It seems most of the online ads...

This image is a perfect picture of the good old days for me. Vivid. I'd say for absolutes, start at the source at work downstream to the output. Although now that I think about it, the most expensive component has always been my speakers, and that's mainly what I've focused on!Besides tube...

tubes for spires Been lurking awhile so I guess it's time I posted. I'm awaiting delivery of my Spires. My setup is: APL-Denon 3910 VPI HW19 - SME309 - Sumiko Bluepoint Quiksilver Pre VTL MB125 Genesis III (soon to be replaced w/ Spire) Analysis Plus interconnects and cables The amps are...