deepak

He has two pairs of E9s, and they have a deal with Rudi. Gee I don't think something funny is going on there. I do think mulveling's impressions are genuine.

What do you guys think are some good low cost DACs? I'm not opposed to going the DIY route. Just needs a set of analog outs and one digital in (size/form factor not an issue, same with looks could be used uncased for all I care).

I noticed this too with my Stax SR-404. It was worse on really badly mastered CDs. Particularly bad on a Coldplay album that I had to stop listening to after a few minutes into it. The Stax just couldn't handle most modern rock. Any sort of heavy distorting guitar caused this crackling/static sound. This was with an SRM-313 amp. edit: also heard this in an Omega 2/KGSS at one meet.

The G08 is a great source I doubt that's what was lacking. I have a set of current production JJ tubes as well, and I wouldn't rate that headphone/amp/tube combo as anything other than average. The Teslas really wake the amp up. On this setup I'm definitely not hearing any lack of dynamics. I haven't heard a more dynamic setup in my home (maybe ever, but meets are too noisy to evaluate that).

I grabbed it off Audiogon first day it was posted with around 100 views. Let's just say I paid way less than I should have given the condition, tubes and two faceplates

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Of course I completely forgot about classical :/ But there gets to a point in bass frequencies where it needs to be felt and heard at the same time. So I'm still in agreement with Biggie that bass extension on headphones doesn't mean a whole lot to me (unless we're talking about sub-bass being completely eliminated...) And it is a little funny when Sony quotes the Qualia as doing something like 8-60000 Hz, and people buy into it.

Exactly, unless I'm listening to my Chesky Ultimate Demonstration disc, or something equally obscure bass extension isn't that important for instrumental music (electronic music is a different issue).

Cool I'm looking forward to hearing what you think about the setup.

So you gave in to the Technics fanatics and got a 1200

Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis...

I've seen some that huge ones the little kids could probably live inside.

No offense but your reviews are "wishy washy" at best. Wait...how would you be able to write a review if you already hold such a grudge against them?

I've heard two (non-prototype) GS-1000s. Both were ear bleeding awful. I suppose the systems I heard them on didn't have the right synergy, aka severely EQ'ing or rolling off the high end

If you're patient you can get a good deal on the RS-1 at Audiogon. I've had two chances to get a pair for between $400-450 original, box, paperwork. Headfi has inflated prices, my guess because of the bigger international user base.

They're both DACs...but the DAC3 has a preamp feature, which is why Bel Canto charges much more for it.

And to go with what Nate said, actually have a lot of vinyl on hand. And of course make sure you enjoy listening to the format. Someone on Vinyl Asylum recommended to start slow since you really might dislike something that doesn't have an auto-arm, having to stay there to flip sides, change records, go through the cleaning process, etc.

Thats why I edited my post, I didn't take into account the phono stage. IIRC the Scout with kit arm is $1400 at TTVJ.

$1200 edit: ignore this this is like one of those curses where you start off on a budget...and then soon enough you're way off

But from what I've read about the SL1200 is that most people recommend finding a vintage one and not one of the current production ones. Because the motor is much better in the vintanges (iirc they sold for $800-1200 new at the time). And buying vintage might end up costing you more than a P1 or MMF2.1 and require more servicing. Headfi source forum has a good amount of info on the SL1200. Like you said the defenders of that table strongly support them.

Having the Melos as a preamp makes it so much more convenient I need to hear a good vinyl setup in real life as well.

It looks like Future Days is already out on hybrid SACD. I might try and grab this on vinyl, even though my vinyl plans have been put on hold for now.

Which is their best album? AMG says Tago Mago, Ege Bamyasi or Future Days.

I just saw immtbikers pictures. Looks really good.

Oh yes recstar, I saw in your old HP-2 thread you liked Dungen with the HP-2. I've been listening to Ta De Lugnt non stop, sounds wonderful on them. I've been into Dungen since Stadsvandringar. Any other Finnish/Swedish kraut-ish recommendations?