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Thread: Topping A90
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November 29, 2020, 02:42 PM #1Banned
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Topping A90
Any feedback on the Topping A90? A friend wants to get into computer desk streaming/listening with headphones. I love my tubes but he wants simplicity... How is the Topping? Not too sterile sounding I hope?
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November 29, 2020, 03:02 PM #2Senior Member
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Re: Topping A90
The D90 DAC is often paired with the A90 headphone amp.
Gary
Main: Lumin A1, Accuphase E-650, Tannoy Canterbury GR, Shunyata, Audience
Secondary: Lumin M1, Linton Heritage, Shunyata, Audience
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November 29, 2020, 03:15 PM #3Banned
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Re: Topping A90
Yes, I meant to say A90/D90 combo
Originally Posted by Oly
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November 29, 2020, 03:20 PM #4Super Moderator
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Re: Topping A90
It runs neck and neck with the RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS. There’s a bunch of video reviews on YouTube, some entertaining.
I went with the RME and really love it.
The Topping comes in 2 versions, with mqa and without. I have not heard it but have not read a bad word about these dacs I mentioned.
Best DACs of 2020 | The Master SwitchFleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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November 29, 2020, 03:23 PM #5Super Moderator
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Re: Topping A90
Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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November 29, 2020, 03:31 PM #6Banned
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Re: Topping A90
Originally Posted by joeinid
Looks interesting Joe.
I like the one box simplicity.
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November 30, 2020, 07:35 PM #7Super Moderator
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Re: Topping A90
Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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November 30, 2020, 08:30 PM #8Banned
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Re: Topping A90
Oh! Nice! Thanks Originally Posted by joeinid
Joe which headphones are you using with your RME?
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November 30, 2020, 08:49 PM #9Super Moderator
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Re: Topping A90
Hi Serge, Originally Posted by TheOctopus
I'm not a headphone guy (yet). I bought it to use as my main dac and was quite content until the borrowed Esoteric K-01XD opportunity came up.
Depending on how long my brother lets me keep the Esoteric, will determine when I go back to the RME until I can afford my own K-01XD or N-01XD.Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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November 30, 2020, 09:18 PM #10Banned
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Re: Topping A90
Joe,you need a pair of sennheiser HD600 in your life. Originally Posted by joeinid
Fortunately they are once again available in a new shell design but with same drivers and sonic signature. The HD600 have been one of my longest and steadiest pieces of gear for enjoying music for the last quarter century. Speakers and headphones came and went but I’ve always kept a pair of HD600 around. They are musical, engaging and non fatiguing with any genre of music. Not expensive either.
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November 30, 2020, 10:23 PM #11Super Moderator
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Re: Topping A90
Thank you for the recommendation. I actually might have an older pair kicking around somewhere. I’ll have to take a look.
Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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November 30, 2020, 11:20 PM #12Senior Member
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Re: Topping A90
Joe, you require some Abyss 😁.
I hear tell that there is an Esoteric for sale in this here forum 😜.McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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December 1, 2020, 11:11 AM #13Senior Member
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Re: Topping A90
Ha, there is one listed and being sold from a friend of mine. I’ve listened to it many times and believe he is selling it for the wrong reason. Originally Posted by Randy Myers
Joe, you require some Abyss
.
I hear tell that there is an Esoteric for sale in this here forum
.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProSource Analog: Kuzma Stabi R w/4point 11 arm | Kuzma 50 Cartridge
Source Digital: Aurender N10 | Brinkmann Nyquist MK II
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Speakers: Wilson Alexias
Cabling: Nordost Leif, Norse, V2 and Odin
Power and Isolation: Audio-Ultra Home & Room Power Foundation Performance Package with StromTank S1000 | HRS
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December 1, 2020, 11:35 AM #14Super Moderator
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Re: Topping A90
Originally Posted by Randy Myers
I’ve been eyeing that one am nowhere near ready plus after living with an XD version, I’d be afraid to get something different.Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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December 1, 2020, 11:53 AM #15Senior Member
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Re: Topping A90
Marc is a great guy. We were friends on another forum and we actually meet in Denver when I was there helping EJ in his room. Very trustworthy. Now if we can get him to make AS his main forum
.
McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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December 1, 2020, 12:12 PM #16Banned
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Re: Topping A90
Joe, if you have not done 3-4 hr listening sessions in headphones, then I would strongly suggest keeping the weight of the headphone in mind... It gets very annoying very quick if they are uncomfortable, put too much pressure, are loose or your neck starts to fatigue from the weight. Trust me on that. I have went through at least a dozen of headphones up to and including Focal Utopia. The over 600g headphones are good for a 20-30 min listen and after that you will start to fidget. Concentration broken, no pleasure in listening at that point as you will want to take them off.
The other very important criteria is the "universality" of a headphone. If you only listen to the best, audiophile grade recordings, then the highest resolution, "impressive" sounding headphones can be a real eye opener. If you taste in music varies (mine does, I listen to lots of music of various genres and recording qualities) then that same eye opening headphone will be a huge disappointment in long term listening satisfaction.
Hence after a dozen of great headphones from virtually all the top brands of today, I am down to 2. ZMF Auteur Blackwood with the biocellulose drivers and my trusty and all time universal Sennheiser HD600.
Of course we all hear different and not many people can do 5-6 hour marathon listening session like I quite often do...
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December 1, 2020, 12:39 PM #17Senior Member
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Re: Topping A90
Agreed... uncomfortable and heavy headphones can get really fatiguing.
I have tried quite a few headphones before arriving at my destination cans. I use my headphones mainly with my portable, at work and elsewhere. I do occasionally use them at home although not nearly as much any more. Here is a list of headphones I have owned; if anyone interested I would be happy to expand upon what I did and did not like about each of these.
McIntosh MHP1000, Audeze EL-8, KEF M500, Sennheiser HD800S, Mr. Speakers Ether, Focal Clear, Audeze iSINE 10, Audeze iSINE 20, Audeze LCDi4, Abyss Diana Phi; hmmmm, I feel I am missing some but that is all I can remember at this time.
The Diana model from Abyss is their more portable version. Their top model, to me, is too large and I do not believe would work well with a portable player. The Diana does! It is definitely a destination headphone for me and works beautifully with both my portable and my T+A DAC at home. They also worked very with the Bryston headphone amp that I had, but I did not use it enough and a friend had a need for it... soooo... it is now in his hands.
It is amazing how good a nice portable can work with a top notch set of headphones. If you have any use for taking music with you I highly recommend trying a really nice portable such as the Astell & Kern models. I love my new one but also found the one I had been using for a couple years to be quite outstanding. (ps... it is still available for a really cheap price if anyone wanted to try something such as this).McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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December 2, 2020, 11:32 AM #18Senior Member
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Re: Topping A90
FWIW, I have a several-months-old, like-new Topping D90 that I would consider selling for around $300 dollars or so. It was $699, IIRC.
I simply have too many dacs sitting around here...DPT4ME - Dynamics, Presence & Tone for Musical Engagement; MBP (3) - stripped down for music only; Shunyata Omega & Sigma USBs; ISO REGEN w/short Curious USB links; Berkeley Alpha USB; Aqua La Scala II Optologic DAC; Schiit Yggdrasil - fully updated; Ayre Codex dac - updated; Pass Labs INT-60 integrated amp; Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE-2 preamp, Quicksilver Mono 120 amps w/Tung-Sol KT150s; Quicksilver Mid Mono amps w/Gold Lion KT77s; Fyne Audio 703s; Symposium Svelte Plus & Ultra Platforms; REL S-812 subwoofers; Duelund DCA12GA speaker cables; AV Room Service EVPs, Stein Music Harmonizers, Duelund DCA16GA & 20GA ICs; Shunyata Denali 6000S/V2; Tripp Lite PCs; Wyred 4 Sound power cords; AudioDharma cable cooker; dedicated custom room; various GIK & ASC room treatments; etc.
www.getbettersound.com
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December 2, 2020, 01:11 PM #19Super Moderator
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Re: Topping A90
Great deal Jim.
Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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December 2, 2020, 01:25 PM #20Super Moderator
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Re: Topping A90
Jim,
I have a friend who wants it. PM comingFleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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December 2, 2020, 05:23 PM #21Senior Member
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Re: Topping A90
Get the new Lampizator Baltic-3. Originally Posted by joeinid
I’ve been eyeing that one am nowhere near ready plus after living with an XD version, I’d be afraid to get something different.
Trust me on this....
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December 2, 2020, 05:24 PM #22Senior Member
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Re: Topping A90
Thanks! I just sent you a reply. Originally Posted by joeinid
DPT4ME - Dynamics, Presence & Tone for Musical Engagement; MBP (3) - stripped down for music only; Shunyata Omega & Sigma USBs; ISO REGEN w/short Curious USB links; Berkeley Alpha USB; Aqua La Scala II Optologic DAC; Schiit Yggdrasil - fully updated; Ayre Codex dac - updated; Pass Labs INT-60 integrated amp; Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE-2 preamp, Quicksilver Mono 120 amps w/Tung-Sol KT150s; Quicksilver Mid Mono amps w/Gold Lion KT77s; Fyne Audio 703s; Symposium Svelte Plus & Ultra Platforms; REL S-812 subwoofers; Duelund DCA12GA speaker cables; AV Room Service EVPs, Stein Music Harmonizers, Duelund DCA16GA & 20GA ICs; Shunyata Denali 6000S/V2; Tripp Lite PCs; Wyred 4 Sound power cords; AudioDharma cable cooker; dedicated custom room; various GIK & ASC room treatments; etc.
www.getbettersound.com
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December 2, 2020, 05:37 PM #23Super Moderator
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Re: Topping A90
Thank you Stephen. I'll take a look. I have some time. Originally Posted by Puma Cat
Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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December 2, 2020, 05:38 PM #24Super Moderator
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Re: Topping A90
Originally Posted by Jim Smith
Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
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