Recent content by W9TR

I built the linear power supplies and USB isolater myself. I bought ultra low noise regulator modules and a transformer/rectifier from Jameco. Three separate isolated and filtered outputs for the ‘quiet end’ of the optical break, USB isolator and streamer. About $100’all in. The optical break...

I can only speak to my personal experience. Adding an optical break and a USB isolator fed by clean linear power supplies made a significant improvement in the sound quality of my digital audio chain. I can listen all day without any fatigue. I’ve also incorporated some advanced grounding and...

In order to get any credit you have to show your work. :)

I have purchased the majority of the gear in my signature used. I tend to buy McIntosh electronics not because it’s the best, but because I can get service manuals and factory support when I need it. I also happen to like the McIntosh house sound, though it is not for everyone. They even have a...

This space will be multi-purpose but leaning heavily toward the theater aspect with two rows of seating. I think the thing that separates theater design from 2 channel is more emphasis on the room acoustics and getting the bass correct. My wife and I are both movie fans but I’m the only 2...

It’s Listen Up. Several locations on the front range. I went to the Denver store.

I don’t have the luxury of separate spaces for theater and 2 channel, so I have to make compromises. My 2 channel setup is electrically separate from my surround system. I have separate AC power feeds and signal chains for each with the 2 channel system put in pass through mode for theater use...

I’ve got an example of another reviewer who has made a significant investment in measurement tools. I’m building a new theater, 9.4.6 Dolby Atmos, etc. 6 height speakers and 6 surround speakers. Cost becomes an issue with so many channels. The main L,C,R speakers and amps I already have. Where...

The combination of subjective impressions and objective performance that I find valuable is becoming increasingly hard to find. Reviewers of any stripe on any ‘channel’ need to have years of available content that I can review and compare to my personal experience with the gear in question...

Ethernet connected to a component that shares a ground with your DAC has the potential to inject noise into your system. “But Ethernet is galvanically isolated” they say, so “this isn’t an issue”. Wrong. The small Ethernet transformers pass high frequency noise from other network components...

I think a lot more goes into our perception of sound quality than just our ear’s ability to hear high frequencies. I’m in the same boat I’m sure. The 15750 Hz horizontal oscillators in TV sets used to drive me bonkers. I’m sure I couldn’t hear them today. But that hasn’t dampened my critical...

That SX-1250 and L100 combo is a true classic. Hook those babies up with some zip cord and you’re good to go! Definitely a different sound, still fun and engaging. That’s what counts.

TLDR - DSP saves the Day! I have always been kind of a 2 channel purist music lover. When I dipped my toe into Home Theater, I always kept the systems separate. Separate rooms with different acoustics and separate gear. When we moved to Colorado a decade ago our smaller house didn't allow for...

These are the good old days. Right here, right now! The performance and value of speakers like the KEF R3, and the quality of reasonably priced electronics just blows me away. I bought a pair of KEF Q Concerta speakers last year. Thery sound better than most of the speakers I've owned across my...

The beginner mode defaults will be misleading, not a lot of speakers hit 90 dB/1w/1m. Speaker power ratings are also misleading as very few speakers are measured in RMS/continuous watts. Mostly it is music power, recommended amplifier power, or some other measure. In Pro mode, the amplifier...