I am in the process of moving to a new apartment and I have encountered a strange electrical problem. When my stereo is on, if I turn on the fan or turn off any electrical device that is on the same circuit; my left speaker will crack.

The apartment looked really nice when I viewed it but I have noticed that the landlord probably cut some corners on construction as I have been moving stuff in.

http://www.sabian.com/fusetalk/blog/

http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/general/messages/54/546379.html

check it out.

In the May issue, Kal Rubinson said "for the moment, I have yet to hear a better SACD/CD player" (speaking of the new Sony 5400).

One would assume that he has heard the Ayre C5xe...or has he?

Is he saying that this $1500 player is as good as the Ayre...or better...or what?

Is there anyone out there who has been able to compare them?

I would be interested in what Kal has to say, and also what others have to say if they have heard both of them enough for a good comparison.

We have been one of Hongkong's leading professional acoustic product producer, the Company was founded by two brothers with enthusiasm in aesthetic refinement for HiFi component support & isolation for over 20 years.

Our complete product line of more than 200 items includes everything a AV/ HiFi enthusiast would need

"I could provide a long list of similarly priced speakers that I consider inferior to the RBS-1, including some popular models like the B&W 705 or Totem Model 1 Signature"

"Three people compared the Grant Fidelity RBS-1 to the Usher Be-718 in my system, and two of the three preferred the Grant Fidelity RBS-1!"

Lorin J. Elias - StereoMojo

http://www.stereomojo.com/Grant%20Fideli...akersReview.htm

For me with my $350-ish system (midfi denon cd player, ittusb, crap reciever, polk speakers), I have always tried to find the point at which it is best to switch from one format to another. I have found that balance, but it is not a happy one. It seems to me that with my no-fi turntable, most complex rock loses much of its detail, while the pristine details of quiet piano, jazz, etc. are better. The Denon handles more complex sounds much better, so it is better suited for louder, more intense music. Fine.

Ok, one of the tubes (EL34) on my Primaluna Prologue 1 appears to have burnt itself out. However, the amp still seems to play fine. My question - is it ok to continue using the amp while I seek a replacement tube? Sorry, brand new to tubes so haven't got a clue.