I've been noticing that in just about every USB DAC review I've read in recent issues, the listener has pretty much hated every DAC when listed to over USB. They have all commented on how pleased they've been with the audio quality when using the other means of connections, however, as soon as they connect the DAC via USB, their opponions have changed drastically.

I'm wondering why this might be? What is it about audio over USB that makes it so bad?

My favorite Audiophile magazine quote/story concerns Mission equipment and it comes from JA: (John Atkinson, Stereophile's editor)

It involves Kraftwerk's "Electric Cafe" (possibly), a set of mission Argonauts, and a pair of Mission mono-block power amps, with an outboard power supply additional box.

It goes like this:

"...Beer followed beer...then we switched to scotch...

..Then....I broke them."

JA was cranked, and so was the system. up...and Up..and UP..went the volume...And he broke them.

For the first time, I auditioned a pair of Paradigm Reference Studio 100s run through a Rogue Perseus tube preamp & a Rotel RB1080 S/S power amp. Prior to that, I have never auditioned a tube preamp. Wow! What a difference! A richer, more integrated sound with the Rogue Perseus compared to S/S alternatives. Now that I am hooked on tubes, a few quick questions:

(1) Would there be a significant difference if I went with a tube power amp as well?

(2) Compared to the Rogue Perseus, has anyone had any experience with the Rogue Metis preamp?

Anyone heard the newer Opus No. 5? I'm considering a 750GB version. It seems like they've beefed up the DAC over the No. 3 and it offers reasonably Hi Rez playback levels. If it sounds good, I'll probably jump, but they don't have dealers (other than Amazon and Ebayers) so I can't go hear for myself.

By "sounds good" I mean that it's comparable in sound quality to a $1000+ DAC.

New McIntosh turntable!

Does it not look exactly as if it should have those old sliders on the bottom to allow it to be pulled out from the audio rack and then slid back in?

The only visual that's missing is that old fashioned "stacker" arm that would rotate out above the records.

I'd love to know who is making the tonearm, platter, and cartridge.

Hi,

My left channel monitor (Titus Es) fell off it's stand last night (I don't have them anchored in any way which is another issue) and damaged the upper corner of the cabinet.

The corner is folded in about one half inch or so. The monitor still sounds ok but I'm not an expert in this area and am looking for repair suggestions.

PS...What can I use to anchor monitors to stand without damaging cabinet?

thanks

Howard

So, after much deliberation, I am finally ready to plunge ahead and put together my 1st system (thanks to all of you for your input, especially KBK & AlexO!) At first, I was leaning toward used European solid state integrateds like Creeks and Atolls, then toward Japanese vintage ones... but a last minute serendipitous turn has me going tube amp: Yaqin MC 10L.

http://buy.audiogon.com/cgia/cls.pl?ampstube&1202066389

Hi,

I'm a complete newcomer into the audiophile scene, and would like to get a very basic but decent turntable to listen to some records I have. As a college student I can't justify a whole lot of $$ on it, but I've found a Technics SL-1300 that looks to be in good shape (just needs a new stylus) for around $100. All I want to do is listen to some records at home so I'm not even really sure what my needs are exactly. I just want to be able to start using my vinyl soon! Also this has a YM 10VE cartridge. Is this good/bad? Please advise.