ChrisK

---------------- On 10/26/2003 12:29:54 AM AndyKubicki wrote: Absolutely! And these do have a beauty all their own! It was either that or a very similar new one. I believe Bruce just got it, and it was 15 wpc. Thought I remember a slightly different tube layout...but then, my mind survived the 70s-barely http://forums.klipsch.com/idealbb/images/smilies/9.gif"> ! ---------------- Andy, Dr Bruce asked me to take the Cavalier home for a week last year. He wanted me to compare it to my Cary. I believe it was 15 watts and looked a little different than the picture above (SS end caps, etc.). As I recall, it sounded very nice. A little stronger than the Cary, but slightly less detailed. When I brought it back, I suggested that maybe Cy could sex up the visible parts a little. The switches, lights and connections were kinda chincy and appeared as though they would need replacing fairly soon after purchase. But all in all, for $1,500, it was a great bargain. Also, after you've seen and heard Cy's high end stuff, it would be pretty hard to settle for less. Wish I could have been there, Chris PS Did Allan get his B3 fix? If so, how'd it sound? And did Allan play "air" B3 while it was playing?

I'm screwed, cant attend. The Comandant gave me the big "Nyet!". Something about "It's YOUR birthday, they're YOUR family. You think you're gonna run off and have fun just because it's your birthday? Dream on!" Actually the preceding was a dramatization. I completely forgot about (or have been trying to forget) my B'day 'till this morning. The upside is nobody can say diddly to me about playing records all day. Wish I could be there, Chris

---------------- On 10/22/2003 9:37:05 PM jnorv wrote: I have 30 year old Sony belt drive TT with a SME 3 arm and blue point cartridge vs a Sony 777ES. I prefer the SACD. I keep reading that the vinyl setup is much better, but that is not my experience. Jim N ---------------- I have a Clearaudio Champion TT with an upgraded Rega RB250 arm and Benz Micro Ace cartridge vs a Sony 222ES SACD changer. With the TT sounding somewhat better than the 222ES, my results were different than yours. Maybe it's because I have a higher level TT and lower level SACD changer. Who knows? But I will say that the 222 still sounds very good. Good enough that I have slowed down buying vinyl records and have been concentrating on finding records I like on SACD. Not to mention soon I'm probably going to send the 222 to one of the "mod" experts for some upgrades. How it breaks down for me - TT Pros - fabulous sound, availability of music not on CD or SACD, gets you involved by not only the sound but also by the fact you need to pay more attention to the operation, it's fun to futz with records, LP album art, analog is better for your brain Cons - Not a tremendous amount of new music available on vinyl, futzing with the cleaning and playing of vinyl is fun...to a point, auidophile recordings are expensive and too often records need to be returned due to defects. SACD Pros - very good sound (probably 95% of what I get from good vinyl as opposed to the 80%-85% I felt regular cd was), easy to operate (putting in 5 discs and pressing "shuffle" sure is nice), player and software prices are coming down Cons - Not a huge selection of music available yet, format wars or how long term is this format going to be? (I still have my laser disc player) Bottom line is that SACD is sound I can live with, but I'm not giving up my vinyl. Having both is a great mix. Chris

---------------- On 10/21/2003 9:00:11 PM garymd wrote: I'm a Dreamboat Annie fan from way back. I'm going to VPI that lp pretty soon and give it a spin. It has 20+ years of built-up dust although the lp is in perfect condition. Today I went into another of my old Dead Tape phases on the way to work. 1980 Jerry Garcia Band at Caledone(sp?) Theater. Great tunes with Robert Hunter on stage. Particularly "Promatory Rider" 1973 Palo Alto 1977 Cornell University - Great "Sacrlet Begonias" into "Fire on the Mountain." Original mixes of "Aoxomoaxoa" and "Anthem of the Sun" - hard to find but I have them on tape. ---------------- Gary, I'd give anything to get a copy of the 1973 Dead concert. If it was at Maples Pavilion (Stanford), it was my first live concert. I'll never forget it. The blazing red stage lights, the gently rocking stacks of speakers, the crystal clear sound....Some folks trust to reason, others trust to might..... Chris

---------------- On 10/22/2003 4:01:41 AM maxg wrote: http://www.sonymusicstore.com/store/catalog/MediaTypeDetails.jsp?mcode=00003α=A Came as a shock to me - will be interesting to see whether more of their titles come out of vinyl or SACD over the coming years... ---------------- Max, I received an email yesterday from Classic Records stating that the remainder of the Bob Dylan catalog that Classic has not already reissued on vinyl (they had been planning to do so) was now on hold with Sony. The reason given was (sorry, this is paraphrasing, as I trashed the email) Sony was rethinking their vinyl options in a "fast growing" segment of the marketplace. I took it to mean that either Sony was going to do the vinyl reissues themselves, or maybe negotiate with others. Typical mega-corporate behavior. Watch someone much smaller develope a new or revitalized market, then step in and dominate. Chris

---------------- On 10/21/2003 11:09:29 AM bclarke421 wrote: Anybody know the measurement of the spades required for speaker connection on a 299? I'm at work, so I can't measure, and I'm looking for good quality spades to use w/ 12 ga. speaker wire. Suggestions for spades welcome as well. Regards, Ben ---------------- Ben, Ask Craig (NOS Valves) about the adapter connections he is now using. However, I'd stay away from the "Spea-Lunker" adapters. They didn't seem to make a good connection for me (thought I was having amp problems...should have known better, Craig did my rebuild) and my friend had the same problem with his. Now, I've bent the spades on my DIY cable and it works great except for what Dean mentioned about not staying tight. Craig, The more I use this little bugger, the less I miss my Cary. Still looking for a Scott with 3 inputs. Let me know if you find one. Chris

I've seen the Red Elvises many times performing free at the Santa Monica Prominade. They're pretty fun to watch. Not to mention Adam Ho, an amazing guitar player since he was about 10 or 11 (now 14, I believe). Come to think of it, there's some pretty impressive talent down there on weekend nights.

There is a meeting planned for October 25th. You can get further info at - http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/HUG/messages/57921.html Allan Songer, Organ music has been suggested as one of the demos. Maybe you could bring some of your beloved B3 stuff. Steve Schell's home brew speakers are supposed to be pretty awesome. BTW, I'd love to come over for a listen at your house. Chris

---------------- On 10/16/2003 2:04:58 AM maxg wrote: About 3 weeks ago I tried to listen to an old recording of "The best of Bread". There was so much background noise, hiss, clicks and pops that I couldnt bear it in the end... ---------------- Max, Are you sure it was the "backround noise, hiss, clicks and pops..." that you caused you to stop listening? Just kidding. Chris (looking for a mint Air Supply record)

Allan, Once when I was over at Dan Mienwald's place, he really went out of his way to demonstrate the differences in pressings for the same record. For instance, he had I believe 8 different pressings of Kind Of Blue. They were played on 3 vastly different systems. One system was MEGA bucks. It had $40,000+ speakers, mutli-thousand dollar cabling, top of the line EAR amplification and an unbelievable TT that had 3 arms attached with very expensive carts. The second system was straight vintage with Marantz 8B (I believe) amps and similar components. And the third system was sort of mid fi. Honestly, while there were differences system to system and pressing to pressing, they ALL sounded wonderful. Including the reissues. I'm guessing it takes more listening experience and a better critical ear than I have to fully appreciate the very subtle nuances that experts like yourself easily discern. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> BTW, Dan was great. He spent way more time showing me things than I deserved. Being there was more or less what I'm guessing spinning vinyl with you might be like. HINT HINT The coolest part of the afternoon was when he played a couple of very old 78's of Hawaiian slack guitar music. While there was plenty of snap, crackle and pop, the sound behind it all was some of the most beautiful music I've ever heard! It was akin to looking at one of those computer generated pictures that you have to let your eyes completely relax to see the intended image. Something I've had little success with by the way. Regards, Chris

I have quite a few Classic Records reissues and for the most part have been very happy with them. While many people have strong opinions on reissues in general and Classic Records in particular, most of their products are among the best at what they are intended to be. Are they expensive? Depends on how you look at it. Used records can be a crapshoot at best. I've found some very cheap, mint appearing records that sounded like doo-doo no matter how much cleaning I attempted. I've also found some semi-beatup looking records that appeared as though they'd sound like something on a Victrola that ended up, after cleaning, sounding wonderful. My success rate runs about 60% bad, 20% ok, 15% good, to 5% excellent in buying used records through eBay, thrift stores, garage sales, swaps and the like. However, for classical style music the success rate can be far better. I've also been at various audio functions (meetings, a/b tests, etc.) where some very serious, highly respected vinyl enthusiasts will listen "past" the pops, crackles and static on their prized original pressings and be in hog heaven. My listening acumen just hasn't got there yet. I prefer a quiet backround without the pops and clicks, if at all possible. Bottom line IMHO is that Classic Records puts out some great stuff and you can often find some decent deals on their own and other's websites. Chris PS You might want to add http://www.acousticsounds.com to the great suggestions above.

Kelly, Thanks for posting the post. But, can you add the last part? Those 2 penguins were hilarious! They remind me of my 9yo son and his friends. Chris

---------------- On 10/14/2003 3:21:47 PM tbabb wrote: I purchased both LPs a month or so ago. They were enjoyable and I don't even have a daughter. tb ---------------- On 10/14/2003 3:10:50 PM ChrisK wrote: Jack Johnson - Brushfire Fairytales, On and On (My ---------------- tb, I like them also. It's just that my daughter and her band of hotties want him badly. As a matter of fact I got them on vinyl for about $11 each and the little brat swiped the album covers to take back to school with her. She's putting them on her fireplace mantle. When I die, I want to come back as one of my kids. Chris

This is some of the more recent recordings that have been on our TT, CDP and SACDP lately. I'm streaching it to recorded in the last ten years... Jack Johnson - Brushfire Fairytales, On and On (My daughter was home this weekend.) Christian McBride - Gettin' To It Steve Earle - El Corazón, I'm Alright, Jerusalem AKUS - Live, New Favorite Jazz on the Latin Side All Stars Cassandra Wilson - New Moon Daughter Tony Bennet/KD Lingus - A Wonderful World Tony Bennet - Playin' With My Friends Nnenna Freelon - Soulcall (didn't like 'till heard her live - wow!) Peter Cincotti - Peter Cincotti (daughter saw him at MJF) Chris

---------------- On 10/12/2003 9:49:54 AM Are Friends Electric wrote: ...If anyone is compelled to try an ADE-24, there is one on Audiogon for $99. ---------------- Just out of curiosity, did anyone catch the ID of the seller? "Tubeshornssnakeoil"? I'm guessing it's tounge-in-cheek. Chris

---------------- On 10/10/2003 1:37:07 PM mobile homeless wrote: Chris, I would go with a quality pair of 2A3 SET Monoblocks with good iron. I actually think you will like this BETTER than the Cary 300B integrated and the bass, suprisingly enough, will actually be a bit tighter with a more neutral midrange. AT least that's my take on a Cary 300B stereo (non tube rectified) vs a quality 2A3 Mononlock SET. What is your budget? I think you would be surprised at the extension of a modern 2A3 SET with good iron. Keep the 299 as your PP option. Budget? kh---------------- Kelly, By "good iron" I assume you mean the transformers. Would Bottlehead, Wrightsound or something similar fit the bill? The low wattage rating of 2A3's kinda scares me as I'm looking for something that is quiet with nice detailed sound and some ooomph. My Cary seemed to run out of steam when playing louder Rock, Country or certain passages of Orchestral music (not to mention solo piano music played beyond moderate listening levels.). As far as budget goes, I had about $3,000 in my Cary and got most of that back in it's sale. So, I guess I'd like to keep it under $4,000. Last thought, my dream amp would sound similar to the Scott when I have the "Compensator" switch engaged, but with less hum (although the Scott doesn't have much), slightly tighter bass, slightly less treble hiss, a little more midrange bloom and yet retain all the fabulous dynamics and presence this jewel puts out. Geez Louise, after reading this it sounds like I'm asking quite a bit.

---------------- On 10/10/2003 11:59:09 AM mobile homeless wrote: I will guess an answer here in that ole Jeff is no longer building amps for anyone, most notably out of the country. He might sell amps he has built for himself, but not make on demand. We tried that one, and it was not the right timing. On the other hand, this site could be a great source. We'll see what happens. My guess, most wont have the ducats to afford the Peerless copy MagneQuest iron. But cheaper options ARE around. kh ---------------- Kelly, I just recently sold my Cary 300SEI and am now using a Scott 299 (A, second edition) NOS Valves rebuild. While the Scott definitely has it's advantages over the Cary, I'm missing the SET "Magic". While I'll keep the 299 for a second system that is slowly being assembled, I'm shopping now for something to replace the Cary. What amp or amp design might be the best at accomplishing the best of PP and SET. You have mentioned often about 300B and 2A3 amps (PP?) that might fit the bill. Can you name some examples? Thanks, Chris

---------------- On 10/10/2003 10:23:54 AM hwatkins wrote: Solid state (at least mine is) - their real value is probably not audiophile per se, but you get some very good SS from what I consider some of HK's better days. At one time you could pick these up for a song - I got mine for $15 about ten years ago. Their popularity has surged as of late, but I believe $100 is still achievable and well worth it. This is 30 watts per, pretty darn clean. There are some folks that know this amp/reciver better than me that can give you better detail. ---------------- I have a 630 on they way to me that I got off eBay for $70 delivered. As a matter of fact, I've been waiting since the Payapl funds were sent on 9/30. Hopefully this transaction doesn't turn out to be a hassle. Chris

---------------- On 10/9/2003 8:57:25 PM fini wrote: "Beaver Cheese" fini ---------------- fini, Is Beaver Cheese in any way realted to Frumunda Cheese? Chris

---------------- On 10/8/2003 3:43:49 PM fini wrote: Arnold should like this bumper sticker: "Love it, or Leave it to Beaver!" fini ---------------- fini, Once again, thanks for the laugh. Holy crap, you kill me. Regards, Chris "Have you ever eaten beaver?" - Roger Daltrey, recent History Channel promo.

---------------- On 10/8/2003 12:32:07 PM Allan Songer wrote: I prefer Mencken's term: "Boobus Americanus." You have a PERFECT grasp of the "illegal" immigrant workforce here in California. The economy DEPENDS on this labor and very, very few will admit it. ---------------- Allan, I think you hit the nail on the head with your second statement. In regards to mdeneen's post, even with all you stated what does it say that every year illegal Hispanic and Asian immigrants by the 100's of thousands still risk their lives to come here. Believe me, I've heard some horrific stories told to me by young (15-17 yo) kids, not to mention dozens of young and older women. Although I must admit I don't know where you came up with the tie-in between this election and illegal immigration. If it was my quote about drivers licenses, I can tell you that every Hispanic citizen I know personally (for the record - I speak Spanish, have worked in East Los Angeles for the past 20 years and have fairly close realtionships with hundreds of Hispanic and Asian people through my job) was/is against the issuance of licenses to illegals. That being said, on the surface it (giving of CDL's) still sounds like the fair and decent thing to do seeing as how these people deserve more than they get considering the enormous contribution they, as a group, provide to California and the nation. The question remains, who's going to pay for it? Will the NASCAR Dad-Soccer Mom-Limousine Liberal-White Flight-Education Foundation-Costco/Walmart shopping citizens foot the bill? I doubt it. For now they'll just keep going to Costco/Walmart in their SUV's and imported sport luxury cars where the employees make $10.00-$13.00 an hour and more than 2/3's of the them don't get (or cannot afford) healthcare so we can pay perceived lower prices that we believe will allow us to buy an even bigger gas-guzzling, traffic jamming, accident causing (usually while we're on the cell phone) SUV or higher end import sport luxury car. This time with a DVD player/screen and navigation system. This is GREAT discourse, Chris

---------------- On 10/7/2003 12:34:06 PM Cut-Throat wrote: ChrisK, you said: **************************************************************** there were over a million and a half people that took the time to sign the petition. At the same time I seriously doubt another recall for whomever is elected if Davis is ousted will gather any steam. ****************************************************************** Really ? - In a state where there are over 30 Million People, you don't think anyone could find another 1.5 Million pissed off people? This recall is a joke - Changing Governors will do nothing. The problem is not the politicians - It's uneducated voters! ---------------- Cut Throat, You're could very well be right on all counts except changing Governors doing nothing. I totally disagree with you there. What we don't know is if the changes will be better for large groups of Californians. There are some very serious issues out there that aren't even on the national media radar. Like water policy, term limits challanges, UC admissions, Coastal Commission reform and a host of others. Even so, I'm still glad that people are talking, arguing, ranting and the like. I just got back from my polling place and it was packed! We still have punchcard machines and most people were holding up their ballots to the light, checking for hanging chads. It was fantastic! Think about it. It's possible that over 70% of the state's 15.3 million voters are going to do a very American thing today, VOTE! There will be an almost certain majority decision on the question of the recall. It's the much smaller number of people that may decide on a new Governor if Davis is recalled that worries me. Still, California remains a very dynamic place and it's exciting to witness this process firsthand. BTW, as far as "uneducated voters" are concerned, just how much and what type of political education would make the electorate acceptable to you? And I'm assuming that you consider yourself amongst those with acceptable levels of issue awareness. Correct? Regards, Chris

I believe the recall has been a good thing. Hopefully it's a wakeup call for politicians in the other states that have similar laws. While it was boosted by some big money conservatives, there were over a million and a half people that took the time to sign the petition. At the same time I seriously doubt another recall for whomever is elected if Davis is ousted will gather any steam. It's my opinion that GD screwed up, plain and simple. Like the Beltway Boys always say, "It's the ECONOMY, stupid!". Governor Davis let the people of California get played like an ATM by a host of special interest groups. Big oil, big energy, big gambling, big insurance, the trial lawyers, you name it. If they gave money, they got favors. Now he wants to buy back his job by pandering to a host of different constituencies at the last minute. Is it a good idea to let illegal immigrants have drivers licenses? Maybe so. But who's going to pay for all the insurance? I'll give you one guess. Sorry for the rant, Chris (very happy to be living in California, even now)

---------------- On 10/6/2003 7:05:54 PM NOSValves wrote: Your going to vote for Arnold aren't you ?? ---------------- Craig, Don't know if you've heard this one, but I thought you might get a kick out of it.. "I'd rather be groped by Arnold, than screwed by Davis." Chris (undecided as of today)

Allan, Kind of interesting that Fegan (miss-spelled on purpose) and Becker are held in such high regard by such renowned musicians. I honestly felt that last night they were the weakest players on the stage. Not that they aren't talented, moreover they seem to surround themselves with superior players. Once again, they played fine. IMWO, just not to the level of the other band members. Also it was interesting that Becker followed every song from a chart. Even during his "solos". The arrangements were not that intricate and this was the tail end of the tour. Not to mention, he's probably played these songs a gazillion times. Chris