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    Stereo image biased toward right

    My room is asymmetrical as the left Golden Ear Triton 1 speaker stands near a corner while the right one sits in free space. The stereo image is biased toward the right, free standing speaker so that the sound is louder from the right, causing me to have to adjust the balance control to center...
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    Imbalance in stereo soundstage

    Recently it was pointed out to me that my right speaker was dominating the soundstage, in this case Diana Krall's voice was biased toward the right speaker instead of being centered. I had noted this condition generally but it meant nothing to me; now I am interested in the cause. My room is...
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    Power Cord for NBH-18NS

    Having settled n with my NHB-18NS with new batteries, I've learned to use the BTM feature whereby the preamp uses AC while keeping the batteries on full charge like a laptop. While not as good as battery operation, this mode is okay when not listening closely, as when reading, etc. The advantage...
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    Cartridge loading Lyra Skala

    This is a topic for cartridge loading, specifically a Lyra Skala MC cartridge. I am changing phono sections from a stand-alone Ayre Evolution to the phono section of a darTZeel NHB-18NS. The Ayre had a loading of 47k ohms and the darTZeel comes with a standard loading of 836 ohms. The Skala...
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    Dartzeel NHB-18NS or ARC Ref 5 se?

    Can anyone compare these two fine preamps? I am using the Ref 5 se with a Dartzeel NHB 108 power amp but have an opportunity to acquire the NHB-18NS which I would probably have upgraded to new status. Note: I am perfectly satisfied with the Ref 5 se but you know how temptation is.:p
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    Upgrading interconnect

    How much difference can an interconnect make? I am a big believer in power cords and broke the bank for a Nordost Valhalla 2 for my EMM Labs XDS1-V2 CDp; although I can't really describe the benefits it looks good. I was more conservative on interconnect, using the hybrid and very good Kimber KS...
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    Compare ARC Ref 5SE with Dartzeel NHB-18NS

    I am using an Audio Research Ref 5SE but thinking of leaving the wonderful world of tube electronics and going solid state. I need some help for such an important decision. Can anyone compare the sound of a Ref 5SE with the Dartzeel NHB-18NS preamplifier, not the latest model? My power amp is...
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    Mysterious damage to LPs

    For the past year I have been using an SME 20/3 TT with the Series V arm and a Lyra Skala cartridge. Lately I've noticed damage to 3 or 4 new LPs unlike anything seen before, very localized groove damage from <a half inch to about 2 inches, the rest of the disk being pristine. The groove...
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    ARC Solid State Amps

    I am interested in your opinion about the ARC DS 225 or DS 450 amps, particularly if used with the Ref 5SE preamp. I can't find many reviews and am interested since these amps are digital and solid state from a company known for its traditional tube gear.
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    Should I go subwoofer?

    I am currently using a pair of Sonus Faber Mementos, wonderful speakers that go down to about 40 Hz with decent bass. Lately I've been getting a case of full-rangeitis and am considering using a subwoofer with these elegant little two-ways. I've always been reluctant to do this but am told of...
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    Golden Ear Triton One

    I have been using Sonus Faber Mementos for a few years and love the looks and sound of these two-way speakers, the one element of my system which I thought was there forever. However lately I have been reading intriguing reviews in major journals of the new Triton One by Golden Ear which makes...
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    Nordost Valhalla 2 Power Cord

    About a year ago I acquired a Nordost Blue Heaven power cord, plugged it into my EMM Labs XDS1-V2 which played sweeter with more resolution than with the Kimber pc I was using. So I bought a Heimdall 2, more mid-range and stronger bass. Being satisfied now there was only one thing to do - order...
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    Compare SF Mementos to Evos

    I own SF Memento speakers but am considering an upgrade although generally satisfied with the Memento sound. A natural choice would be Guarneri Evos which replaced the Mementos in the SF lineup. My question is to anyone who has listened to these speakers: is there a significant difference...
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    Diana Krall - Jazz Musician?

    Diana Krall - a talented Canadian singer-pianist who happens to beautiful and married to Elvis Costello (damn!). I have many of her recordings on CD and LP which have outstanding sound; in fact I use her When I Look into Your Eyes CD as a reference. Now the issue: is she merely a very good...
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    1959: The Year that Changed Jazz

    Many of my favorite jazz recordings come from the 1950s to about 1970, classical modern jazz, but I have noticed how many great recordings cluster from the late 50s to the early 60s. Recently, browsing through the internet, looking for Alice Munro short stories, I stumbled across a website...
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    McCormack UDP-1

    While my EMM Labs XDS1 is on a bit of a holiday, my dealer lent me a well-used McCormack UDP-1, universal disc player, CD, SACD, DVD, etc. Although unenthusiastic at the prospect, I plugged it in using the stock power cord and was amazed. The sound filled the room, the midrange lucious the base...
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    EMM Labs Pre2 Reference Preamplifier

    I have been using EMM Labs CD players for years--currently the XDS1--with good success and wonder if anyone has heard the Meitner-designed Pre2, preamp. It costs in the 16,000€ range in Europe and there aren't a ton of reviews. Any possible comparison of this solid-state unit to the ARC Ref5se...
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    What's the best power cord for the ARC REF5 SE?

    Presently I'm breaking in a new REF5 SE and wondering what's the best power cord to use with this preamp. Two of the best reviews of the REF5 SE used the stock cord because ARC uses a 20 amp IEC connection with this unit rather than the normal 15 amp. I understand that Shunyata Research...

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