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  1. DSkip

    I just opened the Rhapsody Audio in Sausalito, Ca! My new journey with Alsyvox, Pilium, Taiko, Dieses and Esoteric

    I didn't think you could open a Rhapsody unless you officially changed your name to Bob...
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    SFP/FMC/Optical cable - The only important ethernet cable?

    This is a true statement. Theory vs application has created a plethora of arguments in this industry. I focus on application so I don’t have a theoretical argument, but I have experienced the same thing audiobomber has. It’s why I’m investing so heavily in my network.
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    Best bottle of wine for less than $20?

    J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet is a favorite of mine. I favor it enough to not push upwards to more expensive wines.
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    Best speakers at low volume

    The Certaldo from Rosso Fiorentino could save you some money and do well at lower volume. We also have custom finishes so the wife can become part of the design process. I recently showed these at Lone Star Audio Fest and the response was overwhelming.
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    DAC Options

    While you can improve your sound considerably with a new Dac in that price range, I’d recommend dealing with your network and streaming solution first. The Silent Angel line has an array of products that can make that Vega sound like a new Dac and remove some bottlenecks should you decide to...
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    Todd's AG Trio G3 System -- it's about time

    A short story about a client of mine: as he visited more and more often, he began to ask questions about the setup process. I would answer him willingly and answered many questions. At a certain point, he asked a question and I realized I was on the verge of giving him too much information. I...
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    Todd's AG Trio G3 System -- it's about time

    Some don’t, but the key is reference points, not limitations. If you know what a well tuned system can do then you have a proper reference point. In this case, your setup is usually only as good as that reference as that is your pinnacle. With guys like ST, there is enough experience there to...
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    Todd's AG Trio G3 System -- it's about time

    I can not speak to all the forum, but I can say I’ve learned some of this process and utilized it in my own systems. The results have gotten others that were on the fence with upgrades to jump fully in the water and overhaul their entire systems. Not only that, but having the speaker setup...
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    Lone Star Audio Fest 2023

    AudioThesis will be exhibiting one of our modest systems at the event: the Rosso Fiorentino Certaldo 2, the Norma HS-IPA1 integrated, and the Silent Angel M1 streamer, all connected with AudioQuest cables. I believe the Volterra 2 will also now be the partnering speaker in the Infigo room.
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    Todd's AG Trio G3 System -- it's about time

    There are some dealers with the skill set but they are rare. Others hire guys like those listed above to do a final set. It should be common practice imo. The interesting thing is that even at the highest levels, there are variances in the set. Importance seems to be placed in different areas...
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    Todd's AG Trio G3 System -- it's about time

    What Todd is doing is *required* to get what a speaker is capable of, regardless of price. Setup to that degree is that important. At a certain price point, a professional setup should be included in the sale IMO. At the price of these speakers, I do think its a requirement but YMMV.
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    Advice on Solid State Amp (Dartzeel and Audiopax Preamps)

    Within your budget you’re going to be hard pressed to beat the Norma PA-150. Brand new it comes in at your top budget. It’s a very high current design with an extremely low noise floor and erring on dark presentation. I have not compared it directly to the dartzeel but I have compared the...
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    Todd's AG Trio G3 System -- it's about time

    I guarantee you your first statement is correct. He has skills that are rare even within the industry. Regarding AG sending someone - I'm not sure that is the best solution unless they have a dedicated and well-trained specialist. I don't know them, but I do know most designers don't...
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    Todd's AG Trio G3 System -- it's about time

    Most audiophiles do not know how to use their ear as a tool in the setup situation he is referencing. Most dealers don't have a clue either. A speaker setup professional *should* know how to do this by ear. This isn't to say that audiophiles/dealers don't know great sound when they hear it...
  15. DSkip

    Budgetary Streamer under $500

    It does not. It is an output. You can hook a monitor up to it and see the interface.
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    Budgetary Streamer under $500

    I have NOS Volumio Primo HiFi Edition in stock if you are interested. I believe it supports everything you need.
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    Grimm Audio MU2 "Major Dac"

    Hey Paul! I know how much you enjoy the streamer. This is interesting news.
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    Todd's AG Trio G3 System -- it's about time

    My imperfect room was treated heavily for years. Once I learned proper setup technique, I've eliminated 70% of the treatments and left the ones that are critical. For instance, I have two fiberglass cylinders in the back corners of my room. One side reinforces the high frequencies unnaturally...
  19. DSkip

    Which electronics would you choose for Sasha DAW with the given budget?

    There are a lot of things that can be ‘too….’ In a system. I didn’t know dynamic was one of them. :)
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    Which electronics would you choose for Sasha DAW with the given budget?

    Have you considered a CH I1 with streaming card? It can be had new in your price range and save you on cabling and shelving options.
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    Social Media and High End Audio

    I did three shows last year, costing me over $20,000 for standard issue rooms. Keep in mind I attend these shows solo so expenses are as low as I can get them. I live in the Dallas area and drove to Seattle, Chicago, and Washington DC to do those events. That is just PART of the expense...
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    Would you Pay $250 to Hear Specific Equipment at a Dealer?

    @Another Johnson, those are great posts and as a dealer I appreciate both views you have on the matter. Your latest response represents the big issue. Some dealers I know won't charge for up front time investments, but when it comes time to purchase an item and they begin negotiating, that...
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    Would you Pay $250 to Hear Specific Equipment at a Dealer?

    Wanting the service and willing to pay for the service are two completely different things. While many here may fall under the umbrella of understanding that value, most clients don’t. Every single dealer I know has these clients that take up all their time and feel no remorse about going to...
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    Would you Pay $250 to Hear Specific Equipment at a Dealer?

    Comparing two completely different industries has no legitimacy here IMO. In your industry, SOMEONE is going to get hired to do the job. In this industry, one can simply wait for a used one to show up. Product vs service is a completely different argument. People value the experience and...
  25. DSkip

    AXPONA 2023

    Ron was a great host without being a host. Thanks for the hospitality! It was great spending time with those I knew and those who were new.
  26. DSkip

    LPS for ATT Router + ONT (optical network termination)

    The Silent Angel Forester F2 is an excellent option but I understand it may not be the right solution for all. It is on the more expensive side, but well made and offers two 12v rails and two 5v rails. The ability to have so many units powered by a single LPSU more than makes up for its cost...
  27. DSkip

    Social Media and High End Audio

    AMONG. I can tell you I hear much more clamor from my clients pertaining to the four guys I listed than I do any of the ones you list. In fact, Darko may get mentioned once a year, but I've not had a single client mention the others. I don't deny their status, but their influence is not felt...
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    Social Media and High End Audio

    I'll share some experiences with some of the social media dudes: 1. OCD Mike (Verastarr) - I met him years ago, before he had the exposure he has now. We had some good interactions and he reached out wanting to represent a past product of mine. A single product, not the entire line, as he...
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    Social Media and High End Audio

    I can tell you which two clients prefer to choose. Dealer service and experience is definitely not valued by the majority as people feel they can do it all themselves. The sad part is, they often take dealer service in the form of advice and guidance and then turn to another dealer to purchase...

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