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  1. dminches

    Solidsteel Rack

    I have an older, 2 shelf Solidsteel rack. I am trying to figure out what the weight limit is for each shelf. Unfortunately, I don't know the model# so I can't look it up. I have attached 2 pictures of the rack. If someone knows what rack this is and/or has any specs I would appreciate it if...
  2. dminches

    MintLP Tractor

    Has anyone had any recent communication with the folks who sell the MintLP tractor? I tried to order one from them 3-4 weeks ago but I have not gotten any response. I have no clue if they are still in business and just not responding or if they are done. This is the only tool I have used...
  3. dminches

    General Question about Belt Drive Turntables

    Some of the current belt drive turntables have what I call motor and tonearm pods (for example, the Brinkmann Balance, J.Sikora Reference). It doesn't seem as though one or both are bolted down in any way since they seem to just sit on a platform. What prevents these from moving even the...
  4. dminches

    The Tape Project Is Restarting

    They have a new release, The Chieftains from the Boarding House, which is a Bear's Sonic Journals release, and it seems as though they will venture into more titles. From the forum: Perhaps you have heard...since we sent out an email newsletter announcing it...that we are changing the way we...
  5. dminches

    Upgrade to Vandersteen Model 7 XTRM

    Last week I received my upgraded Vandersteen Model 7s and I couldn't be happier. I owned a pair of the original Model 7s along with the granite bases. In August the speakers were shipped to Hanford for the full upgrade to the XTRM. I am using the M7-HPA amps to drive them. What is difference...
  6. dminches

    Wave Kinetics NVS

    Does anyone else have an issue with the NVS screen powering on? My issues started a month ago. This is a known issue since there is a replacement being developed. Unfortunately, the replacement isn’t free. I am wondering if there is any work around. The screen is responsible for starting the...
  7. dminches

    DIY Project - Wiring Out Studer Head Block

    I have a Studer A812 in my main listening room which doesn't get much play time since I prefer to use my Doshi Audio EVO tape preamp. Currently I have 2 Technics RS-1500s with wired out Flux Magnetic heads feeding the Doshi. So, I purchased a Studer A810 head block for the purpose of making it...
  8. dminches

    Center Channel Speaker Recommendation

    In my 7.1 setup I have 2 Vandersteen Model 7s and a VCC-5 center channel. The 4 surround speakers are M&K. While I am completely satisfied with the 2 main speakers (since the room is used more for 2 channel audio and MCH video) I am finding the dialogue coming from the center channel less than...
  9. dminches

    Name That Tune

    A bunch of us Jerry Garcia-heads have been trying to put a name to an instrumental that he played a couple times in 1973. The melody is too well developed to not be an actual song. It sounds Motown-ish to me but I really don't know. Does anyone recognize this? I would be eternally grateful...
  10. dminches

    I Hate Dust…

    …and haven’t yet found a way to reduce it. There are few months in a year where I live where I am not using the air conditioning or heat and both result in a lot of dust landing on my equipment. I am considering adding an air purifier to my music room to try to reduce it. I was wondering if...
  11. dminches

    How To Repair Loose Tube Base?

    I have a pair of tubes which sound fine but the bases are a bit loose. Can someone recommend an epoxy or silicone that I can use to stabilize them? TIA.
  12. dminches

    Amp / Pre-amp Impedance Matching

    Hopefully this question makes sense. I have an Ayre VX-R 20 amp and want to get a preamp to replace my Ayre K-5xe MP. The main reason why I am replacing the pre-amp is that I want one with a balance control since my seating position is off center and I don't have much flexibility to move the...
  13. dminches

    Miyajima Labs Cartridges

    Why does it seem as though the Miyajima Labs stereo cartridges are not as popular as the mono ones? I own a Zero mono and really love it. I owned a Madake for a while but didn’t love it. I prefer the Zero to my Clearaudio GFS (on mono records) but I am not sure I would feel the same way...
  14. dminches

    Different Cartridges for Different Music?

    For those of you who have multiples arms/cartridges do you find yourself using one cartridge for one type of music, say rock/prog, and a different one for jazz? I guess what I am wondering is if people feel the characteristics of certain cartridges are a better match for particular music. My...
  15. dminches

    Last Tango In Halifax

    We just started watching this on Netflix. It is a British comedy-drama. It is very well done with realistic story lines and characters. Being an American I am really enjoying learning many new (to me) British slang phrases and words. I never knew “pissed” meant “drunk.” Highly recommended.
  16. dminches

    iPadOS 14 Features

    Has anyone discovered any new and worthwhile features in the new iPadOS? I just updated to it. I know there is an new search feature. I also noticed that I can set Chrome to be my default browser. I am not sure that was there before.
  17. dminches

    US-based Sablon Owners?

    I am on the Sablon Audio train and loving it. I would really like to audition one of Mark's current XLR interconnects in my system. Is there anyone in the US who would be willing to let me borrow a cord for a weekend? I would pay shipping both ways and could even lend you one of my cables...
  18. dminches

    Best300B.com

    Have people had good experience buying from Best300B.com. I am asking because I placed and order last week (Friday) and I have heard nothing from them. I don’t know if the tubes I purchased are in stock but I wrote them and asked and they haven’t written back.
  19. dminches

    Lampizator Big7 MK2 Upgrade

    Has anyone had their Big7 upgraded to an MK2? If so, can you explain the difference in sound before and after the upgrade? I guess a comparison of an original Big7 and the current MK2 would be relevant as well. It does seem a pretty significant change. I am considering having this done but...
  20. dminches

    Cold Brew

    For those of your who make cold brew can you tell me your: 1) Ratio of ground coffee weight to water for brewing 2) Cold brew output to water input 3) Ratio of cold brew to added water for the final drink
  21. dminches

    Thorens TD 521

    Has anyone owned one of these? I am thinking of getting one and putting my SME 3012R arm on it. Any thoughts about that combination? There aren't many moderately priced turntables that can use this arm.
  22. dminches

    SME 3012R Template Needed

    Does someone have an extra SME 3012R arm board template they could sell to me? The arm I bought most recently did not come with one. TIA.
  23. dminches

    FS: Audioquest Oak Speaker Cables - 5 Ft - Newly Terminated

    For sale is a mint pair of Audioquest Oak speaker cables. The cables measure 5 ft from spade to spade. These were just returned to me from Audioquest who re-terminated them on the amp side. They were part of an external bi-wire pair which I split up. You get the best of both worlds - newly...
  24. dminches

    Basic Treatment Question

    I know it is "standard" to treat, at a minimum, the points of first reflection and bass control. Why is it also common to see treatments on the front ball between the 2 speakers? Does a lot of sound reflect off of there? In my main room I have a projection screen behind and in between the...
  25. dminches

    VPI HW-40 Announcement

    Any thoughts on VPI's anniversary direct drive turntable? https://www.vpiindustries.com/hw40
  26. dminches

    Miyajima (and other) Cartridge Installation Question

    Do people normally attach the cartridge to the head shell with the nuts up or down? I find with the Miyajima bodies that it is difficult to tighten the screws if the nuts are down since they are hard to hold. Just wondering what others do.
  27. dminches

    Testing Telefunken ECC801s

    I have a couple quads of these, all of which were purchased NOS (as per the seller's description). I use a Jackson 648s tube tester and have found that they all seem to test at 70-75%. Have others found that these tubes test "low" even when seemingly new?
  28. dminches

    Clearaudio GFS vs. Lyra Etna SL

    Does anyone have enough listening experience with both the GFS and Etna SL to provide a comparison between the 2? Thanks.
  29. dminches

    Equi=tech 10WQ Question

    I own an Equi=tech 10WQ and I am wondering if having balanced power could cause any issues with non-audio equipment such as lights or record cleaners, etc. Do I have to be careful as to what is on a circuit being powered by the 10WQ?
  30. dminches

    Harbeth P3-ESR Special Edition

    For sale is a pair of Harbeth P3ESR speakers in rosewood. These have been used lightly in my office system. This is a Special Edition version with Studio Grade Ultra Pure OFC Cable. Asking price $1,450. The speakers are in excellent condition both mechanically and cosmetically. The only...

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