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    New PS Audio Directstream DAC

    I just received my PS Audio Directstream DAC today and will connect it up tonight. I also have the P5 Power Plant which at first blush made a measurable difference in quality of the music and lower noise (with previous setup). I will do some blind tests with the DAC with some friends from work...
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    Best DAC/Preamp combo under $10k?

    alexandre - thanks. I haven't even heard on the clock - lots to learn.
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    Best DAC/Preamp combo under $10k?

    The level 7 Lampi looks very good indeed - with options say $7500 eur, a little over $10k. Now is this better than the $6k PS Audio DirectStream DAC? What I hear is likely yes and no, in the best result. The "midrange magic and awsome bass" sounds attractive with the L7 and the perhaps better...
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    Best DAC/Preamp combo under $10k?

    For the Level 7 Lampi - what tubes did you chose if you don't mind saying? Also I read through the website on what is in the build - pretty impressive! I believe you said you also ordered the Directstream DAC - looks like you will know it all soon.
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    Best DAC/Preamp combo under $10k?

    That is in line with other posting on other sites, hands and feet tapping. I wonder if the Lampi (and other tube DACs) are adding some sort of "tube" sound or just demonstrating the superior resolution of tubes over solid-state? Brian
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    Best DAC/Preamp combo under $10k?

    Wow - quite the machine. Including the CD player is a big plus.
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    Best DAC/Preamp combo under $10k?

    I think volume only is OK - so digital input only. PS audio directstream gives a compelling story on their videos on website - pretty well based that normal PCM/CD playback is flawed and SACD (DSD) gives you all the hidden nuances of music. Though not to muddy the waters - I have done some...
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    Best DAC/Preamp combo under $10k?

    Thanks - I like your signature "Dad, when are you going to stop changing all the electronics?" that is where I am at and why I try to buy used! Used Platinum Signatures look to be $15k range, a little higher than I wanted but... Though the new PS Audio "miracle" looks compelling.
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    Best DAC/Preamp combo under $10k?

    Thanks -very much appreciated. I take your point on DAC and gelling innovation - my philosophy is to buy components that are top level on the used market (or dealer demo), so I can easily resell at little cost difference if I decide to run to something else. However if technology is moving fast...
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    Best DAC/Preamp combo under $10k?

    On other forums I have seen a lot of passion around the Lampizator, almost love in fact. Reviews also are up there. Any feeling on how Lampizator Level 5 stacks up against the MSB Platinum, for example? Brian
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    Best DAC/Preamp combo under $10k?

    Thanks very much. Do you have a good feeling on how much more you get with MSB Diamond? e.g. did you work your way up there and upgraded from Platinum or some such? of course even used the MSB Diamond is over $10k. I am beginning to see what a lot of people in this forum end up spending a lot on...
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    Best DAC/Preamp combo under $10k?

    Yes - after I posted this I was doing some further searching and MSB looks like a top player. Now - of course there is the top model, the MSB Diamond DAC IV. Issue is if I buy the Analog - would I always wonder - gee what would it sound like with the Diamond? I do think the MSB DAC IV Signature...
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    Best DAC/Preamp combo under $10k?

    Thanks very much - this looks interesting. The EQ system is interesting, and also the ability to use the DAC for speaker crossover (which I wouldn't do as my speakers can't be set up that way - certainly looks like the way to go for DIY, for example!).
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    Best DAC/Preamp combo under $10k?

    I am looking for an excellent DAC with integrated preamp max $10k (used preferred and <$10k used is OK for higher priced items - e.g. I would aspire to pay <$10k used for a $20k DAC/Preamp.). If you feel I should best use separate DAC and pre-amp, then please do jump in - your input is most...
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    Best Tube Amplifiers under $10k?

    Greg - do you own a Moscode? I am curious on performance, musicality, you name it on the new Moscode or other Hybrids versus pure tube amps. The 200 wpc is a big plus - also curious on performance of the hybrids vrs something like a Krell amp. thanks, Brian
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    JackD201 - Almost Done

    Jack, Congratulations - this is a dream come true! I saw in an earlier thread you have been building to this point for 20 yrs - incredible achievement! Brian
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    Best Tube Amplifiers under $10k?

    Thanks very much. I have actually modified my thinking - I am going to keep with bookshelf speakers in my living room and look at doing something bigger in media room upstairs, which is empty now! So the Lamm's are 90 wpc and so a range of speakers can be powered. The living room will have a...
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    Best Tube Amplifiers under $10k?

    Folks, I appreciated all your input. I had an opportunity to purchase a used Lamm ML1.1 set of monoblocks at a good price ($8k) and so went with that choice. I will post some self-review notes and such when I get the bits put together. As I mentioned, most input is direct now however I am...
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    Best Tube Amplifiers under $10k?

    Jap, Thanks very much. The Zen tube amps look very good - the new 60 wpc Zen Torii monoblocks especially are interesting. I see there is a line up to but their amps in fact, 12 weeks waiting right now...
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    Best Tube Amplifiers under $10k?

    The Funk speakers are 4 ohms nominal. I expect needed with the tube amp is a 4 ohm tap?! Any pros or cons to consider? thanks very much, Brian
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    Best Tube Amplifiers under $10k?

    Thanks very much and I agree completely - hence I am posting here :) Just to note - I will be actively augmenting bass with at least one high-level subwoofer (and 1 18.0 Funk subwoofer w 2400 w rms active amp is on its way!). My strategy is (partly governed by my living room but I think...
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    Best Tube Amplifiers under $10k?

    JackD201, Well I confess I have been Googling and find a lot of discussion in http://www.goodsoundclub.com/ on ML2.0, 2.1, quite negative to the ML2.1 and actually positive for the ML2.0 but very anecdotal information colored with a lot expletives around Lamm's marketing practices and...
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    Best Tube Amplifiers under $10k?

    See my other reply on speakers, considering Funk 8.2Ps. Not sure if it is 4 or 8 ohms in fact - will check.... Bel Canto Design SETi40 does look good - just read a rave review.
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    Best Tube Amplifiers under $10k?

    Thanks very much. I confess I use an iPod which works beyond my expectations (no hum and sounds great - using Apple Lossless format) or a Mac Laptop with a stereo-link DAC converter - the latter should be better in theory, I haven't heard it, but haven't listened to the comparison in earnest. I...
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    Best Tube Amplifiers under $10k?

    Thanks very much. I looked at deHavilland web site, also suggested by JackD, and found the latest deHavilland Aries GM70. Now here is one review, http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/dehavilland_gm70.htm where reviewed compared to ML1.1 and said ML1.1 was better, though costing 3 times as much...
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    Best Tube Amplifiers under $10k?

    JackD, I very much appreciate your expert advice! I do have a first degree in electronics engineering, though it has been many years since I practiced that profession, I did a PhD in applied math and Geophysics so I have been working as a scientist for most of my career. Given that I can handle...
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    Best Tube Amplifiers under $10k?

    Thanks very much. I shall Google away at those amps. KR Audio does have an interesting look to it. Is the * your top choices or..? On Lamm - any thoughts you can share? Is the ML1.1 at $8-9k used a steal or does one so much miss the musicality or such of the ML2.x? I have also heard claims the...
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    Best Tube Amplifiers under $10k?

    I am looking for a system max $10k (used preferred and <$10k used is OK for higher prices amps).. This is my short list so far. I would really appreciate any thoughts/experiences around my list or if you have any further suggestions. I will have 96 db sensitivity speakers and also would like...

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