Search results

  1. lasercd

    Which impedance for Atlas?

    With the ASR Basis I ran the Atlas at 625. I recently purchased the Boulder 2008 phono and after some experimentation I’ve settled on 450 ohms. There is a lot of magic happening.
  2. lasercd

    FS: ASR Basis Exclusiv phono preamplifier

    This Stereophile “Class A” rated phono preamp has been a part of our record label’s reference system but now its time to find it a new home. Over the years there have been a number of versions of the Basis Exclusiv as the designer Freidrich Schaefer continued to make improvements. In 2008, the...
  3. lasercd

    If you could have one album re-mastered what would it be?

    I think I have it as a SHM-SACD. Unbearable to listen to. Needs the Steven Wilson remix magic.
  4. lasercd

    Boulder 1010 phono input

    Piero: I think both are wonderful preamps and frankly I could have been satisfied with the 1010 but I have a 2060 amp and I always wanted a 2010 to match. The 1010 is very fast and neutral. The 2010 simply gives you more - more of everything. I feel that the soundstage enlarged in depth...
  5. lasercd

    What amplifiers work best with Rockports? What have you heard?

    I use a Boulder 2060 to drive a pair of Rockport Aquila. Its an exceptionally good match. I was told that Andy Payor recently switched to Boulder amplification.
  6. lasercd

    Boulder 1010 phono input

    I agree. I demoed one for about 6 weeks. Superb phono stage. Dead quiet and very dynamic. I always have my eye out for a 2008 at a good price.
  7. lasercd

    Boulder 1010 phono input

    Boulder customer service is outstanding. The noise level in the internal phono stage of the 1010 is normal. I've known Rich Maez since his days with Jeff Rowland. We had extensive conversations about this issue. Its a very good sounding but rather inflexible phono stage for what it is and...
  8. lasercd

    Boulder 1010 phono input

    I used to have the 1010. The noise level from the phono section used to drive me crazy. It was below the noise floor of the music but I thought it was defective and sent it back to Boulder for a check up. I was told it was operating within normal parameters. My solution was to buy an outboard...
  9. lasercd

    International Shipping

    TNT is now owned by Fedex. Been working with them on import and export for years. Never any issues. A little slower and cheaper but always smooth sailing.
  10. lasercd

    International Shipping

    Sam I routinely work with all of them. Fedex, DHL, TNT and UPS all have turnkey solutions. DHL basically moves at one speed - fast. You will have your shipment in one or two days. Reliable and expensive. Fedex is pretty much the same story. TNT is fine. Definitely a cheaper option but...
  11. lasercd

    Balanced Phono Stage with at least two inputs

    Roy I've used the ASR Basis Exclusiv for a number of years. I think its a strong performer and can easily recommend it (and I'm using an all Boulder system). I did have the Boulder 1008 on loan for about 6 weeks. It was very good but ultimately I preferred the ASR a bit more. I could have...
  12. lasercd

    The ***Official*** Progressive Rock Thread

    Their new album came out yesterday. It smokes.
  13. lasercd

    The ***Official*** Progressive Rock Thread

    I haven't listened to the Esoteric reissues (but we sell them!). In general I think Esoteric's mastering is mediocre at best. Typically I find their remasters to not be as good as previous versions.
  14. lasercd

    Quality of today's LP pressings - are they really that good?

    I don't know of any distributor that won't accept returns of defective vinyl. I deal with them all.
  15. lasercd

    Vinyl revival: Czech record maker aims for global dominance

    I have direct experience working with GZ. Their specialty (which they actively promote) is DMM. Its much less expensive for labels since they just have to send in mastered files to the plant. The preferred file format is 24 bit hi-res although I'm sure they constantly receive lesser...
  16. lasercd

    Rockport Avior - thoughts and opinion?

    I am driving the larger Aquila with the 2060. You will be extremely happy.
  17. lasercd

    The ***Official*** Progressive Rock Thread

    Yes was probably one of the least copied of the Big 5. Not sure I would call Druid generic but on the other hand there were parts of their albums that sounded like they were written with tracing paper. A guilty pleasure...
  18. lasercd

    The ***Official*** Progressive Rock Thread

    The follow up live album was pretty great as well. Supposedly test pressings exist...
  19. lasercd

    The ***Official*** Progressive Rock Thread

    Also check out their next album Sunburst. Tracks are shorter but still very good. Their last album, Ticket To Everywhere, wasn't their best effort. It did feature Klaus Meine from Scorpions as a guest vocalist on a track which was a cool thing. Overall the album is a bit too bouncy for my...
  20. lasercd

    The ***Official*** Progressive Rock Thread

    I didn't bother listening. Esoteric mastering generally is subpar. I've been told our set blows the Esoteric reissues away. Nice liner notes though!
  21. lasercd

    The ***Official*** Progressive Rock Thread

    Schicke Fuhrs Frohling were one of the great prog bands of the 70s. Originally Frank Zappa was going to produce their first album, Symphonic Pictures, but it never came to pass. I think if he was involved their music would have gone in a radically different direction. SFF is occasionally...
  22. lasercd

    The ***Official*** Progressive Rock Thread

    Found the lineup for Nearfest 2011: Umphrey's McGee (USA) The New Trolls (Italy) Supersister (The Netherlands) Karmakanic (Sweden) Gösta Berlings Saga (Sweden) simakDialog (Indonesia) Accordo dei Contrari (Italy) MediaBanda (Chile) Half Past Four (Canada) vonFrickle (USA) Jeavestone (Finland)...
  23. lasercd

    The ***Official*** Progressive Rock Thread

    Its funny you should ask. It didn't help ticket sales when they were announced. The band's inclusion in the festival was a point of contention between the new festival promoters who booked them and the faithful NEARfest community. The promoters were hoping to open up the festival a bit since...
  24. lasercd

    The ***Official*** Progressive Rock Thread

    Cook was released in Italy as Live In USA with different artwork. The US version sounds horrible compared to the version on Numero Uno.
  25. lasercd

    The ***Official*** Progressive Rock Thread

    That would have been difficult since Nearfest was cancelled the year they were to perform.
  26. lasercd

    The ***Official*** Progressive Rock Thread

    That album was always a fun listen. I think I still have the vinyl.
  27. lasercd

    The ***Official*** Progressive Rock Thread

    Song Of The Marching Children - one of the all time great Mellotron albums.
  28. lasercd

    The ***Official*** Progressive Rock Thread

    Nope. Have you ever heard a remaster that is better than the original?
  29. lasercd

    The ***Official*** Progressive Rock Thread

    I agree with Alex. Gothic Impressions is his best. Par is a good guy and uber talented keyboardist. I remember when he flew to Philadelphia to see Emerson Lake & Palmer with my wife and I.

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