n_maher

16 miles from my sister's place in LA, hmmmm, let's hope the economy doesn't completely fold in the next 5 months and I'll be there with bells on. Not sure what I could bring for gear, but I'll come up with something.

X2

There's precious little to change since any change would necessitate the sale of gear. Headphone Rig Transport: Arcam - would only make a change if it fails somehow. DAC: The Hertsens - not going to sell it. Amp: The Menace, not going to sell it. Headphones: HD650s + HF-1s, pretty content with these for as much time as I get to spend with them. Soldering Rig Source: Duet - better than it needs to be so why change? Amp: SimpleSE - can't see any need to upgrade or change this, ever. Speakers: ok, you got me, these will change, but the new ones are bought and paid for already so it doesn't count.

That should be required watching for Al, jpnums and Mike.

Sounds like a good plan to me Jacob. I too have no plans for substantially altering either my headphone or soldering/speaker rig in '09.

Old Pa, Any reason you didn't go with an over the range microwave?

Something like that yeah.

Pretty reasonable price for all that it offers from where I sit and I like the design aesthetic.

Happy Birthday!

Depends on how each output stage is accomplished. Maybe yes, maybe no.

Tried to buy a PS3 tonight, got screwed by Sony and their dumbass CC and will now have to wait at least 2 weeks before I can order it at the discounted price. At least they'll honor the discount but it's annoying nonetheless. Mike, your son needs an old vintage Land Rover from the late 60s or early 70s. It's only got 2 seats and is so slow he can hardly get himself in trouble with it. Trust me, I had one.

But Mike, you've already got a Sabre based DAC, you just don't know (haven't broken your '09 rule) about it yet...

Happy Birthday!

See, now you're doing better. Welcome to head-case.

The question is clearly relevant given your reply. And tread lightly my friend, flippant replies to earnest questions are not appreciated.

Why buy an amp at all?

Try this link. PlayStation.com If not, google PS3 Credit Card Deal and you'll find it quick enough.

Ugh, I'm really torn on the PS3 issue once again and the fact that Sony is essentially offering $150 rebate right now (if you sign up for their CC) is pure torture.

Mike, I'd definitely remove the garage door, opener and the rails and either replace it with doors that swing out or slide (barn door style) or just infill the opening completely. And while wiring over the top might work for some stuff I'm thinking of how slick it would be to have recessed panels in the floor that had the connections for power or rear channel surrounds and the like. I mean if you're going to go HT along with the 2-ch you don't want wires running amok in your new room.

The first thing that I would suggest is framing a wood floor over the concrete. While the concrete is certainly a solid base to anchor to it is also more than likely pitched to provide drainage which could be annoying for setting TT's up and so on. Most are pitched anywhere from 1/8 to 1/4" per foot, if you have a level garage floor punch your contractor the next time you see him. Also, most garages are 6 to 8" below the main house floor so this would allow you to bring it up level with the rest of the house. The false floor also would provide a nice chase space for wiring, plumbing, etc. so that you don't have to get into walls or run stuff over floors. This is the time to do things right so plan ahead and save future headaches. I'd also think about framing double walls around the perimeter of the room (staggered studs or otherwise) to provide isolation from the main house and limit sound transmission. I can provide more details if you're curious. Those are my first couple thoughts, I'll post more if the appropriate synapses fire.

The one on the right or left?

Thanks guys! The Red Light does indeed look interesting but I'm not sure where I'm headed with my next project. I've got at least one big casework job to do (Buffalo DAC) before I really should be thinking about anything new. And then there is the pile of beta22 boards and parts that I should probably do something with...

Thanks Haj, nothing like a tripod and 13 second exposure to make tube glow shots properly. And yes, it is essentially an integrated amp with an alps RK27 on the front end. I was originally going to use the PEK potentiometer that I had for this project but it didn't fit in the chassis after I'd installed the pcb. Woops!

Pretty sure I'm not going to paint it for a good long time. and the obligatory tube glow shot.