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I read a random forum post alleging that MM/MI/MP cartridges with removable styli can be cleaned ultrasonically. I happen to have an ultrasonic cleaner designed for jewelry / watches. Does anyone know if this is true? I don't doubt that an ultrasonic cleaner might knock some gunk of a stylus...

My integrated amp has a Mono button. For a modern mono issue LP, almost certainly made on a stereo lathe, played back using a stereo cartridge, is there any real benefit to engaging the Mono button? After all the channels should already be identical. Listening, it *might* sound slightly more...

Does anybody have a good recommendation for a Toslink Out to USB C in converter? I need to take the Toslink out of my Puffin and into my MacBook, which no longer has a dual purpose headphone / Toslink input jack like the old models. It needs to be good enough to capture LP test record tracks.

I thought this was fun. I asked ChatGPT a number of SUT optimization questions, graph the answers. Q: Rothwell Audio Products claims that SUTs have less distortion in higher frequencies than active gain stages, but more distortion in the bass vs active gain stages. Can you quantify this for...

I just read about the concept of a transimpedance headamp to act as an MC headamp before an MM input stage. Hagerman Labs makes one for a not-too-crazy $269, but apparently Sutherland, Channel D and BMC make (more costly) models, too. Has anyone tried one these devices? Or have thoughts on...

After re-trying my VM540ML for a while and disliking what was happening in the highs (not the cart's fault -- the default input pF of my amp is 320 pf, plus cables), I'm going back to MC for a while. Mounted the ART9XA. Relevant specs for this discussion...

Devices: Luxman L-590AXII integrated amp Schiit Mjolnir 2 hybrid (SS/tube) headphone amp Key features: 1. Luxman has pre-out, main in, and a Separate button that allows you to drive the pre-out to something else and feed it back to the main in. 2. Schiit has pre-out 3. Both have volume...

I rarely listen to headphones, except when I'm trying to be quiet, or just messing around with EQ. In my office, I have an RME ADI-2 Pro which has a pretty dang good headphone amp for 1/4" SE lower impedance / normal sensitivity cans. In my living room, the headphone out jack on my Luxman...

I want to measure the RCA pre-out on my integrated amp (Luxman L-590AXII) with my Siglent SDS1202X-E. (The purpose is to try to use the o-scope, in combination with test LPs, to set cartridge VTA) What's the best way to hook up the test leads to the RCA outputs? The probes that came with the...

I've been playing around with tube rolling (insanity, I know, but I recently retired) in my Fi Yph phono stage. I'm no EE, but from what I understand it's a pretty simple circuit. Goofy subjective review here, but you can at least see some pictures and a bit of the components inside...

Moved to a new house last week and finally set up the stereo. The primary listening / living room has carpet. Last house had tile. Speaker stands have Iso Acoustics 'de-coupling' feet with an soft rubbery compound that acted like a suction cup on tile floors and dampened vibration. New house...

If operated within their optimal operating envelope, should one expect an audible difference between solid state class A and tube class A into real world, non-pathological speaker loads?

Not sure what to make of this: Vinyl of the Month Club: The Golden Era - Vinyl Subscription Price: $24.99/box & FREE Shipping Delivered every month Plan Option: Vinyl GET AN ESSENTIAL ALBUM, EVERY MONTH - Join the club and receive one must-own record from the Golden Era of Vinyl...

I asked my wife: "If you're in the other room, and can't see the stereo, can you tell the difference between me playing an LP or streaming digital music?" Her answer: "No no no." I guess my vinyl set up is just that good. Or, if I'm a digiphobe, does it mean it's that bad?

"I listen to music every single day—it’s one of my favorite things in life. I also bought my first turntable a few months ago and have wondered what it’d be like to only listen to vinyl for an entire week. So recently, I did just that and I have a lot of thoughts about the experience. My...

If I want to go full retro style in my system: Are there any vintage DACs worth owning? I'm sure none will measure as well as a modern $200 DAC, but are there some Golden Age of hi fi tank build DACs that are good enough for basic Redbook streaming?

So I got my new integrated amp and my .2mV MC cartridge is right at the borderline of usability with the .3mV MC input sens. It sounds fine when an LP is playing and at the gain I'm using (volume knob about half way up, seems to be about -20 dB), I don't hear any hum. However, even though...

If delivery happens according to schedule, my new integrated amp arrives on Monday. But I'll need to add an external streamer to use as a Roon end-point. I have two options: Option 1. HiFi Berry DAC2 HD -> Amp RCA input (the unit Amir tested is actually mine)...

[The following probably only applies to music systems, not to AVRs / HT] An increasing number of integrated amps have come to market either with a fixed DAC built-in or with a 'DAC module' that can purchased as an optional add-on. But are these ever a good investment? I'm starting to think...

Simple question: If I use a Japan market amplifier rated for 100V in the US do I really need a voltage converter?