PMAAMP

As the happy owner of the MC20 version, I can vouch for what is a terrific piece of kit. Clear as crystal these beasties. GLWTS.

Further Information: For sale is a mid-1980s power amp from Kenwood, the 105W per channel M-1. This solid state power amp is a definite candidate for the title of quiet achiever. It performs well above its original price point, and remains a really true and articulate amplifier 40 years on. The amp is in very good cosmetic condition (well cared for by me over the past couple of years, and most certainly by its previous owners), as well as being so sonically. It was the mainstay of my second system (which has now been reconfigured), with occasional drop-ins to my main rig for fun times. Rather than try to describe its qualities myself, I'll let others do that: HiFi Engine - https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/kenwood/basic-m1.shtml HiFi Classic - https://www.hifi-classic.net/review/kenwood-c-1---kenwood-m-1-367.html

Further Information: I never thought I'd see the day (we all think that at some stage, I suspect). This is one of my first pieces of quality hi-fi. I bought the A5 new from Len Wallis in 2006. At the time, I had plans to create an all A5 system (that never happened). It has been one of the only stable components in my system since. An excellent performer throughout. The laser was replaced (at Len Wallis) in 2018, but it's been very little used since then (if it's seen 50 CDs, I'll be surprised) because I started streaming at that stage, when not playing vinyl as my first choice. So, it's a near new laser in a very good CDP in great shape. The only downside is the loss of the original MF remote (a case of battery leakage fail). I replaced it with a Harmony remote, which has barely been used. I have the original box. Information from the inter-webs: 6 Moons - https://6moons.com/audioreviews/musicalfidelity/A5_2.html The Absolute Sound - https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/lector-cdp-7-tl-musical-fidelity-a5-cd-players-1/

Further Information: For sale is a stalwart of the audio world, a Bryston BP-20 pre-amp with outboard power supply (MPS-1). Like all products from this Canadian audio maker, it's built like a tank. It performs very nicely, and presents as an understated and balanced performer. On the input side, it sports x5 RCA line-in (plus tape), as well as x2 XLRs. On the output side, there's XLR out to power amp, or x2 sets of RCAs out. As befits its late-'90s vintage, there are controls for balance, polarity inversion, and mute. I'm not the first owner (having had it in my system for about three years), and there are some superficial marks on the case, and some writing on the controls is worn. There is slight crackle at the quiet end of the volume control, when you first start it up, but that disappears quickly - and while it's probably a relatively simple matter of having the volume pot cleaned, it never bothered me enough to go that far. For more info: Specs: https://audio-database.com/BRYSTON/amp/bp-20.html From Audio Review: http://www.audioreview.com/product/amplification/preamplifiers/bryston/bp-20.html

Further Information: I never thought I'd see the day (we all think that at some stage, I suspect). This is one of my first pieces of quality hi-fi. I bought the A5 new from Len Wallis in 2006. At the time, I had plans to create an all A5 system (that never happened). It has been one of the only stable components in my system since. An excellent performer throughout. The laser was replaced (at Len Wallis) in 2018, but it's been very little used since then (if it's seen 50 CDs, I'll be surprised) because I started streaming at that stage, when not playing vinyl as my first choice. So, it's a near new laser in a very good CDP in great shape. The only downside is the loss of the original MF remote (a case of battery leakage fail). I replaced it with a Harmony remote, which has barely been used. I have the original box. Information from the inter-webs: 6 Moons - https://6moons.com/audioreviews/musicalfidelity/A5_2.html The Absolute Sound - https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/lector-cdp-7-tl-musical-fidelity-a5-cd-players-1/

Further Information: For sale is a Kenwood C-1 pre-amp. I picked it up on here for my second system around four years ago. It has performed flawlessly (and has popped in and out of my main system, cos it can). I need to reduce box count, so I'm returning to an integrated in the second room. It has some surface scratches on the top right (front) corner, presumably from previous equipment placed on it (I've tried to capture these in the last picture). Rather than me banging on about how neutral the C-1 (and it's M-1 power amp pairing) is, I'll defer to what's already written. I have the matching M-1, but still deciding whether or not part with it. TBH, I don't really want to part with this one, but one can't have it. Information online: 1. https://www.hifi-classic.net/review/kenwood-c-1---kenwood-m-1-367.html#google_vignette "Comment Our measurements on the Kenwood Audio Purist Basic components speak for themselves. For all practical purposes (and most impractical ones!) they are distortionless and noiseless. The C-1 preamplifier offers all the control flexibility most of us will ever need, yet it is simple to use and free of any “bugs” that we could find. The combination of the C-1 and the M-1 power amplifier was audibly completely noise-free at maximum volume on any input except phono (MC); the high gain of this input produced an audible hiss at maximum volume, but the amplifier was totally quiet at any normally usable control setting. Naturally, these amplifiers have no sound of their own. We did not attempt to use them with Sigma Drive, but we have previously tested Kenwood amplifiers having that feature and have found no effects, good or bad, from its use. The ability of the M-1 to drive almost any speaker load under program conditions is a strong plus (the blown fuse during its high-power steady-state operation into 2 ohms is a sign of the effective protection designed into the amplifier). It is satisfying to find this caliber of performance at what must be considered very moderate prices in today’s market. At higher prices one can probably find more or different control features or added signal-processing flexibility as well as higher power (though we doubt that many people will find the power capabilities of the M-1 inadequate). We are quite certain, however, that more money will not buy better-sounding amplifiers." https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/kenwood/basic-c1.shtml

I had one of these cables at one stage - I think they were a 1990s design. See: https://www.puristaudiodesign.com/Data/history.html

Please forgive the ignorant question, I think I know what DDCs do, but where does/did it sit in your chain? Cheers, Paul.

Beautiful! GLWTS.

Lovely system - really sorry to hear that you need to part with it. GLWTS. And all the very best with your health - may many listening hours with your new system bring much joy.

Aaaagh. Too late! GLWTS.

Thanks for the correction - something new learned every day.

Yes, you should be able to - check that the DAC accepts LVDS standard I2S. I used the I2S path successfully with a PS Audio DAC (worked nicely), and I believe several other brands should work like Wyred4Sound, Matrix, Holo, Audio GD (the list is far from exhaustive).

Yes, I have definitely scored that "own goal". And, it has given me a great deal of pause all weekend about proceeding with a QCAT application. As well, adding to my own sense of feeling like a real plonker ($900 deep, and having heard what I wanted to hear when putting the cables into my system?). It has been, and continues to be, a chastening experience indeed.

This thread is so very useful. Thanks again for your wonderful efforts @parrasaw - as I mentioned in PM, it looks like I am in a very similar (and sinking) boat to @Sean Perth. Not being technically minded, nor terribly practical, investigating the cables without damaging them is not something I'm confident with. So, just putting it out there - wondering if there's anyone in Melbourne able to take a look at the internals of mine to see what's there (Pinnacle speaker cables / two sets of RCAs / one set of XLR / and a digital coax)? I'm happy to pay some $ for your time.

The moment has passed. Please withdraw this post. Many thanks.

Further information: Sadly - very sadly, in fact - I can't be at the Steve Hackett gig next Thursday night at The Palais. And he's playing "Selling England by the Pound" in it's entirety (only one of my favourite albums). Like many. I bought tickets in 2019 for the 2020 concert...but 'the COVID Years' intervened...and here we are, a week out from the gig and due to work/family circumstances, I can't go. So, there's a ticket in A-row going to a good home (it was $150 purchased/RRP). I hope someone can enjoy it...and let me know what the standouts were from the "Seconds Out" set.

@rockeater Hey Roman - thanks so much for the message & no worries at all. What you say helps my understanding. I'm not much of a tech-oriented guy, so I'll have a look, but won't mess with it much. It's my loss that I'm not closer to Perth, I'd drop it over in a flash. I really love the DAC implementation in this machine - and have been enjoying listening to it in it's intended form (rather than through my own DAC, which was the original intent with the 151A mechanism). Interestingly, with a CD mat in place that reduces the problem (the contact between turntable and puck?) on most discs most of the time. That said, because it plays on my mind, I'd like to have it resolved fully. I'll see what can be done. I was very tempted by your Sony 337-ESD recently, but I see that seems to have gone. Cheers Paul

Yep, these cables really do make an appreciable (positive) difference to USB streaming. I recently dropped one into my chain, leading to considerable smile generation. GLWTS.

Good buying here. This is one terrific amp.

Terrific DAC, at a great price. I find mine very engaging - can't beat that R2R architecture. GLWTS.

Just as well I spotted this "after" I picked up the Gaias!!! GLWTS

This is a terrific DAC (I'm running one with the Unison USB) - delightful. If you're looking for a really good multibit DAC, look no further. GLWTS.

Cracking amp. Love mine. GLWTS.

Thirded. Terrific cables. Mine are going nowhere (without me). Bill is really onto something with these. GLWTS.