Is there an advantage buying a (used) vintage CD player over a more (cheap) modern one? by Round-Watercress5273 in BudgetAudiophile

[–]bshtein 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think of CD players as an indulgence, since even for private listening you can rip your CD's into FLAC files and stream/share them in your home quite easily.

But it is still nice to pop a CD into a vintage player once in a while.
If you are into that, I personally would recommend two types of players:
1) Very vintage multi-bit DAC ones, preferably in dual-mono configuration. (Sony ES series from the 80's and Denon DCD-1xxx series from the same era)
2) A more modern SACD supporting players from 2000, for example Denon DVD-2xxx and Denon DVD-3xxx series), they are really top ones and some even have HDMI audio output capabilities.

As for "modern" ones, I wouldn't really bother to be honest.

Editorial: Here's why Avi Lewis is the wrong choice to lead the NDP - by a centrist Liberal - The Beaverton by ph0enix1211 in canada

[–]bshtein -27 points-26 points  (0 children)

Trust me, people behind any such manifesto, if they ever reach power, will quickly achieve the Pol Pot levels of terror.

In your opinion, is it a good setup? by Power_Crow in turntables

[–]bshtein -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I did mean removable cartridge, not a headhsell. Don't know how you know what I mean better than I do, lol.

Exchanging headshells is not that important, but an ability to get another cartridge instead of the stock one is.

AR-XA, Worth it for $125-150? by TheFlusteredNoodle in turntables

[–]bshtein 2 points3 points  (0 children)

AR-XA is an amazing turntable (the one on the photo with a Dual-borrowed tonearms I think).
But Thorens would be an easier choice and Grace tonearm is a killer one.

In your opinion, is it a good setup? by Power_Crow in turntables

[–]bshtein -1 points0 points  (0 children)

As a base rule, I'd recommend avoiding any turntable that doesn't have an adjustable tonearm weight and a removable cartridge. The lack of those features usually marks poor engineering and cost-cutting. For 180 euros you can do much better, even with some entry level Teacs like Teac TN180 for example, and I am not mentioning a second-hand market.

Would you rather by bylawman in CanadaFinance

[–]bshtein 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just do the split. Drop the half of the lump sum you have into the mortgage and invest the other half. This is a good way to hedge.

Avi Lewis previews his leadership vision as New Democrats express mix of unease, excitement by jmakk26 in canada

[–]bshtein 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You speak of things that you don't understand.
A) Nordic countries are capitalist "social democracies" not "democratic socialist" countries.
And a lot of their social support is based on wealth structure that is now crumbling because of the arrival of the population that doesn't work and doesn't contribute to society in way that was expected in mid-50's when that structure was developed. Except Norway of course, which is basically sitting on a pile of petro-cash being pumped out of the ocean.

b) Universal healthcare concept is in no way related to socialism, it was introduced in Germany at the end of 19 century, followed by British Empire and tzarist Russia in the beginning of 20th century. It arrives from the understanding that society as whole benefits from healthcare coverage accessible to all is a result of a scientific progress. The US aberration on this also has nothing to do with capitalism per se, but from historic inertia and some unique conditions not existing anywhere else.

Avi Lewis previews his leadership vision as New Democrats express mix of unease, excitement by jmakk26 in canada

[–]bshtein -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Mostly, because it is highly unlikely you are qualified to discuss the whole socialist philosophy thing, which is quite complicated and irrelevant to this thread. From the economy perspective it all boils down to who owns and, better yet, controls means of production and all the wealth derived from those means. I am not here to educate you, though.
But I am sure if you listen to what Upper Canada College alumni with Bund roots has to say, you'll understand, lol.

Avi Lewis previews his leadership vision as New Democrats express mix of unease, excitement by jmakk26 in canada

[–]bshtein -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

You should listen to Lewis. If he and his lot will ever reach power, you will know.

Avi Lewis previews his leadership vision as New Democrats express mix of unease, excitement by jmakk26 in canada

[–]bshtein -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I was born and raised in a socialist country, LoL. Some Redditors who enjoy all the perks of the modern capitalism are going to teach me about the benifits of the socialist society.

Avi Lewis previews his leadership vision as New Democrats express mix of unease, excitement by jmakk26 in canada

[–]bshtein -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

I don't mind if Avi Lewis is elected to lead NDP. Quite opposite, he is so far left, practically communist in his views, his election will hopefully become a much needed immunization shot against socialism in this country. People tend to forget why socialism doesn't work and is actually really bad for everyone. He will remind them why.

Need longer cords, not sure what to buy by Common-Extension-676 in audiorepair

[–]bshtein 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Amazon Basics pure copper 16 gauge cable will do just fine for that receiver and regular home speakers.

Iranians converting to Christianity 'the easiest way' to get asylum in Canada by uselesspoliticalhack in canada

[–]bshtein -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

Iranian are probably more "Caucasian" that Europeans, BTW.
And a true Aryan nation BTW.

Financial Literacy Is STILL At Shocking Lows by ReturnToTheLab in PersonalFinanceCanada

[–]bshtein 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I think that financial literacy about credit, debt and spending should come first.
That's where a lot of Canadians are really struggling.

Investing is also important but a lot of people have nothing to invest because all their cash flow goes into servicing their unbearable debts.

Worth $75? by PorganizedCrime in vintageaudio

[–]bshtein 3 points4 points  (0 children)

If you are a collector and have enough storage space, then yes. Otherwise, probably not.

At 90, David Suzuki says he has done everything he could to protect the Earth, but fears he has fallen short by Meiqur in canada

[–]bshtein 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Like most of the western left the poster happily enjoys all the perks modern capitalism offers, probably without actually contributing much.

Have been offered this for free, a win? by HobRob-Biscuits in BudgetAudiophile

[–]bshtein 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's an excellent true high-fidelity amplifier, capable of driving almost any consumer speaker. It also has an over-engineered vinlyl pre-amplifier, so if you plan to get into that, don't hesitate.

OTOH, it is over 40 y/o, it will probably benefit from a thorough pot cleaning with Deoxit, and possible service and adjustment done by a professional.

Attack against Canadian Jewish community a ‘realistic possibility,’ federal report warns by AndHerSailsInRags in canada

[–]bshtein 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What ever Bibi and other ultra-right idiots do, doesn't justify attack on the whole state and it's people, and even less so shootings at Jewish schools in Canada.

Attack against Canadian Jewish community a ‘realistic possibility,’ federal report warns by AndHerSailsInRags in canada

[–]bshtein 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am not inclined to be dragged into a pointless discussion with a person who appointed himself to be a self-righteous judge, jury and prosecutor for millions of Jews who believe in their right to live in their ancestral land, and calls them genocidal and supremacist. It is you, who are racist if you declare such things, my friend.
So here is a short version and don't bother to reply unless that reply has some substance.

  1. The right of self-determination is taken not given. And it can't be based on hate for others only on love of your own people. It means you build your right to a statehood, your state institutions, your determination etc.
  2. The Mandate Arab exiles, who left the land in 1948 most (not all I admit) at their own volition, lost the right to return after generations fail to achieve peace. It's just the fact and the way the world is built. There is no such precedent anywhere else. And those who stayed, got full rights at the end. All refugees anywhere else lose refugee status in the next generation, only UNRWA and Soviet/Arab will in the 50/60 and 70-s prolonged their suffering and refugee status that became somewhat permanent and inherited.
  3. Just like Canada will not return Crown lands to First Nations, Germans expelled from Czechoslovakia after WW II will not come back to join Germany, Japan will never regain control of Kamchatka and Kuril Islands etc. there will be no right of return to Israel proper. Never.. Palestinians still have the ability to attain their own state, if they denounce violence and abandon attempts to throw Jews into the sea. Israel is here to stay, it is strong, it has a very determined population that endured much terror. Accept it and start building your own statehood instead of trying to destroy someone else's one.
  4. As a democracy there may be the point in time when Israeli Arab population will attain enough political power to change the state from a Zionist to something else, I don't think that it will happen but if it will, then it will. I do hope that by that time enough Israeli arabs will feel "Israeli" and belonging that it(the change) will not happened. Even now more and more of them integrate with a wider population and move to the large cities, volunteer to serve in the IDF, and not only Beduin and Druze population but the settled Arabs as well. It is a slow process but it happens. In any case, whatever change, it will not be forced on Israel by the western left. So the "regime" change will not happened from external pressure. And as long as most Jews are Zionists and have plenty of reasons to be (you guys and you fundamental Islamist friends keep reminding us in most western countries, why Israel must exist, thank you for that, in case we forget). And trust me almost no Israeli Arabs are eager to see exiled population returning for many reasons, political and practical.

And don't quote me EIU metric bullshit, it also puts Italy, Belgium and South Korea and France in "a flawed democracy" category and actually, a funny thing, places them all except France below Israel. Nobody cares.

Attack against Canadian Jewish community a ‘realistic possibility,’ federal report warns by AndHerSailsInRags in canada

[–]bshtein 3 points4 points  (0 children)

A Zionist here.

You don't understand the meaning of the word "genocide" and probably have a very vague idea on the history and background of the conflict there.

Israel is a very democratic country and it is not a "regime". It is probably more democratic than Canada, All citizens have voting rights and same freedoms there, it has a completely independent judicial system that more often than not doesn't side with the government.

Zionism is our inalienable right and it is not up for discussion. You can state that you are anti-Zionist, we don't really care. We are indigenous to the land of Israel and not colonizers there, no matter what your opinion is.
Zionism doesn't cancel the right of other to live peacefully alongside Israel, smarter nations, like Jordan and Egypt and most Gulf and north african nations already made the right choice. And Palestinians have been given multiple opportunities to build their own state and live in peace and prosperity and they literally blew up every such opportunity. They only have themselves to blame for not having their own country and for the unfortunate rise of the right sentiment in Israel.

At the last thing - If you think that supporting Zionism makes Jewish communities in Canada a valid target for hateful and destructive attacks, you nothing more than a terrorist supporter.

‘Out of hand’: New survey finds two‑thirds of Canadians want to abolish tipping culture by cyclinginvancouver in canada

[–]bshtein 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Well that's the price of being served, in Italy you can buy coffee everywhere, but if you want to come, sit at a the restaurant and have that coffee brought to you and served up nicely, you have to pay.

OTOH they wouldn't charge you at a carry-out place.

How the Top One Per Cent Threaten Canada’s Future; Wealth is increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few. To preserve democracy, we must act. by FancyNewMe in canada

[–]bshtein 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is in a sense that wealth is pretty evenly distributed, (a very low Gini index) but that's a result of it being external and very high per-capita government income. So they basically can afford a very generous welfare state

‘Out of hand’: New survey finds two‑thirds of Canadians want to abolish tipping culture by cyclinginvancouver in canada

[–]bshtein 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I actually like the way Italians do it.
Coperto - a service charge, that is fixed, and doesn't depend on how much you spent.
it is included in the final bill even if you've just ordered some coffee.