This talk of good or bad music reminds me of that Mark Twain (?) quote where, upon hearing Wagner's music praised for its technical proficiency said something to the effect of "apparently Wagner's music is better than it sounds". In other news 6k page mark just around the corner :D

Melodic Artification Eclipse & Alter Ego incoming!

“Watercooler” is colloquial expression for a place where people gather to shoot the breeze and banter. @HiFiHawaii808 coined it originally. It’s a reference to the more free-wheeling style of communication on the threads and how any interesting thing the community fancies is fair game for...

This is the Canadian list-- you're on the US list. This kit will be in the US after it's done in Canada.

AME tour kit, which includes Raven, Gaia, Radioso and Aura went out last week. It's beginning out east with @Sifo 1) Rockwell75 1) @Sifo 2) @riverground 3) @dkar 4) @dleblanc343 5) @Zmue 6) @Poulpup 7) @jdan1457 8) @Blotto80 (NS) 9) @Stu Paddasso 10) @Gasdoc 11) @jmo04 12) @hlee227 13)...

Vega, Dorado 2020, Atlas & Trifecta can all satisfy various degrees & shades of basshead tendencies. Trifecta is their magnum opus imho and cannot be topped anywhere on the market right now as far as bass driven sound goes...again IMHO.

Next time I do this I'll be more explicit about the criteria.

By this logic you could exclude limited release IEMs that are sold out or IEMs that are otherwise no longer available (Red Halo, Fourte Noir etc.). I think as long as you've heard the IEM in question it should be fair game-- though in fairness I have't been very explicit about this in a while...

Which vote?

Following are the results from the two IEM brackets in the 2024 Watercooler Spring Top 3 Over $2k Bracket Elysian Acoustic Labs Annihilator x20 Oriolus Traillii/Ti x20 Campfire Audio Trifecta x19 Fir Audio Xe6 x16 Subtonic STORM x14 Aroma Audio Fei Wan x13 Unique Melody Multiverse Mentor...

For sale is my custom Dr. Juggles Gold Plated Silver 4.4 cable with Viking Weave y-split and ConX. Includes MMCX and 2-Pin.

Never heard that one but I believe that was Jason Newstead's band before he joined Metallica.

Almost 100...just a few more votes...come on people :) https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqQQSWHczsyuVONcLCYVKhMld7mgs5LztPiz8E8kshEdosJQ/viewform?fbzx=1896948092959024489

85 submissions so far. If we can break 100 I'll share the results tomorrow evening. Keep voting everyone. https://forms.gle/xsgdSBSzQrp9vbBX6

I don't think any better than they have been historically. IMHO BA bass is at its best when it's not trying to mimic a DD and instead plays on the native strengths of the driver. I think my favorite BA bass response so far is probably in the Vision Ears Elysium.

BAs are more articulate and resolving, which is what tends to command the mega bucks.

Yeah if it had a DD it would be unstoppable as the ultimate versatile all rounder.

Indeed. Hence the following line on the opening post on page 1: "People are not unfeeling stones so if you need to be critical stick to matters of fact-- keep the value judgements out of it." Also, when you're brand new to an established community people aren't going to be interested in all...

Cooler members old and new- please take the time to vote in our Spring poll :) https://forms.gle/BAHjkBXYhLhHySVu7

Remember to vote everyone :) https://forms.gle/THKb3FnodC9vFPEw6

40 responses so far-- keep them coming everyone :) https://forms.gle/THKb3FnodC9vFPEw6 Sounds like they should start reviewing on Youtube.

LMAO oops Actual survey: https://forms.gle/THKb3FnodC9vFPEw6

Just in case it got lost in the shuffle, Watercooler Spring 2024 Poll is live: https://forms.gle/THKb3FnodC9vFPEw6

Value is such a subjective judgment. This setup is easily the best $$ I've ever spent in this hobby if for no other reason than it's muted my desire for anything else, even after so many months. I could write a sonnet about the WM1Z I love it so much. I listen to this combo every morning and...

Use case factors in large. I do not stream so have no use for Android and the sheer simplicity and buttery smooth UI on the 1Z combined with the pure sexiness of the whole package and form factor is (pun intended) audio gold. This doesn't even get into the sound quality and battery life both of...