will be what I get for my child when they realise that closed back do not rule the world (for everything) is my guess..
I don't have a need for an open back (was why my last set of Beyer 90th anniversaries Jubilees got moved on), and true my Audio Tehnicas have kind of died.. (I still use their cables and microphone)
I did get some AKGK 612 pro (traded an apple watch gen 4- both parties 'very happy'), and these are cheap enough pricepoint I'd be happy to use them for gaming.. (and do), as they hold the VR headset in place.
That is what makes it 'hard'; I'd want the Meze for listening to music,.. and I have that base covered.
(either hifi or nice closed backs)
They are a luxury that would have to fall in my lap, but I know if they did I would be selling off 70% of my head gear, as I'd have all my pieces 'good enough'.
I am not an upgrader for the sake of upgrading... as a family member I have a reason to support 'several' sound setups..
Childs 'head-fi' rig (desk), childs head-fi rig (portable)
My gaming needs (either surround or headfi), a movie setup (surround) and a proper audio setup for music.
If I had to whittle everything down it would be a nice two channel setup with a great set of headphones. (for me)
I love movies via 'good stereo' vs 'average surround sound'.
Head-fi is a solution to a 'non problem'.. (a hobby, and a reason to say hi to the team at my local Addicted to Audio)
I buy gizmos and do-dads/do-hickeys.. eg FiiO BTA30, Audeze Mobius..
some are keepers (everyone should have a FiiO BTA30- literally a pocket knife and can transform USB audio output over to COAX etc as a bonus)..
I'd argue for a long time now I have been stuck with a five way pull trying to sort out some 'very basic' issues,.. and they all have a niggle that needs addressing.. eg Burson Conductor V2+ DAC buzzes on headphone output, but DAC is fine from preouts at rear (yet amp inputs are totally clean), the Grace m903 can only crossfeed via headphone output (sure, I could feed a 3.5mm to 2xphono plugs into the back of the Burson,.. but those two products don't need to be together...
Trying to get a den DAC, when I rotated out Proceed preamp, which had XLR inputs, I lost easy ability to run the Diablo as a DAC in the den 'hifi' rig... (again a 3.5mm to 2xphono plugs
could get around this... )
sometimes I buy things to be solutions, eg a FiiO M11+, as it can do 'on the fly' DSD encoding.. (makes the Sabre DAC in the Burson sound 'much better'), but FiiO, with updates, have lost that feature (doesn't lock to full volume and leaves static with 'low level music'), so, 'not a worry, I also bought Onkyo HF Player as it does on the fly DSD, except it seems broken with latest updates across a few devices too...
I understand the world wants us to rebuy tech,.. the middle class have to float the elite etc etc etc..
but I just want something that works and sounds equal to setups I owned twenty years ago that didn't cost me $2-$5k total..
not having a den DAC -I can sacrifice the Grace from beside the bed, (even though it is the perfect bedtime amp,,.. has crossfeed, and drives my sensitive headphone/IEMs well), and then it can meet the Diablos need for XLR output into hifi systems.. but that is a two box chain, tieing up too many electronics for 'middling performance'.
The Burson, then, with its' DAC buzz, wants something fed into the line levels,.. and it would make a great headamp.. but overkill for bedside use, and again requires a 'stack' due to "reasons"...
if half the stuff worked the way it should it wouldn't be an issue..
some parts make me smile every time I touch them (eg Grace m903), some are too good to every sell on (eg Burson), some are simply the best bits I have and so, 'hesitant to lose' (we often assume that what is easy to buy today will be easy to buy tomorrow).
Not being able to get my kid into DACs/amps (too much to carry/too much setup for a constantly moving teen), a nice A&K DAP (SE700) was a 'pay this off' project.. (in time for kids birthday)...
My best music is presently 'bounce everything through a twenty year old Yamaha CD recorder" (its reclocking board is outstanding)(makes Apple Music from the FiiO M11+ something worth listening too)..
having been given so much honest support from my local 'head-fi' store (And so many trade-ins and exdemo bargains that my budget can stretch to factor, (thanks afterpay!)), a team of professionals that never steers me wrong and has time for me even if I am a small spender, sometimes tyre kicker... , I have really enjoyed looking at 'modern stuff'.
I do like second hand vintage, as I feel in terms of bang to buck, for me, (time rich/money poor), the investment and effort is worthwhile.. if only for the constant education.
I love this hobby.. and 'true' (
@TwizzyTonkaa thanks for saying so) I would like some Meze 109 s based on the magic that Meze seem to pull off in their designs. They are one of a very few modern parts that took my interest as soon as they were anounced.
I am actually in the process of a 'slash and burn' to swap up a whole bunch of 'not quite rights' to be a 'yay this works'.
For the first time in about three years I feel that my rigs are in a less than typical flux state.
(but stuff like a 65" 50KG 4K Planar monitor 'resting against my wall' (awaiting a wall mount as it is literally just sitting on its bezel, and I am cat sitting presently) causes me stress... I do not sit the family in front of it for netflix.. cause I value our kneecaps)
head-fi is the solution, consumerism is the problem (and no rituals in the modern world for people to feel acknowledged and 'apart of something').. like many, I'd be happy with a caravan and my family and a cooking stove.
I have never read about the MEzes and I seldom research anything that would make me unhappy with what I am using (unless a purchasing project for 'a friend' etc).
I hang on head-fi for the community.
as a hobby site we have an ecclectic bunch, who, generalised here,.. are into art. (music)
that is something special
