Los Angeles meet up - March 2nd

[theveterans]

Hey yalls, I'm not new per se, but been quiet for a loooong time. As in enough time to have to create a new account. I think I was last active around when the Shure SRH840s came out. That being said I would love to get more into the hobby again. I can't quite make this share but will try to make the next one!

Is there room for people to come to just learn? I don't have a lot of gear, unless you count a Samsung S22U and Dali io12s as a lot (and a Nuforce uDac which hasn't been powered up for a decade). I'm pretty active in the bourbon world and some groups aren't super excited to share with people who don't bring much to the table.

Feel free to explore! Just have fun chatting around with fellow hobbyists, trying out everything and see what clicks for your taste

 

[Basstutum]

Hey yalls, I'm not new per se, but been quiet for a loooong time. As in enough time to have to create a new account. I think I was last active around when the Shure SRH840s came out. That being said I would love to get more into the hobby again. I can't quite make this share but will try to make the next one!

Is there room for people to come to just learn? I don't have a lot of gear, unless you count a Samsung S22U and Dali io12s as a lot (and a Nuforce uDac which hasn't been powered up for a decade). I'm pretty active in the bourbon world and some groups aren't super excited to share with people who don't bring much to the table.

I’m not able to make this event either, but I’ll echo what theveterans said — most people in this hobby are happy to share their setups and answer questions.
As long as you’re friendly and genuinely interested, I don’t think you’ll have any issues at headphone meetups.
Also, curious about the bourbon world—I just started exploring what’s out there!

 

[Livetaswim06]

I’m not able to make this event either, but I’ll echo what theveterans said — most people in this hobby are happy to share their setups and answer questions.
As long as you’re friendly and genuinely interested, I don’t think you’ll have any issues at headphone meetups.
Also, curious about the bourbon world—I just started exploring what’s out there!

Just let me know and I can share a lot of what I have bourbon wise.

 

[TheHipsterCow]

Just let me know and I can share a lot of what I have bourbon wise.

Less of a bourbon drinker but I consider myself Scotch-Obsessed (and getting more into Irish whiskey)

 

[Basstutum]

Just let me know and I can share a lot of what I have bourbon wise.

Less of a bourbon drinker but I consider myself Scotch-Obsessed (and getting more into Irish whiskey)

Sounds like you’re both the perfect people to talk to!

I’ve been mostly into bourbon but have been getting more curious about Scotch. I have a really good High West Double Rye store pick that was finished for 9 months in a peated Scotch barrel — really great stuff!

Hopefully, we can sync up at the next meetup. Enjoy this weekend’s event — really wish I could make it with such cool people and amazing gear in attendance!

 

[Aetherhole]

Sounds like you’re both the perfect people to talk to!

I’ve been mostly into bourbon but have been getting more curious about Scotch. I have a really good High West Double Rye store pick that was finished for 9 months in a peated Scotch barrel — really great stuff!

Hopefully, we can sync up at the next meetup. Enjoy this weekend’s event — really wish I could make it with such cool people and amazing gear in attendance!

You’ll be missed, Chris!

 

[TheHipsterCow]

You’ll be missed, Chris!

Just noticed your PFP change, I'm guessing that was what you were alluding too earlier? Truly an incredible Amp, I'm super jealous lol

 

[Aetherhole]

Just noticed your PFP change, I'm guessing that was what you were alluding too earlier? Truly an incredible Amp, I'm super jealous lol

Indeed! It happened, the stars aligned. I will be bringing it, for sure!

 

[Hiyono]

I think we have a jar or something at store’s front counter for the $5 entry.

Optional: if anyone wants to bring any drinks or snacks to share. I’ll bring a 12 pack of coke and some Costco waters.

Lastly, if people are interested we can do dinner somewhere. Any ideas where is nearby and good?

 

[Aetherhole]

I think we have a jar or something at store’s front counter for the $5 entry.

Optional: if anyone wants to bring any drinks or snacks to share. I’ll bring a 12 pack of coke and some Costco waters.

Lastly, if people are interested we can do dinner somewhere. Any ideas where is nearby and good?

If I have time tomorrow, I’ll try to stop by the store to pick something up to bring to share.

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

 

[Donald North]

 

[miceblue]

My weekends have been pretty much booked for work these first 3 months of the year, but hopefully I'll be able to attend the next meetup. Last year's meet was super fun!

 

[theveterans]

Thanks for the Photos @Donald North

One of the best headphone and amp synergy that I've tried so far and is definitely the highlight of the show for me is the DNA Supernaut and ZMF Bokeh Open

It literally made the Bokeh Open have zero weakness in sound whatsoever. A tour de force endgame dynamic driver / amp combo that just delivers pure magic. Highly engaging, deep and tight bass, oh so delicious ZMF + DNA house sound tonality, well extended yet non fatiguing treble, just bliss

I definitely see the Aegis amp now being more of a planar headphone amp than DD and most of the feedback I got from peers were them enjoying the Susvara OG/Aegis combo much more than the Bokeh Open/Aegis combo. This does align with Aegis's circuit as a transformer wired as cathode follower utilizing more current to give Hifiman planars some body, punch and heft

 

[Aetherhole]

Thank you Donald for posting pictures. I really felt like I didn’t have enough time at this meet. I really did much less listening than I was thinking I would do, but the conversations were great across the board. There were many people I saw come and go that I didn’t get a chance to talk to… those of you I didn’t talk to, hopefully next time we’ll get to connect!

I also intentionally didn’t bring my camera, though I kind of wish I did. It was probably the smart choice since I already had so much stuff I had. It was a bit much.

The Bokeh Open on the Supernaut was a wonderful pairing, indeed!

 

[bigbeans]

Posted a brief writeup of the So Cal meet for those interested. Such a fun time, wonderful meeting you all!

Post in thread 'The Watercooler -- Impressions, philosophical discussion and general banter. Index on first page. All welcome.'

Mar 3, 2025

SoCal Meetup Impressions (Card Arena, March 2nd 2025)

Hey folks! On the heels of CanJam NYC, the SoCal crew organized a meetup to showcase some of the finest gear I've seen assembled in recent memory. I would like to thank Card Arena for allowing us to utilize his shop for the event, with a small admission fee of 5 dollars (per person) to support his store. For those who are fans of anime girls, you may take a liking to the store's decor, as all the walls were adorned with many idols. However there were no Dragon Ball/Dragon Ball Z posters, I may have to dock a point for this...

• bigbeans

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