[adias]

Looking forward to hearing your findings once you get the Skoll. I too have an RT85 with the 2M Blue Cartridge, and a Mani 2. if I can be honest, I didn’t care for the Mani 2. I took pictures and boxed it up on May 17th, according to the dates on the pictures. Currently using the built in phono preamp in my Marantz AVR SR7005, which I find quieter, more laid back and better sound stage when listening on my 2.1 system. The plan is to eventually replace the Marantz (which I run in Direct mode into a 2 channel amp) with a Kara and a Skoll.

Interesting, as I find the output of the Mani 2 deep black - no background noise - and the gain stage very neutral. I wonder if what you experienced has to do with cartridge loading settings.

 

[adias]

I tried a really low end USB-C to USB-B I bought at a computer store, and it was not very good, I used it while I waited for this one to arrive: https://www.ebay.com/itm/314776750838?_trkparms=amclksrc=ITM&aid=111001&algo=REC.SEED&ao=1&asc=20211130125621&meid=01f78074b2d84320b1bfdd827c1c5ed0&pid=101465&rk=1&rkt=4&sd=314776750838&itm=314776750838&pmt=1&noa=1&pg=3650466&brand=Unbranded&_trksid=p3650466.c101465.m3507
This one works better, and I ordered the length I needed. I have so many cables I order them all to the length I need to keep the cabling mess to a minimum.

Interesting. That cable is very cheap too. What equipment do you use it for?

 

[cricket]

I will always remember someone on NPR reviewing that album. He said (paraphrasing), "The song I'll Be Home for Christmas sounds more like a threat than a promise."

And here's the 14 year old review: Is Dylan's Heart Really In This 'Christmas'?

 

[AstronomerXI]

What was the previous price of the Asgard 3?

It was $199 at release. I think I paid $229 a year and a half ago for mine. I'll have to dig up my receipt. At $279 it's still an amazing deal for such a great amp.

 

[AstronomerXI]

My brother gave me a CD of Christmas songs by Bob Dylan. It was one of the most horrifying experiences of my life.

I'll see your Bob Dylan and raise you a Henry Rollins:

 

[sixergixer]

I got this set when I was around 12 years old. It was a great way to sample a lot of classical pieces. I was a weird kid, all of my friends were buying rock and roll.

I was a weird kid, too, buying lots of classical in addition to The Cure and Depeche Mode.

 

[AlessandroR]

This was interesting; the "all cables are the same" crowd might learn something. Because they clearly aren't, especially for USB.

https://twitter.com/JonBruner/status/1714696044356005949

I bet a lot of the circuitry is to identify "non-official" connected chargers, devices and cables, who aren't paying Apple Certified royalties

 

[AlessandroR]

Maybe this can help on the remote discussion above, but I use connect a Xantech AC-1 12v trigger off of my AV Receiver to turn on and off my power amps, EQ, Amp switcher, USB charger and Freya+. Have been using 2 of them for years and just bought a 3rd one with IR capabilities (model Xantech AC-2) for the Outdoor tv and speakers.

I can't see why this won't power on/off Tyrs/Vidars/Aegirs. 15A should be plenty for two, but it's cheap enough, get two.
https://xantech.com/node/2092.html11

 

[Daniel Johnston]

I bet a lot of the circuitry is to identify "non-official" connected chargers, devices and cables, who aren't paying Apple Certified royalties

The MFI doesn’t apply to the Thunderbolt as it is not an apple proprietary standard (like lightning cables). I use an apple Thunderbolt cable for a USB C cable to my Chord Mojo2 from the Sony NW-A306. I also use one for my QNAP extension bay. They are excellent cables.

 

[turtlerod]

Interesting. That cable is very cheap too. What equipment do you use it for?

yiggy to urd

 

[AlessandroR]

The MFI doesn’t apply to the Thunderbolt as it is not an apple proprietary standard (like lightning cables). I use an apple Thunderbolt cable for a USB C cable to my Chord Mojo2 from the Sony NW-A306. I also use one for my QNAP extension bay. They are excellent cables.

Humm, I thought the point was more generic than the Thunderbolt cables.

BTW, cheap great quality USB-C cables are used for the Virtual Reality devices. They need to transfer a LOT of Data and they need to be very long and flexible to be out of the way. Made to be stomped and thrown around the floor.

I once bought a 15ft one on sale for $15.00. Stilll working fine in the Cabana with a 100W power charger for the notebook after 3 winters, no problem.

 

[artur9]

Maybe this can help on the remote discussion above, but I use connect a Xantech AC-1 12v trigger off of my AV Receiver to turn on and off my power amps, ...

This device came up last time we had this discussion. https://www.digital-loggers.com/iot2.html

 

[jlb25]

Interesting, as I find the output of the Mani 2 deep black - no background noise - and the gain stage very neutral. I wonder if what you experienced has to do with cartridge loading settings.

When I first got the Mani 2, my system consisted of the RT85 to Mani 2 via Blue Jean Cable, out to Acurus DIA-100 via Blue Jean Cables, and Audiquest Rocket 33 bi-wired to my PSB Image T-6 speakers. Later on I purchased a pair of .7 Maggie’s, and Blue Jean Speaker Cable. Few months later I acquired a 2 channel amp, and the set up was RT85 to Mani 2 SE into Jot1 and XLR out to my new to me amp and out to the Maggie’s. All wiring is BJC. Sounded fine, a bit forward for my taste, so I decided to try the Marantz before listing it for sale, since it has a remote. Once I started to a/b is when my dislike for the Mani 2 started. Settings on the Mani 2 are factory default, as my cartridge is a MM and that is what Schiit recommends. I am aware that it is a good phono preamp, and i am not hating on it, but it is not for me. Nothing wrong with that, baskin robbins has 31 flavors of ice cream.

 

[Balthazar B]

I'll see your Bob Dylan and raise you a Henry Rollins:

'Tis the season...

Anyone remember the bit of fun when William Shatner'd on Christmas?

And then of course...

 

[A Jedi]

My experience with USB cables has been thus (if anyone cares):

AudioQuest USB from Mac to Bifrost - randomly stops seeing Bifrost.
Generic USB from the printer I bought - no issues. Oh and I experienced new aural vistas and all the veils were crushed. And some other stuff too.