Schiit Happened: The Story of the World's Most Improbable Start-Up

[ricksome]

The Iconic is a very strange concept. A rotary engine that is not directly connected to the drivetrain, and serves only as a generator for the batteries? What's the point? The rotary, even though greatly improved over the years culminating in the Renesis version used in the RX-8 is still less fuel-efficient, less reliable, less durable, and less emission-friendly than a piston engine of comparable horsepower. So why even bother with it? Fun. Yes, fun. And nothing wrong with prioritizing fun over the drawbacks if that's what one chooses to spend their money on. But where's the fun if it's only used as a generator? I don't get it.

Very intelligent post. I did not know you were intelligent!!

 

[Ripper2860]

Very intelligent post. I did not know you were intelligent!!

2 words -- Artificial Intelligence.

 

[Adam Balm]

Happy Hour Time!

 

[Ripper2860]

I hope the v2 works better than the v1 he originally built...

 

[Timster]

Hello everyone! I'm a veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeery long time reader here, and decided to register today.

I'm Federico from Italy. I'm an... how can I describe it... entry level IT guy in a bank (basically preparing/repairing/changing PCs, phones and all the work stations in the various offices), I'm a huge PC gamer (and PC/tech nerd in general) and I like listening to music, especially since I have an hour commute both from and to work. I've started reading (and read it all) Schiit's story and this thread since Schiit's name became quite known on many best-anything list, and was curious about its weird name.

I wasn't that sure about registering and posting here because of this:
I'm a human "contradiction" as far as audio goes..
I absolutely love Schiit's engineering and business practices, and especially love nerding over all of Jason's and Martin's innovations... but I'm currently Schiit-less and very happy with my current systems;
I really love listening to good systems, and I can discern good ones from bad ones... but I'm perfectly happy with using mid-level BT IEMs and car stereos (and realy don't like using over-ear headphones);
I absolutely can't recognize how deep or wide a soundstage is, or imaging, even using good headphones... but I am maybe overly sensitive on how good or bad a voice is recorded as far as "harshness" or sibilance.

But hey, the atmosphere here is maybe the friendliest I've ever seein in a forum, so here I am.

As I said, most of my listening to music is done in a car, but for everything else I share time between my living room's system and my gaming rig.
Disclaimer: I haven't spent more than 200€ on audio, since most of my components are gifts or... infinite term loans that became (unfortunately) inheritances.

This is my (our, since I still live with my parents) main system. And yes, we have a VT50 plasma TV! The speakers are Italian-designed-and-built ESB CDX SB5 from mid-to-late 80s, 2 way plus a passive radiator. Me and my younger brother refoamed them. I don't know how the heck they can sound that good even on the low end, but I can't complain! The amp is an Harman/Kardon PM645 VXi, around the same age as the speakers, with an old PC fan for cooling. FM tuner is a Sansui TU707, which both sounds great, way better than many modern ones, and it's a joy to use its huge knob to tune. CD player is a Marantz CD6000 OSE Limited Edition, but it's rarely used since we mostly use a laptop connected to a Motu M2 audio interface (as my brother works in the pro audio/lighting business, he wanterd something that could be used also for recording, and it's the only new component). And yes, there's a Bose 3-2-1 GS system for movies and as an easy FM radio for my mom. Movies don't sound as good with the ESB speakers, way less impactful effects.
Everything audio-related, audio interface and Bose excluded, was the infinite term loan that became inheritance from my late dear uncle I wrote earlier. As the foam suspension of the speakers was KO, he put everything away until 7 years ago, when he loaned to us and we repaired it. Two years ago we inherited it (may he RIP).

This is my pride-and-joy gaming rig. I designed, built and upgraded (too) many times the PC myself (currently ful custom loop 9800X3D + 7900XT for those who know modern gaming components, and an OLED main display). As far as audio goes, Bose Acoustimass 5 Series-2 speakers (another loan-turned-inheritance from my uncle) powered by a Creative Soundblaster X7 DAC-amp combo, a gift from a dear friend who doesn't use it anymore.
And yes, I have an old oven cooling fan as a personal cooling fan under the display!

"No highs, no lows, must be Bose" is dang real, as here's the EQ I use with my Bose speakers!

Asyou can see on both rigs, space is at an extreme premium, so unfortunately I can't do any Schiit stacks on either room, as my desk is full and my mom has the last word on how much space of the TV furniture can be used for gear.

And after this ACP-esque post, I can only say that I'm happy to be here!

P.S. Hats off to Paladin79's woodworking skills. Amazing.

Welcome onboard! We'd normally say "Sorry for your wallet", but you seem to already be aware of that
And from Italy, one of my favourite places. Where in Italy are you?

And you're from Venezia (or very close by).... Found an awesome craft beer shop there, down a little alley, with a super friendly owner. Went there everyday while we were there to try new beers.

 

[bcowen]

Very intelligent post. I did not know you were intelligent!!

Only after the 3rd round of Happy Hour. My words are likely not understandable at that point, so it's possible people just assume I'm intelligent. I am good looking though, even before Happy Hour.

 

[Paladin79]

IMF (Impossible Mission Force)? Wow!! Has he met Tom Cruise?!

A hint, it begins with “c”, prior to that group he worked for “D”. Tom Cruise plays big rolls for a short little fellow. Reacher was the worst.

 

[Ripper2860]

So he hasn't met Tom Cruise then.

 

[Paladin79]

So he hasn't met Tom Cruise then.

Not that I know of but why would I ask? If he met Tom Waits I would be impressed. Even Penelope Cruz.
He has met some high ranking people but I best not go there.

 

[bcowen]

A hint, it begins with “c”, prior to that group he worked for “D”. Tom Cruise plays big rolls for a short little fellow. Reacher was the worst.

The Capitol Visitor Center? Cool! Can you help get us a discount if we visit?

 

[riffrafff]

Take my money!!!

 

[Daniel Johnston]

Pud Headphones

I’m partial to the Swole and Blasphemy.

 

[Paladin79]

The Capitol Visitor Center? Cool! Can you help get us a discount if we visit?

This time leave your horns at home but maybe.

 

[highgrovemanor]

I reject your reality and substitute my own.

I'm with Armchair on the just say no for an EV Miata, as stick shift is REQUIRED. Not even sure if more than a mild hybrid would put it into the overweight category.

Some other Miata rumors point to going bigger ICE, as in 2.5 liter, for next time.

Before tariffs I was borderline Miata buyer, but current color options stink IMO and all used car prices are nuts these days.

I've always said I would buy last model model year of ICE Miata, to rekindle my wife's long since gone NA. I would think I am facing bigger risk of CANCEL than going all hybrid.

 

[Ripper2860]

My ride when I was 18!

My girlfriend when I was 18!