Summit-Fi Random Thoughts

[BassicScience]

How does one rip SACD? I was under the impression that SACD players all use DRM so that the DSD bitstream cannot be extracted.

Ripping SACD Tutorial

You basically need to buy a universal player from the list of hackable models, and then download and run some custom firmware (via USB drive) on it.

I've already got it set up, if anyone here wants me to rip some SACDs for them. Just PM me.

 

[Mister Crash]

It can take some time to get it set up and working right, but once it does, it's well worth it. A few companies still make SACDs, like Reference Recordings, Esoteric, and Tower Records, and there is a decent collection of recordings from the past, but the selection is somewhat limited since it wasn't a popular format. Most of what you find is classical or jazz.

I like to use HRAudio as a guide for what recordings are worthwhile to pursue:

https://hraudio.net/

 

[Ciggavelli]

How does one rip SACD? I was under the impression that SACD players all use DRM so that the DSD bitstream cannot be extracted.

There are plenty of sites for that. I have like 500 5.1 SACDs. They do sound better. Just do some googling. You might need to subscribe to a file locker, but it’s worth it. They are all over the internet. You’ll find them very easily

 

[SolarCetacean]

Soooo, with prices of a lot of things set to rise by a lot in the US, I'm actually considering just getting this whole summit-fi thing one and done with right now. I have a friend who is an audio dealer and he's friends with the distributor for Esoteric in the US, and he's told me that he can help me get Esoteric gear at dealer price, which is something along the lines of a 30% savings vs MSRP. I've quite enjoyed the TEAC UD-507 which is currently in the living room and I've been eyeing the Esoteric N-05XD for a while. It's extremely versatile, I like the way it looks, and I like the name "Esoteric". There's something apropos about "esoteric" being the name for a high-end audio brand.

Other gear on my list is the iBasso DX340 DAP, the Ferrum Wandla HP, and the LTA Aero DAC. Of those 3, the iBasso is probably the one I need to buy soonest because it's from China. The Wandla is from Poland and the Aero is US-made and from a local company, so the Aero is the least time-critical I presume. At this point though, there are tariffs to like every country (and the Aero uses parts from Ferrum's parent company HEM so it's not immune to tariffs on Polish imports), so it doesn't really matter anymore. My finances are secure enough that I can consider these purchases and they're mostly insulated from the current volatility in the markets, and I recognize that I'm very fortunate in this regard. My wife would certainly object, and I would not go forward with any purchases without consulting her beforehand, but as I see it, prices will only go up in the foreseeable future and if I want to get in on this thing, then it's best to do so now while we're financially secure. Also, I wouldn't be surprised if some of these audio companies don't survive the next few years the way things are going, or they might not be sold in the US anymore, so I should get them while I know that I can. Hmmm, things to think about.

On the headphone front, I'm in a pretty good spot IMO. I heard the Immanis at CanJam and I enjoyed the experience, even though the synergy wasn't the best with the Viva 845 amp, but it also didn't make me want to immediately buy it. My "fabulous four" of the X9000, SGL Jr, MDR-Z1R, and AWAS still bring me lots of enjoyment with each listen.

This post is also to unblock Cigg from posting in his thread, if that double-post rule still holds.

 

[TheMiddleSky]

Soooo, with prices of a lot of things set to rise by a lot in the US, I'm actually considering just getting this whole summit-fi thing one and done with right now. I have a friend who is an audio dealer and he's friends with the distributor for Esoteric in the US, and he's told me that he can help me get Esoteric gear at dealer price, which is something along the lines of a 30% savings vs MSRP. I've quite enjoyed the TEAC UD-507 which is currently in the living room and I've been eyeing the Esoteric N-05XD for a while. It's extremely versatile, I like the way it looks, and I like the name "Esoteric". There's something apropos about "esoteric" being the name for a high-end audio brand.

Other gear on my list is the iBasso DX340 DAP, the Ferrum Wandla HP, and the LTA Aero DAC. Of those 3, the iBasso is probably the one I need to buy soonest because it's from China. The Wandla is from Poland and the Aero is US-made and from a local company, so the Aero is the least time-critical I presume. At this point though, there are tariffs to like every country (and the Aero uses parts from Ferrum's parent company HEM so it's not immune to tariffs on Polish imports), so it doesn't really matter anymore. My finances are secure enough that I can consider these purchases and they're mostly insulated from the current volatility in the markets, and I recognize that I'm very fortunate in this regard. My wife would certainly object, and I would not go forward with any purchases without consulting her beforehand, but as I see it, prices will only go up in the foreseeable future and if I want to get in on this thing, then it's best to do so now while we're financially secure. Also, I wouldn't be surprised if some of these audio companies don't survive the next few years the way things are going, or they might not be sold in the US anymore, so I should get them while I know that I can. Hmmm, things to think about.

On the headphone front, I'm in a pretty good spot IMO. I heard the Immanis at CanJam and I enjoyed the experience, even though the synergy wasn't the best with the Viva 845 amp, but it also didn't make me want to immediately buy it. My "fabulous four" of the X9000, SGL Jr, MDR-Z1R, and AWAS still bring me lots of enjoyment with each listen.

This post is also to unblock Cigg from posting in his thread, if that double-post rule still holds.

Pairing of Aero + tube amp (Envy in my case) with Immanis is truly beautiful. They provide the "crazy" technical of Immanis, but in such relax and organic way, not to mention the 3D depth of Aero is excellent (with the right tube).

 

[number1sixerfan]

I am so annoyed with the tariffs smh. Just so stupid.. it's certainly going to shake the hobby and everything else. All I can hope for is that it's short lived.. also expect the classifieds to get a boost from this and hopefully will somewhat compensate for increased new prices. Sucks for the manufacturers though. But yea, buy what you can if needed before it's too late lol

 

[catscratch]

Yes, this will make the hobby more expensive and inaccessible for everybody, and will likely cause a recession that will wipe out wealth and make any luxury hobby even less accessible. But, remember that political fortunes can turn around, political support is never as rock solid as it seems, and punishing your own voters has not historically led to positive outcomes.

Also we should all remember that head-fi is not the place for politics in the first place.

 

[TheAbyss2022]

Do the tariffs affect people outside the US buying American made headphones?

 

[number1sixerfan]

Yes, this will make the hobby more expensive and inaccessible for everybody, and will likely cause a recession that will wipe out wealth and make any luxury hobby even less accessible. But, remember that political fortunes can turn around, political support is never as rock solid as it seems, and punishing your own voters has not historically led to positive outcomes.

Also we should all remember that head-fi is not the place for politics in the first place.

Although I agree with much of what you've said here, I don't think we're necessarily discussing politics in it of itself, so much as the impact it's going to have on this hobby--which I think is fair game and relevant. Totally understand that it could go down a slippery slope, but I mainly think we're just talking about price impact.

 

[Digital Enigma]

Lets take a look at your gear.... oh... i feel sorry for you, yes, throw them all away.
And its called HD600, trying to be nice to the HD650 fans. I prefer only the HD600.

too late pal

 

[AxelCloris]

Giving the thread a bit of a break for repeated political discussions. We'll re-open it a little later.

 

[tholt]

This post is also to unblock Cigg from posting in his thread, if that double-post rule still holds.

I hate this new rule and have written to head-fi about it. I hope they rethink their decision. Would love an explainer as to why they implemented it, but the downside is obvious. It eliminates a major part of a forum -- getting notified of a new post. I only post twice as an addendum or as a further thought that wasn't written in the first post. If this was to cut down on rants or posts ad-nauseam, I would think (hope??) the vast majority of us don't do that.

 

[AxelCloris]

After considering the myriad feedback we received, earlier this month the Head-Fi team made adjustments to how the forums handle back-to-back posts. Please see this post from Joe and our updated Posting Guidelines for more information.

 

[tholt]

After considering the myriad feedback we received, earlier this month the Head-Fi team made adjustments to how the forums handle back-to-back posts. Please see this post from Joe and our updated Posting Guidelines for more information.

Thanks for the links and update

 

[number1sixerfan]

Did you ever end up getting the JOAL? What's the latest update on the hobby?