[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

This one slipped between the cracks, and I know several of you were asking about Astell & Kern's Activo P1 DAP. Well, here is @ToneDeafMonk 's take (I love his dap reviews).

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Taking it too far?

I picked up a very similarly colored XINHS cable for my Aur Audio Aure, and it's a beaut, as well as color matched quite nicely. Very pleased with the XINHS OCC Mix and Aure.

 

[Ferdinando1968]

F*ck FOMO. Seriously. You buy what you can afford and what delivers the music beautifully to your ears and brain. That's all that matters.

I'm tighter than tree bark mostly because I want to be, not because I have to be. I could buy a few $500 IEMs or a couple of IEMs at $1,000-$1,500 if I wanted -- I make decent coin. But I choose not to, for a lot of reasons.

One, my wife shares my frugality. I don't want to look like I'm a free-spender for my hobbies when she saves like hell for many things that benefit our entire family, such loan-free college tuitions for our kids so they're not crippled with debt as young adults, upgrades to our house and cottage (which will pay off if and when we decide to sell them) and saving for retirement. She doesn't go shopping for herself. Ever.

Two, we ABHOR debt of all kinds. We NEVER carry a credit card balance. We ALWAYS buy used cars and pay off our five-year car loans after one or two years, maybe three years max. We are paying off our mortgage early. We also sock away a lot of money into tax-free shelters, such as HSA for healthcare expenses, NY 529 funds for college tuition expenses, etc. I also have maxed my 401K every pay period for the last 35 years. We also like to give to charity and our church parish.

If all that leaves me with less coin for play money, so what? I don't like giving a penny of my money to banks, and I want to retire comfortably and give our kids a good head start in life without a big debt burden. If I need to skip an IEM or headphone purchase to achieve my financial and retirement goals, so be it.

Bottom line: This is a marvelous hobby. But do we really need all this stuff? Do we need 20 sets of IEMs? Do we need 15 pairs of cables? Do we need multiple DAPs?

F*ck, no.

You can be just as happy with one or two sets of IEMs and cans that make you smile and one humble source chain. That's really all you need to reach the same kind of sonic enjoyment as those who hoard a ton of gear, rarely using it once the new car smell wears off.

I'm stepping way over the line, but here goes: I don't think anyone should own more gear than what they use -- truly use -- on a regular basis. What's the point of owning IEMs that come out of their box or case once or twice per year or only saw daylight for a couple of weeks after purchase? Sell them. Let others enjoy them. That's how you grow this hobby and our shared love of music. I think you also appreciate your stuff more when you don't melt the charge card for every new model. Sorry if that ruffles feathers -- my intent is perspective, not burning at the stake.

I feel the same way about people who have incredible historic or exotic car collections and keep them in a garage. What's the f*cking point other than a very expensive object of mental masturbation or a very expensive penis extension? Cars -- like IEMs and headphones -- are meant to be driven, not display pieces.

That's probably the main reason why I've never owned more than three over-ear headphones and five IEMs at once. Anything more really seems like overkill and a waste of money to me. Your mileage may vary!

I hold the opposite opinion of streaming and algorithms. They have opened my musical horizons in a revolutionary way in the last 20 years.

I can remember hoarding $10-12 as a teen from odd jobs or working in a restaurant to go to the mall and buy a new release cassette from a band I liked or a cool song I heard on MTV or the radio. It always was risky because you never knew if that single would be supported by many tunes of the same quality on the album. We all know of albums that featured a killer single and nothing else but filler.

So, that and my innate frugality caused me to be very careful about new music purchases. But file-sharing and then streaming changed all that. I didn't have to worry about dropping $12 on a cassette or CD and learn the single was the only good track. And I was much more willing to explore many more genres of music now that I didn't have to drop a 10-spot every time I wanted to experiment.

My musical landscape is MILES wider than in 2000, thanks to streaming and algorithms.

Is this thing a true OTL tube amp or just a hybrid like the Schiit Vali 3? I'm going to get a tube amp eventually for my Aeolus and HD 6XX -- two high-impedance cans that will benefit from the gooey warmth of tubes -- but I don't want to go halfway with a hybrid. I want full OTL.

Brother, your wise, honest and sincere reasoning certainly has my attention and my respect.

However, in life it is often a question of goals and possibilities.

I have no children to support, nor university fees to pay.
And this gives me economic possibilities that otherwise I probably would not have.

Even the goals are different, not having children to support.

Is it wise to spend a river of money on so many devices, that perhaps you use little?
Probably not.

However, I can tell you with certainty that collecting exists, that there is the desire to possess things that you consider beautiful.
Are they obsessions, mental illnesses?
Maybe.

But the world is full of sick people and illnesses.

Otherwise, it is not clear why there should be people who collect paintings, stamps or any other devilry invented by man or nature.

Is the pleasure you derive from it healthy?
I do not know.
But who is able to judge?

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Great perspective on the subject. Looking forward to more of your work!


Please, do not judge the whole of Simgot on the LM. That one was mostly a disaster, yes, but the next one I heard was the EW300 which is right up there with the greatest Sub-100USD has to offer.


Do not feel too left out, stuff only gets marginally better while prices absolutely skyrocket. Nowadays, staying under 100USD offers all you could ever need.


Hm, thanks for sharing, interesting for sure. And way nicer looking than the butterfly 61T. Would love to see a pic of the other side to get a feel fitment-wise.


Thanks for the Mecha timeline, I'm getting impatient!


You are my favourite superhero.


Haha! We all have our episodes of complete crazytalks.


Stepping it up big time! Congrats, brother! Hope they're as sweet or even sweeter than you remember them being.


Gorgeous looks, amazing quality, supple handling characteristics, no significant microphonics.
I do, however, prefer single-stranded cables above the splitter to keep the cable as silent as possible when going around your ears and by your jaw.

Glad you're enjoying Tripowin cables. Another check box for @pk4425. Tripowin cables are so underrated while being superior budget cables. Just got one placed on my KZ Vader, and that really made it a nice synergy sister (the mixed alloy - s/c/g - ZOE). Very pleased, as usual.

 

[Ineras]

Cancelled my FP3 order for now. Gonna be slightly smart about it and wait for reviews first. Picked up the Kefine Klean instead, reviews from Akros and @atechreviews were pretty convincing.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Maybe… I mean the Trio is certainly quite exciting, but so far, the H60 and the Fan 3 still sound their price… ie more premium than the cheaper sets. Worth it IMO.

I agree 100%. The budget segment can be fascinating sonically, with the CCA Trio as a tentpole example, but once you start hitting the sonics in the mi-fi segment especially, the limitations of the budget segment becomes clearer, as your ears train to specifics like spatial cues (depth in particular), bass note resolution, and imaging. Can be subtle, or more apparent.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Brother, your wise, honest and sincere reasoning certainly has my attention and my respect.

However, in life it is often a question of goals and possibilities.

I have no children to support, nor university fees to pay.
And this gives me economic possibilities that otherwise I probably would not have.

Even the goals are different, not having children to support.

Is it wise to spend a river of money on so many devices, that perhaps you use little?
Probably not.

However, I can tell you with certainty that collecting exists, that there is the desire to possess things that you consider beautiful.
Are they obsessions, mental illnesses?
Maybe.

But the world is full of sick people and illnesses.

Otherwise, it is not clear why there should be people who collect paintings, stamps or any other devilry invented by man or nature.

Is the pleasure you derive from it healthy?
I do not know.
But who is able to judge?

Yep. I'm nipping at the heels of pk age wise, but fortunately, my kids are all grown up and out of the house (except one, but he's 22, works his job, and doesn't complain or draw too much financially from his mom and I), and making their own way in the world, and they are all financially responsible. So what we save is for retirement in less than a decade, and just things that help us get by or keep us sane? For me, that's music and audio gear (along with my publishing business). But like pk, my spending is very measured, minimal CC debt, and I sell what I don't use, to get a return on investment, when the investment isn't getting much use. Those with natural empty nests are enviable, and I certainly hope not lonely?

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Cancelled my FP3 order for now. Gonna be slightly smart about it and wait for reviews first. Picked up the Kefine Klean instead, reviews from Akros and @atechreviews were pretty convincing.

I'll report back on it. I also almost cancelled it, but they shipped it out so quick, I didn't get a chance to second guess LOL I got so many planar, I guess it should make itself right at home, and I've never invested in any Kefine, so the trend continues for me.

 

[Ineras]

I'll report back on it. I also almost cancelled it, but they shipped it out so quick, I didn't get a chance to second guess LOL I got so many planar, I guess it should make itself right at home, and I've never invested in any Kefine, so the trend continues for me.

Yeah I can wait with S12 '24 and Sgor Luna (highly praised by Akros as well), with PRX incoming. The advertised graph showing that much upper treble started reminding me of the Canta. Really hope it's not the case with the FP3 though; the build looks really nice and it has an appealing blend of techs.

 

[pk4425]

I have the Atrium Closed and all I ever read in the ZMF threads are that tubes make them sound glorious. I figured this little tube amp is cheap enough to test the waters without diving into the deep end of kilobuck tube amps that take up a ton of space. And yea, the two pads I have are like night and day difference. The Caldera lambskin perforated makes the AC into a very sub-bassy and warm n gooey headphone whereas the Caldera suede perforated makes them more balanced with a big soundstage. These pads affect the sound signature on these headphones way more than ear tips on IEMs.

Yep, it is stunning how much pad rolling (and mesh rolling) affects the sound of ZMF cans. It's almost like Zach designs them with rolling in mind as part of the fun.

You very much should think again. B4-X thru IEMs is even better to my ears than the DCE, and the DCE is 4X the price, and cyberforce tech vs the generally old school tech in the B4-X, but they play in the same ballpark in several areas, and the creamy warm goodness of the tubes makes a difference in the listening experience. I got an upgrade coming by Tuesday, and the B4-X will be even more impressive, and I expect it to pull even with the DCE. DCE still wins in portability, so I love it so.

How much power does the Little Bear output? I can't seem to find that anywhere.

But my primary use for any tube amp will be to drive my ZMF Aeolus and my HD 6XX, both of which are 300-ohm cans. Power will be essential, and I'm skeptical a portable will drive them properly.

Sure, I've seen owners say, "This can drive 300-ohm headphones." But can they drive them properly? Will it deliver the same tube sound as a proper OTL amp? I don't really need a dongle -- I power all my IEMs with a JDS Atom+ stack or my Apple dongle.

So, my primary use for tubes will be for high-impedance over-ear cans. But the Little Bear sure looks like a cool portable unit, and you can't beat that price.

Ice Labs Prismatica is like the high class debutante at the ball, and the Shock is like the High class call girl at the same ball. One in an elegant gown, and one in a leopard print dress.

Gimme the leopard skin every time. GRRRRROWL.

Giving this tremendous work a go on this calm Saturday. Hope everyone's day goes well.

I know nothing of this album. But I know I need some jazz this Saturday afternoon, so I'm giving this a whirl. Thanks, Nik!

How the time flies, and with it ... here is the 30th Review in my modest career. And it's a special one since this time I'm covering headphones for the first time in the form of the Sivga Luan. Enjoyable, comfortable, high quality.

This photo once again proves It's Always Sunny in Slovenia. New FX sitcom?

Oops
... but as good marvelous as the Voltage is, my 100USD statement still stands. Unless you're totally crazy like some of us (you included, sir), a max of 100USD is all you ever need to spend in this hobby to have nearly all the fun.

As the legendary A.J. Foyt says, "This is quite true," especially when compared to consumer-oriented crap on the market. Sony, Beats, Bose and Sennheiser are charging $150 for TWS IEMs that get their collective ass kicked by many wired IEMs that cost $30 or less. Hell, my $10 Piccolos sound better than any of that crap.

Is the pleasure you derive from it healthy?
I do not know.
But who is able to judge?

The judgment in my post was mainly for me, but I've never been a collector or hoarder. I've never understood the point of possessing stuff just to "have stuff" and not use. I'm very utilitarian in my approach to nearly everything. To each their own!

Yep. I'm nipping at the heels of pk age wise, but fortunately, my kids are all grown up and out of the house (except one, but he's 22, works his job, and doesn't complain or draw too much financially from his mom and I), and making their own way in the world, and they are all financially responsible. So what we save is for retirement in less than a decade, and just things that help us get by or keep us sane? For me, that's music and audio gear (along with my publishing business). But like pk, my spending is very measured, minimal CC debt, and I sell what I don't use, to get a return on investment, when the investment isn't getting much use. Those with natural empty nests are enviable, and I certainly hope not lonely?

Well, our two oldest kids are out of the house, living independently and doing well on the other side of the country. Just one college student left.

But ... we've ALWAYS lived like this. I highly doubt that will change once we're true empty nesters in two years and after we both retire. My retirement splurge goals are three-fold:

1. Travel. I've only been outside of North America once in my life, and I have serious wanderlust.
2. Live music. Attend as many live shows of varying sizes and genres as possible. There is no more powerful communal unifier on this Earth than live music. We're not fans of opposing teams. We're not conservatives or liberals. We're just music fans, digging the tunes.
3. Subaru WRX. It has been my dream car for at least 20 years. Of course, I'll buy one used. But man, that would be sweet to see a World Rally Blue Soobie WRX in my garage.

 

[DynamicEars]

I seriously have a hard time using anything but the Liqueurs anymore. I need the stickiness to keep a good seal. Do these have a similar texture?

I think it is gonna be something like Feaulle latex H570.

I also like good sticky umbrella to ensure the perfect seal for the subbass
You can consider these eartips for good sticky material :
-Pentaconn coreir (both brass and AL)
-Feaulle latex H570
-Feaulle latex H370
-Azla sedna xelastec 2 (the OG / mk1 is easily deformed after sometimes)
-Azla sedna Crystal

Personally I want to recommend the Pentaconn coreir. Great subbass because of perfect seal (though you have to clean up regularly to keep the stickiness), clean mid bass, very clear mids and sharp imaging at the same time.

Cons are bit longer because only half stem go inside the IEM nozzle and the other half is occupied by the metal material, and expensive for eartips. But IMHO, they are worth for their SQ.

 

[Hypops]

Yep, it is stunning how much pad rolling (and mesh rolling) affects the sound of ZMF cans. It's almost like Zach designs them with rolling in mind as part of the fun.

Arguably, pad rolling has a similarly dramatic effect on most headphones. Just look for example at some of the wild pad concoctions people (including Zach at ZMF) have cooked up for Grado sets. The effect pads have on a given headphone has more to do with the pad design than the headphone. HRTF also plays a big roll. Similar to IEM tips.

 

[Tamizhan]

Meanwhile the bass is deep and textured and just fills the soundstage while not muddying up the mids whatsoever.

Giving it more power brings up the bass to pounding basshead level. This was a tour unit I had for two weeks. It was an intense and fun listening time.

 

[jbfps116]

Single DD DAY! YuXuanJi and Saga balanced are in! Burning in now. Two song impression: tangzu has was bass but VERY good treble… Saga has more impactful bass.

 

[gadgetgod]

Feaulle latex H570.

These eartips are fantastic broooo.