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

[Simpeler]

Gone but not forgotten

 

[tjzurlaaa]

Missed but not forgotten

I think it’s time to bring it back

 

[Syan25]

I've just runted myself.

 

[Syan25]

Missed but not forgotten

That's an expensive mistake losing those beasts...

 

[Solarsammy]

Supreme v3 original

 

[Valrhona]

Still my bae.

 

[tjzurlaaa]

Sony -> trifecta synergy really is something else

 

[Badlands]

Still my bae.

D16 + Trifecta is still amazes me with every listen.

 

[emdeevee]

D16 + Trifecta is still amazes me with every listen.

It sounds really amazing on that Sony WM1Z as well. Magical iem from campfire audio.

 

[Rockwell75]

Sony -> trifecta synergy really is something else

Indeed. I need to spend some QT with the 1ZM2 sometime.

D16 + Trifecta is still amazes me with every listen.

Nice. I've seen the D16 mentioned a few times but I wasn't sure what it was.

 

[SuperChonk]

Sunday Funday.

On rotation today is the 64 Audio Tia Trio paired with the Vortex Cable Nadia.

 

[FcConstruct]

Hi everyone!

I want to share a side-project that is in its near-final stage that will be present at Canjam Dallas thanks to my good friend @aaf evo who very generously agreed to carry with.

It's a portable DAC/AMP named Ari; hand-made in the French-speaking whereabouts of Canada, ha. This project is 2+ years in the making from a passionate engineer (Jonathan) & impressed me so much I decided to get involved about 5 months ago. Due to unforeseen quality issues with the batch of DAC chips that was received, the units will only have functional amp section, but this will allow for assessing its amp stage which is where most of the secret sauce lies in. The entire DAC+AMP package as a one-and-done is the best showcase, which will be toured after Canjam Dallas.

Ari uses a topology (optoelectronics) that has not been used in portable audio and thus creating a very unique flavor profile. It's an SS that tends to the warmer and more euphonic side with a lot of emotion. If you're a vocal lover and love snappy but bold macrodynamics and richer harmonic contour this will be up your alley!

What does it sound like out there in the audio world?

I would compare it to the voicing of Accuphase or McIntosh (Solid State) amps in the 2Channel world - that is to say full Class A with a rich sense of PRAT and analog top end. It maintains the technical ability of SS with a sense of glow from tubes (I know, how cliché, but you can listen for yourself).

We've found it to sound incredible with Macbeth, LCD5, HE1000SE, LCD-R, Annihilator 2023, RN6, Z1R, MoonRover & a few other IEM's we've personally benchmarked with.

Please note: There is no built-in battery - this serves for product relevancy for the long-term and it never going obsolete. The quirk with this is that power must come from a USB source whether it be a USB outlet, a PC/ Tablet or a portable battery for mobility. This is a transportable solution initially designed for Over-Ear headphones, but that drives IEM's with aplomb as well. AMP & DAC power section is entirely separated à la DX320MAX for optimal fidelity with the added benefits of no parasitic artifacts typically heard from a battery.

I hope whoever takes the opportunity to listen enjoys their experience & would be most thankful to receive your DM's and/or any form of impressions - Good or Bad!

Daniel L,

I had a chance to hear these at Toronto Audio Fest this year when Dan brought it over. I tend to be pretty agnostic about sources but I will say that this LOAZ DAC/amp is one of the few sources that draws me more towards that subjectivist side. It added a touch of warmth and richness and gave a slightly enhanced illusion of depth. That sort of tasteful coloration I think a lot of people would look for and one that you could reasonably use across a lot of gear. Of course the usual disclaimers apply: I heard it only briefly and didn't do a proper A/B test. Still, the LOAZ was more convincing at first listen than the dozens of sources I've tried just for fun and failed to hear a noticeable difference.

 

[KuroKitsu]

Please note: There is no built-in battery - this serves for product relevancy for the long-term and it never going obsolete. The quirk with this is that power must come from a USB source whether it be a USB outlet, a PC/ Tablet or a portable battery for mobility. This is a transportable solution initially designed for Over-Ear headphones, but that drives IEM's with aplomb as well. AMP & DAC power section is entirely separated à la DX320MAX for optimal fidelity with the added benefits of no parasitic artifacts typically heard from a battery

This is literally my use case.

Just tell me when

 

[Rolu]

Little shootout with the elysian X will be appreciated

After an initial listen- these are two top-tier all-rounders, just that TTi goes for more natural and neutral tuning while X goes for slightly colored sound with fantastic technicalities. Absolute gems them both!

 

[tjzurlaaa]

After an initial listen- these are two top-tier all-rounders, just that TTi goes for more natural and neutral tuning while X goes for slightly colored sound with fantastic technicalities. Absolute gems them both!

Interesting!! Would you say the silver bird goes for a more mid range centric tuning, while the Elysian X goes for a more treble tuning ? Just going by what both companies are known for