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E_Schaaf

MOT: E.T.A Headphones, from Staten Island, NY

Pyrate BWC

Does anyone happen to know what's currently the most efficient electrodynamic headphone on the market? Apr 10, 2024 at 11:20 AM

1. E_Schaaf
  One of my partners is even more treble sensitive than me. Today's the first time she didn't wince when listening at my normal ~85dB level.
  
  Aug 14, 2020
  2. E_Schaaf
    No changes to the system aside from the Super 7. Way too easy to crank this thing. Loving every second, already played through like half my tapes.
    
    Aug 14, 2020
  3. DigMe
    Are we talking about romantic partners or business partners?
    
    Aug 14, 2020
    
    Thad E Ginathom, Josh83, gixxerwimp and 2 others like this.
2. E_Schaaf
  Redacted - meaningless speculation.
  
  Aug 13, 2020
  1. Gazny likes this.
  2. E_Schaaf
    Someone teach me about what makes one opamp circuit better implemented than others. I've always assumed (and was taught in school) discrete components will simply yield better subjective performance
    
    Aug 13, 2020
  3. E_Schaaf
    I should probably take a listen before commenting further. Just half-baked thoughts better suited for a profile post than the thread.
    
    Aug 13, 2020
  4. Vtory
    A bit confused. What's your comparative structure? Opamp circuit A vs opamp circuit B, or opamp-based vs discrete circuits? First sentence reads the former but the second the latter.
    
    Aug 13, 2020
3. E_Schaaf
  Just plugged in and powered on @Hands highly modded EC Super 7. First thought - never felt my HD600 slap me around like this. Hot damn!
  
  Aug 13, 2020
  1. sheldaze, Case, Hands and 6 others like this.
4. E_Schaaf
  Anyone with some woodworking / 3D printing gear want to help me with a very simple project? Can pay for materials cost, shipping, labor
  
  Aug 11, 2020
  1. Cakecake likes this.
  2. View previous comments...
  3. jexby
    if I read this correctly: you would like a small screw with your wood. if adhesive helps your wood you are not opposed? and you just want to get started with screwing?
    
    Aug 11, 2020
    
    Syzygy and E_Schaaf like this.
  4. E_Schaaf
    That's exactly right! Don't forget the appropriately sized hole
    
    Aug 11, 2020
    
    jexby likes this.
  5. Syzygy
    Now, *those* are harder to find!
    
    Aug 15, 2020
5. E_Schaaf
  Very few pieces of gear impress me every time I listen. Shanling M0 via LDAC is one of them though. Drives TH900s and IEMs w/ ease. Utility.
  
  Aug 11, 2020
  2. View previous comments...
  3. zerodeefex
    I have the Shanling and the Earstudio but prefer the Earstudio. @shotgunshane let me know the Shanling UP4 is even better, though. I would avoid the M0 unless you really need the standalone DAP functionality at this point.
    
    Aug 11, 2020
    
    E_Schaaf likes this.
  4. brencho
    Anyone wanna buy my UP4?
    
    Aug 11, 2020
    
    fraggler, tommytakis, Gazny and 4 others like this.
  5. E_Schaaf
    Had I known LDAC headamps were a thing I probably woulda passed over the M0 when I first got it some time ago but I still appreciate it for what it is.
    
    Aug 11, 2020
    
    Gazny likes this.
6. E_Schaaf
  Total shot in the dark but does anyone have an email address or phone number for RobS? He sent me some gear for mods and I need to contact.
  
  Aug 10, 2020
  2. View previous comments...
  3. fraggler
    Sent you a PM
    
    Aug 10, 2020
    
    Cakecake likes this.
  4. famish99
    You can find him on Discord if you want to go down that rabbit hole, but I might have his email address since I sold something to him once if you want to PM me.
    
    Aug 10, 2020
  5. E_Schaaf
    We're in contact now, thanks!
    
    Aug 10, 2020
    
    Jinxy245 and dubharmonic like this.
7. E_Schaaf
  Blind-pick trance LP arrived in the mail. UK pressing. No idea if 33 or 45 RPM, but I like it at both speeds. Subgenre changes with RPM. Fun
  
  Aug 7, 2020
  1. yotacowboy and Superexchanger like this.
  2. JoshMorr
    check the discogs page on the pressing for the real answer
    
    Aug 7, 2020
    
    JK47 likes this.
  3. Sqveak
    What did you buy?
    
    Aug 7, 2020
  4. Superexchanger
    This must be very similar to the "Fleetwood Mac 45 played at 33 gets you slowcore Springsteen" trick.
    
    Aug 8, 2020
8. E_Schaaf
  Feliks 300B shows up -> set up in my bedroom system where my only source is a Nintendo Switch w/ Super Smash Bros... gotta move stuff around
  
  Aug 6, 2020
  2. spwath
    Idk you can listen to that nice theme song with really good sound. Just enjoy that.
    
    Aug 6, 2020
    
    E_Schaaf likes this.
  3. zonto
    Nothing wrong with gaming on a nice system. Dew eet!
    
    Aug 6, 2020
    
    E_Schaaf likes this.
  4. CBC
    Ha! My 9 year old daughter always makes us listen to the theme song all the way through every time we play SSB.
    
    Aug 7, 2020
9. E_Schaaf
  One reason I dig electronic music so much is b/c the main trigger of my 'uncanny valley' is removed from the equation - no mic coloration.
  
  Aug 5, 2020
  1. dubharmonic likes this.
  2. View previous comments...
  3. HotRatSalad
    I like synths and weird electronic sounds in rock/prog music but I can't get into a lot of music that is just electronic. I need to look harder for evaluation aspects at least.
    
    Aug 5, 2020
  4. RobS
    Fat Of The Land is my CD of choice to bring speakers to their knees.
    
    Aug 5, 2020
  5. yotacowboy
    Things get even trickier/more interesting when you've got artists using 100% analog synths for "electronic" music, or using actual studio tricks for recordings rather than emulating them through software, e.g., https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1DWVrAD-GU
    
    Aug 6, 2020
    
    E_Schaaf likes this.
10. E_Schaaf
  Full Compass just let me know TH900 drivers are backordered for 6-8 weeks. Guess that'll put a damper on the loaner... disappointed.
  
  Aug 5, 2020
  2. Vtory
    Too bad, but understandable with this worldwide pandemic. Thanks for sharing the progress.
    
    Aug 5, 2020
  3. DEATHxMACHINE
    Well that sucks. Guess I more time to find a good deal on a used fostex.
    
    Aug 5, 2020
11. E_Schaaf
  For my bday this year my parents sent half of my records from Tennessee. Mostly Blue Note, FlyLo, Tim Hecker, Godspeed You Black Emperor.
  
  Aug 4, 2020
  1. dubharmonic, Lyander, yotacowboy and 10 others like this.
  2. E_Schaaf
    By the time I listen to everything twice I'm going to need a new MC cart. Vinyl sucks. I love it.
    
    Aug 4, 2020
12. E_Schaaf
  Never heard a 2-way 8" monitor I liked other than the passive JBL L19 from decades ago. Can be found under $200 with some time.
  
  Aug 3, 2020
  1. Azimuth likes this.
  2. View previous comments...
  3. yotacowboy
    I'm a 2 way 8" t-line weirdo. subs and minimal x-over has kept me happy for a while now. space constrained means no BWC unless i get rid of my living room, GF, dog, and several appliances. oh, and sell my car, too. Then cram a bunch of hornloaded junk into my house like the japanese 200 sqft posters on audiogon.
    
    Aug 3, 2020
    
    crenca likes this.
  4. crenca
    The ORFAS go for those Devore's 2 ways with those 10 inch made by Seas drivers. I tried to hear them once at RMAF a few years ago but the room was busy, unfamiliar music, and it was RMAF so I had no impression...
    
    Aug 3, 2020
  5. yotacowboy
    Heard those at Cap Audio Fest in a monster sized room (with the matching subs). pretty meh.
    
    Aug 4, 2020
13. E_Schaaf
  J Dilla's Donuts is buttery smooth on cassette. Less crisp than on wax, but richer texture. Sounds more like the SP sampler's native output.
  
  Aug 2, 2020
  1. dubharmonic, Deep Funk, FlySweep and 3 others like this.
14. E_Schaaf
  Metal cups on the TH900s yield the single most macrodynamic presentation I've ever heard. My face is melting. I am jealous of @tommytakis
  
  Jul 31, 2020
  1. nishan99 and tommytakis like this.
  2. View previous comments...
  3. Vtory
    I confirm you won't expect any for 45hz and below from Hemp. No mileage variation.
    
    Jul 31, 2020
  4. Vtory
    By the way @E_Schaaf : can I ask why you envy tommy? Are you working on special metalcup customization ESX-900 for him?
    
    Jul 31, 2020
  5. E_Schaaf
    He sent me a TH600 with stock metal cups, and I'm doing the mods for him. A bit different than the mods from the thread, but the difference between the woodies and these metal cups is like the difference moving from a soft to hard wood ZMF, except even more pronounced. It's really unique, and I'll be looking for metal cups for my own...
    
    Jul 31, 2020
    
    Vtory, tommytakis and dubharmonic like this.
15. E_Schaaf
  Tracks to test lower mid response? Drop me a link!
  
  Jul 30, 2020
  1. Cakecake likes this.
  2. View previous comments...
  3. Biodegraded
    Nick Cave. 'Live from KCRW' or 'Push the Sky Away' albums.
    Edit: not to forget Leonard Cohen and Screamin' Jay Hawkins :)
    
    Jul 30, 2020
  4. Lyander
    https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mQGU8c9-JF919jdH9G-Qqx7O8zwF4Lmaw
    
    https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_l3cCfV7ndQ2iDCdw-i2hjmfIA0XyNcAAk
    
    Jul 30, 2020
  5. DigMe
    Bels Fleck and the Flecktones Live Art focusing on Victor Wooten’s electric bass which is often in mid bass range. His playing is punchy and fast.
    
    Jul 31, 2020
16. E_Schaaf
  Feliks is sending me an 8W 300B SET integrated to play with. Expected to arrive tomorrow! Wonder if it's enough for my JBLs or Wodens
  
  Jul 30, 2020
  1. Hammy, Jinxy245, Jerry and 9 others like this.
  2. View previous comments...
  3. dubharmonic
    Please share some pictures and impressions!!
    
    Jul 30, 2020
  4. Cspirou
    Maaaan, should sound great with Wodens
    
    Jul 30, 2020
  5. E_Schaaf
    @Cspirou I have a feeling I might need to bring them out to my main room and run them with the subs, they're a bit cramped in my bedroom ha
    
    Jul 30, 2020
17. E_Schaaf
  Thinking of making a batch of 3-5 SuperBest900s with custom cups and pads. Would anyone be interested in a loaner for such a thing?
  
  Jul 23, 2020
  1. Jinxy245, captkirk, OldDude04 and 7 others like this.
  2. View previous comments...
  3. Jinxy245
    IDK how far the mod has progressed from the pair I heard at CanJam, but it was frikin' amazeballs.
    
    Jul 24, 2020
    
    Jerry likes this.
  4. E_Schaaf
    @Jinxy245 it's completely different now! The pair you heard was from phase one of the modding experimentation, which is when I was thinking "what happens if I completely damp the shit out of it to get a perfect target FR?" Wasn't 100% pleased with the dynamics after comparing to some other phones, so I started all over and now have a MUCH more dynamic phone with a little more color, but a similar target.
    
    Jul 24, 2020
    
    Jinxy245 likes this.
  5. E_Schaaf
    It did take a leap of faith to make that shift, because once they got back to me from CanJam I started the irreversible mods. Thought I fucked it up quite a few times, but finally settled where it is now after many months of daily tweaking
    
    Jul 24, 2020
    
    Jinxy245 and Vtory like this.
18. E_Schaaf
  @Deep Funk recommended the VE Monk Plus. Holy shit do these things stage and slam. I had high expectations and not disappointed. Mods next.
  
  Jul 23, 2020
  1. Deep Funk, Elmer Danilovich and Jinxy245 like this.
  2. View previous comments...
  3. Biodegraded
    Forgive me, but 'best bud I've heard' is like 'best North American cricket team' :)
    
    Jul 23, 2020
    
    E_Schaaf likes this.
  4. Deep Funk
    They are surprisingly good for something as cheap as say 10 or 15 Dollars/Euros including shipping/mail. Makes you wonder how much you pay for marketing with other brands/manufacturers.
    
    Jul 24, 2020
  5. E_Schaaf
    As a retail/distro MOT, I don't have to wonder... And honestly, yikes for some/many of the brands out there.
    
    Jul 24, 2020
    
    Deep Funk likes this.
19. E_Schaaf
  Finding myself thinking about the CFA Atlas. I always had issues with driver flex, but loved the bass so much. Would love a 2020 refresh.
  
  Jul 23, 2020
  2. E_Schaaf
    High-end DD IEM market seems kinda wishy-washy still. Nothing compelling beyond FDX1, though I'm left wanting for a bit of resolve and punch. I guess Equinox would be the next step, but never done a custom. Why can't there be something amazing around $5-700?
    
    Jul 23, 2020
    
    Panohm and Lyander like this.
  3. ufospls2
    I'd really recommend checking out the RE2000 Silver from Hifiman. Though the build isn't the best, I really enjoyed them, more so than the Atlas (which I also had terrible driver flex issues with.) The RE2000 Gold is a bit better than the silver IMO, but at $2000 its a dumb price. Hifiman did have the Golds on sale for $1000ish, but the silver still represents the best value.
    
    Jul 23, 2020
  4. ufospls2
    Let me know if you have any questions, happy to help :)
    
    Jul 23, 2020
20. E_Schaaf
  Enjoying modded HE4 after many months. Full, engaging, no 2k suckout, still the best planar mids I've heard. Sad these were such sleepers
  
  Jul 20, 2020
  1. Jinxy245, dubharmonic and Huhnkopf like this.
  2. E_Schaaf
    Going from HE4 to HE6 feels more forward but also more steely. Sure HE6 is tighter and more dynamic, but it's also less smooth.
    
    Jul 20, 2020
    
    Huhnkopf likes this.
  3. E_Schaaf
    in some ways I prefer the HE4 mids over the modded Senns. Am I relapsing?
    
    Jul 20, 2020
    
    Huhnkopf likes this.
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skunkworks headphone enthusiast - discovering new sounds