Inoculator

@RatSalad I would agree that there is some sacrifice of the lushness of the mids. I would say if someone really loves the "cozy warm blanket" sensation of LP they may want to stay clear. I am going to post some quick initial impressions in the LP thread if anyone is interested.

@Inoculator agreed 100% there is a greater sense of treble extension and sub bass. I felt slightly more air and low punch but it emptied those lush beautiful mids. I think if you just used a modius it would have the same affect lol.

Quick initial impressions https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/monoprice-monolith-liquid-platinum-headphone-amplifier-by-alex-cavalli.6096/page-36#post-312036

Why not just buy a preconfig Intel NUC? Better/cheaper storage options (e.g. RAID etc)?

A buddy hooked me up with a great deal on the parts, so ended up being a bit cheaper than a NUC, or I certainly would have gone that way. Actually kicking myself, I had a 8th gen i5 NUC in fanless chassis that I sold just 6 months ago that would have been perfect. Excited though to have a bit more flexibility on hard drive space and stuff vs a NUC though.

Where do you have it? Right on your crotch?

Almost as satisfying as finding the right position for horizontal tango....wrong place?

Posted my initial thoughts in the Verite thread: https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/zmf-new-headphones-v%C3%A9rit%C3%A9-and-aeolus.6893/page-35#post-303261

@crenca I would agree with dry/SS technical presentation. Part of that may be my chain though (Gungnir Unison/A2 -> Freya S -> PrimaLuna -> ). Person I bought from highly recommended the Mullard EL34 tubes for a more lush/wet presentation though.

For many years I had the Cayin-Spark precursor to the PrimaLuna EL34 - rolled quite a few power tubes over time and was happiest with Gold Lion KT77s and for a bit cheaper, EH 6CA7s. Mullards are pretty tubby-sounding. Stay away from anything J/J. Svetlana is a bit rolled off in the bass.

Thanks for the tips @yotacowboy, lot to learn as I have only every rolled 6922 tubes up to this point. Turns out the seller meant I should roll the mullard reissues for the 12AU7 tubes. I will have to check out the gold lions for the power tubes.

Schiit should write some on their FAQs. Such as "Do not hook up small and/or low-sensitive speakers with Aegir. Take Vidar or Rag2 instead".

Thanks for all the suggestions! I am certainly making my way through Herb's suggestions. (Interested in the PrimaLuna but $$$) I will add one nuance though, Herb liked the Aegir with the Harbeth P3ESR, which while it has LS3/5a DNA, it is a different monitor, and 6ohm rather than 11/15ohm like most LS3/5a. Of course @saint.panda also spoke to that pairing not being great and the vidar being a much better match.

I will also add I don't blame Schiit at all, I knew what I was getting into. I already had an Aegir so I figured I would just give it a try. When I contacted them about the pairing and trying it out they were very helpful but honest.

When these speakers are right they are really right, when they are wrong they are REALLY wrong. Aegir low end performance doing them no favors. Vocals are hypnotic and stunning though, worthy tradeoff nearfield in a small room.

@crenca hmm I can't say for sure since it's been a while since I owned the Verite, but I would say Verite pads + good tube amp will most likely do what you are craving. I really liked the Verite+Verite pads out of ZDS and Starlett. But maybe the Universe Hybrid might be a happy compromise for you since you have the comfort issues

Talk to me in another 250hrs.

FYI, the Liquid Platinum is a terrible pairing with Verite. Does it zero favors; does nothing to highlight what the Verite does well.

I actually like the Verite lambskin pads the best, but this was after using them for a while (no idea how many hours sorry). Before break-in it seemed like the headphones were a touch brighter, but loosened up over time.

Normally I have the MJ2 stacked on top, so had no idea!

I always figured purpleheart verite was my dream ZMF...then when Zach released it, I did not have the funds. Shoutout to @zach915m for hooking me up with a b-stock at the end of the run when I finally had the cash on hand. Seriously giddy with anticipation.

Just try the amps you have first. No need to go crazy and change out anything in your rig.

P.S. Verite still sounds good out of Magni 3+

Agreed with all above. Nevertheless if I were you, I will preprare to sell everything, ignore gilmore, and stick around asgard 3, which I(you) may enjoy a lot of cash in hand.

But honestly for the first few weeks, you will be more than fine with current amps. Do not subscribe Verite and some amp threads. Never go to ECP or Donald threads too!

Thanks everyone! Definitely happy with what I have on hand, variety is the spice of life sometimes though! I am afraid of getting the itch for a TOTL OTL....less worried about $199 for an Asgard, haha

I really enjoy the Sony WF-1000XM3. I haven't had anyone complain when I have used them for calls. Because they are noise cancelling, they are definitely bigger than other wireles IEMs, but they hit a very nice sweet spot of sound and functionality for used prices. I got a great deal from a Friend here, but have seen them refurbished for as low as $150 and routinely under $200.

Thanks for all the recommendations! Had been considering the Sony and new Sennheiser Momentum 2 just based on brand and have generally good reviews. Glad to hear the Sony's are solid, was concerned about comfort.

Second with @fraggler on the WF-1000XM3. I actually use the Marshmallow tips that came with Campfire Audio stuff. It feels really good and great for long conference calls.

I gave it a play of Tidal. Love the voice and the band. But to much quirkiness killed any enjoyment.

HiRes on Qobuz. I was bummed the digital download that came with the vinyl was only 320 mp3... Gross.

Listening right now, so far pretty impressive lyrically and nice how intricate the production is. Composition is varied, and keeps the songs dynamic. Kinda Bon Iver and Regina Spektor had baby songs, and they had an IQ of 120 w/ a Masters in Feminist Studies. And 48kHz/24-bit is $18 on Qobuz.

that combo can deliver Da Slam!

At least you aren't as far down that path as @E_Schaaf :P

I thought this was going to moving into audiophile-pole district, and I was getting ready to guffaw and pour scorn. But... If you have other devices causing audible noise, or even switching noise, and it can be avoided by running that cable --- do it!

40 years ago, the father of a friend of mine ran a recording studio in his house. Fascinating stuff, including a disk cutter! When he was recording, the whole house had to observe electrical silence: no switch could be touched, and some stuff just had to remain off.

If it's really easy to run the dedicated line, I wouldn't even think twice about it. Do it. Report back on the before/after effects. We'd love to read about it.

This is interesting. I pulled up the album on Qobuz. What is normally the genre these guys are?

Kind of tough to nail down a genre for them I would say. I do think if you have not checked out King Krule, that the 2017 album "The Ooz" is a bit more accessible, although still kind of out there. Was my top album of 2017, certainly my obsession that year.

thanks for the heads up. Archy is getting more accessible. Older works and work with Mt. Kimbe are interesting, too. Kind of alt noire overall. Definitely an innovator.

Unfortunately, the original wood cups suffered catastrophic damage. So this set is actually more of a resurrection than a resuscitation. Sourced from the same wood as the original set, more of these available via the b-stock sale if you dig them!

Looks beautiful (smexy cable too)