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pure5152
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pure5152

Friend, from Southern California

Pyrate

Asgard X finally arrived! First impressions: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/schiit-asgard-x-mini-mjolnir-3.977154/page-11#post-18740857 Jun 26, 2025 at 3:41 PM

    1. pure5152
      pure5152
      Jun 26, 2025 at 3:41 PM
      1. Lunk_Wray, MLegend, ilikebananafudge_ and 1 other person like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. darmok
        darmok
        I’ll pull the Magni Unity out tonight for some more comparisons, but I recall it sounding pretty congested too. It’s a Magni though, so I didn’t fault it for that. Oddly enough, the TA-66 is the least congested amp I have in many ways.
        Jun 27, 2025 at 5:05 PM
      4. Gazny
        Gazny
        FWIW @theveterans tells me mini c sounds good on the midguards halo output
        Jun 29, 2025 at 6:04 PM
        rhythmdevils and theveterans like this.
      5. theveterans
        theveterans
        @Ganzy I don't think the Midgard's Halo output impedance is as high as the Asgard X which can have an reverse effect than Midgard's I'm guessing. Midgard's Halo does increase the holography and tightens up the bass which meshes with the Mini C's inherent warmth really well
        Jun 29, 2025 at 9:04 PM
        Gazny and rhythmdevils like this.
    2. rrwwss52
      rrwwss52
      deleted
      Dec 29, 2021
      2. E_Schaaf
        E_Schaaf
        If getting dislikes is miffing you enough to harass long time members, your account is not going to last long around here.
        Dec 29, 2021
        YMO, pure5152, Merrick and 4 others like this.
    3. pure5152
      pure5152
      Simplifying my setup was a great decision: all the time I used to spend comparing/caring about gear I now spend exploring/enjoying music.
      Dec 3, 2021
      1. yotacowboy, Claritas, mrflibble and 16 others like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Claritas
        Claritas
        @YMO You *know* I am. Yeah: Paradox,HD-600, ESP-950, and CFA Jupiter. As you see, they require very different amping. I'm hoping to end up with two rigs; but if I keep three, that's fine too.
        Dec 3, 2021
        YMO likes this.
      4. yotacowboy
        yotacowboy
        Clear the decks! Moar music!
        Dec 3, 2021
        pure5152 and Claritas like this.
      5. pure5152
        pure5152
        @zonto I was trying to find the headphone setup thread and I think it was deleted T__T
        Dec 3, 2021
    4. pure5152
      pure5152
      Thinking about streamlining my setup to one dac/amp, so more things going for sale soon. Stay tuned.
      Feb 18, 2021
      1. nishan99, Syzygy, YMO and 3 others like this.
      2. YMO
        YMO
        $50 shipped.
        Feb 18, 2021
        rhythmdevils, pure5152 and crenca like this.
      3. Vtory
        Vtory
        Great. I will take your 2541.
        Feb 18, 2021
        rhythmdevils and YMO like this.
      4. crenca
        crenca
        Don't let YMO take advantage of you - $50 and I will cover shipping like a real man
        Feb 18, 2021
    5. pure5152
      pure5152
      @tommytakis is a magician. He modded my bright af brass-ring senn 580 from "crap" to "holy crap!" out of my 3FS.
      Feb 2, 2021
      1. Erroneous, Cryptowolf, Jinxy245 and 10 others like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. E_Schaaf
        E_Schaaf
        The stock FR for that HD580 he showed me scared the shit out of me.
        Feb 2, 2021
        pure5152 and tommytakis like this.
      4. pure5152
        pure5152
        Feb 2, 2021
        Lyander, Claritas, JayC and 1 other person like this.
      5. Jinxy245
        Jinxy245
        Holy crap is right...that's some transformation!
        Feb 2, 2021
    6. pure5152
      pure5152
      Andix Audio HPA-45 has killed my interest in other "big boy" tube amps-- thanks @bixby for the recommendation. Love the sound with utopia.
      Jan 20, 2021
      1. obsiCO, Syzygy, Jinxy245 and 7 others like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. pure5152
        pure5152
        It's crazy how much useful functionality is packed into this little amp: it has an internal WM8741 dac with spdif/usb/tos inputs that actually sounds great (esp fed using pi2aes), additional analog aux and phono inputs, fixed biasing with external knobs and dial, and even speaker outs! Transformers are hand-wound by a guy who used to work at tango. All in a package with a footprint less than half a sheet of paper.
        Jan 20, 2021
        obsiCO, Michael Kelly and Merrick like this.
      4. pure5152
        pure5152
        Unfortunately it looks like the amp may only be sold within Japan; need to send an email to Andix to be sure. I bought it from a head-fier who literally hand-carried the amp from Japan to the US. I don’t know about shipping it around because I don’t have secure shipping material for it, but I’d love to bring it to future SBAF meets to get some ears on it. It’s good enough I’m considering selling my starlett.
        Jan 20, 2021
        obsiCO likes this.
      5. obsiCO
        obsiCO
        May I ask about the tone and, uh, speed? Just wanna know if it's on the "zippy" or the "mellow" side of things.
        Jan 20, 2021
    7. pure5152
      pure5152
      pi2aes -> soekris dac2541 (brickwall filter) -> starlett -> utopia is just ungodly synergistic. Finding it hard to stop and go to sleep..
      Dec 5, 2020
      1. hikergrl, OJneg, Jinxy245 and 4 others like this.
      2. YMO
        YMO
        Sleep
        Dec 5, 2020
        pure5152 likes this.
      3. M3NTAL
        M3NTAL
        I'm building a "training wheels" version of your setup. pi2aes -> SFD-1 Mk2 mod -> T3 -> clear. Rolling tubes in the T3 to find a nice balance of liquidity and control
        Jan 20, 2021
        Michael Kelly likes this.
    8. pure5152
      pure5152
      Silver LL1948ag transformers for my 3F finally arrived today! will be installing soon
      Nov 14, 2020
      1. DJ XtAzY, atomicbob, CEE TEE and 1 other person like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. e.schell
        e.schell
        Such a great idea... rollable transformers...
        Nov 14, 2020
        pure5152 likes this.
      4. DJ XtAzY
        DJ XtAzY
        Looking forward to your impressions! I just recently swapped from nickel to amorphous. Quick question, is the plugin PCB layout for the LL1948ag the same as the LL1676 (I assume you have these originally)?
        Nov 17, 2020
        pure5152 likes this.
      5. pure5152
        pure5152
        Thank you! I should post something soon, I've just been super lazy haha (in short, doug and I agree they're a clear upgrade from the ll1676). Unfortunately it isn't -- I think there's a pin swap. if you search the datasheets for the ll1948ag/ll1676 it's slightly different; I had to have doug design a new board for the ll1948ag. That said, the actual boards are plug-in replaceable!
        Nov 17, 2020
    9. pure5152
      pure5152
      Who needs VR when you have super plankton emotional engagement systems that make you cry?
      Nov 8, 2020
      1. gaspasser and ChaChaRealSmooth like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. tommytakis
        tommytakis
        Nov 8, 2020
        famish99, pure5152 and robot zombie like this.
      4. gaspasser
        gaspasser
        @robot zombie maybe you will virtually cry when you get a virtual STD from VR porn
        Nov 9, 2020
        robot zombie likes this.
      5. robot zombie
        robot zombie
        Hmmm... I dunno. That's more reality in my porn than I usually like. Think I'll hold out for the singularity, when AI will just simulate us all doing whatever.

        The me in that singularity-verse can worry about that. Maybe he can get the AI to simulate him listening to music on a system so good it's literally sex.
        Nov 9, 2020
    10. pure5152
      pure5152
      Heard a "buzz" in my left Utopia cup when bass played and freaked out. Turned out it was just my hair touching the left driver.
      Aug 22, 2020
      1. Jinxy245, dubharmonic, 9suns and 4 others like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Hammy
        Hammy
        If hair buzzing on a Grado driver is called grattle, what is hair buzzing on a Focal or Utopia driver called?
        Aug 23, 2020
        pure5152 likes this.
      4. pure5152
        pure5152
        It's grattle with "metallic timbre" ;)
        Aug 23, 2020
        Hammy likes this.
      5. ChaChaRealSmooth
        ChaChaRealSmooth
        ^nah, Frattle.
        Aug 23, 2020
    11. pure5152
      pure5152
      Another super late night listening to BF2 -> 3F -> hemp, rip me.
      Aug 5, 2020
      1. Jinxy245, Phantaminum, Vtory and 3 others like this.
      2. YMO
        YMO
        You need sleep.
        Aug 5, 2020
        pure5152 and Vtory like this.
    12. pure5152
      pure5152
      Having doug design plug-in LL1948 transformers for my 3F - should help provide more volume pot range and a slightly clearer sound.
      Jul 31, 2020
      1. jexby, CEE TEE, crenca and 2 others like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. crenca
        crenca
        Looking forward to your write up pure5152! Heck, keep is short and simple, a paragraph or three, just to help ignoramuses like me understand the basic trade offs.
        Jul 31, 2020
        pure5152 likes this.
      4. pure5152
        pure5152
        Yeah of course crenca! It was a fascinating learning experience going back and forth with doug and also reading white papers/textbooks. I wish I could write more here but there’s a 420 character limit. I’ll definitely explain in my write up later.
        Jul 31, 2020
        crenca likes this.
      5. pure5152
        pure5152
        I went a bit overboard and decided to get the silver version of the LL1948 (LL1948ag), after hearing craig praise its sonic qualities: https://eddiecurrent.com/228-2/
        Aug 3, 2020
    13. YMO
      YMO
      Welcome to the blue side. I'll forgive you just once, Mac and Grado user. ;)
      Jul 23, 2020
      1. tommytakis, Vtory, dncnexus and 2 others like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. YMO
        YMO
        @Vtory buy @pure5152 BW1. That would be Grado heaven without breaking the bank.
        Jul 23, 2020
      4. Vtory
        Vtory
        @YMO Maybe not for me. I've owned bw quite long. It does dimensions but I also need speed and plankton at the dsha-3f level if I waste cash this time. Sadly I know bw can't do it to that extent.
        Jul 23, 2020
        pure5152 and YMO like this.
      5. YMO
        YMO
        Didn't know you had a BW. My bad. I should get a higher end SS amp.
        Jul 23, 2020
        pure5152 likes this.
    14. pure5152
      pure5152
      The hemp grado is no joke, it just _sings_ out of the 3F, and I love it.
      Jul 17, 2020
      1. hikergrl, Dr. Higgs, gaspasser and 4 others like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. YMO
        YMO
        Nekkar is good shit thou. If you like Hard Prog, try T2.
        Jul 17, 2020
      4. YMO
        YMO
        Jul 17, 2020
        spwath likes this.
      5. spwath
        spwath
        @YMO I'll have to try that when I am back at college. Though I am in Colorado now, I am not 21 and don't know anyone. Plus at college I have my big jbls.
        Jul 17, 2020
        YMO likes this.
    15. tommytakis
      tommytakis
      check yo PM friend :o
      May 20, 2020
      1. pure5152 likes this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. tommytakis
        tommytakis
        Hawaiian BBQ is sooo denk
        May 20, 2020
        pure5152 and YMO like this.
      4. YMO
        YMO
        Lets continue to spam on pure5152's profile page. It is awesome.
        May 20, 2020
        pure5152 and tommytakis like this.
      5. tommytakis
        tommytakis
        May 20, 2020
        pure5152, obsiCO, gaspasser and 2 others like this.
    16. pure5152
      pure5152
      Apr 14, 2020
      1. Jinxy245, EagleWings, ChaChaRealSmooth and 1 other person like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Ksaurav402
        Ksaurav402
        Yes, those yoga blocks as headphone stand is a terrible idea. It will definitely hyperextend those headband and make them loose. May be he has a big head and it doesn't matter to him
        Apr 15, 2020
        pure5152 likes this.
      4. ChaChaRealSmooth
        ChaChaRealSmooth
        I also hope you have your RGB keyboard ready too. I think he uses it on the mode where it ripples from where you press a key?
        Apr 15, 2020
        pure5152 and DigMe like this.
      5. EagleWings
        EagleWings
        We have a Zeos fan club right here..
        Apr 15, 2020
        pure5152 and DigMe like this.
    17. pure5152
      pure5152
      Walking around the apartment with BTR5 + Utopia/VC feels ridiculous, but it actualy sounds pretty good.
      Apr 9, 2020
      1. dubiousmike and F.L.N. like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. pure5152
        pure5152
        LOL good point. Utopia may as well be a pair of small loudspeakers by how open they are.
        Apr 9, 2020
        zerodeefex likes this.
      4. F.L.N.
        F.L.N.
        What are your impressions about Fiio BTR5, is it a good device?
        Do you think the BTR5 balanced output can competently drive a Sennheiser HD-600?
        Apr 17, 2020
      5. pure5152
        pure5152
        I think it can, it definitely does a better job than the es100, which makes stuff sound underpowered.

        Just tried it with the JAR 650, and it sounds pretty dang dynamic, with surprisingly wide soundstage and everything. It sounds a lot better than I thought actually, holy shit.
        Apr 17, 2020
        F.L.N. likes this.
    18. pure5152
      pure5152
      Somehow, putting clear pads on the utopia makes it sound like a literal Clear++, which I LOVE. (Update: but 6khz peak is no)
      Apr 2, 2020
      1. tommytakis and YMO like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. pure5152
        pure5152
        Yeah, that's truly the ultimate joy of the hobby right: stop caring about components and just enjoy more music, and appreciate the slight differences each headphone you may have may bring.

        The only reason I got the Utopia was I was just to curious to hear how it sounds with the 3F, given the Clears already sound so exceptional. Balanced cable arrives tomorrow so can't wait to hear how it is.
        Apr 2, 2020
        ChaChaRealSmooth likes this.
      4. pure5152
        pure5152
        Full disclosure update: I actually reverted back to regular utopia pads. The added bass and warmth was nice, but I ended up finding the 6khz peak too fatiguing/grating after a longer time listening.
        Apr 2, 2020
        tommytakis likes this.
      5. E_Schaaf
        E_Schaaf
        Stellia pads on Utopia get a nod from me, but I get to play with these things for free. Stupid how expensive the Focal-brand pads are...
        Apr 2, 2020
        pure5152 likes this.
    19. pure5152
      pure5152
      VC/Clear + 3F = <3, utopia + BW = </3
      Apr 1, 2020
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Mithrandir41
        Mithrandir41
        Ummm... April fools?
        Apr 1, 2020
      4. pure5152
        pure5152
        Lol yeah definitely. Beats solo pro isn’t even wired. Decided to edit my original status to something truer, because the original status was just kinda stupid.
        Apr 1, 2020
        tommytakis likes this.
      5. dubharmonic
        dubharmonic
        Dekoni Elite Hybrid pads are worth trying, though on some amps, like the Feliks Euphoria, they turn the Utopia into a bloated muddy mess.
        Apr 1, 2020
        pure5152 likes this.
    20. pure5152
      pure5152
      Stay at home order for Bay Area. Grocery stores largely out of stock. Stay safe everyone.
      Mar 16, 2020
      1. zonto, hikergrl, Phantaminum and 6 others like this.
    Page 1 of 2
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  • About

    Location:
    Southern California
    Gear List:
    TL;DR:
    - Airpods Pro Gen 2
    - bifrost 2/64 -> magni unity -> OAE1 <3


    Previously owned and sold (ordered by most recent)
    - XRK Audio Altoids Amp Class A, funch-modded low-impedance special
    - Andix Audio HPA-45 (sold on head-fi to @ardbeg1975)
    - Jar 800 v2.1 33k (sold to @failed engineer)
    - Jar 800 v2.1 LSN 6k (sold to @gaspasser)
    - Airpods Pro Gen 1 (traded in)
    - ETA mini open (given to my dad)
    - Focal Utopia (sold on head-fi)
    - ECP walnut V5 (sold to @Failed Engineer)
    - ECP 3F, silver amorphous LL1948ag transformers (sold to @Failed Engineer)
    - Nordost QBase QB4 (sold on USAM)
    - Nordost Tyr 2 Power Cord (sold on USAM)
    - Nordost Frey 2 Power Cord (sold on USAM)
    - ES100 (sold on head-fi)
    - Nikola Classic Power Supply (sold on head-fi)
    - Tommy580 (hd580 brass ring modified by @tommytakis)
    - ESX 900 (tuned to be more neutral)
    - ECP Walnut X.1 (LL1527 nickel transformers) (sold to @dncnexus)
    - CA Andromeda MW10 (sold to @rhythmdevils)
    - Grado GH2 (sold on USAM)
    - DNA Starlett (sold to @edd)
    - porta pros (sold to @edd)
    - EarStudio HE100 (given to sister)
    - DUNU Luna (sold on head-fi)
    - Pi2AES (sold to @chacharealsmooth)
    - Soekris 2541 (sold to @vtory)
    - Little Bear B4, burson V5D op-amp (sold to @gazny)
    - Gungnir Multibit (A2, unison) (sold on head-fi)
    - ZMF Verite Closed Ironwood (sold to @m17xr2b)
    - grado sr80e (given to @tommytakis)
    - Airpods Max (sold to @incredulosity on head-fi)
    - Grado Hemp (sold to @shuto)
    - LL1676 Amorphous 3F Transformers (sold to @sheldaze)
    - DNA Sonett 2 (sold to @dematted)
    - Schiit Bifrost 2 (sold to @fraggler)
    - FDx1 (sold to @cspirou)
    - Eddie Current BW1 (sold to @ceetee)
    - Focal Clear (sold on head-fi to montecristo)
    - Audio Zenith PMx2 (sold on head-fi to rhyyhm)
    - ZMF Auteur (blackwood, from @drgumbybrain, sold to @vtrinidad87)
    - Chord Mojo (Sold to my dad)
    - Schiit Modius (Sold to @accrued)
    - Schiit Sys (Sold to @chacharealsmooth)
    - Upgraded Bottlehead S.E.X. 3.0 (Given to @gaspasser)
    - Grado HF-3 (Sold to @philimon, now with @purr1n)
    - THX AAA 789 (Sold to @unkgd)
    - Schiit Asgard 3 (Sold to @tommytakis)
    - Verite Open (Pheasantwood) (Sold to @ader)
    - CA Andromeda (with Ref-8 cable)
    - ZDT Jr
    - Schiit Loki
    - Sennheiser hd6xx
    - Little Bear (with burson op-amp)
    - he4xx
    - Eikon (purpleheart)
    - Atticus (purpleheart)
    - Eikon (cherry)
    - Jomo samba
    - Oppo pm-3
    - grado gs1000i
    - grado rs2e
    - Little Dot i+

    Heard extensively:
    - EC Ultralinear
    - Rockna Wavelight
    - SW51+
    - JAR 600
    - JAR 650
    - hd800 modded
    - Hifiman hexx
    - Stax L700
    - Mr Speaker's Ether flow Open (version 1)
    - KSE 1200

    Interact

    Content:

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