robot zombie

Big Hose is responsible for many of the calamities of our times, friend. Your realization takes you the first step down a path that leads to my newsletter.

Cause people don't trust scientists and engineers any more?

Big hose... Panty Hose.

Interesting, I really can't compare. But my takeway from comparisons here was a good 560 wins out on overall technicalities and tonality. Bass, too. Different headphones. But the 5xx's definitely are quick in what I'd bet are similar ways. Quite light on their feet. Emergent would be the word. It's interesting how they can be almost be a little dark/mellow, yet resolving and dynamic.

I gotta say, these things are treating me well tonight. The right headphones. They sound great! More resolving than I gave em credit for. The amount of 'peel' on synthesizers is like confectioner's sugar. The wide spacing in image sections pops-out everything.

Stereo shifts/marches are also exaggerated in a neat way. Percussion sort of bursts into these large spaces like pressurized fresh air - to each element a discreet section.

These things are pretty rad. It's a unique sound. There's some magic going on with dynamics that goes on an upwards climb starting from the midrange. Lil sub bass backing it up, it can have some oomph too. But the top punches past it.

I considered going significantly up from them for a while. But at this point I admire the fact that they haven't died to the years of abuse yet. Blessed 305's. I long for certain things, but at the same time, they sound pretty okay. It feels like spitting on the universe to ditch em. Gotta die eventually.

Why not add a LSR310s to the mix? Let the matching subwoofer take over the bottom end. It'll take some strain off of the midwoofers in the 305s and allow them to perform more effortlessly.

Hah! I would... if not for the SVS SB-1000 I already have :P I do take advantage of that crossover feature, too. No splitting off of the DAC, and they really do open up. Betting the matching ones are better, but it still does the job.

I figure I'll use em till they quit. By then, I can build myself something much, much better and throw the rest at a really solid amp.

I was a Christian for half of my life. I had to stop counting sins and the good deeds. You will end up a worrying to death or becoming an arrogant saint. Take care of the people you care about, avoid being an asshole.

What even is "a good deed"? No, are the people you care about happy and you can have a good/interesting conversation? If the answer is yes, good job.

Always thought of it as a reminder to be slightly better than a pass to be an arschloch save for one brilliant instance ever 24h or so, but I suppose there are those that might interpret it that way?

But yeah, call me an optimist but I'd much rather see it as a persistent reminder to actively seek to do nice things. The way it's phrased there's a lot of leeway for reading.

Just add the word "first"..."I did my first good deed for today...."

Time for change

@DigMe Hah, imagine the confusion running through them if they realized that he was a dropout! "Is this even science?!"

@m17xr2b The cage definitely adds a lot to it!

I think it would've been like "deer in headlights," just frozen in fear and awe. The power of god is pouring out of a strange tower in a metal cage. Even for those educated on it, I think it would be a big shock!

We hear SpaceX rocket testing all the time around here but I remember the very first time I ever heard (and felt) it standing out on my front porch in awe just pondering the level of energy that has been harnessed by man.

Thanks. I do not keep auto-update on, and will avoid this update.

Mostly I use it on the PC. Linux version.

All the streaming services seem to suck lately. In the last couple weeks, it appears that Tidal updated something on the backend that effectively broke the Tidal / Oppo integration. Currently trying to escalate a report ticket for them to fix it...

Haha, they've got us by the balls. I'll never get why, though. All most of them need to do is figure out how to start listening to people instead of coming up with fancy ways to say "Maybe later (/never.)" while making more frustrating changes.

Spotty's arguably the worst offender. They have burned me so many times. Keep saying I'm done but never leave. I don't think the frontend has ever improved.

I recall Two Broke Watch Snobs having one or more podcasts about building a collection for $1000. For my money, I’d go with a Seiko Cocktail series, an Orion Hellcat, and a Casio Casioak. I think that would be right around $1000 and cover the tool, dive/sport, and dress watch categories.

Ha! Already had a Presage in mind! White dial with the blue hands. Though that line has so many great combos. That Hellcat though... with a burgundy dial? That's really something. Thanks for the recommendations!

I have the Hellcat with a burgundy dial. It shifts colors depending on the color temperature of the light being reflected. Fantastic watch, acceptable movement (Minolta).

I thought you were gonna say they were cool because they keep on tickin.

But maybe that was in an alternate world.

@fraggler I have two Expeditions, one chrono and one not, and the ticking is barely audible. I kind of find it satisfying. Can't really hear it down at my waist.

I think the ticking was for syncing... military field watches and such.

@Syzygy I mean, they do take a lickin.

That's why they're my work watches. Though actually I think they can look really nice. Just really solid watches with bitchin and unique backlights that don't cost watch-head money to have a couple.

The black round discs? Or post-Cavalli amp?

Well... both. But in this case the PC-LP.

The casework all just looks so cheap in person, but it's only the visual style. The materials are actually nice!

Yup, the outward appearance of the amp does nothing for me either. Never heard of though.

Watching...curious to see if this stands the test of time and doesn't introduce sins (either commission or omission) that are only evident after some 'unprimed' listening.

"If freakin Behringer can make one for $350... where's the nice audiophile EQ? Build it into a preamp, or even a DAC."

That's what the RME ADI-2 is (if that particular DAC is to your liking).

@robot zombie, audiophilia stole the tone controls. You can't expect it to give full EQ now.

But @PTS points out that, RME, coming from the semi-pro field, has no such sensitivities.

Come to think of it, I'm betting I've been gifted some at some point and never used it. Maybe buried in one of the bathroom cabinets. Those things are basically graveyards for gifts like that.

Back when aromatherapy wasn't even a word, people experimented with stuff. Once, with flu and feeling very feverish, I put a few drops of essential oil of peppermint in the bath.

You know why mint makes your mouth cold? Because it's actually a mild local anaesthetic. Yes: you can, I found, do that to your whole body. Not advisable. Especially if you're steaming feverish inside.

Oh sure, a nice eucalyptus bath is fine. I just draw the line at directly and vigorously applying lathering mentholated goo on sensitive areas. And its not like it is subtle. Open up a bottle and 'feel the rush' in your nose.

That's the other thing. They tend to be marketed as energizing more than soothing. For people who rub menthol on their nipples I guess.

@robot zombie: make your own list. You /are/ emotionally intelligent. So you could just pick 19 things. But... why would you?

I occasionally wonder if the right answer is not to “optimize”/gamify every aspect of life? I mean, I’ve managed to live this long and only found a few “life hacks” as actually useful and not pedantic compulsive ways of organizing a task that only adds to the mental burden. A time saving way to do something better? Sign me up. A listicle of 19 items to make my CDO (see what I did there?) worse, nope.

42 is always good ;-)

@HotRatSalad I would expect more people to prefer the 2F, honestly wouldn't surprise me. The prominent dip is make or break. I personally don't find them overly dark. Cymbals almost sound a bit splashy to me. To me HD6xx's sound more rolled off on the upper extreme.

I am all about the bass and midrange on them. They've got that over the 2F for me, though the 2F is generally the better balanced headphone.

You should be able to order the slanted vegan pads direct from Audeze. You have to provide your serial number, but they are THE best pads for the LDD-2C IMO. Still retains killer bass, tames the top end 8k peak, and the slats give them a bit of space.

@rtaylor76 So you CAN still get those directly from them? I was curious about them but it didn't seem too hopeful. Have to just reach out and see what they say. Is there a specific name or part number I should ask for?