Loaner suggestions Q4 2019

Discussion in 'Rules, Payments, and Other' started by purr1n, Sep 16, 2019.

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  1. Ksaurav402

    Ksaurav402 Friend

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    If it is not too much of a ask can we also have cables from Forza, NORNE, ZMF and others as part of loaners so that we can make informed decisions based on review given by experienced members.
     
  2. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    We can reach out to the cable companies, but I would prefer that we not spend community funds on cables. Just too many variables.
     
  3. yotacowboy

    yotacowboy McRibs Kind of Guy

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    I know this puts burden on @ChaChaRealSmooth as gear master, but perhaps we could start a cable lending library thread? I know I've tried to be open about lending anything i've got if folks just want to spend some time with anything i've either assembled or bought when discussions of cables have come up, so it might be nice to formalize this somehow.

    Edit: personally, i'm getting back into fiddling with DIY silver cables but a lot of the older bare cable sources have dried up, so I'm back to nervousa-esque scouring of questionable A-gon forum threads and what little hair I have left is quickly falling out. IOW, a single-stop-shop (ne, borrow) for some more stupid esoteric stuff would make life simpler for me.
     
    Last edited: Sep 17, 2019
  4. ChaChaRealSmooth

    ChaChaRealSmooth SBAF's Mr. Bean

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    I think that if we have something like that, we can easily just merge it into the current library thread. My plan with the thread is to keep separate sections in the OP, as in keep the headphones grouped together, IEMs grouped, amps, etc. Bear in mind that the loaner library thread is only for gear that SBAF owns for loaner; it's not a thread for people to put their own stuff up for loaner (unless it's a piece of donated gear, which would get added to the list of stuff to check out).

    On that note, you all are free to PM me and set up personal loaners; just read the guidelines first. Lending gear to other members on a personal, private basis via PM is also absolutely fine.

    That being said, I kind of agree with @purr1n about the cables; I have no problems reaching out to companies, but I'd prefer the community funds be spent on more major things than cables (tubes fall in this category too).
     
  5. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

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    I don’t think different cables are appropriate for loaner programs in general. They are so far down there on the list of things that matter when it comes to sound. Loaners should not be an avenue to cater to and feed nervosa.
     
    Last edited: Sep 18, 2019
  6. ext1

    ext1 MOT: Jupiter Audio Research

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    Yep! Happy to provide more pairs, I have one completed 600 ready to offer as loaner, and I'm willing to offer my personal one too. I have enough parts to make another 650.

    The new foam that @Hands found seems really amazing. I'm trying currently to get it and make that the standard option honestly.
     
  7. monacelli

    monacelli Friend

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    Apparently the refreshed HD6X0 models are now being manufactured in Romania instead of Ireland [source]. This doesn't give me warm and fuzzy feelings, but maybe I'm being prejudiced for no reason. Either way, I'd be curious to see how the quality of the new models (driver matching, etc) stacks up to the classics. Maybe worthwhile to put them in the measurement queue?
     
    Last edited: Sep 22, 2019
  8. Lyander

    Lyander Official SBAF Equitable Empathizer

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    https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/solving-the-hd650-mystery.8026/#post-263237

    Tl;dr there was definite weirdness at first as per first post on that thread, but things seem to have gone back to pre-Romania quality in the time since. I'm more concerned about whether or not the Batman-looking new HD650/HD600 are the same as the older ones sonically, because who knows whether they might bollix something in an aesthetic refresh.

    Addendum: of course there's always the possibility that ext1 gets a sample from before Sennheiser got their shiz together in the RO factory to work on, in which case it might be good to hold on to a sample just as a sanity check. There's a term in fountain pen speak that I'm trying to remember, can't for the life of me figure out what it is.
     
    Last edited: Sep 23, 2019
  9. ext1

    ext1 MOT: Jupiter Audio Research

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    I don't get my drivers super specially from Senn but I rely on a distributor that has contact with them. A lot of people seem to think I buy old 6x0s for my work to cut costs but I don't... I found that the older pairs have too much variance so I always check the date stamped on the driver. Of course I might be wrong on the sonics but I just prefer consistency...

    Anyway, the latest stamp I have on the drivers is I think Feb 2019. Since I always do get the latest batch that Senn stocks, the next time I order I'll get to hear if anything changed. As for headbands, I'll see about them too. Thanks for the heads up!
     
  10. neogeosnk

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    Pi2AES
     
  11. DrForBin

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    hello,
    a three pack of assorted (current production) mid-range DAPs?
     
  12. ufospls2

    ufospls2 Friend

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    Hifiman Shangri-La Amp and Headphones. 100% Serious. (Not at all serious.)
     
  13. penguins

    penguins Friend, formerly known as fp627

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    I second the new monoprice lg and shortest way. Lg just because so many will probably be interested and shortest way looks very interesting in it's own right.

    Ecp 3f if not too expensive and production not an issue. Maybe we could even get one without wood if it will reduce costs + if ecp is willing. Although sbaf seems to lean tubes overall, it would be nice for something nice from the ss world to make an appearance.

    Also not something I'm personally interested in at the moment but maybe something up and coming or popular from the DIY world? It looks like sbaf used to have more diy stuff back in the day and it's kind of declined a little.
     
  14. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

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    @purr1n LCD-1 seems reasonably priced enough, and I'm sure a lot of folks would be very curious to hear it.
     
  15. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    How don't we know this isn't a reincarnated EL8 or SINE? Audeze's approach of 12382 variations of the same design does not inspire confidence.
     
  16. Bloom

    Bloom MOT: Bloom Audio

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    I'll happily contribute an LCD-1 for loaner tour.
     
  17. Ice-man

    Ice-man Friend

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    That's gracious of you but probably best to let this come from the loaner program. Shit happens with gear getting passed around and shipped all over the country many times over.
     
  18. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

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    We don't, unfortunately. I kind of look at this one from a risk/benefit standpoint. Not super expensive, bound to be plenty of interest if we can mitigate risk for others. If nothing else, if it's a shitty product, we can help offer a voice of reason.

    That said, recent products like the Mobius and LCD-2C, even if the latter is a nostalgia play, have been promising. And since the LCD-1 looks like it shares a lot in common with the Mobius, which I thought had plenty of good traits and potential (among some quirks and issues), I've inched towards curiosity on the LCD-1.

    Plus, we have cool dudes like @Bloom that are willing to help us out. :)
     
  19. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

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    Perhaps he could offer it to some of the mods/admins to better determine if it's worth a loaner purchase?

    Could then also be used to check for consistency.
     
  20. Ice-man

    Ice-man Friend

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    True. But given the price we could still buy for a regular tour and then resell to a member here for a big discount as usual with loaner gear. Doesn't end up costing us very much and someone gets a great deal here.
     
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