Merrick
Last Activity:
Mar 28, 2024 at 8:09 AM
Joined:
Jan 6, 2016
Messages:
3,612
Trophy Points:
113
Positive ratings received:
13,287
Neutral ratings received:
12
Negative ratings received:
15

Post Ratings

Received: Given:
Like 12,569 10,200
Dislike 13 23
Respectfully Disagree 12 8
heart 42 31
Miss Information 2 10
Epic 341 533
Agreed, ditto, +1 335 314
Gender:
Male
Location:
Portland, OR

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Merrick

A lidless ear, Male, from Portland, OR

Pyrate

The design of the Vali 3 is beautiful and I want one, but I’m not sure I have any use for it. Mar 17, 2024

Merrick was last seen:
Mar 28, 2024 at 8:09 AM
    1. Merrick
      Merrick
      Ahhh, the FD-01/X1, how I have missed you. Welcome back, my friend.
      1. insidious meme
        insidious meme
        Did you have to get a replacement?
        Jul 21, 2020
      2. Merrick
        Merrick
        Yeah, the original set I ordered from Hong Kong and I figured with the improvements built into the X1, I might as well just order from Drop.
        Jul 21, 2020
    2. Merrick
      Merrick
      Roon certainly has it beat in the metadata and presentation department, but I still prefer JRiver's sound (and price).
      1. crenca likes this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Merrick
        Merrick
        @rlow I have Apple Music and Qobuz which are both useful but I've spent a lot of time, energy, and money tracking down my preferred masterings for the bulk of my collection, and very few of those masterings have made their way onto any streaming service. So having an easy to use remote option is a must for me.
        Jul 20, 2020
        rlow likes this.
      4. SineDave
        SineDave
        I worked around it by setting up a VPN connection to my house - which works fine, but it's really not something a non-IT person could do.
        Jul 20, 2020
        rlow and Merrick like this.
      5. Scott Kramer
        Scott Kramer
        -1 Roon. Closed api, expensive, who's curating that music/playlists/suggestions. It's pretty & blinds you, they are borrowing plllllenty of open source code/ideas already out there.
        Jul 20, 2020
        Merrick likes this.
    3. Merrick
      Merrick
      Theoretically what would be more transparent to the source, balanced DAC->Freya S->SE amp, or DAC->ISO Max->Saga->amp?
      1. View previous comments...
      2. batriq
        batriq
        Thanks! Shot schiit an email. Will report back.
        Jul 16, 2020
        Merrick likes this.
      3. batriq
        batriq
        Response: "The gungnir has two SE outputs. This should be fine if you do, it just seems unnecessary." This, refers to 600ohm transformer load.
        Jul 18, 2020
        monacelli and Merrick like this.
      4. Merrick
        Merrick
        @batriq Sounds like a proper Schitty answer. Still, another reason for me to get the A2 upgrade down the line.
        Jul 18, 2020
        batriq likes this.
    4. Merrick
      Merrick
      I love the sound of 45 RPM records, but I hate getting up every 7-10 minutes to flip sides.
      1. View previous comments...
      2. scblock
        scblock
        Yep, we're seeing some full albums on 12" 45, and also seeing a decent number of 20 minute EPs released that way. My personal favorite though is my copy of Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance, which switches between 45 rpm and 33 rpm on each side of a double album spanning 4 records.
        Jul 16, 2020
        Thad E Ginathom and Biodegraded like this.
      3. Claritas
        Claritas
        That happens to be very nearly the ideal duration for a quickie with the missus. Hmm.
        Jul 25, 2020
        Merrick likes this.
      4. Thad E Ginathom
        Thad E Ginathom
        But do you change sides?
        Jul 26, 2020
    5. Merrick
      Merrick
      The best cure I have for DAC upgraditis is to put on a record. Sadly this then triggers my turntable upgraditis.
      1. Dandrac42, Jinxy245, JK47 and 8 others like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Merrick
        Merrick
        @Biodegraded What can I say? I’m a complex man. But seriously how can I pass on that price when a new BF2 is $700 and even a b-stock BF2 isn’t much better; I’d be a fool not to. I’m still rocking a launch Modi MB for my 2 channel system.
        Jul 15, 2020
        monacelli, Biodegraded and fraggler like this.
      4. monacelli
        monacelli
        That was a crazy good price, @Merrick. I was tempted too, even at the price he first listed it at
        Jul 15, 2020
        Merrick likes this.
      5. Merrick
        Merrick
        Well now with a Gungnir Multibit in my system I really will have only turntable upgraditis!
        Jul 15, 2020
    6. Merrick
      Merrick
      I’m trying out AirPods Pro. I already have the original AirPods and I’m trying to decide if these are worth the cost of the upgrade.
      1. View previous comments...
      2. Smitty
        Smitty
        In my experience the fit is really hit or miss, but I have no problems if I'm just going to do some rowing in the garage. For jogging they stay in 95% of the time, but that last 5% is a PITA. The AirPod Pros were great in my open floor plan office for reducing the unwanted background noise, but these days they're mostly relegated to phone call use.
        Jul 7, 2020
      3. Melvillian
        Melvillian
        I like the standard ones more. If we ever go back to how things were before and I start riding the train to work again, then I’d consider the Pros. I think the standard AirPod design is brilliant.
        Jul 7, 2020
      4. Merrick
        Merrick
        Well my wife wants my OG airpods so I’m keeping the pros. I have had issues with the OGs staying in my ears at times, even when not doing strenuous activity, so the pros win out. I still wish they were cheaper though, especially since they have non-replaceable batteries so I basically have to buy AppleCare to be able to get the inevitable replacements at a lower cost down the line.
        Jul 7, 2020
    7. Merrick
      Merrick
      Had my ZX300a and FD-01’s stolen while I was attending my grandmother’s funeral. People are the best!
      1. View previous comments...
      2. Ksaurav402
        Ksaurav402
        You will get something better don't worry...but we are living in the time where everything is worth few rolls of toilet paper
        Mar 14, 2020
        Thad E Ginathom, Lyander and YMO like this.
      3. Ksaurav402
        Ksaurav402
        Don't think of it as stolen but as a gift given to your grandmother while she travels to a better place
        You will feel better
        Mar 14, 2020
        Merrick and obsiCO like this.
      4. atomicbob
        atomicbob
        Karma has a way of working things out. You may never see it but those responsible will definitely have some "interesting" times.
        Mar 14, 2020
    8. Merrick
      Merrick
      The Rise of Skywalker is without a doubt the worst Star Wars film ever made. I’d rather watch Caravan of Courage than this garbage.
      1. View previous comments...
      2. imackler
        imackler
        I watched the Battle for Endor recently. Local library had it as well as the Caravan of Courage.
        Dec 25, 2019
        Merrick and JK47 like this.
      3. RiddleyWalker
        RiddleyWalker
        TLJ definitely worse. ROS enjoyable as a popcorn flick IMO
        Dec 25, 2019
      4. JK47
        JK47
        The only Star Wars related dvd I own is The Battle for Endor and Caravan of Courage set. Nuff said, don’t you dare diss the Ewoks.
        Dec 26, 2019
        Merrick likes this.
    9. Merrick
      Merrick
      Man, three perfect studio albums capped off by one of the greatest live albums ever recorded. Cheap Trick in the ‘70s were truly amazing.
      1. Ringingears, Jinxy245, jexby and 2 others like this.
      2. Koth Ganesh
        Koth Ganesh
        Live from Budokan?
        Dec 1, 2019
        Jinxy245, jexby and Merrick like this.
    10. Merrick
      Merrick
      Wish I had more time to listen on my Lyr 3 or even my Walkman, but these days 90% of my listening is in the car or on AirPods.
      1. Jinxy245 and Scott Kramer like this.
      2. Jinxy245
        Jinxy245
        I hope it's a happy busy...having lots on your plate can feel satisfying...or stressful.
        Dec 1, 2019
        Merrick likes this.
      3. Merrick
        Merrick
        Thanks! It’s having an 8 month old kind of busy, so a lot of happy and a few passing moments of frustrating.
        Dec 1, 2019
        Jinxy245 likes this.
    11. Merrick
      Merrick
      Threw a record on for the first time in months. Surprised at how good it was. Maybe I did a better job mounting the cart than I thought.
      1. Syzygy, hikergrl, wbass and 6 others like this.
      2. Merrick
        Merrick
        Actually, this sounds really good. Yes, I’m sure I can tweak it and dial it in further, but man I’ve missed vinyl. Blows most digital right out of the water.
        Sep 18, 2019
        gaspasser likes this.
      3. bengo
        bengo
        Sounds like when I got used to BT in the car, actually thought it sounded pretty good.. until I switched back to lossless. Like the first dump after a long bout of constipation.
        Sep 18, 2019
        Jalsar and Merrick like this.
    12. Merrick
      Merrick
      I really miss my VPI Classic 2. Looking forward to when I can upgrade my SL-1800.
      1. Merrick
        Merrick
        I don’t even play records anymore because I did a poor job of aligning my cart when I put it back onto the 1800. I never bothered to readjust it.
        Sep 12, 2019
        Cakecake likes this.
    13. Merrick
      Merrick
      Goddamn Fear Inoculum is fantastic.
      1. elguapo, Imraan, Sherm and 3 others like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Merrick
        Merrick
        @LetMeBeFrank Instead of listening to it on repeat, it’s inspired me to go through the whole discography chronologically. What an amazing band.
        Sep 1, 2019
        elguapo, SoupRKnowva and LetMeBeFrank like this.
      4. SoupRKnowva
        SoupRKnowva
        Sep 1, 2019
        elguapo and Merrick like this.
      5. SoupRKnowva
        SoupRKnowva
        I also looped Fear Inoculum for like 6 days straight and haven’t gotten bored yet. I did listen to something else for first time since, last night though haha
        Sep 1, 2019
        elguapo likes this.
    14. Merrick
      Merrick
      Any Yes fans here? I always thought they were a special band. Their very name breeds positivity.
      1. View previous comments...
      2. Ringingears
        Ringingears
        @Thad E Ginathom Don’t feel bad. I don’t remember much about their 1974 show. :)
        Aug 25, 2019
        Thad E Ginathom and Jinxy245 like this.
      3. Thad E Ginathom
        Thad E Ginathom
        what, like "If you remember it you weren't there?"

        There was a Pink Floyd concert in London that qualifies to be filed under that heading for me :)
        Aug 25, 2019
        Ringingears and Jinxy245 like this.
      4. Ringingears
        Ringingears
        @Thad E Ginathom Yes. That’s it! But I vividly remember a Floyd concert in Oakland. They drove back from the hotel and played Careful With That Axe Eugene. After the show had been over for an hour. We just wouldn’t leave. :)
        Aug 25, 2019
        Thad E Ginathom and DigMe like this.
    15. Merrick
      Merrick
      Hi everyone! Checking in. Being a dad has been rewarding but exhausting and of course time consuming. How have you all been?
      1. Syzygy, FlySweep, Bill-P and 24 others like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Cspirou
        Cspirou
        Also @Ray passed away
        Jul 4, 2019
      4. Merrick
        Merrick
        I saw that Ray passed away, so sad. Sorry to hear about your cats @Ringingears, it’s never easy to lose any of them, let alone more than one.
        Jul 4, 2019
        Ringingears likes this.
      5. Ringingears
        Ringingears
        @Merrick Thanks. She was a very special one. Followed me around like a dog. Never left my side except to eat and use the litter box. Glad life is treating you well. You have been missed.
        Jul 4, 2019
        Merrick likes this.
    16. Merrick
      Merrick
      Listening to the exquisite remaster of The Dreaming and I keep thinking sounds from the album are coming from somewhere in the house.
      1. OldDude04, dubharmonic, Case and 2 others like this.
      2. Merrick
        Merrick
        Something to be said for the Saga/Lyr 3 combo with HD580s.
        May 6, 2019
    17. Merrick
      Merrick
      I have to say, having a kid is a great cure for upgraditis.
      1. ButtUglyJeff, JayC, Syzygy and 12 others like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Sherm
        Sherm
        Yup, kids and a house have certainly done well to keep my hobbies in check! It won't be long before you all get to sleep through the night and you'll be able to have some time for tunes again.
        Apr 27, 2019
        FlySweep and Merrick like this.
      4. Mr.Sneis
        Mr.Sneis
        Iknoerite
        Apr 27, 2019
        Merrick likes this.
      5. FlySweep
        FlySweep
        I haven't had a 'desktop' setup in some time now. A portable dac/amp gets used a lot, especially when i can sneak in a dadnap in some corner of a room as I hide from the 1 and 5 yr old.
        Apr 27, 2019
        Merrick likes this.
    18. Merrick
      Merrick
      I’m a dad!
      1. netforce, crazychile, Jerry and 56 others like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Brooko
        Brooko
        Congrats Merrick - I take it this is #1? Savour each moment - they pass so quickly. My "little man" in now 18 and not far off leaving for Varsity.
        Apr 1, 2019
        Merrick and Jinxy245 like this.
      4. Jerry
        Jerry
        Congrats mate!
        Apr 1, 2019
      5. Boops
        Boops
        Congratulations!
        Apr 1, 2019
    19. Merrick
      Merrick
      Told my wife the only gift I want this year is the Schiit Sol. She asked how much it was. I told her $599 and she replied, “That’s it?”
      1. Mikoss, westermac, Priidik and 18 others like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Biodegraded
        Biodegraded
        Haha, but now you need a good cart & phono pre...
        Mar 23, 2019
      4. Merrick
        Merrick
        I’ve got a Denon 103R and a Ray Samuels Nighthawk, I’m just missing a turntable worth using them with.
        Mar 23, 2019
      5. Thad E Ginathom
        Thad E Ginathom
        You can always pass off a cartridge as a stocking filler!
        Mar 24, 2019
        Merrick likes this.
    20. Merrick
      Merrick
      The Audio Fidelity SACD of Yes’s Close to the Edge is masterful. The texture, the ambience, the musicality and the detail are all there.
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  • About

    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    Gear List:
    Source: Pi2AES
    DAC: Yggdrasil GS2
    Headphone Amp: Schiit Ragnarok
    Headphones: ZMF Auteur, ETA O2, Sennheiser IE 600, Koss Porta-Pro
    Speakers: NHT SB-3
    Power amp: Schiit Ragnarok
    Portable: iBasso DC06 Pro, Schiit Fulla E
    Turntable: Yamaha PX-3 linear
    Cart: Technics ECP-205C-IIL
    Phono: Schiit Mani 2

    Signature

    HP/IEM: ZMF Auteur Blackwood | Senn IE 600 | PortaPro
    AMP: Schiit Ragnarok (1)
    DAC: Yggdrasil+ GS2
    Turntable: Yamaha PX-3 w/Technics ECP-205C-IIL cart
    Speakers: NHT SB-3