Inoculator
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Mar 19, 2024 at 3:41 AM
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Feb 20, 1988 (Age: 36)
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Inoculator

Friend, Male, 36, from Tacoma, WA

Pyrate

First time trying Chord(Qutest). Sounds like nothing else I have heard. In someways what I expected and someways not at all what I expected. Feb 20, 2024

Inoculator was last seen:
Viewing thread McIntosh - is it that great?, Mar 19, 2024 at 3:41 AM
    1. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      Anyone have any tips for "best" speaker stand spikes. Figuring out what thread size to tap into my custom stands.
    2. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      Added sound dampening panels to wall behind my nearfield monitors, immediate/obvious improvement. Time to take room treatment seriously
      1. View previous comments...
      2. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        @Gazny I actually just went cheap with the Rhino panels as I did not have much space. Cheap but effective as far as I can tell.
        Jan 20, 2021
        Gazny likes this.
      3. Azteca
        Azteca
        I just got our little side room cleared out enough to use as an office. I know the dimensions and reflections in here are awful so I'll be doing this myself. I've used GIK at work but I'll look into Rhino.
        Jan 20, 2021
        Inoculator likes this.
      4. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        @Azteca for purely sound dampening, they seem to do the trick. I had really bad reflections from the hollow drywall behind my desk (speakers also sitting a bit too close). Putting a row of the rhino panels in has largely solved the issue. Kind of sounds like a "hi-fi" switch has been flipped, like that awe you get from the first time you listen to a legit DAC.
        Jan 20, 2021
        Cryptowolf, Psalmanazar and Gazny like this.
    3. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      I would kill for an iFi portable dac/amp that adds Roon Ready wi-fi streaming.
      1. Gazny, rlow and purr1n like this.
      2. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        Until a viable alternative to the Chord Mojo+Poly combo (yuck) comes along for portable roon streaming, I guess I am just stuck using my phone as a Roon endpoint when on the move around the house.
        Jan 15, 2021
      3. Azteca
        Azteca
        Jan 15, 2021
        Inoculator likes this.
      4. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        @Azteca yeah unfortunately anything with android is probably going to run into issues. It is crazy to me there is not already something out there!
        Jan 15, 2021
    4. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      Have an old high school buddy working on fabricating some proper open frame stands for my LS3/5A. Finally giving these what they deserve.
      1. Cryptowolf, Gazny and rlow like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        Granted different rooms/chains (usually at GHA they are hooked up to Line Magnetic integrated or top end Naim setup). At least with the LS3/5A and comparing my listening there and at home, it seems they sound a bit technical/aggressive with kind of tinny bass too close to the wall and over isolated, and instead very musical and natural on proper stands. Will see if that holds up once I have a pair though
        Jan 13, 2021
        rlow likes this.
      4. rlow
        rlow
        What did you think of the 5/9 vs the others? Some report they are more rolled off on both ends (esp the highs) and not extended enough compared to the LS6.
        Jan 13, 2021
      5. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        I am going to have to give another listen, was a short visit that day and all I remember was being completely gobsmacked at how good it sounded. They were rocking a $20k Linn LP12 build that day for the source so I kind of just had my jaw on the floor drooling at that. I do remember them sounding pretty effortless for a bigger monitor in a relatively small space, so that might suggest a bit of that rolloff.
        Jan 13, 2021
        rlow likes this.
    5. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      1. OJneg, Cryptowolf, Lyander and 5 others like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        RIP my all silver setup, black is growing on me though. I dig the cleaner lines Naim ripoff aesthetic of the Akitika stuff with the green glow. Most of the money gained through this process was eaten up getting a TH900 to get an ESX900 going with @E_Schaaf
        Jan 12, 2021
        Lyander, E_Schaaf and Merrick like this.
      4. Azimuth
        Azimuth
        Nice mid-century industrial era cart.
        Jan 13, 2021
        Inoculator likes this.
      5. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        @rtaylor76 Thanks! My local 2nd use building supplies spot had it for only $20! I can raise that upper shelf area if needed also which is handy. When I was there getting it, they had that granite remnant on top that fit perfect for $5! Wheels probably don't give great isolation, and it is a bit bulky, but I love it, and can't beat the price
        Jan 13, 2021
        Azimuth likes this.
    6. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      Is there a worse aesthetic design in Hi-fi than Chord products? I just don't get it. Mojo looks like something my toddler would play with.
      1. View previous comments...
      2. Syzygy
        Syzygy
        apparently they're $200k new; that was for a used pair.
        Jan 12, 2021
      3. spwath
        spwath
        That's around where I expected honestly. Machined from a big block of aluminum like that...
        I mean the top priced speakers at yg were like 250k I think
        Jan 12, 2021
      4. Thad E Ginathom
        Thad E Ginathom
        Haven't even thought about Chord for ages. Checked out their website. Yes... still ugly. Reflect on the cost of those cases, and how much less of one's money is going on electronics. But audiophools think stuff like that sounds better!
        Jan 12, 2021
        Syzygy and Inoculator like this.
    7. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      I like to daydream about $ is no object systems, and am a huge fan of the Yamaha aesthetic.. I would love to hear the 5000 series system.
      1. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        $43k for speakers, turntable, pre, and amp... How good can it sound? As a not rich man, guess I will never know.
        Jan 4, 2021
      2. dubharmonic
        dubharmonic
        I love that aesthetic too! In my limited experience Yamaha gear leans toward the lifeless side of the spectrum, even with musical instruments.
        Jan 4, 2021
        Inoculator likes this.
      3. zonto
        zonto
        Lots of folks love Yamaha integrateds on Steve Hoffman Forum. I'm not a big fan of the aesthetic so haven't looked into much. Think some stuff was differential and used some version of a circlotron?
        Jan 4, 2021
    8. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      Just got in my Akitika PR-102 preamp, very impressive unit. Headamp module is no slouch for an opamp design, more than serviceable add-on.
      1. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        Overall very cohesive-sounding headamp driving the HD 600. Compared to the SW51+: A little more direct and sterile, a little etch to female vocals, less holographic and has less sense of musical flow....but overall a great SS option to have in the stack. Nicely dynamic, very clear/authoritative without being fatiguing, and has a good sense of drive/punch.
        Dec 30, 2020
        Case likes this.
    9. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      I need to buy headsets for a few interns to use for answering virtual phone calls and zoom meetings. Drop + Koss GMR-54X-ISO reliable?
      1. View previous comments...
      2. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        In my first call with them one of them spotted my HD 600 and I found out he is rocking an Asgard 3+DT-990 combo, so may see if he would rather just get a dedicated microphone.
        Dec 22, 2020
        Gazny likes this.
      3. insidious meme
        insidious meme
        Neumann U87 for him then.
        Dec 22, 2020
        Inoculator likes this.
      4. philipmorgan
        philipmorgan
        And $5k in room treatments to make it sound good. :)
        Dec 22, 2020
        Inoculator likes this.
    10. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      Do people find they prefer high-z or low-z from the SW51+? Probably headphone dependent but just curious what people have landed on.
      1. Cryptowolf likes this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. HotRatSalad
        HotRatSalad
        I used low Z pretty much all the time. My amp had hum which was worse on high Z. Ultimately it made me not enjoy the amp and sell it. Recently got a ZDT jr that doesn't hum and enjoy it as much if not more.
        Dec 19, 2020
      4. Lasollor
        Lasollor
        For me low output=no hum or minimal hum with most phones high=minumal hum to pretty bad hum depending on the headphone (koss porta pro hums very badly) But my SW51 has a custom transformer made one for japanese 100V so it might be different from the others. Also I had hum problem in the past with Jotunheim, WA6-SE, Vali2,Elekit tu-8200 but no hum at all with Magni 3+. Headanp gilmore lite MK2, DNA Stratus
        Dec 19, 2020
      5. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        @gixxerwimp Late reply, but mine is definitely a very very subtle hum from high Z with HD 600, but it is there for sure. Noticeable with nothing playing. I wanted to test today to make sure I was not just having an off day or something as I did not notice the first day I had it, but sure enough still noticing it this morning. Maybe my tubes are just a bit noisier or something
        Dec 22, 2020
        gixxerwimp likes this.
    11. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      1. Roman, Azteca, Jinxy245 and 12 others like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. gaspasser
        gaspasser
        SW51 BF2 HD6X0 best combo evar
        Dec 16, 2020
        obsiCO, YMO, Skyline and 1 other person like this.
      4. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        @Gaspasser I have seen the light. Easily the best HD 600 has ever sounded. I expected the SW51+ to be a bit more technical/analytical sounding, but it might be the most emotional sounding amp I have ever heard...without sacrificing technicality. I realize I am gushing, but like a tear came to my eye listening to Cat Power.
        Dec 16, 2020
      5. Roman
        Roman
        I've recently sold my Sonnet Morpheus and Hermes because I needed funds for other things. Now I have BF2 as my only DAC and SW51/3F amps. Mostly listen BF2-SW51 combo and it is good! I can't say I lost a lot when I sold Morpheus, music is still enjoyable.
        Dec 18, 2020
        Inoculator likes this.
    12. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      Wenge Auteur in the house...man I missed this headphone. No disrespect to the Verite lovers, but this is the one for me.
      1. View previous comments...
      2. Elmer Danilovich
        Elmer Danilovich
        It's not as detailed nor "technical" but I like Auteur a bit more for it's tone than Verite, happy to hear your enjoying it man!! Looks stunning
        Dec 9, 2020
        Inoculator and dematted like this.
      3. tommytakis
        tommytakis
        Auteur > Verite all day every day. I don't mind losing a bit of detail for that natural biocell timbre and 6x0-esque tuning. Auteur's slightly weak macrodyna can also be ameliorated w/ better amps like SW51+ and 3F. Wenge Auteur + ESX900 should be a pretty kick ass combo @Inoculator :)
        Dec 9, 2020
        Inoculator likes this.
      4. ChaChaRealSmooth
        ChaChaRealSmooth
        Y'all are weirdos. Verite all the way.

        Just kidding. There's a reason why the Auteur has a Golden Schlong (I kind of miss mine sometimes)
        Dec 10, 2020
        Inoculator likes this.
    13. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      Swapping lots of gear at the moment, so rocking just LG Quad DAC -> Vali 1 -> HD 600 at work today...and man does it sound great.
      1. Jinxy245, Gazny, bixby and 1 other person like this.
      2. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        Easy to forget in this hobby how satisfying a simple little rig can be. Thinking I better pair a Modi 3/Multibit with this for a little extra stack.
        Dec 8, 2020
      3. bixby
        bixby
        I wouldn't. As good as my LG thinq G7 is as a source is, my computer smokes it as a source. And I use Senn 600s. Phone to amp though is good idea.
        Dec 8, 2020
        Inoculator likes this.
      4. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        @bixby oh for sure, LG dac was just being used out of desperation today due to no dac currently in the house (everything on loan to friends currently). Was just surprised how good the whole setup sounded. Makes me think the Vali 1 warrants a proper dac pairing
        Dec 8, 2020
        bixby likes this.
    14. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      Getting to the toddler stage where no audio equipment is safe. Learned he could reach my phono cartridge the hard way...
      1. hikergrl, Jinxy245 and Soups like this.
      2. Soups
        Soups
        I've had nightmares about just this. Thankfully hasn't happened (yet) and all my kids love rocking out with Dad... which is priceless.
        Dec 1, 2020
      3. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        I have not tested the cartridge yet, but I think I lucked out. Despite both his hands manhandling it, stylus/cantilever still look straight. When he ran into my office to visit while I was working and he ran straight for the PrimaLuna tube amp...that is when I knew it was time for a change there as well, haha.
        Dec 1, 2020
      4. Merrick
        Merrick
        This is when you spend more money than should be necessary to get a cover for your turntable that’s really just a big plastic box.
        Dec 4, 2020
        Inoculator likes this.
    15. Inoculator
      1. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        I always assumed these were akin to like a stereophile April Fools prank or something. These are real?!
        Nov 27, 2020
        Jinxy245, hikergrl, dematted and 2 others like this.
      2. spwath
        spwath
        I thought they were a real product, but just bullshit. Surprised someone like vpi makes them...
        Nov 27, 2020
        Inoculator likes this.
      3. Melvillian
        Melvillian
        Get them while supplies last!!!!
        Nov 28, 2020
        Inoculator and JK47 like this.
    16. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      For anyone looking for a stabilized ZMF, a ton more photos up ahead of the release this afternoon. I bet these move quick.
      1. DJ XtAzY likes this.
      2. DJ XtAzY
        DJ XtAzY
        I resisted myself. Was gonna try to snatch the purple VCs, but I think I'd rather use use the money for more clothing and other tech lol. Didn't want to go through the hassle of reselling my existing VC.
        Nov 27, 2020
        dncnexus and Inoculator like this.
      3. Senorx12562
        Senorx12562
        I could sell everything I own and still not be able to afford them.
        Nov 27, 2020
      4. E_Schaaf
        E_Schaaf
        ZMF is too expensive for my blood. But they are quite special.
        Nov 27, 2020
    17. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      Can't help but feel the BF2 might be a better tonal match than Gung. Mul. A2 for my setup. Scored a used to try out head to head.
      1. View previous comments...
      2. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        Especially once the SW51+ gets here, but also for my LS3/5a (although hoping bass doesn't get too bloated).
        Nov 23, 2020
      3. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        @dematted yeah, I mainly have trouble with that incisiveness with the LS3/5a. Plus hoping BF2 is a good match so I can just take my whole setup SE at this point so not always having to use Freya s/Nexus to convert.
        Nov 23, 2020
        Gazny and dematted like this.
      4. neogeosnk
        neogeosnk
        I came to the same conclusion.
        Nov 23, 2020
        Inoculator likes this.
    18. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      AAA vinyl pressings just hit different.
      1. HotRatSalad likes this.
      2. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        This annoying/random thought brought to you by me being too distracted to work as I listen to a AAA pressing of Buena Vista Social Club.
        Nov 19, 2020
      3. HotRatSalad
        HotRatSalad
        I'm listening to a needledrop of classic records pressing of Led Zep 4 right now. Best version I've ever heard.
        Nov 19, 2020
        Inoculator likes this.
    19. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      All these props for the Soundsmith MCP-2 in the GS nominee thread...apparently I have been asleep at the wheel, I need to check that out.
    20. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      My kids daycare just had to close through the end of the year due to some positive COVID case... Long couple of months ahead
      1. Thad E Ginathom and dubharmonic like this.
      2. jnak00
        jnak00
        To the end of the year? That sucks...our daycare had to close today because of a positive case, but "only" for two weeks.
        Nov 16, 2020
        Inoculator likes this.
      3. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        @jnak00 that is how our closure started, one case, shut down just that classroom. Within 5 days more teachers tested positive and they shut down the whole facility. WA Gov. just put in additional restrictions for a month, so they figured with that and holiday break they would just call it for 2020
        Nov 16, 2020
      4. GoodEnoughGear
        GoodEnoughGear
        Yeah looks like things are rampant out there. Home schooling ain't no party either. Good luck!
        Nov 16, 2020
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  • About

    Gender:
    Male
    Birthday:
    Feb 20, 1988 (Age: 36)
    Location:
    Tacoma, WA