Merrick
Last Activity:
Mar 28, 2024 at 5:00 PM
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 5:00 PM
    1. Merrick
      Merrick
      Hope you're all doing well. I've been busy as hell lately.
      1. Qildail, atomicbob, FlySweep and 18 others like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Mithrandir41
        Mithrandir41
        I feel ya. The last two and a half years have been so busy I feel like I barely had time to interact or do write ups.
        Oct 1, 2023
      4. insidious meme
        insidious meme
        I've been mostly away for some time since I felt I was happy with my own system and pursued other interests. Hope your busyness produces some great results for you.
        Oct 1, 2023
      5. Merrick
        Merrick
        Thanks all! It had been good, working on my own business and being more present with and focused on my family.
        Oct 1, 2023
        atomicbob, Jinxy245, FlySweep and 4 others like this.
    2. Merrick
      Merrick
      So with the new iPhones getting USB-C and the Pros getting USB 3, does this mean we can now use all those dongles that didn’t work before?
      1. joch and Gazny like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. joch
        joch
        I would consider upgrading to have more options for dongles. But it’s not really compelling. My 11 is still working fine (thankyouverymuch) and wireless is so much more convenient for on the go. And damn it’s not cheap either.
        Sep 15, 2023
        Cryptowolf and Lyander like this.
      4. Gazny
        Gazny
        Too bad 5x is only on the biggest one
        Sep 15, 2023
      5. YMO
        YMO
        I’m happy with my basic 13. Two generations and it is still fast.
        Sep 15, 2023
        joch likes this.
    3. Merrick
      Merrick
      Dark horse candidate for best song by The Who: “Sea and Sand” off Quadrophenia.
      1. gsanger, Josh83, Syzygy and 2 others like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Syzygy
        Syzygy
        I've maintained for a few years that Quadrophenia could be my favorite album ever recorded.

        There are a few other contenders now, but that's a great album IMO.
        Aug 7, 2023
        gsanger, Josh83 and Merrick like this.
      4. Merrick
        Merrick
        @Syzygy It’s definitely my favorite The Who album, that’s without a doubt. I do prefer the 1996 remix over the original mix though.
        Aug 7, 2023
        gsanger likes this.
      5. Josh83
        Josh83
        Quad is one of my favorite albums of all time. I remember when my dad played it for me in his truck. First time I heard it. Made a huge impression. 20+ years later, I still love it.
        Aug 7, 2023
        gsanger and Merrick like this.
    4. Merrick
      Merrick
      I’ve been obsessed with the 1993 album Janet. I’ve listened to it nonstop for over a month and even bought a first issue UK vinyl press.
      1. View previous comments...
      2. Merrick
        Merrick
        @Claritas “Escapade” is such a great song! A true ear worm.
        Jul 28, 2023
      3. E_Schaaf
        E_Schaaf
        If you want a cassette rip I got you covered
        Jul 28, 2023
        Deep Funk, JK47 and Merrick like this.
      4. Merrick
        Merrick
        @E_Schaaf My curiosity is piqued! I’ll message you.
        Jul 28, 2023
    5. Merrick
      Merrick
      Do you think there are holodeck-philes in Star Trek who debate whether Class A or Class D holodecks offer better visual timbre?
      1. View previous comments...
      2. caute
        caute
        if u think r-2r is good, wait til u see reel-2-reel holodeck (apple-visionpro-is-all-you-need-bro die-hards also exist)
        Jul 16, 2023
      3. Azimuth
        Azimuth
        Does one holodeck have better measured SINAD?
        Jul 17, 2023
        Merrick and Cryptowolf like this.
      4. Armaegis
        Armaegis
        Purists will still insist on analog holodecks... waitaminnit...
        Jul 17, 2023
        Merrick likes this.
    6. Merrick
      Merrick
      It’s not his best movie but Robin Hood: Men In Tights remains my favorite Mel Brooks film.
      1. View previous comments...
      2. roughroad
        roughroad
        Blazing Saddles is probably his best but Young Frankenstein is a close second.
        Jun 24, 2023
        Cryptowolf and YMO like this.
      3. Azimuth
        Azimuth
        Hey Blinkin!
        Jun 24, 2023
        Merrick likes this.
      4. Merrick
        Merrick
        Jun 24, 2023
        Azimuth likes this.
    7. Merrick
      Merrick
      Rewatching Inglourious Basterds. Amazing film. Nothing quite so satisfying like seeing fascists get what they deserve.
      1. Cryptowolf, Qildail, zottel and 5 others like this.
      2. brencho
        brencho
        i'm due for a rewatch too man thx for the reminder haha
        Apr 11, 2023
        Cryptowolf and Merrick like this.
      3. Philimon
        Philimon
        The part of Jew Bear was specifically written by Tarantino for Adam Sandler. Adam couldnt do the film due to scheduling conflict (was doing Funny People with his pal Judd Apatow)
        Apr 11, 2023
        Merrick likes this.
      4. Merrick
        Merrick
        @Philimon Sandler's loss, Funny People stunk and IG is a classic.
        Apr 11, 2023
        Cryptowolf, brencho and Philimon like this.
    8. Merrick
      Merrick
      American Beauty MoFi (AAA 45 RPM) -> Yamaha PX-3 -> Nagaoka MP-500 -> Darlington MP-7 -> Freya N in tube mode -> Vali 1 -> ETA O2 = Heaven.
      1. Azimuth
        Azimuth
        Those unfamiliar with the Yamaha PX-3, it is a high end linear tracking DD turntable. One of the better linear trackers that is actually somewhat affortable and not a cheap build ones like the Technics and the Sony/JVC ones.
        Apr 11, 2023
        Merrick likes this.
    9. Merrick
      Merrick
      Once again I find I’m getting more enjoyment and less nervosa out of lower impedance headphones and modest sources.
    10. Merrick
      Merrick
      My vinyl setup is complete. Yamaha PX-3 table, Nagaoka MP-500 cart, and Darlington MP-7 phono pre. No more upgrades from now on, just music.
      1. yotacowboy, RKML0007, zottel and 10 others like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Kernel Kurtz
        Kernel Kurtz
        Nobody needs more than 640KB
        Apr 7, 2023
        zottel, Biodegraded and MellowVelo like this.
      4. Qildail
        Qildail
        Landed on the Nagaoka cart finally? It’s either that or the AT33 for me if I ever cross over to MC.

        That PX-3 has been a workhorse for you since you picked it up. Hope it remains such for many years to come.
        Apr 7, 2023
        Merrick likes this.
      5. Merrick
        Merrick
        @Qildail Yes, the Nagaoka really snapped everything into place. Seems like it combines the best qualities of MM and MC and I don’t need a SUT for it to sound its best.
        Apr 8, 2023
        Qildail likes this.
    11. Merrick
      Merrick
      RIP to Ryuichi Sakamoto, one of the most underrated composers of the last 30 years.
      1. obsiCO, CEE TEE, yotacowboy and 10 others like this.
    12. Merrick
      Merrick
      Holy shit the Darlington phonos are FANTASTIC
      1. gsanger, MellowVelo, Qildail and 2 others like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Merrick
        Merrick
        @JK47 @MellowVelo Currently borrowing an MM-6 while I wait for my MP-7 order to arrive. I ordered on a while back but canceled and took a detour for a bit with the Tavish Adagio.
        Mar 11, 2023
        MellowVelo likes this.
      4. MellowVelo
        MellowVelo
        Glad to hear you’re back in the queue for the MP-7. How was the Tavish?
        Mar 11, 2023
      5. Merrick
        Merrick
        @MellowVelo It was good! Very liquid presentation. I wrote up more about it in the Tavish thread.
        Mar 11, 2023
        MellowVelo likes this.
    13. Merrick
      Merrick
      The feeling when you add a piece of gear to your system that you know you'll want to use forever. Nagaoka MP-500, welcome to the family!
      1. Entropy, MellowVelo, Qildail and 14 others like this.
      2. JayC
        JayC
        Congrats! I thought about this one for a long time too as an upgrade from the MP110 but decided that I want to try MC (AT33PTG/II).

        I’ll always be curious though..
        Mar 9, 2023
        Merrick likes this.
      3. Merrick
        Merrick
        @JayC I have an AT33ML/OCC, which I believe is the predecessor to yours. I prefer the Nagaoka personally but they’re both great.
        Mar 10, 2023
      4. JayC
        JayC
        Thats interesting! Would be nice to hear more about the comparison. There isnt enough analog content here so it would be a really nice addition to the cartridge thread..

        The prices of turntables and elements have gone crazy in the last 2 years though.. I remember looking at the MP500 for ~550 euro and now its 899! Heck, my clearaudio concept was 1300 back then and its now 1750
        Mar 10, 2023
    14. Merrick
      Merrick
      Ahh, CFA Vega. Hello again, old friend. Falling in love all over again.
      1. Cryptowolf, Sqveak, joch and 5 others like this.
      2. Merrick
        Merrick
        I was a fool to ever let these go.
        Feb 28, 2023
        Cryptowolf likes this.
      3. jexby
        jexby
        Black housing or white (sorry meant silver) ?
        Feb 28, 2023
        Cryptowolf likes this.
      4. Merrick
        Merrick
        @jexby Silver, the original Vega.
        Feb 28, 2023
        Cryptowolf, Gazny and jexby like this.
    15. Merrick
      Merrick
      Used prices on OG CFA Vegas are ridiculously low for what was a $1k+ flagship IEM just a few years ago.
      1. Cryptowolf, SoupRKnowva and joch like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Cryptowolf
        Cryptowolf
        I own a Vega and enjoy it. I bought the EE Odin as my TOTL IEM. The cost to refine what the Vega offers defines diminishing returns
        Feb 27, 2023
        FlySweep, Gazny and Merrick like this.
      4. Tachikoma
        Tachikoma
        @Gazny (real) electrostats ftw. I have a janky KSE1500 recabled with a stax plug (original cable broke), and it sounds amazing out of my Stax amps.
        Feb 28, 2023
        Cryptowolf, Merrick and Gazny like this.
      5. zottel
        zottel
        Must. Resist.
        I had a look and found a 1st gen Vega for € 380,– in Germany. I always think how nice it must be with those little things, nothing large and heavy to lug around, but actually, I never use those I have because I don’t like the feeling in the ears.
        Mar 1, 2023
        Cryptowolf likes this.
    16. Merrick
      Merrick
      Has anyone heard both the RE2000 and the Dunu Zen Pro? How do they compare to one another?
      1. purr1n
        purr1n
        Dunu Zen Pro fixed the V-shape and over aggressive upper mids, but it took away some of the magic of the Zen. Have not heard RE2000.
        Feb 16, 2023
        Merrick likes this.
    17. Merrick
      Merrick
      Looking at DAPs in the $400-$600 range, it seems like it’s more effective to buy a recent Android phone and a dongle than get a DAP.
      1. View previous comments...
      2. caute
        caute
        I have nothing of value to add, except to lol at the Hiby's marketing team on this egregious name, "HiBy RS2 Hi-Fi Audio Player Medium-end DAP with Darwin Architecture"

        Hi-Fi, but also Medium-end? wat. it's generally assumed that higher priced offerings provide better sound, but outright saying medium-end? It's not like ppl gonna feel happy about getting 2nd or 3rd best... very odd strategy.
        Feb 10, 2023
      3. caute
        caute
        I hereby ask @schiit to rename the 2/64 to the "The Schiit Bifrost 2/64 Hi-Fi Medium-end DAC with Multibit Architecture" to get ppl to just skip it and go Yggdrasil. The Yggdrasil+ Fully Modular Hi-FI It's Really High-End We Promise True Multibit™ DAC.
        Feb 10, 2023
      4. Stuff Jones
        Stuff Jones
        Another option is the cheap DAP + easy to drive IEMs route. Every time I go to my Shanling Q1 + MD Plus combo (for air travel) I wonder if I really need more (need being the key word there).
        Feb 12, 2023
    18. Merrick
      Merrick
      ifi Zen One Sig initial impressions: Nice detail, good tonality, a bit dark, so far presentation feels 2D. This is from the Pi2AES coax.
      1. View previous comments...
      2. Merrick
        Merrick
        @JK47 I bought it used and the seller didn’t mention updating the firmware, so I’m guessing whatever the original firmware is. I did check iFi’s site and the only firmware updates are Bluetooth and USB XMOS updates.
        Feb 6, 2023
        JK47 likes this.
      3. Merrick
        Merrick
        Well, damn it, the USB on this sounds considerably better than the other digital inputs. Given that this is the most expensive Zen DAC and it seems to be specifically because of the extra digital inputs, I am having a hard time understanding the rationale for this device.
        Feb 6, 2023
        sheldaze and Lyander like this.
      4. Merrick
        Merrick
        The USB input sounds much more like how Marv described the Zen DAC v2, which was the thread that got me intrigued to try this DAC. I figured the Pi2AES would be a better source than USB, which is why I went for the Zen One specifically, and now it seems like it was thrown in as an afterthought. Maybe the coax sounds better from the balanced output, but in SE the USB spanks it.
        Feb 6, 2023
        Lyander likes this.
    19. Merrick
      Merrick
      Good morning, Mr. Benson! I can see you're doing well. If I had me a shotgun, I'd blow you straight to hell.
    20. Merrick
      Merrick
      I was today years old when I discovered how fantastic Berlin (the band) are.
      1. crazychile, Case, Qildail and 2 others like this.
      2. YMO
        YMO
        I feel like a slut every time I listen to their first album (which is the only album that I liked from them).
        Jan 21, 2023
      3. Azimuth
        Azimuth
        I used to work with Ric Olson.
        Jan 22, 2023
        Case, internethandle and Merrick like this.
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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