Help me out of mid-fi hell. Amp advice

Discussion in 'Advice Threads' started by nojwe, Aug 25, 2022.

  1. nojwe

    nojwe Acquaintance

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    I’m not opposed to sidegrades if it gets me more of what I’m looking for, but I realize that may not be possible. The Folkvangr was relatively disappointing to me, but maybe I didn’t have enough time with it to start to pull apart the sound. Emailed Donald about a Starlett. They’re 2k now, which seems like a good deal.
     
  2. Gazny

    Gazny MOT: ETA Audio

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    Side grades keeps you in mid-fi hell.
    The advice from purrin here is don't side grade.
    Get one of the amps he listed.

    Endgame is easy to achieve if you can no longer go up the ladder.
    \/
     
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  3. Armaegis

    Armaegis Friend

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    You know what, I think something like this deserves its own thread. We've all talked and joked about it a number of times, but has anyone actually studied this?

    Various drugs, alcohol, or even a moment of silence, they alter our perceptions in subtle or profound ways. We all know this, we don't even question it, but have we got the data? We at sbaf should take this upon ourselves to provide both qualitative and quantitative analysis. For science!
     
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  4. Gazny

    Gazny MOT: ETA Audio

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    I am a fan of listening after drinking some ginseng.
    Extends the stage a bit.
     
  5. k1arg

    k1arg Facebook Friend

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    I think another option to possibly consider for the HD800 is an ECP T4 or used T3 if you see one come up. Unless I am misremembering, a number of people here have found the pairing to be good synergy. Not DNA or EC level, but less money too. And the tubes were not so expensive last I checked, and the T4 comes with ones you don't need to change.
     
  6. nojwe

    nojwe Acquaintance

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    Brief update:

    I pulled the trigger on the Raal kit someone posted here, it will arrive Tuesday and I can’t wait. I also came across a good deal on a Hifiman Jade II estat and amp, so grabbed that as I’ve wanted to try estats for a long time but the cost of entry has been daunting. Figure I’ll have a mini thunder dome and sell the two kits I don’t like as much.

    I’ve also been spending more time with the iFi iCan Pro Signature and am coming around to it. The tube stages don’t add a ton to my ears yet, but the amp all together is pretty detailed and works for me with the HD800 and Lokius. The 3D feature is hit or miss. Sometimes doesn’t make much of a difference, sometimes causes some weird distortion, and sometimes is a f'ing revelation - Guarneri Quartet’s astounding recording of the Mendelssohn Octet with the Orion Quartet sounds pretty narrow typically, but the 3D boost opens up the sound stage so nicely here without messing with the imaging. It’s honestly breathtaking to go from a mediocre quality recording to being able to place all 8 players on a stage.

    I’ve been leaving the bass boost feature alone because I have better control with the Lokius. If I end up picking the Jade I am going to try to find an iFi iESL, though I know that’s getting tough.

    If I end up sticking with the HD800 I’m going to keep an eye on Lyr+ reviews and see if any sales come up on the Quicksilver or anything else for Black Friday.
     

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