SBAF Wishlist for 2021 - Petition to MOTs

Discussion in 'Leaderboard, Overboard, and Deals' started by purr1n, Jan 15, 2021.

?

UNLIMITED votes. Check to tell Santa what you want in 2021.

  1. Fostex T50RP (Drop Fostex T-X0 II)

    16.5%
  2. iFi Portable Roon Endpoint

    14.9%
  3. Schiit Sabreius

    24.7%
  4. Schiit MagnIEM or Geshelli Archel IEM

    15.5%
  5. Schiit "Multius" and/or affordable NOS

    37.6%
  6. Soekris DAC with DIY digital filters

    10.3%
  7. Pi2 Design or Allo Idiot-Proof Ready-To-Go RPi/AES Streamer

    24.7%
  8. Sennheiser HE90 Resurrection

    30.4%
  9. Sennheiser "HD850"

    63.4%
  10. RAAL Requisite Headphone Version of SR1A

    18.0%
  11. Fixed Topping L30 that won't kill headphones

    2.1%
  12. More 0.000x% THD 110db+ SINAD Nested Feedback Composite Amplifiers

    3.1%
  13. John Yang of Topping / SMSL to be more gracious to his competitors and victims of his amps exploding

    16.5%
  14. Schiit Saga S (with balanced)

    13.4%
  15. iFi Zen DAC Signature (available outside of Drop)

    4.6%
Multiple votes are allowed.
  1. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

    Staff Member Pyrate BWC
    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2015
    Likes Received:
    89,777
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Padre Island CC TX
    Impossible.

    We are talking about dude who goes to random military surplus stores in the Valley to pull out special wires from vintage parts to build transformers, finds weirdo low cost sources for caps, inductors, sheet metal, metal bending, laser. (His laser guy works in his garage). If he were more than a one man shop, and paid extra careful attention like HeadAmp, his amps would cost x4 more.

    Craig.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2021
  2. Rockwell

    Rockwell Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2019
    Likes Received:
    545
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Vancouver Island, British Columbia
    I would like to see more IEMs with the combo of DD mids and e-stat highs in IEMs. This combo has proved a revelation for me in the Vision Ears Elysium in terms level of the detail, realism, and natural timbre in instruments and voices they are able to attain. I would also love to see some collaborations between brands I love-- the ultimate for me would be between CFA and Vision Ears as I feel together they could pull off something very special.
     
  3. Blake

    Blake Acquaintance

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2018
    Likes Received:
    39
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Location:
    Salt Lake City
    My wish is that Craig of Eddie Current reverses course and decides not to retire. If not, I'll just keep my ZDS forever.
     
  4. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

    Staff Member Pyrate MZR
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    12,285
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Colorado
    Home Page:
    Some other things I'd like to see...


    - NOS DAC that doesn't suck, isn't a DIY/eBay special (nothing wrong with that, just thinking more broad market), and isn't crazy expensive. My AD1862-based DAC from DIYINHK cost me under $400 and at least rivals, though arguably bests, the original Pavane's SE output.

    NOS isn't for everyone, but you shouldn't have to spend thousands of dollars for a good NOS DAC.

    Better yet, add the ability to use oversampling as you choose. Allow oversampling rate if you can. And to take things one step further, offer up a selection of filter choices.

    Sure, products like this exist already. Many of them are of questionable sound quality, or quality in general, and some are too expensive.

    The Soekris stuff, with the ability to change and install your own filters, is a logical fit for this product type. It's not crazy expensive, and I think they're worth supporting. But I'd like to see more options out there from other players, and ones that come with all the NOS/OS filtering stuff baked in for users that don't want to mess with it. Keep it simple as a DAC only.



    - An even easier Raspberry Pi streaming solution. Sure, we have the Metrum/Sonnet stuff, but those products are fairly pricey. I'd like too see more all-in-one boxes where at most all the user needs to do is write a new image to their SD card if they want a different distro. Plug it in and go on your way otherwise. (And maybe we can get automated WiFI setup working so you don't have to plug into ethernet first or modify a config file on the SD card before booting?)

    I like where Allo went with their USB signature product. Custom board and all that, but needs an external PSU. Can we get it all in one box and make it even more idiot proof overall?

    And as much as I like the convenience of local network playback, it would be nice to be able to pop in another SD card or USB drive to play back local contents. This is possible with the RPi, sure, but still a lot of DIY involved.

    Transports can make a huge difference. RPi-based solutions like the Pi2AES and DigiOne have made excellent SPDIF sound affordable, finally. Next step is to make it simpler and easier.



    - An updated Modi Multibit, even if it's mostly just the I/V opamps changed. I'm of the strong opinion that the AD8512 is holding back the Modi MB and original Bifrost MB, and the changes from different opamps is not subtle.

    But there's more than that. USB tech is a bit old. Last I checked, it's still 4X OS, though that may be a good thing for some.

    I guess I'd like to see at least another refresh of it. I think that platform and DAC IC have untapped potential. Getting it into one of their larger chassis, like seen with the Modius, might be a good idea.



    - A better headphone measurement rig for a wide audience. The MiniDSP EARs has offered a lot of value to our community and others. But the ears themselves aren't very realistic. The ear canal itself has inherent problems. The rig itself is kind of janky.

    There are other silicone ears in the wild for purchase. One can purchase knock-off ear simulators/couplers. Not that I'm suggesting the use of counterfeit products, but they suggest the potential to get closer to a "real" measurement rig without having to spent an absurd amount of money.

    Someone with enough engineering experience and manufacturing connections, or just way too much free time, might be able to create something in between the EARs and the pricey measurement rigs. Target audience size would be in between to match.



    - This one is not so much for the basic consumer, but someone that's willing to do some amount of DIY without resorting to soldering irons and chassis work.

    It would be interesting to have a standardized, modular system for DACs and amps. Pre-built boards of varying kinds. Want to build a certain DAC? Pick your board, and based on that, pick the accompanying voltage regulator/power supply boards (better yet, standardize to the point that's not needed). Pick your input board, or make that standard too. Make everything built around plug-and-play, easy wiring.

    Why limit rollable components to tubes and opamps? Why not be able to roll your DAC boards, digital inputs, and upsampling/oversampling filters?

    What about rollable output transformers or caps? Potentiometers? As much as I think potentiometers can impact the sound, maybe that's too granular.

    Schiit seems to be taking an approach like this with the Bifrost 2. The idea itself isn't necessarily new or unique. What I'm suggesting is expanding it purposely into the "roll your own flavor" sort of category. Less about upgrades and capabilities, more about expanding DIY tweaking/tuning to a wider audience.

    Obviously this is a risky proposition and one likely without enough interest. Would need to keep the approach simple for the most part. Just broad enough to give some variety without causing confusion. Too broad and it will be hard to standardize the modular system.

    Still, it's tricky and less likely to succeed, hence why my other suggestions were in many ways the opposite of this one.
     
  5. saint.panda

    saint.panda Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Dec 27, 2017
    Likes Received:
    538
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    NYC / Berlin
    Sennheiser should give or sell the patent for the HE90 to someone who starts selling it for 4-6k. The HE90 despite its technical shortcomings by modern standards is still considered by most to be the holy grail. It gives headphone listeners an ethereal and expansive listening experience that is escapism at its best. It's a shame and mystery why no one (Sennheiser included) has come close to the HE90 sound three decades after its release.
     
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2021
  6. dematted

    dematted Friend

    Pyrate Banned
    Joined:
    Dec 7, 2019
    Likes Received:
    2,161
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Brooklyn, New York
    On behalf of the American Association of Idiots and the mechanically impaired, I can confirm that we desire such a product with thorough idiot-proofing. It took me nearly half an hour to realize that I was screwing the initial set of stand-offs into my Pi2aes the wrong way, and then another hour or so to get the back plate properly fitted on (I broke the first one...luckily enough, there was an extra). This is a situation that badly needs to be alleviated. None of us idiots deserve this, even if it is largely our own, stupid fault...

    On a more serious note, I would like to see a cheaper Schiit passive preamp with balanced outputs. Something like the Sys but balanced.
     
  7. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

    Staff Member Pyrate Flathead IEMW
    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2015
    Likes Received:
    6,304
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Clear, clear water
    I’ve discussed this very thing with @CEE TEE before. I believe Centrance did this once with their M8 portable. I’d like to see something in the vein of: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 ohm or 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 30 ohm selections. Basically a doubling as you go up.

    Balanced armatures do seem to play better with number chasing desktop amps like the Drop THX 789 and Topping L30 (minus the Topping headphone and ear destroying part). So something along these guys with regards to gain structure and cleanliness for the uber sensitive IEMS and the output impedance selector as mentioned above would be absolutely amazing. And agreed that 3.5mm IEM out is all that’s really needed since the amp would already be super clean. Although it would be nice to have both SE and Balanced inputs to use the cleanest out of any particular DAC mated to it.
     
  8. Gazny

    Gazny MOT: ETA Audio

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    May 11, 2020
    Likes Received:
    2,209
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    open sky
    2nd time I hear this, something must be in those vintage wires, 2nd builder I have read who is a fan of them.

    I'm in :headbang:
     
  9. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

    Staff Member Pyrate MZR
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    12,285
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Colorado
    Home Page:
    One other idea...An audio DAC based on the TI DAC11001. 20-bit, R2R, baby! (And it seems marketed as actual R2R.)

    I don't know about impossible. Seems we have no shortage of insane weirdos in the hobby across the globe. Get the right individual(s) involved, and maybe at least something close to the level of the Super 7 could be feasible, no?

    I am admittedly thinking more of his simpler designs and products. Even filling the gap of the "entry level" Super 7 would be killer, especially if it were cheaper than the S7...or cheaper than used S7s. A lot of people still haven't had that kind of amp experience.
     
  10. Merrick

    Merrick A lidless ear

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2016
    Likes Received:
    12,569
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    I have no problem with balanced (I think 4.4mm cables would be the way to go for this), I just left it off because I was thinking of something relatively compact, but since this is a desktop item that would likely cater to most to people with multiple IEMs, then yes, I think you're right that balanced options would be useful.
     
  11. Baten

    Baten Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2018
    Likes Received:
    1,130
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    EU
    Didn't Schiit float the idea of an upcoming NOS DAC in one of those head-fi threads? Damn if that wouldn't be interesting.

    This looks really attractive. Thanks for linking!
     
  12. YMO

    YMO Chief Fun Officer

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    Apr 1, 2018
    Likes Received:
    10,517
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Palms Of The Coasts, FL
    Holy shit why I didn't thought of this? This is genius.
     
  13. dasman66

    dasman66 Self proclaimed lazy ass - friend

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2018
    Likes Received:
    2,462
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    NW Pennsylvania
  14. 9suns

    9suns [insert unearned title here]

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2017
    Likes Received:
    1,754
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    EU
    Single dynamic driver IEM, with large (10-15mm) paper cone driver, with unfucked (and not Harman) frequency response profile (something similar to B&K curve for speakers adapted to IEMs would be perfect). Form factor similar to the Final LAB I/Heaven VII but with detachable cables. No excuses, solid build, and top tier sound quality, priced under $1000. Something so good and right sounding that would deeply embarrass chi-fi exotica, BA iems, 30303 drivers per side aberrations and 5000$ IEMs.
    PS: and flat impedance, preferably between 30-50 ohms, to use it out of anything that sounds good by itself and not messing the immaculate frequency response.
     
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2021
  15. ohshitgorillas

    ohshitgorillas Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    681
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Sacramento, CA
    I would love to see an I2S input which could take the place of the Unison card in Schiit DACs. I'd also love to see I2S be more common with portable gear--after all, the limitation of I2S is that it's a protocol intended for communicating across a circuit board, with a recommended maximum transmission length of 10 cm. Although it purportedly works over longer distances, it would be ideal for portable gear that can be connected with a really short mini-HDMI cable... for example, a Chord Mojo 2 with an I2S input, and an xDuoo X10T mk3 with an I2S output, would be an incredible combo.

    But most of all, I wish that manufacturers would stop using RCA for coaxial SPDIF. Is it really that much more difficult to use BNC? Is it that much more difficult for users to seek out an RCA to BNC cable, or adapter? BNC cables are even easier to make than RCA cables, and yes, BNC sounds better. RCA literally, physically cannot meet the 75 ohm spec... even RCA jacks that state they are 75 ohm (e.g. WBT), don't sound as good as BNC. Why the f**k are we still using RCA for this??
     
  16. YtseJammer

    YtseJammer Almost "Made"

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2015
    Likes Received:
    257
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Retired from SBAF
    My wish is a new version of the Grado Hemp with a larger driver. Same tuning, same pads, etc. And also a new ZMF headphones under $800
     
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2021
  17. Inoculator

    Inoculator Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2018
    Likes Received:
    3,522
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Tacoma, WA
    Thanks for including the iFi portable roon endpoint on the list. This has been my dream product ever since adopting Roon during 2020. Granted, my love of iFi is from impressions, have never heard their stuff, but they seem best equipped to bring a product like this to market.

    My other big want is a SPDIF Schiit DAC card, and I imagine I am not the only one interested in this option. With the proliferation of accessible SPDIF transports like the Pi2AES, most of us are ready to leave USB in the trash. Whenever I consider a Schiit amp that takes their cards (recently that being the Jotunheim 2 or the Ragnarok 2), the urge to add a DAC card is huge even if I don't need it in that particular setup, but being limited to USB completely kills my desire. I am basically ready to pull the trigger on a fully loaded Ragnarok 2 as my next living room/bedroom amp, but not until the multibit DAC card accepts SPDIF.
     
  18. The Zone

    The Zone Facebook Friend

    Contributor
    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2018
    Likes Received:
    123
    Trophy Points:
    33
    Location:
    Auburn, AL
    For Zach to go full circle and make a ZMF planar with his usual beautiful woodwork, chassis design, reliability/product support, and tuning tricks he's learned along the way. The current purveyors of planars are all lacking in some way for me (reliability issues, weird tunings, poor-value propositions, shady business practices, hate speech on the Internet, etc.), and I'd love to see what Zach would come up with.
     
  19. cameng318

    cameng318 Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2020
    Likes Received:
    327
    Trophy Points:
    63
    Location:
    Wyoming
    Finally someone mentioned this awesome chip! Thanks @Hands for bringing this beast up! It has the potential to be an end game DAC if it's true to the datasheet. I really wish its internal opamp won't be the bottleneck.

    SInce the DAC11001 improves its performance greatly from OS, it would be nice to have a strong OS chip. Maybe some company can make an ASIC based module rather than FPGA based ones, and OS it beyond 768 kHz for DAC11001. Just dream about what it sounds like with million taps and 100+ bits precision.

    I also second @Walderstorn for "HD850". I would prefer it by Sennheiser fitting HD800S drivers in HD650 housing though.

    One more wish is to have a Schiit Eitr with Unison. It's just amazing how much R&D went into the Unison module.

    Edit: One final wish is to have a lossless music player that pushes me new music. I found myself stick to those push algorithms more and more over the past years. Really wish they could offer more lossless contents.
     
  20. Merrick

    Merrick A lidless ear

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2016
    Likes Received:
    12,569
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    I'd love to see Zach offer a line of lower cost headphones like he used to make. Something that's got the ZMF house sound without the highest of the high end technicalities that's around $500.
     
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2021

Share This Page