John
Response to a recent editorial and poll on hi-res audio and a show and tell on doorstops.
Jim C:
Hey John,
I read your doorstop article, and on a total whim I ordered these:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/pr
I put one on my Schiit Gungnir Multibit DAC and one on my First Watt M2 amp (both in my main system) and one on my Schiit Modi Uber 2 DAC (in my office system). The improvement was immediately obvious: better image stability and focus, and more “air” around the images. Maybe it’s just some form of expectation bias, but so what? If US$28 will trick my brain into enjoying my systems that much more, then bring me more expectation bias. Thanks a ton for the recommendation.
Also, please accept my belated thanks for recommending the Gungnir DAC. It feels kind of weird to call a $1250 DAC a bargain, but I think it is.
Keep up the excellent work.
Jim
John C:
Love the content and delivery and I visit often. I have full-tilt buy in about problem of microphonics; I am also a cheap audiophile and cannot justify an approach such as StillPoints. I’ve taken small plastic storage cups and placed an array of simple glass marbles in each. Invert 3 of each assembly to form a tripod support under each component including in my case my small form PC with LMS and Audiophile Optimizer. Cost estimate about 25 US dollars. All electronics in chain supported thus with weight on top (bins of useless US pennies). The effect was as if my entire collection was remastered. Image over floorstanders is deeper and wider. Over HD650s, a more palpable presence. Most bizarre aspect of this is that downloaded files to my phone even sound improved. I might get rid of the penny bins for something more aesthetic such as the weights you’ve been applying lately.
Best
JRC
Steve P:
Happy Howdy John,
The Darko Resonance Busters made an easily identifiable improvement to the sound of the system.
The Sonore Signature Rendu SE has always been a little bright to me. The steel case is quite alive and resonant. The MPD-8 DAC also likes the door stop.
Thanks!
Steve
Klaus J:
Hi John
I just want to let you know, that I regularly visit your site and I find it truly the best page, that I found so far. Your reviews, info, videos, podcasts, everything is done very fine. All sounds to me like an old friend telling me his thinkings & observations. It´s a very refreshing view of our love for music and our neverending search for better sound.
And I learned that both of us have very similar views on hi-fi. “MusicFirstAudiophile” Yes!!!
I am 49 years old and I started buying records with 13 and never stopped. I built my own turntable out of an old Lenco L78 idler drive equipped with a Rega RB700 & Goldring MM. I own Zu Union speakers driven by a Wasami 300b integrated.
And my recently ordered Innuos ZenMini MkIII and the Metrum Amethyst DAC will arrive a few days before Xmas. I can´t wait to receive them. (My old Raumfeld streamer of Teufel is soo slow.)
And as my musical socialization has happened in the 80ies, I also love the three T´s (that´s how I call them) as you do. Talking Heads, Talk Talk, The The.
That´s enough for the moment.
So keep on feeding us with your sights and sounds and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
So long,
Klaus
John N:
Mr.D, regarding hi-Rez recordings. I would own a lot more if the albums weren’t so expensive! I have the Sony Hap-z1es and love it. Would love to add more HR, but $17 – $30 per title, not happening. Not when I have all these titles on CD, and they sound pretty darn good on the Sony. Reduce the price, and it will be like the old days… Friday, payday, buy music.
Herman B:
John –
You have rightly criticized the high-resolution marketing hype of modern DACs when the vast majority of available music is 16/44.1. I tend to only pay more for resolutions higher than 16/44.1 (when available) when buying classical, jazz and anything that has greater dynamic range. Would you consider doing a piece on when or if it makes sense to pay more to buy music in resolutions higher than 16/44.1 assuming the buyer has a highly resolving system? Thanks for what you do I enjoy your YouTube channel.
