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Second vanity complete. Definitely going with a larger reveal for the kitchen I’m going to do next.

Wow! A nice one with the XA777ES. I was so close on getting the Sony HAP-Z1ES modded by Dan but backed out at the end. Now just using the Matrix X-Sabre Pro for digital front end. Less about the gear but more on enjoying the music. I miss my Yggy too.

If I had to have only that cortado, over and over for the rest of my life, and only that, I would be happy. Lingering. Milk drinks never linger. Now the question is whether I can do this tomorrow morning.

Funny, I also have a modded Sony SCD-xa777es that's been in a box for at least 8 years.

I bought the VST as well but it is sitting next to the Flair while this Mignon grinder debacle is getting sorted out.

^ I still have the Modwright Denon 3910 and Sony SCD-777ES. My Exemplar Denon 5910 is non functional for the last 5 years now. Gotta give some loves to modded SACD/DVD-A players!

VST in the house. This is a radically different basic geometry and build from the IMS (ignore the size difference; one is an 18/20 and one is an 18/22). Honestly, just looking at them… I have no idea.

You know, I guess when you think about it, the Flair 58, Bellman boiler, and my Brewista kettle makes a pretty darned capable double boiler setup.

I think I’m just going to get a Rancilio Silvia to replace my Breville. Just the base one (though maybe in black; I don’t think I have room for the Pro, or the X, really). With the Flair 58 I don’t really need anything to get better espresso for when I’m being fancy-fancy, but I need something more convenient that is better than the Breville. I thought about the Bambino, which is much nicer than the Breville I have (mine is an old entry level, remember, from ten years ago: it’s pretty nice for what it is, but it’s what it is), but I want a larger machine that uses a 58mm porta and has more cup storage. I haven’t totally decided, but I think it makes a lot of sense, even with that dumb drip tray. And lots of upgrades for after I get to know the machine. Plus easy pressure modulation out of the box. Also: coffee setup art finally on the wall.

^ as is my Marantz SA1.

^ I still use my Modwright Denon 3910 Universal Truth Mod for SACD. I think it was from the same era.

I am 65 1/2 now and I can hear to about 13,500hz per audicus. I enjoy my gear and music as much as I ever have. I must admit to being treble sensitive and I am still just as annoyed with treble grain and especially sibilance. Some of the new stuff is so good and inexpensive. Monoprice M1070 planar on sale, Schitt Audio Modi multibit, Cavalli Liquid spark. I still use a modded Sony 9100ES/ SACD-DVD player I bought from tkam 10+years ago as my transport for CD's and for SACD's.

If you port mod an SZ2-serial number SR-007A (say), where would it fit on that list? 😁 Also, thanks for the feedback on the ECC99! Regarding sources... Have you tried it with the RME ADI-2 DAC?

I'm very sad to report that our very own Carl Stephen "ironbut" Koto passed away on July 2, presumably from the lung cancer he informed us about in late May. Several of us have been concerned about his absence and both Ric and I (and maybe others) tried calling him to no avail, eventually receiving notice that the line was no longer in service. I tried searching for information but did not find anything until this morning I finally found a death notice for Carl Koto in Eugene, Oregon at age 66, and that must be him. 😢 Steve was a great and gentle guy and a fantastic Head-caser. His reel to reel rig will be remembered as one of the all-time best headphone experiences for many, many people. I'm happy that he had a few years of retirement in Eugene when he could make music and take it easy, but it truly sucks that he didn't have longer. Just to prove how humble and unassuming Steve was, I couldn't find a decent picture of him so I hope others can find more to post here. RIP Steve, you will be missed.