skullguise

RIP Snape, and FUCK cancer.....

Both my systems (speaker and headphone) are currently using the Exogal Comet DAC. I had also tried the iPurifier 2 with a NuPrime IDA-8 integrated that has USB DAC; not a great result as the amp is voiced a bit softer. And I VERY briefly plugged the Jitterbug between desktop PC and an Auralic Gemini 2000; not enough listening to form an opinion. I removed it because I think the cable was stressing the connections. I first heard of the Intona through the Computer Audiophile forums. They seem to be a nice and dedicated bunch of nuts, but don't have the crap and stupidity seen on HF many times. A couple guys there reported that the Intona made noticeable improvements on the Yggy (one also mentioning the Jitterbug and Regen did not). Some of the thread was taken up with trying to get incompatibilities working, but it sounded like no issues with the Yggy, and no issues with my DAC. I think between the DAC's USB implementation, and the source implementation, a lot can be done, adding up in money. I found the Regen and Intona to make some nice differences without going nuts in other areas, even USB cables.

I'm a bit loathe to post this, but I have had some interesting and positive experiences. There's a lot of buzz around about various USB tweaks to extract better sound from PC or Mac audio. It was cheap enough that I decided to jump into the fray. I started with a Uptone Audio Regen, and immediately heard sonic benefits. So I looked for various other devices, and ended up with an iFi iUSB 3.0 (used at work with my Chord Mojo), iFi iPurifier 2, Audioquest Jitterbug, and just tonight a previously-unknown-to-me product called the Intona USB Isolator. A lot of marketing BS floats about, along with some science, pseudo- or not. Everything I have tried so far, though, HAS had some improvement in at least some areas. Not all improved enough to enjoy....the iPurifier 2 did some nice things, but sucked some air and life from the music. I haven't yet really tried the Jitterbug enough to judge it fairly. But I have had such positive experiences with two products that I wanted to mention them: The Uptone Audio USB Regen, and the Intona USB Isolator. I believe the iFi iUSB 3.0 is doing good things at work, but hadn't tried the Mojo without it, so can't quantify. And I'm not in the mood to sit there and try things mix and match. Some people with a lot of time on their hands have been playing around with multiple devices, putting one before the other than switching sequence, etc. etc. I just want more simplified plug and mostly play. As of now, I have the Intona in my speaker system, and the USB Regen in my main headphone system. In each place, they make a nice difference in clarity and things like soundstage and imaging. More music just seems to come through. Thankfully not so expensive; range from ~$50 to $300. USB Regen was under $200, Intona USB Isolator $258 shipped from Germany. Both have made, IMO, much more improvement than perhaps any other component that costs that little. I've been reading about the USB Isolator's ability to work well with good basic USB cables, negating the need for the uber-expensive cables that don't make as much a difference. Just wondering if anyone has played around with these types of tweaks.....or cares

Some really funky modern African music! Mbongwana Star - From Kinshasa

Happy Birthday gents!

Oh, we're in agreement.... I compare to someone like Johnny Cash. (My interpretation) As he got older and saw his mortality, he kept on and sang music of some great reflection, "accepting" his death. To me, Bowie saw it and USED it as part of his art. That's what I mean by martyr....not that he WANTED to die, but facing it was done in a way that only he could.

It'll sound kind of creepy/corny, but it's like he martyred himself for the music & art....and he may be the only one to get away with it.

Have also been doing a mix of David Bowie, got a 24/96 copy of Blackstar I need to bring to work. Took a break and now listening to some PiL

I see Megatrons with Icelandic Cookies in the future (you ARE putting an oven in the lab, correct?)

^^^ I remember seeing that show (Saturday Night Live) when they played. Klaus and the "red" guy did a nice backup on TVC15 as well..... And Klaus' version of "Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead" is great! Now, off to listen to Blackstar

I heard the HE-1000 at a NH meet in December. I don't love many planars, the "delivery" of sound doesn't quite sound right to me in some ways. Smooth and fast were how I'd describe it, though. Some complained about lack of bass and dynamics, could be the amp used but I think it was more the music playing (distantly recorded jazz was what I heard). I liked the phones for not having that sound delivery issue I react to, but still wouldn't pay $3000 for them.... And won't pay for Electrostatics as well, even if cheaper; Stax phones with DIY amps do all I want.

Oh fuck. No words.....RIP......

Ask Patrick @ Coconut Audio, he'll give you some good tips

Posted by a FB friend....

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday!

RIP to both, Trapper John and Natalie Cole.....

Happy Birthday, and Happy New Year!

^^^ In hindsight, that's a bit freaking creepy

Happy Birthday Chris, hope it is/was grand!

HD Tracks sale, just got email: USE CODE HDNEWYEAR16 TO GET 15% OFF * Offer valid for all digital album downloads Storewide on HDtracks.com. Cannot be applied to prior orders. Code can be used multiple times. Expires 1/4/2016 11:59PM (EST) PST.

Ah, fuck fuck fuck.....fuck cancer BIG time......RIP Lemmy.

RIP Meadowlark, perhaps my favorite as well; it was because of him/them that I do the only good thing I can do with a basketball: spin it on my finger. I saw the Globetrotters a couple times in Boston with my dad, not a huge basketball fan but always loved them!

Happy Birthday!!

Happy Birthday!