HemiSam

An aftermarket tune (aka calibration) can help with lag (i.e. fuel and timing curves that get the snail(s) spooling more quickly). Some brands are a bear to tune and some less so, but the aftermarket is generally pretty crafty. Voiding the warranty can be an issue so often folks will return the tunes to normal prior to returning to the dealership for maintenance and warranty work and often to pass emissions testing. HS

Coming from a guy that modifies his vehicles, the one thing I've learned is it is worth going with the higher end model than going with the lesser version (especially if brake and suspension upgrades and power and related technology are meaningful vs some sort of glamor package). This is in the context of someone that's looking to put the goodies to work. You end up nickel and diming yourself well past what you would have paid and often can void a warranty doing it otherwise. Further, the OEM upgrades have more engineering to them than what is done aftermarket more often than not. That's been my experience... HS

Sweet! If the looks of the STI work for you (the wing tends to be the challenge for many), I think it's a great choice. You can hurt some feelings with one on the twisties. HS

Salesmen at dealerships by and far do suck. I only deal with their "internet managers". No BS. The price is the price. Some folks used to refer to them as their "fleet managers". Alternatively, you seek out bids via a site like Edmonds (used to be easier to use)...and I never give them my phone number. Simply bids via email. HS

If it's what you truly want, then I wait it out. Prices will settle...they always do. No point getting something that's about passion when you're not passionate about it. Been there, done that... Best of luck, Dreadhead. HS

What I learned on the MOPAR and the Chevy fronts (sorry but I can't speak to the Ford side) is there are a handful of high quality volume dealers that will not screw you if you deal with them. They will stick to retail but sometimes you have to go out of state. They tend to have reputations with the serious gear heads. I bought the jeep in Missouri although I live in TX for this very reason. He had it built for me exactly as I wanted at invoice and split the dealer take with me. Picked me up at the airport and then bought me a sandwich. Good stuff. The Hellcat stuff got real stupid, but there were a few dealers worth their salt. Best of luck on the Focus RS. Great looking car...I like hot hatchbacks and might would own one if I were in college again. Drove a '78 280Z witha 5-speed back then. HS

Thanks, Dreadhead. My apologies for making the leap across the pond... At that price point and AWD I like the Evo in the same size bracket. The Sti is interesting if one doesn't find the wing offensive....although the WRX is no slouch. Interestingly, I can beat up on quite a few fast RWD vehicles on a road course with my Jeep SRT given the AWD (of course the huge Brembos, beefed up suspension and 6.4L with 8-speed and paddles don't hurt) despite the 5,150lb curb weight. The vehicle is a pig, but there's a lot of joy taunting a Mustang... AWD FTW. HS

I should have been more direct and asked where he is based. The Ford looks European to me. I do not know everyone here. HS

Are you buying in the UK? I had one experience purchasing a new vehicle in London and it was interesting. Very different than purchasing one in the U.S. HS

Ditto. RIP, George... HS

It was within the last year, Tom. They were working fine for a few weeks and then one of the channels clearly weakened and had a bit of static. I tried popping the outside firmly as Birgir suggested and it worked for a short while and then the issue returned. Sent them back to Japan, at my cost, and they were exchanged for a new pair eventually. Unfortunate really given the market they target (i.e. relatively high level headphone audio). Zero issues with my second pair and I must say I do enjoy the heck out of them out of the KGST (fed by an Ygg DAC). Very fine sound IMO and a signature that's more to my liking...I don't do bright very well. Comfortable as well. HS

LOL....come on, fellas. Be direct and honest! HS

Happened to me on a new pair. Sucked. Back to Japan for a new pair. HS

Anyone run into one of the Wells Audio Headtrip or Enigma amps at a meet or happen to own one? They are California based. A quote from their site about the Headtrip: "heavily biased into Class A..."... They better be damn good for the money. Reviews are strong but hard to trust when so many prove to be drivel. http://www.wellsaudio.com/products/headphone-amplifiers Specifications (from manufacturer): Phone impedance: 4 to 2000 Ohms Power output: 50w/channel at 8 ohms, 25W/channel at 32 Ohms 1.8W/channel at 600ohms Distortion: <0.006% at 1Khz at .1W to 100W at 4 Ohms Frequency Response: +/-0.25db from 10Hz to 50Khz Signal to Noise ratio: -103db at full power Input Impedance: 50K Ohms Input Sensitivity: 85 mv Gain: 30db Voltage: 110v, 120v, 220v, 230v, 240v at 50/60 Hz Inputs: 1 pair WBT Nextgen RCAs or 1 pair XLRs Outputs: 1 pair Neutrik combo ¼ inch/XLR outputs Dimensions: 12.25” x 14” x 5” 16” x 14” x 8” shipped Weight: 20 lbs. M.S.R.P – $7000.00 HS

A good pal of mine running a full weight wagon at a 1/4 mile track in Florida (Palm Beach International Raceway). Crazy quick and fast. Zero drama... Took him a good while to get it where it is now, but it sure looks to have paid off. vroom vroom.... HS

Damn....dropping too fast. RIP, Gentlemen and Godspeed. HS

Always interesting to see how different folks hear things (read: prefer / dislike) so differently. I'm no spring chicken and I've found that I don't do well with "bright", especially as my hearing deteriorates with age. I very much enjoy the new 007A fed by the Ygg and powered by the KGST (although I'm dicking around with pots/attenuators at the moment). I want a Lambda, but I'm hesitant for fear of it being too bright to my hearing. No point having yet another headphone just sit there. For example, I enjoyed by HD650's when I used them more...they've been set aside by my 007A's and the TH900's (the Fostex at times/on a few songs can be a bit peaky on the treble for me but I simply turn down the volume...they're way too fun to part with when powered and fed well). To each his own... HS

Uh oh....a museaum style setup in the new pad? I like it. HS

LMAO. And on that note.... HS

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RIP, Sugarbear. HS

RIP, Dave Mirra. Exceptional biker. HS

Maurice White, co-founder of Earth, Wind & Fire. Age 74. Parkinson's... RIP, Mr. White. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurice_White HS

RIP, Mr. Elliot. HS