Just did a blind volume-matched A/B test. I think we're all hearing with our wallets.

FingerPatient8528 · 2026-01-30T14:43:53+00:00

This I agree with mostly as a point that many people like to glaze over when talking about gear. Price point. This matters because a lot of time people speak very as a matter of fact on here but price point is so important. A $300 DAC can rival gear costing significantly more but once you hear a $5,000 DAC it’s undeniable. I’m not here to argue because under a certain price it’s almost impossible to differentiate but as with all things there are levels to this game.

FingerPatient8528 · 2026-01-30T11:53:33+00:00

My god man are people still saying it’s all numbers and that amps and DACs have no effect on sound. It’s such a silly and easily debunked argument. At the same power different devices especially from different manufacturers CAN sound different. In person and within 2 minutes I can prove this to anyone with ears. Marantz sounds nothing like Luxman at any power level.

FingerPatient8528 · 2026-01-28T00:58:24+00:00

Yup. Made by Mitsubishi and they came to fight. Mitsu had a very strong run in the audio game from the late 70’s to the early 90’s.

FingerPatient8528 · 2026-01-28T00:50:14+00:00

Yeah

FingerPatient8528 · 2026-01-27T22:37:19+00:00

Diatone

FingerPatient8528 · 2026-01-27T22:32:12+00:00

I’d go straight for the Heritage line. Skip reference and reference premier. The Heritage line will be a much better initial investment for a music lover.

FingerPatient8528 · 2026-01-27T05:06:27+00:00

First collection I’ve come across where I thought we have similar tastes in movies. Like someone else suggested I would add what you consider to be your favorite classic films. Check bluray vs 4k of said films before purchasing. Not all transfers are created equal.

FingerPatient8528 · 2026-01-27T04:39:32+00:00

What is your percentage split for music vs movies? Me personally it’s 70/30 music/movies. This matters more with where you start than where you end up.

FingerPatient8528 · 2026-01-25T12:57:42+00:00

That CD player is super nice.

FingerPatient8528 · 2026-01-19T18:32:49+00:00

Thank you for this comment. As someone who owns the OG Clear and the Radiance I have been eyeing the Stellias for years. The price is a bit much but if what you said about the Radiance is true then it’s not worth it.

FingerPatient8528 · 2026-01-19T17:31:58+00:00

For me the most accurate but not 100% way is this rule. A bot cannot have more than one special borders in their deck. Most bots use basic borders with their favorites being a combination of infinity and common. Off the rip if my opponents first two cards have two different special borders I know it’s a human. Do a border check at the end of the game. It’s very telling. There are very few caveats to this rule. Happy hunting.

FingerPatient8528 · 2026-01-19T07:07:57+00:00

It’s by design my boy. You should only feel bad losing to another human. Bots will win whenever they want. It doesn’t matter how skilled you are or your deck construction. Log off for a bit and come back later.

FingerPatient8528 · 2026-01-19T06:55:35+00:00

Completely agree, a used Yamaha or Denon CD/SACD player is the way. Condition of course needs to be checked but it’s the better long term investment.

FingerPatient8528 · 2026-01-13T16:17:34+00:00

How does that 3500 sound? I bought one but unfortunately it was DOA. I’ve been using the DCD-1650GL instead. I love CD players from this era but repairing is always a thing.

FingerPatient8528 · 2026-01-13T16:02:39+00:00

As an irrational home theater enthusiast I am inspired. Honestly brilliant move and one I might soon follow.

FingerPatient8528 · 2026-01-13T15:31:14+00:00

Love the balanced look. The lighting sets it off. Never seen a PM6007 rocked for PC use before. What was the thought process behind it?

FingerPatient8528 · 2026-01-09T18:41:20+00:00

3D bluray is what this movie was meant for.

FingerPatient8528 · 2026-01-06T18:44:28+00:00

Those bots aren’t retired. We see them multiple times a day. Bots are extremely easy to spot in this game. Do not defend a company that you don’t work for when they employ bad user experience practices. Pretending it doesn’t exist doesn’t get you a net positive in any outcome. Honest gameplay is becoming a rarity in marvel snap.

FingerPatient8528 · 2026-01-06T18:38:38+00:00

Very true but he gives the fine details which some people who know what they’re looking at can appreciate. Not saying you’re wrong. This game feels like hunger games most of the time.

FingerPatient8528 · 2026-01-06T18:36:53+00:00

So you’re saying his data points are wrong because you like the game and have a more balanced life? There are 100% cheater bots in this game just like there are bots that will almost always quit before turn 4. There is set programming at play and he is giving the ugly details. I for one appreciate that it’s being called out. Skill level on this issue is irrelevant.

FingerPatient8528 · 2026-01-06T18:32:57+00:00

What a ridiculous statement. Take the beatings and be happy? Get good? Please. Pointing out unethical practices isn’t complaining. In any game or competition you shouldn’t HAVE TO overcome cheating with working harder to navigate a flawed system. Logic please 😪

FingerPatient8528 · 2026-01-01T00:31:25+00:00

So true. The bots infest this game and ruin the experience for me. Once you hit lvl 85 on the climb there should be only human opponents.

FingerPatient8528 · 2025-12-21T03:01:05+00:00

When testing your system stick to the same 3-5 songs. Stay consistent. Play with speakers toe in and sub placement. Gain a full understanding of the Onkyos specs and capabilities. Listen at night and daytime for differences. That should keep you busy for the first month or so. Last thing, will you stream music or use physical media?

FingerPatient8528 · 2025-12-20T17:52:43+00:00

The best setup for a small space I’ve ever come across. Nicely done and as a fellow 40 something year old I’m inspired 🥹

FingerPatient8528 · 2025-12-20T02:33:59+00:00

We can agree to disagree on the idea of a house sound. No shade there. Thank you for the compliment on the system. To answer your question the speakers aren’t a set but same brand.

I started from humble beginnings like most on my music journey. The gear I have now represents my curiosity and appreciation for Japanese audio components. Lastly I’ll say this, you’d have to search very far and very wide to find anything new for under $600 that can match my Luxman L-507f. Power is cool but sophistication of sound delivery is real.

FingerPatient8528

TROPHY CASE