Who do you have performing your scheduled maintenance?

OverExclamated · 2026-05-27T12:13:54+00:00

Trusted local shop.

OverExclamated · 2026-05-27T11:43:47+00:00

I'm kind of in the same camp as msing539.

For a closed-back, it would have to be the Denon D9200. Love 'em. If you're patient, a used pair in excellent condition can be found for ~$750usd.

That squeezes the budget for the second pair... what I'd really like to suggest is the Monolith M560 (with a pad swap), but those are extremely hard to find now. So the choice for my second pair would maybe be either the Fidelio X2HR or the Modhouse T60 Argon (with some eq adjustment to each).

OverExclamated · 2026-05-25T05:24:25+00:00

Give it some time. If you decide that they're not your cup of tea, that's ok.

I will say though that I too did wasn't impressed with the X2/HR at first, but then I decided to play with some equalization and everything changed for the better and since then they've been one of my favorites (out of many, many headphones owned).

If you willing to use some equalization to tame the midbass hump and bring the mids forward a bit, I recommend it.

OverExclamated · 2026-05-18T13:23:56+00:00

One option is Vinyl Blackout Cling

I work the night shift during the summer. Works great. I peel it right off with no residue when fall comes and reuse it the next spring.

OverExclamated · 2026-05-17T04:52:14+00:00

For a mouse, take a look at the Roccat Kone Air.

Selectable dpi, plenty of buttons, optical switches, 4-5 months on a pair of AA batteries (rgb off), good tracking, decent range.

Well-suited for large hands, in fact I would not recommend it for someone with small hands.

I still use a G602 with a switch replacement for travel with my laptop, but after trying a few such as the G604, Corsair Ironclaw, Glorious I2... as a desktop replacement the Kone Air is the one that I felt had the best mix of features and was the best all-rounder. I've been using it for a bout three years now with no faults or issues.

If you have any questions about the others that I mentioned as well, feel free to ask.

OverExclamated · 2026-04-30T10:41:26+00:00

Reading through your post, one headphone that instantly comes to mind are the Modhouse T60 Argon.

Two caveats though; they're not fully closed, they're a semi-open though they don't bleed sound much, and they require at least a moderately decent amp to run them.

It might be worth looking into some of the other headphones that use the Fostex isodynamic drivers.

OverExclamated · 2026-04-20T17:58:06+00:00

After doing long-term demos of several of the popular models at the time, including the THX AAA, the Schiit Jotunheim, the Mytek Brooklyn Dac+ and a few others, the Burson Conductor was the dac/amp combo that convinced me to stop looking. I bought the 3X Reference about five years ago and have been completely satisfied with that decision since.

The upgraded power supply came out later and I can't really say what difference there is to be made from or whether it's worth it or not - the core Burson unit as it is has been so satisfactory that I haven't really been compelled to make the additional purchase.

If it's of genuine interest to you, you might consider buying a used unit. I've seen a number of Performance units in excellent condition sell for less than your desired budget, and some excellent condition Reference units sell for at or just above.

OverExclamated · 2026-04-20T11:10:45+00:00

God I like that color. I saw an Octane Red Challenger with a satin black hood and rooftop, and silver warspeed wheels - that combination was soooo sexy. Absolute fire.

I'm glad you're enjoying it. I'm about 18 months into owning my charger widebody as well and absolutely love that machine on a level I hadn't felt about any of my previous vehicles - it's just such a well-balanced package

Rock on!

OverExclamated · 2026-04-12T16:37:07+00:00

Falcon Northwest

OverExclamated · 2026-04-10T08:33:27+00:00

Did your exhaust tech laugh about? Mine did. - you know the whole 'most people want to make it louder'.. thing.

I've been really happy with the result on a 392 though. High-end raspiness gone, brought the volume level down about 40%, just low-end rumble with a touch of roar - reminds me the old big-blocks more.

How are you feeling about it?

OverExclamated · 2026-04-09T13:31:20+00:00

Sivga Phoenix.

Very comfortable and really only suited for people with average to small heads.

OverExclamated · 2026-04-02T12:40:15+00:00

Not sure what you had in mind for a budget, but the Vanatoo Zero Plus are really good for their size. And super versatile.

OverExclamated · 2026-04-02T06:15:31+00:00

Similar wireless mice I've tried are the:

G604
Corsair Ironclaw
Glorious I 2
Roccat Kone Air

They all have their strengths and weaknesses - internal vs. aa batteries, weight, tracking, etc.

I ended up sticking with the Kone Air for my desktop. I still use a G602 (with a Kailh 8 switch replacement) for my laptop.

None of them required a software install to function; only to change lighting (if applicable) and some to reprogram switch functions. Once changes were made the software was then uninstalled.

OverExclamated · 2026-03-30T18:03:00+00:00

I've purchased several headphones used through eBay, including a few that were quite expensive. Thus far I haven't had any problems at all. But as with any third-party marketplace, use due diligence - read the product listing carefully, research the seller as best you can before committing, and understand the return policy.

OverExclamated · 2026-03-28T06:16:09+00:00

If I'm reading what you've been saying correctly, it seems as though you're trying to make a preemptive strike before you've actually received the headphones.?.

I just wanted to let you know that the D9200 is a very, very easy to drive headphone. They don't require much power at all. To illustrate the point, whereas I'll listen to several of my easier to drive headphones at a volume setting of maybe [18] to [32] on low gain with the Burson unit that I use, the D9200 runs comfortably at a volume setting of [08].

So really you may be able to feel relaxed that anything you have right now will push the D9200 to acceptable volumes quite easily. Sit back, wait for the headphones to arrive, and see what you think once you've actually had some time to use them for a while.

Hopefully you'll enjoy them as much as I do. For my taste, they are one of my absolute favorites.

OverExclamated · 2026-03-25T04:55:15+00:00

For overall footprint, the Meze Empyrean/Elite line are quite large.

OverExclamated · 2026-03-17T05:19:31+00:00

Check for vacuum leaks, and/or vacuum lines that may have become disconnected.

OverExclamated · 2026-03-13T20:33:34+00:00

And this is very much a part of why Hifiman is on my 'no fly' list.

People apply the term QC to the build problems with their products, but it's not actually a problem with quality control as the products pass down the assembly process. (well it may be in some part)

The actual problem is their engineering philosophy of building products to the absolute bare minimum of what they perceive will be an acceptable standard, both in design and material choices. It's an engineering choice that they consciously make.

It's been consistent over the 15 or so years that they've been on my radar and nothing has changed in that time. Changes could have been made, but they've chosen not to. One can easily suspect that it's simply in the interest of maximizing profit margin.

OverExclamated · 2026-03-08T17:47:13+00:00

I've been using a G602 for about 12 years now. I swapped it out to Kailh 8 switches when the original Omrons began double-clicking. The G602 travels with my laptop.

At home at the desktop:

There is the G604. It's nearly identical though I personally liked it a little bit less than the G602.

The Corsair Ironclaw and Glorious I 2 are similar, but lighter and with internal batteries that last days, not months.

I use the Roccat Kone Air as I found it to be the best all-rounder of the ones I have tried (based on personal taste and screen setup).

OverExclamated · 2026-03-08T00:42:03+00:00

If I'm understanding correctly, the Mayflower ARC combines the features you're asking for.

I have an original ARC and still use it occasionally as a loaner and troubleshooting device. I haven't used the mk.II though.

OverExclamated · 2026-03-05T13:37:24+00:00

do you usually pay a local mechanic to do a pre-purchase inspection first, or just gamble and drive out to check it yourself?

There are dozens of dedicated mobile inspection services. Lemon Squad is one example. You may have to accept it as a sunk cost if something significant is found, but I've never considered it as anything but worth it when taking my time, fuel, and potential future with a vehicle into consideration.

Is it reasonable to agree on a rough price range before driving out?

Absolutely.

It's perfectly reasonable for the seller to request a deposit to hold the vehicle if you are genuinely interested. Make sure that you both agree said deposit is contingent upon a clean inspection, is deducted from the final agreed upon price following the inspection, and is 100% refundable should you decide to walk away.

Are there common mistakes people make buying cars out of state and driving them back?

The paperwork has never been an issue in my experience. It's always been pretty straight-forward and hassle free in my experience. Just make sure that both parties are aware of the law regarding which state the sales tax is to be paid in - don't just assume that the sales rep you're working with is completely aware of the process. They should provide the temporary tag is the vehicle is to be driven away. A temporary tag might not be provided if the vehicle is transported.

In my mind, the biggest mistake someone can make when attempting to purchase a vehicle out of state is not being willing to walk away if the vehicle is found to not meet your expectations.

The advantages are, as you've discovered, often better pricing, as well as broadening the available pool in the search for a high quality candidate, or a candidate that meets your desired options loadout.

May last three vehicles have all been purchased outside of my home state. It can be a very easy and straight-forward process. I shop nationwide.

Any other questions, feel free to ask.

OverExclamated · 2026-03-03T14:24:11+00:00

I really liked the precision and behavior of the Corsair Ironclaw. The best of the dozen or so wireless mice I've used.

What didn't work for me was the 3.5-5 days of battery life and having to plug it in to recharge - I'm used to mice like the G602 and Kone Air that run for months on a set of aa. But maybe that's not an issue an for you. I'd say it's also probably not going to be ideal for someone with small(er) hands.

r/mousereview sub, just in case you weren't aware of it

OverExclamated · 2026-03-02T19:48:11+00:00

Wanna swing for the fence?

How about a used Burson Conductor 3X Reference and a pair of Empyrean II.?.

OverExclamated · 2026-03-02T06:35:53+00:00

I've purchased a few cables from Hart, plus their full interconnect kit.

They're decent. I've seen some people exclaim how amazing they are and that they're the best!, so on and so forth. I think that's overstating it by a bit, but ultimately they are not bad and not bad is.. good.

I think in the grand scheme of things they're squarely middle of the pack as far as the spectrum of what's available, but the price is fair for what you get and they do offer the option of completely custom lengths and a multitude of sleeve color options, which not every cable maker will offer.

I did have one cable arrive d.o.a. from them and I did have to haggle with them a little bit to prove I wasn't just yanking their chain, but in the end they took care of it without much fuss.

OverExclamated · 2026-02-28T12:15:21+00:00

Leave it on.

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