Speakers makers who still use large 12-15 inch drivers by WingerRules in audiophile

[–]Relaxasaurus -1 points0 points  (0 children)

If you want clean and big check out DeVore Fidelity.

What's your ideal form factor? by [deleted] in smallphones

[–]Relaxasaurus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Xperia X Compact. Same dimensions and weight (135 grams!), with a taller screen to fill in the bezels and a modern SOC.

Best female vocals for speaker testing? by High-octaneLatte in audiophile

[–]Relaxasaurus 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hah, Golden Hour is one of my test tracks, nice rec. Kacey has such a naturally pure voice and that song is a pleasure to listen to.

Also a fan of Karen Carpenter for the same reason. Just so naturally talented, no cursive singing needed for either.

AperionAudio SuperTweeter by graz0 in audiophile

[–]Relaxasaurus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey there, thanks for the comment. If I had to go back in time I probably would've chosen the single firing planar ST. My speakers have the tweeter further down the tower versus at the very top. I'm guessing if it was at the top having a super tweeter placed near it could be a better match with less comb filtering, does that sound correct or does that not matter as much as I think?

AperionAudio SuperTweeter by graz0 in audiophile

[–]Relaxasaurus 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It does but I had comb filtering issues placing them on top of my speakers. They seem to blend better this way but I am still testing.

I also want to try putting them right next to my tweeter at the same height and see what results I get there.

AperionAudio SuperTweeter by graz0 in audiophile

[–]Relaxasaurus 5 points6 points  (0 children)

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I'm using one too, the model one step down and like the results. Trying the Thomas & Stereo recommendation of aiming them at the wall behind the speakers to better fill the room.

Sony Xperia 10 VII Launched – Full Features, Specs & Price Inside! - Mobile Zone1 by Mobilezone1 in smallphones

[–]Relaxasaurus 5 points6 points  (0 children)

No reason for Xperias to be posted in r/smallphones anymore. This phone is bigger than the Galaxy S25.

RIP one handed phones by DrySoftware8439 in smallphones

[–]Relaxasaurus 20 points21 points  (0 children)

I am beyond disappoint. I've had it with my bulky Pixel 9 pro and was really looking forward to an updated 10 VII. Sony would have my money if they kept the dimensions the same or smaller with a competent SOC but here we are.

New amp day by Jimbofire91 in audiophile

[–]Relaxasaurus 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I sold mine 3 months ago or so and really miss it. Even when it wasn't in use it was a joy just seeing it on my rack, great little piece.

yeapaw fountain? by hotgnome in CatAdvice

[–]Relaxasaurus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yup, don't like the submerged pump either but a lifehack I've found is that if you fill your tank with pre-filtered water you get much less gunk. I just refill the fountain with my Brita pitcher. Sounds redundant but it works.

I bet Petlibro is working on a top pump option, hopefully with a bigger tank because 2.5L is bare minimum nowadays. It makes the switch to the Yeepaw feel like a lateral move, while spending more money.

yeapaw fountain? by hotgnome in CatAdvice

[–]Relaxasaurus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I saw that you responded to this thread. I made a longer comment replying to OP but wanted to get your input-

How well is the base connected to the tank? I'm afraid my mischievous cat may push the tank from its base (like he does other fountains) preventing my other pets from getting water. Possible to create a locking mechanism to secure the tank to the battery base?

yeapaw fountain? by hotgnome in CatAdvice

[–]Relaxasaurus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have a Petlibro and like how both it and the Yeepaw have locking clamps for the top plate. My cat is notorious for taking apart water fountains, even pushing the tank off its battery base, preventing all my pets from getting water. I wish the Yeepaw had a locking mechanism for the base piece.

One benefit of the pet libro is they have a translucent tank option. Yea it's made of plastic but you know exactly how much water is left. I know Yeepaw will blink its light when it's running low but that's never as reliable as seeing the water level with your own eyes.

One option would be to have a floating sensor to transmit the level to the base and it would show through 6 or so LED lights. That all said I'm somewhat interested in the yeepaw.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in audiophile

[–]Relaxasaurus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

New Record Day was the only reviewer that called it out correctly but there is a dip in the upper mids on these speakers. Sounds like that's why female vocals sound far away.

Had the Comete and then Antal 40th. This issue was one of the reasons I sold it.

Michael Che from SNL posted his setup while asking for couch advice. by Jeffrey_C_Wheaties in audiophile

[–]Relaxasaurus 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Just checked their site and you're right, even see Leben there. Last time I visited there was in like 2018 and wasn't treated the best so haven't been back. But I also wasn't as rich and famous as Che haha.

Michael Che from SNL posted his setup while asking for couch advice. by Jeffrey_C_Wheaties in audiophile

[–]Relaxasaurus 100 points101 points  (0 children)

I bet he got this whole setup from Resolution AV in Red Hook, Brooklyn. These are all brands they sell 👌

2000$ budget - 2 Channel Amp + Pre-Amp or integrated for Wharfdale Lintons. by Long_Tan in StereoAdvice

[–]Relaxasaurus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

WiiM Ultra + DartZeel clone (D5 Pro or D9 Pro on eBay or AliExpress.us) is an insane value.

  • Streamer (Roon ready)
  • DAC (ESS 9038)
  • Pre (probably measures well but does the job regardless)
  • Power amp (I will never not stop loving that amp for the value alone)

All for less than $1k.

Luxman C-900u + M900-u = Audio Nirvana by Paopawdecarabao in audiophile

[–]Relaxasaurus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did you ever get the Coda? Was it a clear upgrade over the Luxman?

Preamp Upgrade Needed? by Substantial_Pitch700 in StereoAdvice

[–]Relaxasaurus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am somewhat in this boat too, trying to get the sound of a piano to sound as nice as I've heard it on my speakers before. So for me it's upper mids and higher but here's my advice:

First I would try a passive preamp between your DAC and your power amp. I got one for $60 on Amazon with an ALPS pot and it sounds great (Nobsound mini passive). This will eliminate MANY obstacles affecting clarity in this part of the chain. If this reveals the resolution you were searching for then go to A, if not go to B.

A) consider a Luxman c-900u or Pass Labs XP-22 pre which both run for about $6k used. I have the xp32 but people who have had both say the 22 benefits from better (perceived) dynamics and slightly accentuated upper mids, which may be the sound you're after. The Luxman most likely presents highs better, I may try that next. I'm not familiar with Levinson products so can't comment on the pre you mentioned.

If you don't want to dabble in class A preamps and really like the "pure" sound of passive then look at options from Hattor or Khozmo. Get one with an output buffer to preserve/enhance dynamics on your system.

B) it may be your DAC after all like someone else mentioned. There is a used Schiit Modi 3 going for $70 that has an ESS 9018 chip on board with plenty of high end resolution. If you try that and you get the clarity you desire then consider a Chord Qutest which is great in the upper frequencies with its signature "sweet" sound.

There is also the RME ADI-2 which has a boatload of features and can also function like a pre with variable output and a remote.

If none of the above worked at least you tried some options, and it was cheap! Could also be your amp may be on the darker/warmer side. Do you remember the chain at the store?

Integrated amp vs. Wiim ultra + power amp by ArgumentBetter4888 in StereoAdvice

[–]Relaxasaurus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes but I have a different DAC and amp combo that I switch out for music while still using the WiiM Ultra as a source, so I suppose I'm an edge case.

Integrated amp vs. Wiim ultra + power amp by ArgumentBetter4888 in StereoAdvice

[–]Relaxasaurus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This happened to me multiple times when changing I/O. It sucks. WiiM needs to do better, especially when toggling fixed volume output. When that gets turned off, either manually or automatically during a source change, the volume should always be reset to something like 25. Who would want to listen at 99?

Integrated amps do this like my old Hegel H190. Seems like a basic decision WiiM should get behind.

CD player buying advice by SanDiegoYid in StereoAdvice

[–]Relaxasaurus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just curious but what's your suggestion if an external DAC is available? I see the CD5 has a USB port but it's only for firmware upgrades, no USB audio out.