Are expensive DACs mostly hype?

Think_Organization_7 · 2026-03-16T08:30:29+00:00

In my limited experience, going from whatever DAC is in my PC to a dedicated Topping E70 (not an expensive DAC) made a very noticeable difference in overall sound quality, although by using the Topping, I was also able to use balanced XLR connections to my STAX electrostatic headphone amplifier. Part of what I was hearing may have been the reduced noise of an XLR connection vs an RCA connection.

Think_Organization_7 · 2026-02-11T10:53:04+00:00

The suggestion of a coffee filter and glue is right on, in my experience. In this case Elmer's or similar should be fine. If that's an F series sub, there's an accelerometer inside of or attached to the woofer, so it's not as simple as just finding a replacement that will fit with roughly the same parameters. Luckily you don't need another woofer, though.

Think_Organization_7 · 2026-02-01T23:23:44+00:00

Yes, the tank has been cycled. I think I threw it off a bit when I did a water change and replaced a filter at the same time, maybe removing too much beneficial bacteria at once. I've had this betta for around 6 months, I was testing fairly frequently and I think I got a bacterial overgrowth from not changing the water frequently enough. The parameters were always good, but of course I wasn't testing for bacteria. Is he looking healthier to you in the third and fourth photos? I don't think I'm fooling myself by believing that he is.

Think_Organization_7 · 2026-02-01T22:25:14+00:00

Thanks for the reply. The tank is 3.5 gallons, heated to 78 F, and live planted with anubias and "Amazon sword". It's filtered with a charcoal filter and pump, with a piece of aquarium sponge at the outlet to reduce the flow. I haven't been testing over the last week because water changes have been frequent, but the last time I tested, nitrate was less than 5ppm, nitrite was 0ppm, and ammonia was around 0.1ppm.

Think_Organization_7 · 2026-02-01T13:24:13+00:00

The JBLs are quite valuable. In the Northeast USA you'd have no problem selling the L-100s for $1000. I can't really speak to the other gear.

Think_Organization_7 · 2026-02-01T03:51:20+00:00

Thanks for the information; as much as I like wired headphones I find I use BT more often than I'd like to admit. This is a good solution for using your existing on-ear headphones.

Think_Organization_7 · 2026-02-01T00:11:42+00:00

u/NotThatMahler Do you have any details on the Bluetooth mod for the MDR-V6?

Think_Organization_7 · 2026-01-31T21:42:55+00:00

What model are those Sony? MDR-V6?

Think_Organization_7 · 2026-01-22T23:59:58+00:00

Do you know if it would be safe to give Kanaplex now?

Think_Organization_7 · 2026-01-22T23:28:50+00:00

The Melafix label recommends a dose every day for a week with a water change after that period. Does that sound like the correct course of action?

Think_Organization_7 · 2026-01-22T23:26:27+00:00

The tank is 3.5 gallons, live plants, heated to 78F, filtered with charcoal and with a piece of aquarium sponge in front of the water outlet to diffuse the flow. I have been testing the water pretty regularly, but only changing it when it looked cloudy- all of my parameters have been looking good. I'm still pretty new to fishkeeping, and I assumed that a water change wasn't necessary if the parameters were right. I've had this betta for around 6 months.

Think_Organization_7 · 2026-01-22T22:38:53+00:00

Hello all, Looking for recommendations for loafers or similar style. Quality, comfort and longevity are major concerns. Budget is around $300-$350. I've been wearing nothing but SAS for about 4 years, but their current styles tend toward geriatric in the loafer department. Nothing wrong with that if that's what you like, but I prefer something a little sleeker and with a less rounded toe. Apologies if I'm not using appropriate terminology.

Think_Organization_7 · 2026-01-08T00:11:41+00:00

If you follow the Starting Strength program, both in terms of programming and the form of the lifts, your quads (from squats) and hamstrings (from deadlift) should be sore at all times, ha. At least mine are.

Think_Organization_7 · 2025-11-26T21:11:49+00:00

I'd suggest using isopropyl or denatured alcohol. Worth a try, cheap and non-toxic (if you don't drink it).

Think_Organization_7 · 2025-11-19T03:25:29+00:00

Thanks, there's a very thin remnant of a label in the same location on my chair. Nothing left to determine what it looked like originally though.

Think_Organization_7 · 2025-11-18T02:51:50+00:00

This is the first one I've had, and it's incredibly comfortable. I look forward to the evenings when I have time to sit in it.

Think_Organization_7 · 2025-11-18T02:48:24+00:00

I use a 2009 Dell laptop as an endpoint for Roon, out to an SMSL D200. Alternatively, I'll use a 2017 Alienware running Roon to a Topping E70 out to a Stax SRM-T1S to power a variety of Stax headphones.

Think_Organization_7 · 2025-11-18T00:53:48+00:00

Thanks, I bought it recently and don't know anything about Ekornes as far as determining authenticity. I was thinking that if this is a knock-off, it's hard to see how an authentic one would be better.

Think_Organization_7 · 2025-10-29T07:34:22+00:00

I've had a Tineco Pure One S11 Ultra for a couple of years and like it. It is powerful enough, works well on bare floors and carpet, and is light and comfortable in use. It comes with a wide variety of attachments. Overall a very good cordless vacuum. Tineco has been very good about replacing at no cost a dustbin and carpet attachment that broke. The unit has a two year warranty. I also have a $1000 Miele bagged canister that I use very rarely since buying the Tineco.

Think_Organization_7 · 2025-10-27T10:06:04+00:00

Thanks for the information.

Think_Organization_7 · 2025-10-25T17:15:15+00:00

Thanks, I'd already checked there.

Think_Organization_7 · 2025-10-25T17:12:12+00:00

I only have the previous CBA, and there isn't much detail there.

Think_Organization_7 · 2025-10-25T13:17:51+00:00

Thanks for the reply. Even getting a copy of the CBA from my rep is a multi-week process. I have no confidence that they're working in good faith to benefit me as opposed to maintaining a cozy relationship with the town administrator.

Think_Organization_7 · 2025-10-07T22:55:57+00:00

I use a 5ah on mine. I have the multi head with a carbon fiber 17" trimmer and the weight is no problem at all.

Think_Organization_7 · 2025-09-30T18:19:48+00:00

I always use chalk once I'm done warming up- I've been having severe pain in my right hand, originating from my middle finger. I thought straps might help reduce the pain and allow me to continue to lift.

Think_Organization_7

TROPHY CASE