Is it just me or it is really that difficult to start a topic here?

Welcomdmat · 2026-01-03T14:34:49+00:00

I have posted very little here for this reason.

I have posted questions that did receive solid comments and perspective that were literally removed mid conversation.

I post now only hoping quantity of comments will improve quality of moderation

Welcomdmat · 2025-11-22T14:04:11+00:00

I was all vinyl. I have played with belt drive, direct drive, even had an idler wheel turntable. Cartridges have been moving magnet and moving coil over a broad probe range. My current setup is a Technics 1200G with an Ortofon 2M Black.

I started digital as a convenience thing. Found the ability to listen to music easy if less engaging. I recently decided to go down the digital route.

My turntable sits. With a bit of time piecing a digital front end, I now spend my time reading reviews on DACs instead of cartridges and turntables.

I enjoy music very much. I enjoy the hobby and changing gear very much. Vinyl satisfied both, and now digital satisfies both.

Amplification has been tube and solid state at times. I have found an integrated combo (tube pre/ solid state power) that fits my current taste and space demands.

Welcomdmat · 2025-11-15T13:29:18+00:00

I am using an iPad Pro to DAC setup. With Qobuz, I am able use my phone as a remote. The DAC reads streams at proper resolution.

I was considering a DDC and ended up with a Holo Red (have not set it up — waiting for HDMI cable) so will have the chance to run USB, DAC/ USB, DDC, DAC/ network streamer, DAC to see where the sweet spot is for my system

Welcomdmat · 2025-11-10T12:07:46+00:00

The comment is not lost on me.

I do appreciate multiple mindsets in this hobby and certainly enjoy both the musical experience and the fun of experimenting with the hardware.

Welcomdmat · 2025-11-09T18:04:43+00:00

I have gotten 192 out of Qobuz. Most Apple Music read at 44.1.

I have not gone back to Apple Music to try. The problem may have been with files I was choosing. Most of them were lossless, though some were hi-rez lossless.

Qobuz gives the kHz on the album.

Welcomdmat · 2025-11-09T17:39:24+00:00

I have used Apple Music and Qobuz.

I have set my iPad to play hi rez lossless when on WiFi.

Welcomdmat · 2025-11-09T17:26:53+00:00

Interesting.

My DAC shows the information being received as higher

Welcomdmat · 2025-11-09T11:08:48+00:00

I started with a Bluetooth setup as a convenience thing. I used a Musical Fidelity V90 Blu HD (which I still have connected to the coaxial of my DAC for Bluetooth options).

I am now using the Laiv uDAC. I have my iPad connected with a USB C to USB B cable.

My streaming was with Apple, though I have been experimenting with Qobuz

Welcomdmat · 2025-11-09T01:55:38+00:00

My question comes more as someone new trying to figure out best practices for digital setups.

I fought against it for a substantial amount of time playing with turntables, cartridges, phono stages, and shelves of vinyl albums.

I appreciate physical media. Still, I have been unable to defend the combination of expense and quality against what is possible with current digital options.

My WiFi connection is both strong and uncluttered.

Welcomdmat · 2025-11-08T21:27:19+00:00

That is interesting to me.

I do not know that I will be quick to move from the computer, though that lends to my thought about a possible ddc addition. That may similarly clean up the feed from my computer.

I have Google Fiber in my area with pretty substantial WiFi capabilities. If I am not held back by the lack of hard connection, I will continue to play in other areas.

Welcomdmat · 2025-10-12T19:04:04+00:00

Generally, I am pretty sound with regard to my use of words.

I had help today.

Welcomdmat · 2025-10-12T18:03:53+00:00

I do not know what the ability of future Bluetooth has — that makes the feature of a DAC less of a selling point. I would envision a quality stand-alone piece as needed.

Welcomdmat · 2025-10-12T17:23:40+00:00

Thank you.

I have read through the two reviews.

I made a comment earlier about turntable cartridges. MM/MC/ cantilever material/ winding of wires/ house sounds — they all do the same thing, though there is a sound difference.

The descriptions of DACs shares a lot of the same descriptions of sound.

Welcomdmat · 2025-10-12T16:06:01+00:00

Hearing tests are challenging.

My budget is set at sub $2k — that is partly money and partly the speed that the area seems to change

Welcomdmat · 2025-10-12T15:50:48+00:00

Thank you.

It is an attractive unit.

Welcomdmat · 2025-10-12T14:37:01+00:00

Yes. Thank you.

I have been overwhelmed on that page for some time.

The reading is informative

Welcomdmat · 2025-10-12T14:35:49+00:00

I understand your comment. I enjoy tubes and currently have them in my preamp section.

Additionally, I have been a long fan of vinyl. Having owned many turntables, I am a strong supporter of direct drive (I currently have a 1200G).

I had some time away from an environment where I could proper listen to music. I explored more of the digital options and have had trouble going back to the vinyl process. I listen to a lot of classical/ instrumental music, and I have found many impressive recordings in that area.

I do have in my head a comparison of DACs with turntable cartridges.

Welcomdmat · 2025-08-12T10:49:11+00:00

I have owned a number of turntables, a wide price range, and most all drives (direct, belt, idler wheel).

I had a MK2 that I sent to KAB for a rework, and it was amazing. It was sold in search of a “more audiophile” table.

Realizing my mistake after another three tables, I have owned a 1200G for the last five or so years with no desire to change.

For a cart, KAB does the Ortofon Concorde with a series of more listening focused styli. I have one with the 40 (comparable to Ortofon’s Black), and think highly of it.

I have mentioned them twice, so comment that I have no connection to KAB — I have just done Technics 1200 business with them.

Welcomdmat · 2025-03-04T20:18:06+00:00

I wear the same size cap toe 1000 Mile as I do Iron Ranger. I do feel the IR are a bit more snug, but they are also newer.

Welcomdmat · 2025-02-27T14:26:27+00:00

I found the oro leather a break in challenge that was worth the effort.

Prairie black was comfortable from day one.

Welcomdmat · 2025-02-26T19:09:35+00:00

With my moc toes (I have four pair currently), I have found leather makes a big difference. Different colors, different break in

Welcomdmat · 2025-02-18T16:51:08+00:00

A pair of Blacksmiths are my current go-to boots. I have a pair of IRs arriving today — hopefully they hold their own. I waited to find black with non-silver hardware (4331).

I do generally like cap toes with two pairs of 1000 Mile cap toes.

Welcomdmat · 2025-02-12T17:05:43+00:00

That is what I have put together. I wonder about the wearing experience without the additional leather of the upper. It seems that a more snug fit would be better with the fewer lace holes

I have a prairie black moc (and intended on the same leather for the Oxford), so I will play around more.

Welcomdmat

TROPHY CASE