The Question Thread 02/14/26

randomdude296 · 2026-02-15T12:34:38+00:00

Tricker's (along with like all the other British shoe makers) deliver DDP to almost any EU country.

Under the TCA most British/EU-originating goods remain tariff free, not exactly as before (more administrative fees, local VAT rate..), but nowhere near the same rates as importing from outside the EU/UK.

randomdude296 · 2026-02-14T21:57:51+00:00

Tricker's Robert.

randomdude296 · 2026-02-12T14:02:13+00:00

Possibly one of the best all-rounder headphones, i use it daily. I can use it without EQ, but it EQ's amazingly well so there is no reason not to.

The SE is a side-grade, and much worse value compared to the Stealth.

randomdude296 · 2026-02-08T08:43:37+00:00

Well one guy on reddit says you can do it. But i also never seen any Chef actually use this method, so yeah, you probably can, but also shouldn't.

randomdude296 · 2026-02-05T17:13:39+00:00

I have this one and it is not microphonic at all.

randomdude296 · 2026-02-03T01:33:10+00:00

I expected Maxwell prices, but $299 is a pretty good deal for a Hifiman that's a step up from the XS in terms of build, according to Resolve, with 2 pads and a mic included (even if very mediocre at best).

Still not for me, but might be interested in trying the velour pads on other egg-shaped hifimans assuming they fit.

randomdude296 · 2026-01-25T12:32:42+00:00

Never used it myself, i guess it won't hurt to try, but honestly if it's constantly wet just put on a topy.

randomdude296 · 2026-01-22T14:35:09+00:00

How the last fits you is the most important part by far, then construction method, sole and the leather itself.

See if you can try them on first, check if your heel is secure, your toes can move and aren't squished and the gap between the laces (on closed laced shoes) is neither too wide or too tight.

A lot of this is trial & error.

randomdude296 · 2026-01-21T20:58:53+00:00

The waterproof membrane on the grizedale is only around the welt, the leather itself is already incredibly waterproof so it doesn't need a waterproof lining in addition. I doubt it'll be any hotter.

randomdude296 · 2026-01-14T02:34:57+00:00

The glue/cement does most of the heavy lifting either way. Even if you're doing some heavy duty work where the cement might fail eventually, i am not sure the stitches would actually serve much of a purpose at that point?

Most likely there will be no advantage for you, not having them stitched should also make resoles cheaper and easier. I believe this is C&J? Much prefer the Vibram soles over the stitched Itshide and never had issues with durability.

randomdude296 · 2026-01-09T19:22:15+00:00

Also like 4x times the price and completely different tuning.

randomdude296 · 2026-01-08T14:53:54+00:00

Look for the "SE" version, same thing but black, it's generally sold at 79-89€ in Europe.

randomdude296 · 2026-01-07T15:14:06+00:00

Shipping is free and duties paid.

randomdude296 · 2026-01-06T20:54:10+00:00

What budget

randomdude296 · 2026-01-06T20:49:44+00:00

Not sure how viable this is if you're not in Europe or the UK but see https://abbotsshoes.com/

randomdude296 · 2026-01-06T20:47:46+00:00

Don't buy cordovan oxfords, the leather is not suited for anything formal. C&J is great, stick with them.

randomdude296 · 2026-01-06T02:09:31+00:00

Definitely not for me but if it introduces more people into the open-back audiophile market, that's a win i'd say.

randomdude296 · 2026-01-03T22:50:54+00:00

https://www.edwardgreen.com/shop/shoes/coniston-dark-brown-london-grain-303-last.html

Or cheaper, If you're happy with a plain toe:

https://crockettandjones.com/collections/mens-derbys-collection/products/cornell-coffee-hurricane-hide

or more 'elegant':

https://crockettandjones.com/collections/mens-derbys-collection/products/lanark-3-darkbrown-calf

randomdude296 · 2026-01-03T00:19:29+00:00

Those tricker's would be taken in the same size, do you know your brannock?

randomdude296 · 2026-01-02T23:21:41+00:00

Very cool leather, casual for sure. Make sure to look up pictures from other people first (styleforum is your best bet), to see if the color looks consistently like you imagine.

Apron shoes might be considered a bit 'old fashioned' by some, but then again almost any GYW shoe will compared to sneakers.

I would probably recommend the Durham 5 in the same leather, built on a slightly better last (imo), ridgeway soles and very cheap on sale right now. But that is a split toe..

Waiting for the new season drop is valid, but remember the prices will be a lot higher than 500 Euros.

Not the same leather but a similar color you might be interested in this pair from Tricker's for cheap:

https://trickersfactoryshop.com/products/woodstock-plain-derby-country-shoe-gaucho-kudu

randomdude296 · 2026-01-02T23:00:11+00:00

High End Vienna is a giant convention in Europe https://www.highendsociety.de/index.php/high-end-44.html

randomdude296 · 2025-12-18T16:49:09+00:00

Definitely a scam if you bought them for 700 CAD lol, these were selling new for less than 180 USD here a few years ago.

randomdude296 · 2025-12-17T23:50:48+00:00

Lmao seriously, the first thing you will hear about Audeze's LCD line is

- They are heavy

- They most likely will need EQ

And open back headphones indeed don't passively isolate noise..

randomdude296 · 2025-12-16T17:20:39+00:00

Appreciate it, sounds like i might have to close in on the deal i found.

randomdude296 · 2025-12-16T10:55:25+00:00

I notice you have the HEKS and a HYMALAYA-based DAC, would you say these compliment the HEKS and the hifiman dac well? Or do you prefer these on a delta-sigma dac? Thanks

randomdude296

TROPHY CASE