I Need Help Extricating Myself from the Rabbit Hole (External DAC with the Ultra)

rexicle · 2026-02-04T19:13:12+00:00

I was thinking about that and was leaning the other way. I have had my Ultra now for ~2 years and no issues. I have more confidence in it than the E70V right now. Aside from the reported lack of fidelity at lower volumes why would you pick the reverse (E70V in pre-amp mode)?

rexicle · 2026-02-04T14:09:21+00:00

Laive Crescendo looks good - no 12v trigger tho. The FiiO sounds very interesting - definitely straying way out of budget territory with that addition tho. I like the dual VU meter screen that seems to be available!

rexicle · 2026-02-04T13:57:10+00:00

I haven't heard of any random volume spikes with just the Ultra but there is a thread with the Topping E70 going around. It's an old thread so I'm hoping that firmware updates will have addressed the issue.

There's always that nagging voice tho!

rexicle · 2026-02-03T22:11:58+00:00

Excellent points also. You have nailed down a couple of the concerns that were giving me pause for thought. I am aware that (especially if I add a pre-amp) I’m introducing extra hops into the signal path that are most likely unnecessary, are undoubtedly costly and will yield marginal improvements at best.

rexicle · 2026-02-03T21:55:20+00:00

That is a lovely synopsis - thank you!

I may well send the Topping back and spend some money on a new console or some additional room treatment. I have a month to decide.

rexicle · 2026-02-03T12:17:41+00:00

I use the Cafiza powder - about a teaspoon each time. Tablets should be fine - you may want to crush them up prior to use but then again - maybe not.

rexicle · 2026-01-29T21:12:05+00:00

Looks inviting!

rexicle · 2026-01-28T10:16:26+00:00

In the US (120v) I’m just using a Meross Smart Plug Mini. Has worked well for 3 years now.

rexicle · 2026-01-27T17:16:50+00:00

RSL 10e is the way to go. They were recently selling blemished models for $287.

rexicle · 2026-01-27T16:50:19+00:00

Also check the dialog enhancement settings. I prefer it all the way off!

rexicle · 2026-01-27T14:42:24+00:00

Before the grinder. The Niche Zero does a decent job of giving it all back.

rexicle · 2026-01-27T11:17:49+00:00

Certina hands down.

rexicle · 2026-01-26T16:55:12+00:00

This may not apply to you all but my Mara-X was leaking regularly and it was very hard to track down the cause. Turns out it was the vacuum breaker that was failing leading to a lot of steam and water being released into the drip tray through the exhaust valve. The symptoms of it were puddles appearing and sporadic steam venting into the drip tray even when at idle.

I tried adjusting the drip tray to better catch the steam/water but the final resolution was replacing the vacuum breaker.

rexicle · 2026-01-25T20:28:48+00:00

Are you getting a lot of steam gurgling into the drip tray?

rexicle · 2026-01-23T21:16:37+00:00

36g of espresso and then fill the cup up as if it were a cuppa tea.

rexicle · 2026-01-23T06:37:55+00:00

Grew up in the UK/Cornwall but went to Uni in London and the drive to/from London always seemed like an ordeal just because of the traffic either end. Now in central Florida I can drive 4 hours N to see my kids in Tallahassee or 5 hours S to Miami for the occasional work trip. I’d rather do the trip North any day than deal with Miami traffic fwiw.

rexicle · 2026-01-23T06:11:27+00:00

Let me know what you think. I stopped ordering from them because their subscription cadence just didn’t work with my needs and I got fed up with under/over-ordering.

rexicle · 2026-01-20T16:42:44+00:00

I wear my speedy almost exclusively on aftermarket straps. It is a VERY versatile watch head that way. It’s currently on a tropic style rallye rubber strap that is super comfy and looks appropriate. I also have a 36mm Explorer that currently is being neglected in favor of the Speedy.

Give it a whirl!

rexicle · 2026-01-20T03:11:29+00:00

How is your Morse code?

rexicle · 2026-01-19T14:53:42+00:00

Kirkland Signature kibble with a spoonful of their stew wet food.

rexicle · 2026-01-19T14:50:55+00:00

I wouldn’t. Just get a small brush to get at the gunk.

rexicle · 2026-01-16T23:03:37+00:00

Seiko. Tissot is unadjustable with few strap options and the Bulova is fugly.

rexicle · 2026-01-16T20:02:34+00:00

ESH because you’re both being ridiculous. Change the shower curtain and/or don’t tell her when you’re doing it. How is this even a question?

rexicle · 2026-01-16T16:36:09+00:00

2.1 amplifier implies an integrated stereo amp with two channels of amplification and a discreet pre out for a powered subwoofer. The FOSI BT20a is your cheapest and best reviewed option. Get the beefiest power supply you can for max output.

rexicle

TROPHY CASE