There have certainly been some boozy, cold, winter nights in there!
2 Likes
Word dude, man I think Im gonna need to step my room game up. Nothing but depression in those walls HAHAHAHAHA. Gotta bring some nice memories in there.
1 Like
I saw a pair of OG HAwks on the local Facebook market. I almost pulled the trigger, but realized there are a few other headphone fish I want to fry first. What is happening with the dying ones?
1 Like
Even though the tonal balance is fairly different as the OG’s sound more warm as opposed to leaning slightly dark as the carbons do once in a while they are similiar enough where prioritizing other headphones might be the way to go for sure!
Just some misfortune struck em causing a driver to die, It feels weird knowing that It’s basically a dead headphone that will never have the joy of recreating music again and it legit feels like it’s soul left it’s body lol but I can’t bring myself to throw it away. However I also can’t bring myself to display it outside because it feels wrong just using it as decoration. Just kind of usually have it locked away haha.
1 Like
Have you tried contacting Audioquest to see if they have replacement drivers?
1 Like
I actually haven’t, since they discontinued the headphone I just assumed they wouldn’t service them. Also I guess I’m kind of like, just gotta let them go UwU
They might not service them, but they might have a driver as a replacement part. Could be worth an email…
2 Likes
Around three months ago I had to get my debit card replaced, It never arrived so I needed to call them to make an appointment to get it replaced (due to some shipping restrictions around here).
Up do this second, I have been making it by without it LOL. Ill try to hit them up, but my lazyness is strong. Besides being an intense person lazyness might be my strongest trait.
1 Like
Way of life, my friend.
4 Likes
The laze is strong with this one
1 Like
word.
1 Like
I did add the vinyl tint to the windows and i also have them blocked off w/ insulation material now. Same for the fireplace, it is completely blocked off and I have soundproofing materials there now. I honestly have no complaints as far as the sound goes. I get nice bass, well blended with whichever speakers i am using at the time. Along the long wall, The soundstage is deep behind the speakers, pretty good separation and good height. Width comes a bit outside the speakers but does not reach wall to wall like some systems i have heard.
I can’t tell if there are weird spikes, bad decay, or timing issues. I just don’t know music enough to pinpoint those kind of issues. I enjoy listening, i still move the chair and different speakers around trying to find the exact best spot for each combo and also trying to figure out when the DAC affects sounds, when its related to the amp or whatever else i happen to be playing with. The room sound changes weekly depending on what i have hooked up and that’s allot of fun, learning and understanding what different pieces do in the room.
Lastly, the decor is slowly coming in and i am very much enjoying the space, i want one or 2 more potted plants, i really enjoy the splashes of green life with the deep red walls. Maybe another music related piece or 2 on the walls and trying to figure out if a proper diffuser would widen the soundstage a bit more or if it’s something else i’m missing. As long as i keep learning i’m sure it will always be tweaked here and there.
1 Like
So was the vinyl on the widows for acoustics or just for tint? Super fun to adjust the system to see how it responds. I think I would wear out the swivel on the Eames chair changing between systems! Don’t know if you like jazz, but Blue Note has huge art print reproductions of some of their iconic album cover art on their website. That would make a nice splash of color.
1 Like
@Flotsammy the windows needed tint, the thickness of the vinyl used was a bonus towards adding a bit less refection to the surface. Glass is still glass and will reflect when sound waves hit, i can’t change that. Yes, i am looking at more artwork but holding off in case i decide to use absorption or diffraction panels. Not doing anything just yet until I am sure if there are any qualities of the sound that i find displeasing. So far so good though, waiting on friends to visit to get more opinions and a different set of ears in the room to open further discussions.
2 Likes
@NickMimi Wallpaper the room in egg carton foam? Shag carpet on all 4 walls? 
I a went inside the soundproof booth at my daughter’s audiologist once. It was amazing- you don’t realize how much we hear sound reflections until they’re gone. Really helped me understand the power of room treatment. You’re right to be patient and do it right!!
2 Likes
@Andy77 in all honesty the room simply sounds best after 8pm or so when the house has quieted down. Ambient home noise absolutely plays a role in how the room sounds. General purpose home activities, laundry, dishwasher, cooking, HVAC working hard, TV’s playing elsewhere etc. all combined are just too much for any sort of critical listening or low wattage enjoyment.
Background music is different to me from when I actually sit down to listen.
Otherwise I have found the openness and size of the room makes for a pretty enjoyable audio experience.
Btw, you jest but at one time I really was considering hanging massive acoustic curtains up on the second level…
4 Likes
Well, didn’t really expect this to happen so quickly, but I’ve ticked off all of my 2022 goals in two months 
- DAC upgrade - dac2541
- Desktop amp upgrade - Singxer SA-1
- Listening chair amp upgrade - Violectric V280
- Big headphone move - Focal Utopia
Honorable mention goes to the ZMF Eikons - an excellent addition to the team! And the RNHP on my desk is a nice little addition, especially paired with the BF2.
(Need a new cable for balanced dt880 600ohm… )
(J2 doing computer audio duty. BF2 still sourced from WiFi → RPi4 → Intona → BF2. Sony CD900st are just for looks at this point.)
(@dB_Cooper - I pimped the Pi2AES I got from you with a couple stickers
Allo Shanti LPS powering the Pi2AES and an iFi SPDIF iPurifier. dac2541 sourcing both V280 and BHC - maybe not the greatest pairing, but sticking with it for now. )
Overall, very happy with this setup!
No changes currently planned, but likely a dac/amp that synergizes better with the Utopia. We’ll see… Any recommendations?
27 Likes
I rather like the specs and look of the ones customcans make if you are looking for ideas.
1 Like
You hear the term mid-fi hell a lot. That last pic of your’s is proof positive IMO that there can truly be Mid-Fi heaven. Good stuff!
4 Likes
Yes, I’m very much enjoying this setup. I’m still gathering my thoughts on the chain: Pi2AES → dac2541 → V280. But overall I’m very impressed. Everything I have sounds really good on this chain.
The big surprise standout for me is the ZMF Eikons. The spatial presentation is unique in my experience, and a lot of fun.
8 Likes