Found 'em …I do not recommend 
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LG V30 + FLC 8s IEMs
These were my first dip into “high-end” audio in late 2017. Okay, I guess, technically, I got into “high-end” audio when I got a SoundBlaster X-Fi Elite Pro in 2004 to review for NVNews.net, but I didn’t keep that past like 2010 and only had a shitty Logitech 5.1 system (that was just a wall of “stereo” in front of me).
Anyway, I’ve had a few stand-alone DAPs…the Hiby R5 which I found to have a very boring/unengaging sound and an almost impossibly small UI that frequently caused way too much frustration trying to tap the correct 4px x 4px button. 
And the FiiO M15…while I enjoyed the sound on that one, it was fucking massive and I ended up never using it because it was too unwieldy for walks/working out and it was too expensive to risk.
But the V30…DAMN that phone sounds amazing. I’ve tried the Andromeda and Drop + JVC HA-FDX1 with it, but there was no synergy with either. The JVCs sounded INCREDIBLY with the M15, but not good enough to keep that DAP. The V30 is light, it’s jailbroken with VIPER4Android, and it has a number of filters and other adjustments that have a surprisingly large impact on the sound signature.
And the FLC 8s have this unique tuning approach with three spots in each IEM that can have different filters applied to tailor the sound to your preferences/the device. I’ve used a few different combinations and have settled on one that, with the V30, sounds so incredibly detailed and organic. I try not to use the V30 too much since it’s old and the battery is okay-ish…I don’t want to kill it, since I can’t find anyone locally who’ll replace the battery and that’s not something I’m comfortable doing myself.
Anyway, not the highest-end shit, but an incredible combo that brings aural joy.
4 Likes
Beautifully clean and dymanic power from an old Acurus DIA-100 MKii integrated amp. Bought new while stationed on North Island in San Diego, 1993. Maybe not the “best” but has been reliable and was my first mid-fi plus purchase as a young man.
Stock photo:
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I just realised that these are another piece of kit that I’ve had for a while. They’ve been part of our living room TV system on and off for years.
I’ve replaced these with “better” speakers a few times now but I have circled back round to these as they throw a wide stage and image great. These M73s just needed a subwoofer. The Mrs actually comments on sound systems when we’re out and about and says, ‘Our living room set-up sounds better than this’. Happy wife, happy life.
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I still have 2 Audio Control car amps from roughly 30 years ago.
Wish I’d kept the Mac amps from those days. Oh well.
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My missus wanted music in the kitchen a few years ago after she moved in. It’s been perfect, headache free, easy to use, she streams her Spotify and YouTube and absolutely enjoys it daily. This is the system and equipment I have placed and not touched the longest in the house.
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I have an SMSL SA300 that I can say the same about I use it fed from the spring3 KTE to power some near field speakers and a sub woofer for one of my desktops. Great little piece of kit filling in a unique niche use for me decently and inexpensive.
3 Likes