I’ve been all over the place this year with gear. But if I had to pick one thing that I have no complaints about, a piece of gear that gives me endless joy whenever I pick it up, it is the Ziigaat Estrella.
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Three big ones stand out for me. The first one might be cheating, since I got it last December, but getting properly acquainted with the AIC-10. Trying different tubes, finding out what suites my preferences, and just hearing how much it changes with that single tube. That’s been a tremendous amount of fun.
Second would be getting my power situation cleaned up with the Niagara 5000. It wasn’t quite as big of an improvement as getting off of the PC, but it’s been worth it.
Finally, the surprise Innuos Pulse. I’d been browsing on and off for a “new” streamer to upgrade from the UltraRendu I had been using, but hadn’t honestly thought I’d do that this year. Until a power outage killed it. New Signature Rendu’s were more than I wanted to spend, and all of the ones on USAM were 5 years old. So I reached out to the dealer that sold me the Niagara and got a good enough price on the Pulse that I bought it. It arrived DOA.
Innuos took care of me though. One of the best customer service experiences I’ve ever had. They had a new replacement unit to me in just a few days, and earlier this month one of their NA reps called me to make sure everything was still fine. They definitely deserve to make my Highlight list for that alone. The Pulse is also pretty good, too. I’ve had no complaints, lol.
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My highlight this year has been about how wanting to build amplifiers has been a catalyst to take up woodwork and building up a little workshop. All because I wanted to make nicer chassis. While I have just started on this path - winter kind of got in the way and it is cold in the garage - I am really looking forward to the spring. I am preparing my “final” version of the Whammy with my own PCB design. I have my source selector box to finish which will be my first start to finish self build and I am looking forward to making a little desk top shelf stack to put it all on.
I have learnt so much about electronics and amplifier design and have much more to learn! I’ve relearnt 3D modeling so I can use my little CNC machine next year and spent way too much time trying to find a really bright light for the garage because eyes getting older is a thing.
I’ve had a lot of fun this year and listened to a lot of music.
Oh and one amazing purchase! I bought the Grado Hemps and oh my they changed everything for me. They sound so so good. Taught me to stop worrying about how popular or well reviewed things are and just to go with my instinct for what I will enjoy. So next year I really want to get hold of the new Beyerdynamic 1770 MK2.
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My 2024 highlight has most definitely been getting the ZMF Aegis amp. I consolidated a collection of tube and solid-state amps down to a single super-versatile one. It has the ability to bring the best out of my high-impedance dynamics as well as my low-impedance planars. It’s also prompted me to dive head first into tube rolling again, which is both fun and somewhat addictive.
I’ve really enjoyed sitting down most nights and enjoying such a relaxing and captivating sound. I’m impressed every time!
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I have replaced the Mundorf Silver/Gold/Oil caps on my MC Chanson amplifier with Audionote Copper.
That was the right move and I’ve been well rewarded for it.
Another upgrade was to fit the amplifier with a small mod so that the tubes are not only operated up to max. 200V, but up to 240V.
Many output tubes have benefited a lot from this.
I have also been able to find good deals and bargains on tubes for the amplifier which are very good.
Another and the best highlight in December 2024 was the exchange of the Feliks Euforia for a new Verite Closed Black/White Ebony, which had a maximum of 20 hours of operation on the clock.
It was not only a special deal but also a great gift in a way with a great story behind it.
I will definitely treasure the headphones and the great wood also sounds damn good next to the great tuning of the Verite closed.
I’m really grateful for that and very satisfied.
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Judging by her expression she is already getting used to you talking so much
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