TLDR: An attempt to head off the terrible things that family passes out at Christmas based off of an “audiophile web site” gift guide list.
Please post your favorite musical discovery, accessory purchase, underrated gem or valuable tweak!
Let’s avoid the “susvara” wish list nonsense, and actually put together a list of nice stuff at stocking stuffer prices.
My first thought is a modular cable set from Hart Audio (no affiliation) or Dunu. Even if you regularly use higher end cables, a adapter set can come in handy when you want to try a new amp, or run a fast A/B comparison without investing in a specific cable.
I’ve picked up several 3.5mm extension cables from the KabelDirekt Pro Series on Amazon, 3’ length for those times when the cable that came with your Headphones is Just A Smidgen too short for comfort.
Inexpensive, well made, would be a good Stocking Stuffer.
Based on a recommendation on the HifiGuides forum, I bought the KZ DQ6 (~$30 on Amazon) and did a filter swap with the Tanchjim Tanyas (~$25 on Amazon). The resulting IEM (the DQ6 with the Tanya filters) easily does battle with IEMs that cost hundreds of dollars, especially on rock tracks and stuff with a strong backbeat. Stock the DQ6 has stunning separation and imaging for something in its price bracket, but the treble is a little shouty and harsh. The new filters completely fixes the treble and results in something shockingly good for the price. It’s a V-shaped tuning and it’s not going to rival more expensive earphones for detail, speed, or clarity, but if you want something with slam and impact, fullness, separation, imaging, soundstage, and fun, these are a great choice.
It really depends on the cartridge.
With the Denon DL 103 series the body and the shell are simply glued (soft glue) so you can heat it with an hair dryer, cut the residue with a cutter and change the shell.
It takes some ability and patience but it is quite simple.
In 30 years at the shop I believe I did more than 500 Denon DL 103 and I’ve seen often some damaged but nothing irreparable.
