What's in the box!

Very twisty.

Moving up from the Shunyata Delta?

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Indeed. Early on in my audiophile journey, it seemed crazy to me to spend even over $100 on a power cord, but I kept an open mind and tried it. There was a noticeable improvement when I did, so naturally, I eventually started wondering “well, what if I go to the next level”. Having spotted a really sweet deal on this AQ Thunder on US Audio Mart, I figured I’d give it a go. Well, sure enough, it’s noticeably better. There’s a blacker background, and I can hear “deeper” into the music, and pick up just that much more low-level detail.

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I had a BAT VK-40 power amp that used those huge tubes; they used them in Russian MiG jets, fyi…

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Ha! I changed interconnects and it actually improved things - more low end texture, more clarity with a lowered noise floor. I was really prepared for the purchase to be a waste of money and laugh at myself accordingly. I plugged the cable in and I started laughing for other reasons.

I think I can resist going to “higher end” cables though. If I ever get to full super saiyan with my gear then maybe I’ll start playing with cables.

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Here’s a DIY test that may help the folks out there w.r.t. noise floor:

It’s useful to capture RFI noise related issues as well. E.g.: one may have a killer power chord but there’s RFI (or perhaps a ground loop?) bleeding through the TOTL headphone amp RCA input. :wink:

Cheers. :beers:

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What did you plug your new cable into? Was your Shunyata the Delta NR v2?

Wall to PS Audio Stellar Power Plant.

Delta EF (not sure if 2). Just something I picked up used. Was better than the stock cable, but the AQ Thunder is definitely a step up from that.

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Waiting for Mogwai OG.

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I’d been listening to a borrowed Yggy for the last couple of weeks and loved the synergy with the Nautilus so much that I grabbed a used one. Thanks to all of you who helped me come to this decision.


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Have you considered the Nectar Hive? I enjoy mine thoroughly, but would like to hear comparisons from those who have listened to more estats than I have.

I haven’t heard an e-stat that I didn’t like in some way. From the Koss ESP-6 to 1980’s STAX to what I’ve heard in modern headphones.

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Innuos Zen Mini MK3 with LPSU.
I love Innuos approach to digital music and it’s management.
Incredibly solid, easiest thing to set up and enjoy.
With Innous 2.0 and Innuos Sense coming this is really exciting.
IMG20210506172405

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Congrats!!
I got my Mini MK3 with the LPSU some weeks ago and it is one of the best audio buys, I have made so far.I use it for both my own Flac files, CD’s and streaming.
I got help from Innuos to set up Deezer, they have the best support, so reach out to them if needed. They are quick and reply also after normal opening hours.

And yes, Innuos 2.0 looks fantastic.

Enjoy :grin: :+1:

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Here is a unboxing series and lifestyle photo for the Grado Hemps =) I will say they need the Yaxi pads… or other aftermarket pads… the stock pads… you might as well not have pads on ha! Also, these are really nice sounding, they are punchy and smooth, still a tad bright… and the build is classic Grado… comfort is ok with the Yaxi pads… I like the sound signature… but not sure if I could listen to these all day.







GradoHemps-16

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Thank you.
I had to replace my very, very old CD player and needed an house for my digital music so Zen Mini looked like the perfect solution also because it’s small enough to keep it on my desk with no problems.
The quality of the internal DAC after some listening sounds very good.
Innuos support and developing is outstanding.
I’m very happy with it and Innuos 2.0 will improve the usability of the device.

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Loving the pads @TylersEclectic

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Grado: Purple Kush edition :laughing:

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12 posts were merged into an existing topic: The buying experience Thread good or bad

This box thread should be a happy place – borderline more appropriate here, if anywhere.

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The cost was a part of my choice, but the real trigger was the size. I also has it on my desk and the other variants just don’t fit. I really like the small footprint it has.

Innuos 2.0 is supposed to launch end of May, so it is going to be almost like Christmas :wink:
It is a more pricy streamer, so I don’t know of many who has one, but those who do love it, so it’s all about buying it and then don’t look back.

I have not used the internal Dac yet, but I have heard the same that it is quite good, so that is also a benefit I should look into.

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New DAP day.

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