2021 Golden Schlong Nominations

Discussion in 'Leaderboard, Overboard, and Deals' started by purr1n, Nov 27, 2021.

  1. wadec22

    wadec22 Almost "Made"

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    Clear MG for E
    Clear for EV given the price drop ty following MG
    Jotunheim 2 for EV
    Drop PC38X for EV (believe release was very tail end of LY)
     
  2. AdvanTech

    AdvanTech Friend

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    When I first bought mine, I thought while it had a surprisingly balanced frequency response, it sounded somewhat dull.

    Lately, I’ve been thinking that maybe an automatic firmware update made them better, because I don’t think they’re so dull anymore.
     
  3. TomNC

    TomNC Friend

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    Another vote to SW 51+ for EV. It is the best amp I have heard for driving Grado headphones like the RS1i. While others reported better results with tube rolling, I am pleased with the amp with the stock tubes. The ruby red illumination is an extra nice touch, especially at winter night.
     
  4. Merrick

    Merrick A lidless ear

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    Vali 2+ for V and E, I honestly think it’s better than amps many times its price
    Fulla E for V
    Opamp modded Modi Multibit for VE, regular Modi MB for L
    ETA Gen G for VE
     
  5. jexby

    jexby Posole Prince

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    in favor of Vali 2+ for VE. in most SE cases would choose it over Jotunheim.
    not in favor of opamp-modded anything for an award. too niche for the badge to recommend mere mortals buy/perform such franken-hands-soldering upgrades.
     
  6. Azimuth

    Azimuth FKA rtaylor76, Friend

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    Maybe as a DIY category?

    It really skyrockets the Modi MB into a different class of DAC. Or really, showcases what is really there on the design.
     
  7. jexby

    jexby Posole Prince

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    DIY category makes sense.
    in no way discounting the improvements- just saying, an award isn't intended to draw regular folk into the world of part by part replacement hacks.
     
  8. Empyah

    Empyah Facebook Friend

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    HD6XX LVE
     
  9. Arun Kumar

    Arun Kumar Friend

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    HD650 LVE #LoveForever
    Soekris 2541 - LE
     
  10. bixby

    bixby Friend

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    Just curious of the rules, what is the deadline?

    Wait, what even are the "rules"

    Can I nominate the Senn HD-414 ?
     
    Last edited: Nov 27, 2021
  11. ChaChaRealSmooth

    ChaChaRealSmooth SBAF's Mr. Bean

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    iFi Zen Phono for Gold. V and E
     
  12. AdvanTech

    AdvanTech Friend

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    EVL seems too generous for the Freya+. JFET mode is good, but passive is worse than a goldpoint, and tube mode throws away far too much information.
     
  13. Elnrik

    Elnrik Super Friendly

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    Sw51+ for VE

    Dirty butthole awards to the DCA Stealth, Meze Elite, and Audeze LCD-5 for making the original Focal Utopia MSRP seem like a f'ing bargain.
     
  14. Riotvan

    Riotvan Snoofer in the Woofer

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    I don't think tube mode throws away too much, it's all still there under a bit of bloom. Compared to jfet and digital without preamp. I do sit in nearfield though so that might be a factor too.

    Anyway my ears will gladly take any sins of omission for the "sins" of commission with tube mode.
     
  15. Lyander

    Lyander Official SBAF Equitable Empathizer

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    Schiit Magni 3+ for V honestly. I got this as a stopgap cuz the Fulla 2 was making it so I wasn't listening to music for fun much but this actually surprises me a fair bit; I'm more inclined to upgrade DACs now when the budget allows and hold on to this neat box. Modi 3+ has ludicrous detail retrieval for the price class but it's a bit bland overall? Might actually prefer the Micro iDSD just for its being a more engaging listen despite lacking the resolution.

    Etymotic ER2XR for V and L at this point since they're excellent beaters, even if they might be somewhat boring to listen to (the fit is excellent for people with tiny conchae).

    Garage 1217 Sunrise/Horizon duo for V and L? May require external PS but damn if I don't regret selling the Sunrise off still.
     
  16. Koth Ganesh

    Koth Ganesh Friend

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    I like the Freya S for EV. And for a whole boatload of convenience in terms of connecting pro DACs to consumer amps.
     
  17. E_Schaaf

    E_Schaaf MOT: E.T.A Headphones

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    Valhalla 2 for longevity
    DSHA3F for excellence
    ER2XR for value
     
  18. Philimon

    Philimon Friend

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    Brown starfish noms:

    ——————————

    Ridiculous @ETA Gen as value proposition. Its a driver slapped onto a low-res 3DP baffle topped with cotton for $800.

    @E_Schaaf becoming a MOT is most sad because Ev pre-ETA was an awesome contributor to SBAF but I guess he wanted some return. Not brown starfish bad but ETA was most disappointing.

    ETA GenP literally a $20/pair of drivers, and 3DP baffle with pads ($10) which required $600. I was told by ETA the 3DP filament is very costly though. “Dont forget to bring your own headband and cables!” ETA GenG same thing but with $100/pair drivers and foam + cotton.

    ETA sound is subjective so Ill leave that. But the ETA crew flagging all ETA related posts as “epic” while completely ignoring most all criticisms … save that shit for Head-Fi.

    Head-Fi is full of way overpriced chi-fi. Id call out that shit too if nominated. I dont follow iem scene but I bet that’s leading edge on highest mark ups over cost of production.

    ETA’s markups are reasonable considering market, mystique, and cost to go full-time. ETA is striving to improve their products. Innovation is expensive. I support.

    ————————————

    @headphone modding services not being considered MOTs. Then dont ask me for $xxx to stuff foam in my headphone cups.

    ————————————

    Some brown starfish honorable mentions can be found here. The OP being more evidence of how seriously good E_Schaaf can be.

    ———————————-

    Silver lining is momentum to diy. Doesnt always save you money but you learn and meet some of the nicest people online.
     
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  19. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    Moondrop Kato for E,V
    And both their Starfield and Aria for V

    I just received some Black Friday AirPod Pros, so might have an opinion soonish.
     
  20. Philimon

    Philimon Friend

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    Another bs nom. Abyss trying $50 Foster bio headphone and saying they could take that driver and then dress up to sell for $3-400. (@7:50 mark):
     

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