Phantaminum
Last Activity:
Mar 27, 2024 at 7:28 PM
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Mar 13, 2018
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362
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heart 16 16
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Gender:
Male
Birthday:
Sep 24, 1980 (Age: 43)
Location:
Dallas, TX
Occupation:
Software Developer

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Phantaminum

Friend, Male, 43, from Dallas, TX

Pyrate

It's going to be hard letting the Bokeh headphones go. It's so damn good with EDM and Electronica. Matter of fact with most everything. Mar 24, 2024 at 5:17 PM

Phantaminum was last seen:
Mar 27, 2024 at 7:28 PM
    1. Phantaminum
      Phantaminum
      Giving the Clear Mgs a few more days to let the drivers "burn in" but I find I'm enjoying the Focal Elex with the extra treble energy more.
      1. View previous comments...
      2. Vtory
        Vtory
        Haha I kinda predicted it. My suggestion is to throw in tracks you thought painful with elex. But maybe you'd end up returning it.
        Mar 31, 2021
      3. Phantaminum
        Phantaminum
        @nishan99 They're very similar. The Clear Mgs have tighter and better textured. It's not by a lot but it may matter to some. @Vtory These are great for sitting back and relaxing. Almost HD650 like quality to them. On some tracks it's amazing on other I just want that last bit of treble sparkle.
        Mar 31, 2021
        Jinxy245 and nishan99 like this.
      4. Vtory
        Vtory
        Yup, agreed. And I believe that's (fr-wise) the most important tradeoff potential buyers should consider.
        Mar 31, 2021
    2. Phantaminum
      Phantaminum
      First thought when I plugged Focal Clear Mg into the SW51+, “These really remind me of the ZMF Atticus”
      1. Gazny, Syzygy, Vtory and 2 others like this.
      2. Vtory
        Vtory
        A petit blast from the past! You reminded me of good old days with Atticus (I liked them a bit better over Eikon) half a decade ago. I remember I used to desire a souped-up Elear with Atticus.
        Mar 28, 2021
        Phantaminum likes this.
      3. Vtory
        Vtory
        Btw did SW work well? I didn't quite like any low Z with that amp. And lower registers (<40hz) were never solid regardless of Z. Additionally, CMG has an impedance peak around 40-60hz, which makes the problem a little trickier.
        Mar 28, 2021
      4. Phantaminum
        Phantaminum
        I really enjoy the Elex from the SW51+. The low-z out from that amp helps with the brighter nature of that headphone. It think it’s too much with the Clear Mg. Sounds better out of the Jotunheim 2 and Bifrost 2.
        Mar 28, 2021
        Jinxy245 and Vtory like this.
    3. Phantaminum
      Phantaminum
      Focal Elex, SW51+, and Bifrost 2 back in my bedroom. I’ve missed this fantastic combination.
      1. Merrick, Imraan, yotacowboy and 4 others like this.
    4. crenca
      crenca
      Phantaminum, do you like the Matrix X-Sabre with your EC Studio 300b > Verite? I am wondering if it would sharpen transients up out of my DNA Starlett over the Schiit MB dacs
      1. tommytakis
        tommytakis
        Not Phantaminum, but Matrix DAC does sharpen the transients for Starlett. I think they balance each other very well
        Jan 25, 2021
        crenca and Phantaminum like this.
      2. Phantaminum
        Phantaminum
        I preferred the MSP much more when paired with the EC Studio Jr because of the rounded off nature of the sound than the BF2. MSP adds more snap and crunch and I agree with @tommytakis that they synergize better. BF2 was a bit too much.
        Jan 25, 2021
        crenca likes this.
      3. ChaChaRealSmooth
        ChaChaRealSmooth
        It would. I ran this pairing (XSP + Starlett) for a while.
        Jan 25, 2021
        crenca likes this.
    5. Phantaminum
      Phantaminum
      Enjoying the heck out of the Jot 2 + Bifrost 2 and Auteurs. It's party on the ears.
      1. sheldaze, Syzygy, Erroneous and 3 others like this.
    6. Phantaminum
      Phantaminum
      Careful with the Electro Harmonix 300B tubes. Looks like they have bad batches. Preferable to go with JJ 300Bs for a cheap tube.
    7. Phantaminum
      Phantaminum
      Happy New Years everyone!
      1. hikergrl, Jinxy245, atomicbob and 5 others like this.
    8. Phantaminum
      Phantaminum
      I've been looking for a low priced (relative speaking) solid state amp. Welp, the Jot 2 should be coming in after the holidays.
      1. View previous comments...
      2. Phantaminum
        Phantaminum
        Yep. That’s why I keep losing money on new gear, lol. Who knows, if Jason has replaced the Lyr 3 with the Jot 2 the I’m looking forward to it.
        Dec 21, 2020
        HotRatSalad and fraggler like this.
      3. gaspasser
        gaspasser
        I’m hoping Jot 2 will be a cleaner betterer Asgard 3
        Dec 21, 2020
      4. HotRatSalad
        HotRatSalad
        Mine should be here today. Looking for super Asgard 3 experience. That amp is killer for $199.
        Dec 21, 2020
        Phantaminum likes this.
    9. Phantaminum
      1. YMO and Lyander like this.
    10. Phantaminum
      Phantaminum
      It’s been 10 years since I soldered anything. First thing soldered was a hot mess but now i’m right back into the swing of things.
      1. Syzygy, Jinxy245, Deep Funk and 2 others like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Phantaminum
        Phantaminum
        Oops meant to put that last comment here:
        Same group project that Famish and Yota worked on. :)
        Oct 3, 2020
        tommytakis likes this.
      4. gixxerwimp
        gixxerwimp
        Oct 3, 2020
        Azimuth likes this.
      5. gixxerwimp
        gixxerwimp
        I just priced it out here:
        - basic kit TU-8600R, no tubes: $1,088
        - with Lundahl upgrade: $1,693
        - EH Gold tube set: $273
        What's this thing supposed to sound like? Just found the thread ... will read.
        Oct 3, 2020
        Phantaminum likes this.
    11. Phantaminum
      Phantaminum
      Missing the Focal Utopia. Comfort killed me. Even the Aurorus Audio with the seatbelt strap is more comfortable.
      1. Vtory, tommytakis and YMO like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Phantaminum
        Phantaminum
        It is. I think one of the main reasons I found the Utopia uncomfortable was the clamping pressure on my ears. The rest of my stable don't clamp as hard. I didn't want to try to bend the headband since I've horror stories about them breaking. The headband didn't help either but that puppy is heavy as well.
        Sep 30, 2020
      4. Vtory
        Vtory
        Agreed. Among the same weight class, focals feel much heavier than the rest. And that's also my reason why I let elex go in the end.
        Sep 30, 2020
      5. Phantaminum
        Phantaminum
        Strangely enough, I didn't find the Elex uncomfortable. I did find them on the heavy side but it was bearable. Too bad because I really enjoyed them.
        Sep 30, 2020
    12. Phantaminum
      Phantaminum
      The Focal Utopia I ordered seem to be taking a trip to the East coast. From Cali to Texas and now Louisiana. Tomorrow Boston?
      1. YMO and Vtory like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Phantaminum
        Phantaminum
        @crenca I’m shaking my head since I live in Texas, it was at the right sorting facility by me, and now it’s in Louisiana. I have a feeling @Vtory diverted the package to his address. >_>
        Aug 6, 2020
      4. crenca
        crenca
        By the way, I have been sporting the Utopia's now for a week and sometimes, like right now listening to the first Rage Against the Machine album (not my usual genre) they just F#$%ing rock. They are always special, but even beyond this sometimes RROOCCKKK! ;)
        Aug 6, 2020
        Phantaminum likes this.
      5. crenca
        crenca
        And just now the RAtM album ended and Elgar's Violin concerto B minor (Hilary Hahn featured) was cued and I can still say RRROOCCCKKK!! Believe it or not, I have not been drinking ;)
        Aug 6, 2020
    13. Phantaminum
      Phantaminum
      Focal Utopia incoming. I’m becoming a sheep hoarder.
      1. Vtory
        Vtory
        The Show Must Go On. Looking forward to your impressions!
        Aug 1, 2020
        Phantaminum likes this.
      2. crenca
        crenca
        getting ready to write a paragraph or so on my impressions as my came in 48 hours ago. I expected it to be more hd800 than hd650 tonally, I was wrong...
        Aug 1, 2020
    14. Phantaminum
      Phantaminum
      Is La Felix - I Wanna Know the Aldi's version of Daft Punk's - Something About Us?
    15. Phantaminum
      Phantaminum
      I'm finally done with these deliverables. Now I can come up for a little air before the grind starts again. Time for summer things.
      1. hikergrl, Jinxy245, Lyander and 2 others like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Vtory
        Vtory
        I am supposed to present my research accomplishments to med school students and faculty members. Feel both excited and nervous. lol

        Three things got better in Philly: (1) cooler summer, (2) now I have more noise-tolerant neighbors, and (3) cheesesteaks taste really good here!
        Jul 17, 2020
        hikergrl likes this.
      4. Phantaminum
        Phantaminum
        You're going to do great man!

        So what you're trying to say is....next SBAF meeting at your place? :D
        Jul 17, 2020
      5. Vtory
        Vtory
        Unless... I am living in 440 sq ft studio. lol. A lot smaller than my previous place@Fort Worth. Same rent but half area. That's one thing I have to deal with in Philly. Funny thing is to add any change to my current living condition (house, car, etc), pandemic should be over anyway.
        Jul 17, 2020
        Phantaminum likes this.
    16. Vtory
      Vtory
      Bro, you've had SJr for quite a while. Not planning to write up any reviews? (Or please let me know the post address if I missed your review) Seeing you didn't sell, I think it didn't disappoint you though.
      1. Phantaminum
        Phantaminum
        Bro, my work schedule is bananas. 76 hour weeks have eaten up all of my time that writing a review is the last thought in my mind. Once the dust settles (hopefully in two weeks) i’ll probably pump out the EC Jr, Pendant, and Borealis review over a weekend.
        Jul 14, 2020
        Jinxy245, Gazny and Vtory like this.
    17. Phantaminum
      Phantaminum
      The Soncoz DAC website has me cracking up. Feels like reading a romance novel. Maybe it sounds great but that intro page, woo boy.
      1. Jinxy245 and fraggler like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. YMO
        YMO
        Nope
        Jul 6, 2020
        Phantaminum and monacelli like this.
      4. Vtory
        Vtory
        Jul 6, 2020
        Phantaminum likes this.
      5. Phantaminum
        Phantaminum
        @Vtory Maybe Amir was moved with how the "spiritis elevate, the heart is warmed, and your body is
        brought back into balance." Or he just got his jollies off reading the graphs.
        Jul 6, 2020
        RobS and YMO like this.
    18. Phantaminum
      Phantaminum
      ZMF Pendant, don't sleep on this amp. One of the most enjoyable amps I've had a pleasure to listen to in a while.
      1. View previous comments...
      2. tommytakis
        tommytakis
        @Phantaminum I've been curious about this amp for a while since Zach had a major part in tuning it, but barely any impressions on here :( How is the front/back layering compared to big boi Eddie Current/DNA stuff?
        Jun 2, 2020
      3. Phantaminum
        Phantaminum
        The comparison depends on the type of power tube being used in the Studio Jr. I say Studio Jr.because out of the box the ZMF Pendant does this really well with the default tubes. The EML 300B staging is flatter than the Pendant and I've rolled several sets of 396A/2C51 driver tubes. I came to the conclusion that's the characteristic of those power tubes. I'd rather listen to the Pendant than the Sjr with the EMLs in.
        Jun 2, 2020
        Cryptowolf likes this.
      4. Phantaminum
        Phantaminum
        Now the Psvanes 300bs are a different story. It has a deeper and wider sound stage than the Pendant but the Pendant gets very close to it's front to back layering. The thing that surprised me most was the clarity of the Pendant. Very vivid images. Personally this amp really hits it out the park with its price to performance ratio.
        Jun 2, 2020
        Cryptowolf likes this.
    19. Phantaminum
      Phantaminum
      Went to Houston to visit my family. Everyone outside without masks except for us. Back in Dallas, masks and social distancing. Phew.
      1. Deep Funk likes this.
    20. tommytakis
      tommytakis
      Just Binged Season 2 of Tower of God! The story just keeps getting better I couldn't stop reading lol ...on to Season 3!
      1. Phantaminum and Cellist88 like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Phantaminum
        Phantaminum
        Rachel reminds me of Geoffrey from GoT. Two characters so well written that your natural reaction when you see them is a deep, subconscious hate. She is “ugly”. SIU should really rename it Tower of Harem. ;)

        I still confused as to why SIU took down his earlier work. I guess it gives away too much about the tower and axis/exis.
        May 13, 2020
      4. tommytakis
        tommytakis
        Oh I had no idea SIU had other works relating to ToG? Are they prequels or something?

        Rachel is despicable, but there's some part of me that sees her as relatable and feel sorry for her more than hating her. She is destined to be outshined by Bam and wants to change destiny.

        hah I don't mind Harems at all as long as there's no excessive fanservice like some anime/manga
        May 13, 2020
        Phantaminum likes this.
      5. Phantaminum
        Phantaminum
        I find it funny that Rachel whines all the time about how life is unfair and she’s so unlucky, for someone being hard carried up the tower. How a cruel place like the Tower hasn’t eaten her alive really makes it hit home what Headon said. Some people are born strong and others are just lucky.

        The ToG Universe is bigger than what’s been shown. Let me know if you have any questions about it over PM.
        May 13, 2020
        tommytakis likes this.
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  • About

    Gender:
    Male
    Birthday:
    Sep 24, 1980 (Age: 43)
    Location:
    Dallas, TX
    Occupation:
    Software Developer
    Gear List:
    Source: PC | Schiit BF2 |
    Amp: Elekit TU-8600s| SW51+
    Headphones: ZMF Verite | ZMF Atrium| ZMF Auteur | Senn HD650 |

    Signature

    Source: PC | Bifrost 2 | Matrix X-Sabre Pro | Saga +
    Amp: Elekit TU-8600 | Shortest Way 51+
    Headphones: ZMF Verite Open | ZMF OG Auteur | ZMF Atrium Open | Senn HD650