Inoculator
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Birthday:
Feb 20, 1988 (Age: 36)
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Tacoma, WA

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Inoculator

Friend, Male, 36, from Tacoma, WA

Pyrate

Modded PS Audio Directstream MK1 is the real deal. Still firmware rolling a bit but up there with the best sources I have heard. Mar 26, 2024 at 9:37 AM

Inoculator was last seen:
Viewing forum list, Mar 29, 2024 at 3:27 AM
    1. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      Surprised to find myself entranced by jazz/folk/acoustic/vocal stuff on the Zu DWs...but everything else kind of meh impressions so far.
      1. Jinxy245 and Cryptowolf like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Cryptowolf
        Cryptowolf
        I have similar thoughts about the Omega 3 XRS and sub in my 2.1. For less complex music, they are magical. The Omega would not be my first choice for complex orchestral works, extreme metal, fast paced industrial, or big band. I hope to get Spatial Audio Speakers some day.
        May 28, 2021
        Inoculator likes this.
      4. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        @Cryptowolf good call on Spatial Audio, I would love to go that route, but can't get away with speakers way out into the room for this setup (toddlers and all that). Have some Ohm Walsh Tall 4000 on order I hope do the trick for quality but family friendly. These Zus are just a fun detour/distraction I always was intrigued to hear.
        May 28, 2021
        Cryptowolf likes this.
      5. Cryptowolf
        Cryptowolf
        I really like the Omega 3 XRS as nearish field speakers. I bought them used for $600 and they are a fantastic bargain. I figure they will eventually go in my home office when I upgrade to either Spatial or PAP in the next 10 years or so. I’ve heard the Zu and they are similarly fun.
        May 28, 2021
        Inoculator likes this.
    2. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      1. Jinxy245, rlow, sphinxvc and 3 others like this.
      2. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        My impressions so far, the people that love these speakers and hate these speakers are both right. They are what you have read. Very "fun", great with live music and image nicely as long as you are in the sweet spot. Some smearing at the edge of details, but they are not really inviting you to swim in the details anyway. Bass is meh, at least in this very large room. Shy, rounded, and weak slam.
        May 26, 2021
        Cryptowolf likes this.
      3. Biodegraded
        Biodegraded
        Don't draw any firm conclusions until you get rugs, furniture and bookshelves in there.
        May 26, 2021
        Jinxy245 likes this.
      4. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        @Biodegraded For sure. I actually drug a small but thick old rug to put on floor in front, have couch coming tomorrow, and have a few boxes sitting around...but with vaulted ceilings and open floor plan, it is echo city in here. Luckily I get to spend the next 60 days getting acquainted and deciding if these are worth keeping! For sure very dynamic, I get the appeal even in these suboptimal conditions.
        May 26, 2021
        Biodegraded likes this.
    3. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      Have been so busy, almost forgot I had some Zu Dirty Weekends on order. Shipping my way Monday. Will be a fun distraction to audition.
      1. rlow, Cryptowolf and JayC like this.
      2. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        Will I end up keeping them? Pretty unlikely. But I have always been curious. Perfect timing that I snagged those Aegirs, maybe that can help tame the Zu sound a bit.
        May 20, 2021
    4. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      On the hunt for high WPC integrated for Ohm Walsh 4000 speakers. Any vintage standouts I should add to my search?
      1. bixby
        bixby
        Bigger pool if you include amps. Clayton, Boulder, Belles, McCormack, Pass and the like.
        May 17, 2021
        Inoculator likes this.
      2. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        @bixby I am stuck doing an integrated as I need this setup to remain incredibly streamlined for WAF reasons, this will be our main living room setup. Leaning something like Hegel H390 due to built-in streaming/DAC so even less boxes, but open to add a DAC/phono stage as needed, most likely jus not both if that makes sense.
        May 17, 2021
      3. EagleWings
        EagleWings
        A certain group I know love the Tandbergs. Will need new caps and rebiasing though.
        May 18, 2021
        Inoculator likes this.
    5. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      Need to run some in-wall rated speaker wire/cable for new living room setup. Any suggestions? Going to have to live with for long time.
      1. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        Going to be a 15-20 ft run, only for speaker on left side of fireplace. Easy to run because building new frame around fireplace for tile. Will run between brick and new studs. Will be driving Ohm Walsh Tall 4000 omnidirectional speakers. Likely driven by Hegel H390.
        May 14, 2021
    6. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      I have been MIA moving/unpacking new house. Haven't unpacked my system, but did get on ordering a pair of Ohm Walsh 4000 for living room.
      1. Cryptowolf, rlow, Biodegraded and 4 others like this.
      2. spwath
        spwath
        Always thought those Ohm Walsh speakers were cool, had pair of Walsh 2s a while ago
        May 7, 2021
        Inoculator likes this.
      3. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        @spwath I am excited to check them out! Never have heard omnidirectional speakers before, but our living room is a big wide open space that feeds into dining room/kitchen, so I wanted to try something that might sounds good wandering around the space. Bonus that they look nice and drivers are safe from toddler finger pokes. Now to decide on an integrated amp for them...
        May 7, 2021
        Syzygy and Cryptowolf like this.
    7. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      All audio gear packed up for the move, so just rocking porta pros. Always humbling. Phone+FLAC SD Card+Porta Pros...what more do you need?
    8. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      Last stream of consciousness thought on the Naim Nova. Biggest weakness is it does not do spooky holographic realism you get from tubes/r2r
      1. nishan99 likes this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        @rlow Slightly, but it is not fatiguing. I thought the first day I listened that "this sounds good, but I bet I get sick of it". After a week of numerous listening hours daily...I am not sick of my system. And usually by Friday I am always a bit burnt on my system.
        Apr 16, 2021
        rlow likes this.
      4. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        Everything I feed it is just musical/energetic but very grain-free and non-fatiguing for a SS setup. Biggest weaknesses are what I talked about above, maybe just being a bit lean in some areas, and I don't find it very impressive or captivating at low volumes. My LS3/5A just feel so much more alive and dynamic than anything else I have tried. Maybe they are just enjoying the extra power though.
        Apr 16, 2021
        rlow likes this.
      5. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        Biggest issue is I bought this for another system...but now I don't want to let it go from my office setup. Guess a Gungnir Multibit A1 and Freya+ might be hitting the FS section soon.
        Apr 16, 2021
        Lou Casadonte likes this.
    9. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      Guess I am a one-box guy now, Naim Nova has been eye opening. Likely need more power in living room though, considering NAD M33/Hegel H390.
      1. EagleWings likes this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. EagleWings
        EagleWings
        Also consider the Lyngdorfs.
        Apr 14, 2021
        Inoculator likes this.
      4. rlow
        rlow
        Hegel H390 all the way in that comparo IMO. But I know Nad has a ton of useful features. Did you look at the Anthem STR integrated as well (has room correction)?

        Edit: just realized Anthem has no network connectivity. Would need a streamer/endpoint.
        Apr 14, 2021
        Inoculator likes this.
      5. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        @EagleWings I will add that into the mix. Maybe I just need to do a super integrated head-to-head for the forums? @rlow I am feeling the same way, hoping I can snag as good of a deal on the Hegel as I did on the Naim so I can put them head to head. Power needs are going to come down to whether I go for Ohm Walsh 3000 or 4000, Naim could probably handle the former but not the later.
        Apr 14, 2021
        EagleWings and rlow like this.
    10. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      Any omnidirectional fans around here? I think, despite never hearing an omni, I have landed on Ohm Walsh for my living room/family speaker.
      1. Vtory and Syzygy like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Gazny
        Gazny
        Ohm Walsh seems like a good choice. I had my eye on a Decware Tiny Radial, although my room is much smaller
        Apr 13, 2021
        Inoculator likes this.
      4. AllanMarcus
        AllanMarcus
        How does an omnidirectional fan work? Fans just push air on one direction! :-)
        Apr 14, 2021
        Inoculator likes this.
      5. Syzygy
        Syzygy
        Reading on the First Watt SIT-2, sounds like a nice match for my tastes, and enough power. Just need to choose a pre.

        Apparently the J2 is a commonly-liked amp.

        Edit: Oof, apparently expensive unobtainium! Although there's a SIT-3 for sale on usaudiomart.
        Apr 14, 2021
        Inoculator likes this.
    11. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      The legend of Naim PRaT is true. Attack/Sustain/Decay all emphasized in a way I have never heard. Not sure yet whether I like it or not.
      1. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        Certainly captivating and very "Hi-Fi" sounding, but sounds a bit less natural at least presentation-wise compared to my normal stack/most gear I have tried with these speakers. Going to take some brain adjustment time and serious hours to decide if this sort of presentation is for me.
        Apr 12, 2021
        nishan99 likes this.
      2. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        The obvious immediate pros? Imaging is STELLAR, like separation/placement I have never experienced in this nearfield setup. Incredibly dynamic, you can discern dynamics of individual instruments. Vocals are stunning and realistic. Speakers doing more of a disappearing act than anything I have ever tried with them. Bass is very tight and controlled, although I am missing some of the bloom of the Gungnir Multibit A1 bass.
        Apr 12, 2021
        nishan99 likes this.
    12. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      Surprise Sunday delivery of the Naim Uniti Nova. Will see what the Naim experience is all about, testing with my LS3/5A.
      1. E_Schaaf and rlow like this.
      2. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        I bought this to be a living room streamer, so not a big deal for my use case, but I find it absolutely bizarre that this does not have a USB in other than for attached storage. No way other than Bluetooth to connect my laptop while testing this in my office. Tried HDMI, but only accepts HDMI ARC.
        Apr 11, 2021
      3. gixxerwimp
        gixxerwimp
        I guess they aren't fans of USB, other than as a storage medium.
        Apr 12, 2021
    13. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      Insomnia+HiFi Shark+Poor impulse control=Accidently won a Naim Uniti Nova on ebay. Well here we go, will see what I think of Naim sound.
      1. View previous comments...
      2. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        UPDATE: Wife approved and is excited about it, so no sleeping on the couch for me tonight. Phew.

        I am actually still very interested in Hegel if they get their roon integration together, and may grab a H190 or H390 to compare down the road depending on what speakers I land on.
        Apr 6, 2021
        Gazny likes this.
      3. Deep Funk
        Deep Funk
        I hope you mean "Insomnia" by Faithless...
        Apr 6, 2021
        Inoculator likes this.
      4. gixxerwimp
        gixxerwimp
        Apr 6, 2021
        Inoculator likes this.
    14. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      Freya+ with some NOS RCA/Tung sols paired with Gungnir Multibit A1 is a bit too much of a good thing. Preferring leaner presentation of JJ stock/SS
      1. View previous comments...
      2. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        @rlow So far I have tried all JJ and NOS RCA in buffer/NOS Tung Sol in gain stage. Will need to do more mix and match experimenting. Things are just too thick sounding with the all NOS configuration I tried, at least for nearfield.
        Apr 5, 2021
        rlow likes this.
      3. rlow
        rlow
        Oh, are they NOS Tung-Sol too? Sorry was thinking just the RCA were NOS. Have not heard the NOS Tung-Sol, so disregard my comments about being balanced - that would be for new production TS 6SN7. I can see how JJs would be a good match with Gungnir Multibit A1 though, so it makes sense - leaner and more incisive to balance the GA1 warmth and smoothness.
        Apr 5, 2021
        Inoculator likes this.
      4. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        @rlow yeah NOS tung-sols as well. I would like to try the new production tung-sols, as I have enjoyed other new tung-sol variants. Seems they have just a hint of tube "magic" via a nice spatial/full sound, but don't sacrifice technicality.
        Apr 5, 2021
        rlow likes this.
    15. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      I think I have decided on LTA Z10 to drive Klipsch Forte IV in living room. Now to decide on Holo Audio vs Yggdrasil.
      1. rlow likes this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. dubharmonic
        dubharmonic
        Choosing between those DACs is tough!
        Mar 30, 2021
        Inoculator likes this.
      4. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        Mar 30, 2021
      5. dubharmonic
        dubharmonic
        They're different enough that I haven't been able to choose one over the other.
        Mar 31, 2021
        Inoculator likes this.
    16. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      Gungnir Multibit A1 with 1.5 days of warmup...very girthy. Feels like details should be muddy, but instead come across with spooky realism. Love it.
      1. Woland
        Woland
        How do you know it's an A1? I'm curious to ID mine.
        Mar 28, 2021
      2. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        @Woland I am no expert, a buddy of mine who has done a ton of A2 vs A1 comparisons as well as toyed around with modding the A1 identified it for me. I think there is some way to tell by serial, but some as they transitioned are harder to identify without opening it up. Having previously owned an A2, this is for sure different. Hesitate to say better, but synergy wise with my chain it seems to be working great.
        Mar 29, 2021
      3. Woland
        Woland
        Thanks @Inoculator. I've seen a few discusisons on IDing via serial number, but none seem definitive.
        Mar 29, 2021
    17. Biodegraded
      1. ogodei and Inoculator like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Biodegraded
        Biodegraded
        Your table might have been made before the new belts were released (March). I presume a Neo PS came with the table, and you'll use the Swagman (24V AC out transformer version, right?) into that?
        Mar 28, 2021
        Inoculator likes this.
      4. ogodei
        ogodei
        That's almost 300% less wow and flutter ! You gotta be willing to pay for that !
        Mar 28, 2021
        Biodegraded likes this.
      5. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        @Biodegraded I will have to look into that! I read it as these belts have been in use on the P8/P10 and now are available to upgrade other decks. But if not the case my nervosa would for sure lead to me buying them, haha.
        Mar 28, 2021
        Biodegraded likes this.
    18. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      Just had an offer accepted on a house! Finally enough space for toddler, and the baby on the way. Moving is going to be a nightmare...
      1. sheldaze, Syzygy, Azimuth and 22 others like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. Ksorota
        Ksorota
        Def. Hire movers. We just moved after 10 years in a home. Moved with a dog, 2 cats and 3 kids. Ended up using PODS to store and move stuff since we had to have interim housing (inlaws house). The PODS do a number on your stuff...lots of stuff shifted during transit, made it such a mess. Never again myself
        ....maybe I will never move again!
        Mar 24, 2021
        FlySweep, Inoculator and rlow like this.
      4. Cryptowolf
        Cryptowolf
        Congratulations on the new house and kid. I agree with others, movers are worth the cost. Our moving company made our move out of the city so much easier and offered an extra guy to help when a storm was coming.
        Mar 24, 2021
        Inoculator likes this.
      5. Merrick
        Merrick
        Mazel tov! Even if it's just 10 minutes away, hire movers. Especially with the animals and toddler. Just do your due diligence when getting quotes, look up reviews, etc. Just doing the work of sorting what will go and what won't is going to be a Herculean task, let alone the actual moving.
        Mar 24, 2021
        Cryptowolf, Syzygy and Inoculator like this.
    19. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      Freya+ already very welcome in my chain. Soundstage expansion of tube mode is great, the SS buffer is pleasant surprise, nuanced sounding.
      1. View previous comments...
      2. Cryptowolf
        Cryptowolf
        Hmm, I appreciate the contrast between work mode and dedicated listening. I often use my Beyer DT880 instead of my ZMF for the same reason.
        Mar 23, 2021
        Inoculator likes this.
      3. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        @Cryptowolf yeah I have found it to be a nice balance. Still sounds incredible via the SS buffer, just a lot sweeter, more restrained, gobs of microdetail but they are not slapping you in the face. Tube mode just begs for your attention. Speakers disappear, soundstage becomes deeper. Bass gets a bit more bloated and less precise, and vocals sound more natural, but less accurate compared to ss buffer.
        Mar 23, 2021
        Cryptowolf likes this.
      4. Cryptowolf
        Cryptowolf
        I have a Saga + in my 2.1 system and it is everything you describe. The way you put it really hits home for me.
        Mar 23, 2021
        Inoculator likes this.
    20. Inoculator
      Inoculator
      Pleasant surprise at my local spot today that they have begun to grade their used vinyl. Laughably generous though, this VG+/NM is trash
      1. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        I am spoiled with all the great record spots around me. This is an example of trust the old timer hole in the wall crate digger spot for used vinyl, not the hipster "indie" record store spot for used stuff. Unfortunately everyone takes their collections when they fall out of the hobby to the hipster spot who overvalues everything.
        Mar 21, 2021
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  • About

    Gender:
    Male
    Birthday:
    Feb 20, 1988 (Age: 36)
    Location:
    Tacoma, WA