rlow
Joined:
Jul 18, 2017
Messages:
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Positive ratings received:
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Negative ratings received:
4

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Received: Given:
Like 7,735 5,934
Dislike 3 28
Respectfully Disagree 0 6
heart 5 31
Miss Information 1 6
Epic 74 120
Agreed, ditto, +1 92 82
Gender:
Male
Location:
Canada

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rlow

A happy woofer, Male, from Canada

Pyrate Contributor

New Vali 3 coming, maybe tomorrow. I have a recurring dream the next Vali (w/ the right tube) will be my endgame amp & ditch everything else Mar 13, 2024

    1. rlow
      rlow
      Thinking about buying a GR Research LGK 2.0 kit and set of cabs for nearfield use, plus a small sub. Anyone else have or considering these?
      1. View previous comments...
      2. k4rstar
        k4rstar
        No, a friend of mine has them. I am happy with my Vanatoos
        Jun 22, 2022
        rlow likes this.
      3. ergopower
        ergopower
        I've been looking at the X-LS Encore, but saw those as well. Dannie has a new video up with some additional speakers based on that driver that are interesting
        Jun 22, 2022
        rlow likes this.
      4. rlow
        rlow
        @ergopower saw that, but I think the smaller LGK would be all I would need for nearfield, but will have to check out some more reviews before pulling the trigger. Amir’s measurements did show some pretty major distortion issues in the bass. Could be Amir just borked something or got a borked pair, but need to read more.
        Jun 22, 2022
    2. rlow
      rlow
      Nearfields too large and too close to wall = muddy, mushy, boomy bass and mids. Roon’s high-pass PEQ filter to the rescue! Much better.
    3. rlow
      rlow
      The new Arcade Fire album seems to have gotten a lukewarm reception from critics, but I’m loving it.
      1. rhythmdevils
        rhythmdevils
        ....and somehow the critics all loved Reflector, which was God awful. At least Arcade Fired ditched the disco rock and went back to making actual rock music.
        May 20, 2022
      2. yotacowboy
        yotacowboy
        I'm still building the courage to hit play on that one. I saw them in Asheville in 2005 and it was epic. Everything after has been milquetoast.
        May 21, 2022
      3. rlow
        rlow
        @yotacowboy, it doesn’t compete or sound anything like their early albums, not at all. Those are basically modern classics IMO. But set expectations at something a bit more down to earth (and closer to their last few albums sound wise, but way better than the last one) and hopefully you’ll enjoy it. It does have an 80s vibe (which I typically dislike, but in this case I’m kinda digging it).
        May 21, 2022
        yotacowboy likes this.
    4. rlow
      rlow
      OG Ragnarok has some impressive attributes, but some things not quite ideal and/or suited to my preference, paired with Focal Elex.
      1. Cryptowolf and Riotvan like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. roshambo123
        roshambo123
        I couldn't handle the microdynamic losses on Rag 2 even vs. MJ2. Eventually felt lifeless to me, which is why I returned it.
        Apr 28, 2022
      4. rlow
        rlow
        Thanks @roshambo123, good to know. Unfortunately leaves me rethinking my approach of one unit for speakers and headphones…
        Apr 28, 2022
        roshambo123 likes this.
      5. roshambo123
        roshambo123
        My DAC at the time was Gungnir A1 which wasn't ideal either. With Yggdrasil A2 injecting some organic texture and detail the situation probably would have been better.
        Apr 28, 2022
    5. rlow
      rlow
      Wow Ragnarok 1.5 is really not what I expected. I assumed it would tilt heavily toward Jot 1. Actually kind of the opposite!
      1. Azimuth, Jinxy245, MellowVelo and 4 others like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. zonto
        zonto
        I can't stand anything but low gain using Focal Utopia. With HD600, the amp just isn't a good match (shoutiness in the midrange emphasized). Best match I've found was the JAR HD650 when I had that loaner in. I usually try to cap average listening level between 70-75 dB, with peaks above that of course, using NIOSH iPhone app. Not really a high volume listener.
        Apr 11, 2022
        rlow likes this.
      4. Azimuth
        Azimuth
        Rag 1.5 is almost too much amp for 600/650, although it is nicer with 650’s. Such a polite (but not laid back) and effortless amp. On speakers in high gain is the best.
        Apr 11, 2022
        rlow and Merrick like this.
      5. rlow
        rlow
        Have you guys tried Freya with Rag? Just tried hooking my Freya+ up between the Yggdrasil and Rag for Schiits and giggles (maxed the volume on the Rag on low gain) and it might be giving me exactly what I’m looking for…need more time though.
        Apr 14, 2022
    6. rlow
      rlow
      Been trying to pull the trigger buying an OG Ragnarok for like 3 days. This is the slowest used purchase ever!
      1. Cryptowolf, Justin S, zonto and 3 others like this.
      2. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        Anchoring your new 2 channel nearfield setup around a Ragnarok 1.5? Still going to run the LS6?
        Mar 28, 2022
      3. rlow
        rlow
        Going to give it a shot at least. Don’t know if it’s a 1.5 unit but will see. Was a good deal so thought I’d try it anyhow. Hoping it can also do double duty with headphones and replace the Lyr 3 as well, but will see. As far as the LS6, it’s doubtful they’re going to work nearfield unfortunately- too big :’(
        Mar 28, 2022
        Justin S and Inoculator like this.
      4. Justin S
        Justin S
        What speakers will you be using with the Ragnarok? Also, how you like the Lyr 3.
        Mar 28, 2022
    7. rlow
      rlow
      I wish Gungnir was as resolving as Yggdrasil - it just too darn big for my new setup. (ya, ya, I know, that’s what she said).
      1. Inoculator
        Inoculator
        Full line of Schiit components in the freya/Gungnir Multibit chassis size please. Would be killer to have a rack/stack of separates all that size (new Gungnir Multibit, phono, loki max, headphone amp, power amp, Freya)
        Mar 24, 2022
        rlow likes this.
      2. Qildail
        Qildail
        Cheap seats observation: Gungnir feels behind the refresh curve now after the value-performance-ratio play in Bifrost 2 and the pure performance play of Yggdrasil flavors.

        The way parts are going right now I don't see it changing soon, sadly.
        Mar 24, 2022
      3. rlow
        rlow
        @Inoculator power amp in that size unlikely unless @schiit have managed to come up with an alternative to class D (efficient/low heat).
        Mar 24, 2022
        Inoculator likes this.
    8. rlow
      rlow
      The Decware Zen Taboo MkIII is as quirky as f**k and looks like it came out of a WW2 submarine, but damn it sounds good!
      1. wbass, Cryptowolf, zach915m and 7 others like this.
    9. rlow
      rlow
      Wow Zelensky has signed an official request to join the EU. Tantamount to spitting in Putin’s face.
      1. Justin S, JellyRhino, Sqveak and 12 others like this.
      2. SoupRKnowva
        SoupRKnowva
        woulda been a bigger loogie if it was an official request to join NATO. f**k Putin
        Feb 28, 2022
        Kunlun, FlySweep, Justin S and 7 others like this.
    10. rlow
      rlow
      Everybody seems to praise Sonos for its amazing UI. Honestly I think Roon stomps it thoroughly. If only it intergrated with more music svcs.
      1. Qildail, Cryptowolf, dematted and 2 others like this.
      2. Qildail
        Qildail
        I know it’s blasphemy to some audiophiles, but I do like our Sonos setup. The integration with nearly every music service and simple room correction are killer features.
        Feb 12, 2022
    11. rlow
      rlow
      Actually haven’t seen the ban hammer come out in a while. Was thinking that one was probably coming soon though…
      1. nishan99, Riotvan and roshambo123 like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. rlow
      4. Cspirou
        Cspirou
        Well that was weird
        Feb 8, 2022
        Cryptowolf, obsiCO, Sqveak and 3 others like this.
      5. RestoredSparda
        RestoredSparda
        What the what.
        Feb 8, 2022
    12. rlow
      rlow
      Just kinda had a major impulse and bought a used Decware Zen Taboo MkIII! Thought it might be able to do double duty with cans & nearfelds.
      1. View previous comments...
      2. EagleWings
        EagleWings
        They do run well on tubes. But you need at least 8w or so to get them going decently. The Zen is a flea watt amp and just can’t push the crossover and 2 drivers in a 3/5.
        Feb 1, 2022
        Cryptowolf, Inoculator and rlow like this.
      3. yotacowboy
        yotacowboy
        I can only speak to the prototype/pre-production Veri-Fi Vanguards, but with ~8W of SET 300B they we're at their (lower) limit, IMHO. They sounded hungry for current (like, iirc, Inoculator's Sugden).
        Feb 1, 2022
      4. rlow
        rlow
        I don’t have a ton of confidence that the Taboo can run much for speakers, but figured I’d try it for a lark. Was mainly looking to hear it with cans - going to try grabbing a set of orthos at some point soon which apparently it was designed for. Of course, if it sucks with the HD650 and Elex, it may get flipped pretty quickly. That’s the great thing about the used market.
        Feb 1, 2022
        EagleWings likes this.
    13. rlow
      rlow
      Crikey, first Meatloaf, now Louis Anderson. RIP.
      1. Jinxy245 and RestoredSparda like this.
    14. rlow
      rlow
      Rhetorical question: Now that I'm planning to get rid of my dedicated 2-channel system, why does it sound better than ever? :’(
      1. View previous comments...
      2. zonto
        zonto
        My wife wanted us to sell our Maggies when we had our daughter. Instead, even as a baby I would take her on tours around the house and tell her what things were, what they did, and whether she could touch them. Worst we’ve had is touching the TV glass as a young toddler. Is this your first kid?
        Jan 18, 2022
        Cryptowolf, rlow and Gazny like this.
      3. nishan99
        nishan99
        Same with my 2ch system but when I am about to travel :)
        Jan 18, 2022
        rlow likes this.
      4. Ksaurav402
        Ksaurav402
        Haha…making sacrifice is what parents do. This is first chapter of parenting. Welcome to the club
        Jan 18, 2022
        RestoredSparda and rlow like this.
    15. rlow
      rlow
      Made the decision to sell my dedicated 2-channel system and look at a desk/nearfield setup. Plus, bonus of going deeper into headphones too!
      1. jnak00, nishan99, Deep Funk and 5 others like this.
      2. View previous comments...
      3. k4rstar
        k4rstar
        I listen to my vanatoos at my desk (supported by mpingo feet and shamwow grills) for a few hours a day almost every day. I do wonder why I put thousands and thousands of $ into another system I hardly listen to
        Jan 12, 2022
        zerodeefex and rlow like this.
      4. zonto
        zonto
        @k4rstar pics or it didn't happen. Gotta see the shamwow grills. :)
        Jan 12, 2022
      5. k4rstar
        k4rstar
        https://i.imgur.com/MnCpefE.jpg
        this was step 4 towards transforming the sound of the vanatoos from 'computer speakers' to 'legendary music makers'. I will write an article on it when the journey is complete.
        Jan 12, 2022
        rlow, philipmorgan, jnak00 and 5 others like this.
    16. rlow
      rlow
      Ok I totally missed that Tidal’s Hi-Fi CD-quality tier price was just cut in half, and they just auto moved me to their “Hi-Fi Plus” tier.
      1. rlow
        rlow
        Hi-Fi Plus has MQA (nope) and some direct artist payment scheme. I think I’ll just keep my $10/month and buy something on Bandcamp instead to support the artists I prefer. And no way in hell I’m paying for MQA (although I’m sure even their HiFi tier is probably just CD quality wrapped in MQA anyhow, but at least I’m not paying extra for it.). Plan is now “downgraded” to Hi-Fi.

        Hoping Qobuz will come to Canada soon.
        Nov 18, 2021
        Qildail and Tchoupitoulas like this.
      2. ufospls2
        ufospls2
        I've had the feeling for a while that Tidals days are numbered, and this may be further evidence suggesting that. I don't wish tidal itself any ill will, but MQA can gtfo imo. I've been using apple lossless, and whilst the interface bugs out sometimes, its been overall a solid experience. When spotify lossless happens, I might migrate back to it simply for its music discovery.
        Nov 18, 2021
    17. rlow
      rlow
      Weird thing, I went to check how many dislikes I had (per mrfibble below) and noticed that I think my “likes” have decreased quite a bit.
      1. View previous comments...
      2. Gazny
        Gazny
        If I could give you more likes for the first piece of advice you gave me I would <3
        Nov 12, 2021
      3. rlow
        rlow
        @Gazny what was that? I don’t recall. Was it, don’t care about likes or dislikes?? Lol
        Nov 12, 2021
      4. Claritas
        Claritas
        Likewise.
        Nov 13, 2021
    18. rlow
      rlow
      So my neck has been pretty sore and stiff the last few days, but didn’t really figure out why….
      1. View previous comments...
      2. atomicbob
        atomicbob
        450g vs 260g. Neck loading increased by nearly 100%. If using the original cables that also is a heavy neck load. Switch to something like Custom Cans to relieve the load.
        Nov 9, 2021
        rlow likes this.
      3. LetMeBeFrank
        LetMeBeFrank
        Yep, I used to wear my HD6XX for 7+ hours at work, then come home and wear my HD650 for a couple more and never had a problem, despite having neck pain issues in general.
        Nov 10, 2021
        rlow likes this.
      4. rlow
        rlow
        I’m hoping I will eventually build up some strength in my neck muscles to handle it, because at this point I am finding the Elex far more engaging and to my taste than the 650s (stock).
        Nov 10, 2021
    19. rlow
      rlow
      Why is it that my favourite Lyr 3 tube pairing with the Focal Elex just so happens to be the noisiest damn tube I own?
      1. atomicbob, Cryptowolf and Gazny like this.
      2. Cryptowolf
        Cryptowolf
        For the same season a 2C52 is the best sounding in my Kenzie Ovation; you can’t get low noise floor and dynamics due to gain at the same time in tubes?
        Nov 4, 2021
    20. rlow
      rlow
      If you’re a fan of The Verve, the recent “Acoustic Hymns, Vol. 1” by Richard Ashcroft is great.
      1. Case likes this.
      2. rlow
        rlow
        Somewhat pop-y and overproduced, but still enjoyable.
        Nov 1, 2021
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  • About

    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Canada
    Gear List:
    Speakers: Graham Chartwell LS6

    Headphones: HD650

    Amps: Schiit Vidar x 2, Lyr 3

    Preamps: Schiit Freya+, Schiit SYS

    DACs: Schiit Yggdrasil A2, Modi Multibit

    Streamers: SoTM SMS-200Ultra Neo, Pi2AES

    Server/Storage: QNAP NAS, Dell XPS 13, Intel NUC i3 (Roon ROCK)