What New Stuff Have You Bought? If You Care To Share Thead! :)

[KenM10759]

I had decided to try a better amp than the Pyle(o'crap) PTA1 that I'd been using for a few days with my new-to-me desktop setup. My dealer had this NAD D3020 kicking around. It had been bought but returned and exchanged for a full size NAD C368 after just two days. The dealer said to take it home and do an in-home audition.

I hooked it up to the KEF iQ10's (in photo) initially, but then swapped in my KEF R100's from my main system. Well, all this was a big mistake. It seems there is a HUGE difference between a $25 amp with up to 10% THD and a modern Class D, and a bigger difference between a KEF Uni-Q driver of 2007 and one from 2013. Now of course I have to start planning for a pair of LS50's (used) so I can return my R100's to surround duty.

The NAD D3020 is SOLD. It's not going back. I got a very good price on it with full as-new factory warranty.

 

[sholling]

Just ordered a Sony UBP-X80 4K Blu-Ray, supposedly the same critter as a UBP-X800, from Groupon for $150.

 

[MR.MAGOO]

My birthday present to myself is a Denon AVR-X4400H. Fry's had a one-day personalized promo-code deal dropping the in-store price of NIB units from $1399 to $899. It was a 150 mile round trip but worth it to me. I was actually surprised just how slow it was in there. Anyway, it works great with my Christmas present to myself, my new LG OLED65B7P.

https://usa.denon.com/us/product/hometheater/receivers/avrx4400h

How much of that $500 savings was spent on gas for that 150 mile round trip?

 

[sholling]

How much of that $500 savings was spent on gas for that 150 mile round trip?

Roughly $20 and it was a beautiful bright sunny day for a relaxing drive.

 

[afterlife2]

MYMAHDI M350 4.0 Bluetooth MP3 PlayerPen included.

 

[fuzz092888]

Just ordered a Sony UBP-X80 4K Blu-Ray, supposedly the same critter as a UBP-X800, from Groupon for $150.

Loving my UBP-X800 so far. Got it from Amazon open box like new for $168.

 

[sholling]

Loving my UBP-X800 so far. Got it from Amazon open box like new for $168.

That's a great deal! I've done a bit of research and it appears my Sony UBP-UX80 is a UBP-X800 with a bundled HDMI cable. Groupon tells me that it will be here Saturday.

https://www.amazon.com/UBP-X800-UBP-UX80-High-Speed-Ethernet-HeroFiber/dp/B078XMLTWM

I've ordered 3 older 4K movies to try out my new player:

• Suicide Squad 4k HDR
• Blade Runner Final Cut 4K HDR
• Underworld 4K

 

[fuzz092888]

Well, I just ordered it from ebay so who knows whether this will work out or not, but anyways I *might* be getting a SurgeX UPS-3000-OL. My APC H15 crapped the bed 4 months ago, which wasn't a problem until I moved into the new house and suddenly found myself short a power conditioner/battery backup. I'm a little skeptical I'll get what I'm supposed based on the price I paid, but we shall see.

 

[afterlife2]

Cheapo 4.1 BT Speaker.

 

[3db]

Another pair of high speed HDMI cables. I now have to rewire my main system down stairs to take advantage of the 4K PVR and the 4K upscaling of my Yamaha Bluray player. The TV has an HDMI ARC port so I will be using this for the sound.

 

[fuzz092888]

I hear you. I’m having to replace a bunch of HDMI cables due to 4K upgrade. Plus a lot of new wiring and another amp for Atmos/Auro 3D/ DTSX

Another pair of high speed HDMI cables. I now have to rewire my main system down stairs to take advantage of the 4K PVR and the 4K upscaling of my Yamaha Bluray player. The TV has an HDMI ARC port so I will be using this for the sound.

 

[KEW]

Loving my UBP-X800 so far. Got it from Amazon open box like new for $168.

Do you have to register with a Sony account to access Hulu?
I have an older Sony and it now requires that (although NetFlix is accessible without, just like Hulu used to be). Maybe you don't use it as a streaming device.

 

[WineOfTheVeins]

Focal Electra 1038BE's baby. Grinded $2300 off the MSRP on a brand new set in box.
Happy with every penny spent.


{Will upload my pics when I get a chance}

 

[fuzz092888]

Do you have to register with a Sony account to access Hulu?
I have an older Sony and it now requires that (although NetFlix is accessible without, just like Hulu used to be). Maybe you don't use it as a streaming device.

No idea, not using for streaming. I can check though if you want.

 

[fuzz092888]

 

[Johnny2Bad]

All photos taken with my iPhone 5C

Some of you might remember my post of my Epiphone Wildcat guitar from about eight months ago, I've also got a Squirer Telecaster. The inexpensive Telecaster differs from a US or Mexico-made in a few areas, one being the finish of the fretwork and neck. Instead of paying hundreds for that Fender finishing, you can just do the hand work yourself. So towards that end I have purchased some luthier tools: a Japanese fret file, and some fine polishing pads 1200 to 12,000 grit. About $35 worth of tools:

Next come two related items both arriving this morning via mail ... one from China about 30 days in the mail, and another from elsewhere in Canada, two days in the mail.

First, a phono cartridge alignment tool (azimuth and VTA), very nice quality, for $5

And finally, last but not least, a Clearaudio Concept V2 MM cartridge. It will tide me over while I wait for my Denon DL-103 to get a sapphire cantilever and micro line stylus upgrade.

 

[MR.MAGOO]

another STYLUS for my Pro-Ject TT, the 2M Blue. (Okay, you can call it a needle)

 

[Johnny2Bad]

another STYLUS for my Pro-Ject TT, the 2M Blue. (Okay, you can call it a needle)

View attachment 23477

Your sister can call it a needle, we HiFi nuts still call it a stylus ;-)

Nice upgrade (assuming it is). Would still like to hear some of the upper range Ortofon ~M series cartridges. The ~Red is probably the best $100 cart out there right now but I haven't found any setups with a ~Blue to hear. How do you like it?

 

[MR.MAGOO]

Your sister can call it a needle, we HiFi nuts still call it a stylus ;-)

Nice upgrade (assuming it is). Would still like to hear some of the upper range Ortofon ~M series cartridges. The ~Red is probably the best $100 cart out there right now but I haven't found any setups with a ~Blue to hear. How do you like it?

I still need to listen to the same record using the red needle, to hear if there is a difference. The blue does sound great to me.

 

[sterling shoote]

another STYLUS for my Pro-Ject TT, the 2M Blue. (Okay, you can call it a needle)

View attachment 23477

I purchased a 2M Red, just to get an idea about what sort of VTA I'd get on my non VTA adjustable tonearm; and, since the cartridge seems to deliver the correct angle, I may swing for a higher grade. If you like the Blue do tell, I could save some money going with it instead of the Black.