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Re: What are the common issues that you've experienced with using different tube amps?
Rusty wrote on Mon, 15 June 2026 14:48 Well I dunno. I feel like I get the best of both with tube & SS amps. As mentioned, I run the tube amps in cooler weather, so the heat isn't a problem then. Their like space heaters in a way. A friend of mine jokes that I could use them with a rotisserie above them. And then in summer months its the SS amp. The Hafler I have does tend to run warm if I use it a while. But not like the tube amps. I like the change up with certain aspects of the sound scape from either of the two types of amplifiers too. Just maybe this is why I am never comfortable with tube amps during the summer period. The weather is already hot and consistent use of tube amps especially the Evo 400 worsen the heat in the room. I agree that I should find that balance between using ss amps and tube amps, but it is never easy since I am a big fan of tube amps.
The world would have been a very boring place. If you ask me, I am of the idea that music was one of the ultimate creator's gift to mankind. A piece that helps man relax, merry, and reflect. So, if we remove music from this world, I know many won't be happy being here at all.
I can endure the time they take doing those commercials for the bangers that they play whenever that I am playing their stations. Those advertising is a major channel for generating income for the running of their daily activities. So, I clearly get it when they take longer time trying to broadcast most of them. No hard feelings from my ends.
That is such a cool idea - Seasonal amplifier tasting - I love it!
Re: Is room treatment a must for bedroom producers?
Wayne Parham wrote on Thu, 28 May 2026 16:29 It totally depends on the room and what you're lookin' for. The room has a major impact on sound - there's no doubt about that. So if you want to hear the source and not the room, you'll need to do some work. But if you know your room - especially if you're on a budget - and if its flaws aren't glaring, you can probably do a budget setup and be fine. Glaring flaws are things like all hard surfaces like concrete or tile, especially in a small space. That's hard to work with 'cause it will over-emphasize certain sounds and make you want to mix 'em to "correct." Playback in another environment - the sound is way off. One thing that always helps - mount the speakers flush with the front wall and make your listening spot far away from the rear and side walls. If you can't sit far from walls, cover them with acoustic wedges, largest you can get. If you can't mount the speakers flush to the wall, pull 'em away from the front wall and/or use flanking subs. That's right. I'm thankful for the nice advice. I believe the hard walls in my bedroom must have been the reason songs sound better in headphones while I am inside but sound differently when I play them in the car. I guess I will have to rearrange the monitors in my room away from the wall first and see how it goes. I will also work on getting some affordable acoustic panels for the reflection points. I will test it on my next mix and let you know how it is going.
Well I dunno. I feel like I get the best of both with tube & SS amps. As mentioned, I run the tube amps in cooler weather, so the heat isn't a problem then. Their like space heaters in a way. A friend of mine jokes that I could use them with a rotisserie above them. And then in summer months its the SS amp. The Hafler I have does tend to run warm if I use it a while. But not like the tube amps. I like the change up with certain aspects of the sound scape from either of the two types of amplifiers too.
Bercle wrote on Fri, 20 February 2026 23:56 When it comes to getting speakers, I like going for those underrated brands that deliver much better than what they cost. Also, I can't pinpoint what I don't like about my current setup right now as they have been doing perfectly fine. I am talking about the likes of KEF brands and Wharfedale. For example, I make use of the KEF LS50 Meta speakers in my bedroom. Not those big-sized speakers, but the bass is unbelievable when we compare what such speakers offer. I spent around 800 dollars when I purchased the pair of Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 floorstanders that I use in my sitting room. This pair of speakers is highly recommended for those young guys like me who are still trying to find their feet in life and don't want to spend heavily on getting quality because this right here is affordable and still delivers value. The last on the list is the Polk Audio Atrium 4 Outdoor speakers that I use in the bathroom. Sleek, waterproof, and gives clear sounds that make being in the bathroom fun. I have not made use of Wharfedale speakers. Not yo disrespect the brand, but I always felt like it is a brand that won't give me what I want in a speaker that I will use in the sitting room.
Hank wrote on Wed, 18 March 2026 01:54 It is simply Spotify. The app keeps getting better with each passing day, and it is clear to see the efforts the team put into building a very good app for music lovers. I've been using Spotify for a long time and haven't thought of making a change any time soon. Spotify is quite popular. I would guess it is because of how consistent they've been with making cool updates most music players like. That is not to say that Yt music is never good, but Spotify is the one that I've always liked and still pay monthly subscription for.
Re: Is switching from carpets to hardwood floors actually worth it?
Clint wrote on Mon, 25 May 2026 20:18 I have been opportune to make use of both carpets and hardwood in the listening. For that reason, I get how you are feeling about the whole thing. When I had carpet in the room, it brought about zero echo and a dead-quiet room, and the feeling was good at the beginning, but certain things weren't cool with it. The vocal sounded dull, for example, and the energy in the songs that I listened to weren't fantastic. I would say that Hardwood is better because when I got them last four years, placing a think rug between the speakers and I, some absorption panels on the first reflection points and bass traps in the corners of the rooms made the songs sound far more better than when I made use of carpets. So, I will always pick Hardwood because I like better sounds when I listen to songs in the listening room. You can stick to your carpets if you are pretty fine with calm sounds. Anyone who is not so bothered about the sound quality of songs or movies that they are watching should get a carpet because that is quite affordable. However, I'd advise anyone keen on improve the sound quality of their music gears to switch to hardwood. The difference is certainly clear.
Re: Why do artists lose their accent . . .
Wayne Parham wrote on Tue, 03 March 2026 17:08 I remember when I first heard Adele speak between songs on one of her concert Blu-rays. She sounds completely different when she talks than she does when she sings. Totally cracks me up! One of the reasons for such is appeal to audience. Most musicians know that most of the songs will sell unless they speak in a different way, which is quite different when they are signing. It is something that is gaining popularity since most artists such as Adele that you mentioned became popular through that way.
I truly understand how you feel with the heat that comes with tube amps. In fact, that was the main reason that I switched from using them years ago to focus on solid-state amps. I was never comfortable in my room because of the heat till I got a small fan that was always on when I was using the tubes. So, maybe I suggest you get a fan that you can keep in the room that can make the room cooler. I don't bother about those issues anymore because I run solid-state amps, and they give less drama, unlike tubes.
Re: Digital looks so simple, sometimes I miss the vinyl ritual
Hi, I usually do vinyl, but do CDs and music DVDs as well. I think both analog and digital have strong points as to which is better, I leave that up to the listener. I put all media in alphebetic order so finding something is not an issue. And it is possible to listen to just one track on a LP. That is part of the reason for the small blanl spaces between tracks. I don't find it a bother. You don't need to listen to the whole side just to hear one track. Streaming is definitly a good part of the future. But when you have to pay for tracks, I raise objections. Just who really owns what you paid for? More than one streaming service has folded up with usually little warning. The members usually end up on the short end of the stick. Just my two cents.
Hi, lot's of pertinent information. I like any type or age of music that is well performed. That is not to say there aren't some genres that I prefer. 60's to 75's are somewhat special for me as I was at a number of performances. Now live performances are so costly that I do go to any. Back then would you believe that many were free!
Your local plumbing supply likely has small squares that have cork in the middle and rubber on the top and bottom. They are used to keep the vibrations from heaters and air conditioners from transmitting their noise and vibrations into floors. They work great under speakers. They are very cheap but do tend to smell like a rubber factory when new. A week or two out on the back porch generally makes them more acceptable. They tend to be available in 2" squares and 4" squares. You can likely get a bunch of them for $10 or $20.
Re: Planning on building a hifi rack, need suggestions.
Gorgeous. Just gorgeous! I love that curved bottom. Too cool!
Some people like to use spikes. Their goal is to firmly "attach" the loudspeaker to the floor, using the weight of the cabinet to "nail" it to the floor by having such a small contact point. The idea is to make the cabinet as steady and immovable as possible. Another approach goes exactly the opposite, isolating the speakers from the floor. Most use carpeting as you describe, or rubber feet. I prefer this method and always put rubber feet under my loudspeaker cabinets between them and any stands and place the stands on rubber mats or on carpets.
I'll work on getting a test mic. For now, my ears say the polarities are correct. My ongoing goal with my hifi system is to get as close as possible to having live music in my home, and the 4pi's have the magic I was looking for. In fact this sound is better than a lot of venues I've been to. One question, any ideas on how to decouple the speakers from the wood floor? The spot where I want to place them is not covered by the rug, but I have noticed the bass is much cleaner when they are standing on the rug.
900 dollars for a hifi rack seems steep to me. Particularly if you're DIYing it. I know the butcher cutting boards are very popular with threaded rod vertical supports. Nothing wrong with it. I made my open cabinet out of 3/4 birch veneered ply some years back. I think it only took a 4x8 sheet of it. I included drawers for my most played records. My turntable is wall mounted. Anyway, hope your financial situation opens up from the unexpected slings & arrows of misfortune. And your son is mending well. I know healthcare is one of the main issues with our societies cost of living dilemma. Here's my rig & cabinet.
I'm gutted to miss THELSAF this year. Had plans that I was gonna be there, but got engaged with studio sessions for my new artists a few days to the event. I am glad, though, seeing that it was a massive success and already look forward to being there in the next edition.
It's the same here. I have a music studio that I handle, so most of the time, I tune into radio stations seeking new songs and for mixing ideas. Whenever I am not playing any of my mixtapes, I tune into Z100 station or Power 106 for both old and current hip hop jams. That's how I relax and bond with artists who visit my studio when we are done working and need to chill. If I want to know what's up around the country, I've got CNN and other news websites to check, and I do that mostly at night when I am not sleeping over at the studio.
I couldn't agree more, Jason. You're absolutely right.
Four properly placed and setup subs with mains is hard to even describe. It's truly THAT good!
I don't think having 4 subwoofers is a lot to cause that issue where the sound is not clear. I think the issue might come from using different brands of subwoofers instead of picking one and getting everything from there. This is why I always go with JL Audio subwoofers, and they have always delivered tight, musical bass without making one feel uncomfortable. Another thing that might be the issue is the way the setup is done. You can ask your friend to reposition the subs or better still get identical subs, which I would say is the best move.
Recently, I had the opportunity of changing the cheap RCA cables for mid range ones on my old listening room speakers gifted to me two decades ago by one of my friends on my birthday. I noticed a change in the bass flow as it became better. So, I would say that affordable interconnect cables can make a difference, especially when you are using it on some older speakers. I've noticed that those thin wires often add resistance and pick up noise, which muddies the signal moving to your sound amp and finally to the end speakers. The delivery is clearer, and more details are what my wife likes more, and if the price is not heavy, making that little upgrade is most times worth every bit of it.
Re: Which is Better, Tube Amps or Solid-State Amps?
I like solid-state amps more and have made use of a lot of them for most of my music and movie experiences. I've got the Boss Katana 100 and Quilter Mach 3, and these amps offer clarity when in use irrespective of the type of music that you are playing. If you add the fact that you don't spend much in maintaining solid-state amps like what we see with tube amps where you replace tubes every 7 to 8 months, then I think one would agree with me that my decision to go with solid-state amps was the right one.
I am of the opinion that music is for everyone and one gets to play a particular type of music depending on the environment that they grew up in. I am more of the guy who enjoys playing classical songs as result of the fact that I stayed more with my dad while I was growing and he played such songs. My preference for such songs of the 70s and 80s grew right from that time.
I've only used one tube amp. But they're monoblocks. And they're OTL's, so the issue with heat in inherent with that topology. Though mitigated a good deal with the design I've used for about 20 years. But I simply don't use them in the summer. Why fight the electric bill with the AC. So I switch to my venerable old Hafler 220 I've used for 40 years. I do keep the tube amps on top of the gear cabinet. Unobstructed from anything
What are the common issues that you've experienced with using different tube amps?
I would like to know various challenges that some of us have had while using different tube amps. Currently, I make use of Evo 400, Mclntosh MA352 hybrid, and the Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III. I am the type that likes having different options when it comes to vacuum tube amps, but I've experienced different challenges while using these amps. For example, I always feel an increase in heat in the room when I switch from Rogue to Evo 400. That meant that I am always careful of the one to use depending on weather conditions. So, I would like to know if anyone here run multiple tube amps and what issues you've encountered while using them? Is there a good tip on how to manage heat, and how do you get along with managing running multiple amps?
Re: What's your preferred solid-state amp now?
My very first foray into DIY and kit building was the Hafler DH 220 mosfet amplifier. This was around 1986, give or take from lack of memory. I have used it with various speakers and line preamps. The matching Hafler model 100 preamp I'd built was the only limiting part of using the amplifier. Until I'd built a scratch build a line tube preamp. The Transcendent Sound Grounded Grid. I got curious from that by building their OTL monoblock amplifiers, the T-16. Sixteen Russian 6c19pi tubes running at once. A wonderful sound. But summertimes in Missouri are hot n humid. And running the tube amps are counter to running AC. So, the Hafler takes over and I find that the extra watts are nice and the rest of the soundscape isn't dramatically inferior to the tube amps. I'd had some noise coming through the speakers, (Theater 4 Pi's), this last winter and this last spring I changed out the filter capacitors that were 40 years old and the rectifier and put a current limiting device before the power switch that is suppose to help with the issue of the amp having to replace the power switch. Which I have in the past. This amp has served me all this time and has proven to me that there really is great value in building your own. Eighty percent of my stereo is just that.
I doubt it very seriously but you can easily verify with acoustic measurements. If the compression driver is wired backwards, there will be a big dip in the crossover region when measured on-axis. The vertical nulls won't be at +/-20 degrees either. And just to clarify, on the compression driver it isn't so much the traditional meaning - whether the red/positive lead creates positive pressure - as it is that the four Pi design requires the DE250-8 to be wired with the black lead connected to positive.
Okay...Is it possible that the red on the DE250's is actually positive? I played with the polarities a bit and with the woofers black to + and tweeters red to +, the speakers sprang to life! I am in the room with Arne Domnerus right now!!
It's easy to overlook polarity, especially on that model. The 2226H is positive black, as is the DE250. But not the Omega 15A or the PSD2002. It's almost like a trick or a practical joke. I like to lay the cabinets on their backs to remove all the screws. Then use a plastic trim tool - like is commonly used by mechanics when removing dash or door trim - to pry up one side of the driver. That protects the wood. Sometimes you can use a bit of cloth underneath the tool to further protect the wood. If you feel brave, leave the cabinet standing but tilted back 20 to 30 degrees. Remove all the screws but one in the bottom. Push the edge of the driver - holding it in position - while removing that last screw. Then slowly reduce pressure holding the driver in, allowing it to slide out.
Well, I got the woofer polarity incorrect, and I was excited that it would be an easy fix, but I read the schematic notes again, and the DE250 tweeter is also Black to +. So they're both wrong, which makes them right... 1. I purchased the JBL's new from Parts Express. 2. Not sure yet about this one, will need to connect the scope to check power output. The amp was working great with my much less efficient Zaph 5.2's 3. See above... 4. Insulation is on the brace between woofer and tweeter. Plus more lining the interior. Maybe it's insufficient? I have always added extra insulation to every speaker I've ever built during the tuning phase. 5. The port needs to be addressed. It was a fun idea but it's probably ringing a bit. 6. The room is pretty well treated. It was sounding great with my old speakers. I do have a 12" sub which does enhance the sound significantly. I have no doubt these speakers are capable of exceeding my expectations, just need a bit of tweaking to get there.
My scope is a tried-and-true Tektronics 2230. I've had it for years - decades - since the 1980s. Can't believe how time files; Seems like yesterday for me. As for music content that's "fun to watch," the best stuff has bass notes that are shifted 90 degrees between left and right channels. Better when they shift between +/-90 degrees, cause that's a cool look. One song like that is "Welcome to the Machine," by Pink Floyd.
Well, it is very important to measure unwanted noise generated by the system. I can still remember the one that happened recently to me when I was recording late in the night. I didn't notice that my interface was adding a low hiss, which I got to know during playback. It was pretty annoying when I realised that after the whole time that I spent. I also think that when we talk of external interference, it can come from WiFi routers, power wires, fluorescent lights, phone chargers, and, in some cases, nearby appliances. I will say it is necessary to monitor spaces between devices such as your laptop and mic when recording because the noise from the laptop could interfere in the quality of sound that you make. I've always been careful about that.
Wayne Parham wrote on Tue, 14 April 2026 08:15 One of my favorite things to do is to connect an oscilloscope to the left and right channels, and to display Lissajous patterns of the music. That is pretty cool, and I am imagining how nice it will come out. I would want to know the kind of oscilloscope that you make use of? Also, what songs do you think gives the best Lissajous patterns?
Those look fantastic! I love 'em! Mine are always on foot-tall stands, so I'm with you on the height. I am more than surprised with your comments about muddy bass and unclear vocals though. The four Pi model loudspeaker with JBL 2226H is my reference standard for crisp, clear bass and vocals. I don't think any other loudspeaker performs as well in that regard - If one did, I'd either be back to work redesigning or I'd drop them from the line. My thoughts for suspects are these, in no particular order: 1. Is the cone genuine JBL? Was it purchased brand-new? If not, confirm response and distortion are as published using acoustic measurements. 2. Amplifier performance. How is it doing at 1/10th-watt levels? Most of the time, your speakers will be running under a watt. Then also check the amplifier in the 1-10 watt range. See how it reacts when pushed a little bit. 3. Check your internal wiring. Having one of the midwoofer drivers connected backwards will make some odd nulls in the midbass and midrange, especially when you're centrally seated. It will be off everywhere in the room, to tell the truth. The 2226H is to be connected black to positive, so that's often mistaken. So check the wiring against the plans. Tweeters out of phase with midwoofers won't affect the midbass, but that will affect the overtone region a great deal. 4. Where did you place your insulation? Did you add the sheet spanning the cross-section, between woofer and tweeter? Did you cover the top, side nearest the port and the rear? The rear sheet should almost contact the port. If the sheet spanning the cross-section isn't there, the vocal range will be adversely affected. Actually, missing any of the damping sheets will have an adverse effect, but the cross-section sheet is particularly important. 5. Have you checked the bell modes of the port? Your part looks really cool but since I haven't seen it, I'm inclined to want to check it out. It's probably awesome, but it's an unknown quantity for me. I know the MDF ports are acoustically neutral. But I am worried the plastic ports might have a bell mode in the midrange. Check 'em out, and maybe damp them with putty if needed. 6. Room acoustics. Your speakers are pretty tolerant of bad environments, but nothing can help the sound if there are highly resonant structures nearby. Those can sometimes really muddy midbass and vocals. An example I've encountered is hardwood floors over crawlspaces. Sometimes those make a hollow, resonant sound. But you probably would have already noticed something like that. While I won't add this to the list of likely suspects, I will say that adding flanking subs will greatly improve the performance of the midbass and midrange. That's what the flanking subs really address: They're not just for extension, but more importantly, they reduce baffle step and mitigate SBIR. But not having flanking subs isn't a deal-breaker for four Pi loudspeakers. They sound fantastic without 'em. It's an Nth degree thing. Flanking subs are definitely worth doing, and you'll notice the improvement. But it's not like they fix something bad, it's more like going from really good to great.
Speakers are built! I wanted to raise the tweeters closer to ear level so I added legs in sort of a mid-century style. They sound good, but not yet great. The dynamics and impact that I was looking for are definitely there, and they are far more efficient than my former speakers. Bass is punchy but also slightly muddy, and some vocals (especially female) don't sound as clear as I would like. Listening fatigue comes on pretty quickly. EDIT: While writing this, I had the amp cranked up probably 82+ dB range. Turned it down more in the 68-75 dB range, and they sound noticeably cleaner. Amp is only 50 WPC but it should only be pushing a few watts at these SPLs. Not visible in the photos is a 1 1/4" x 3/4" MDF rib glued to the top, and a 6"x12" MDF pad glued to the bottom as a platform for the crossover. I used poly batting around the tweeter section and after first audition I also added (4) 12"x12" acoustic foam tiles around each woofer. This made a clear improvement but maybe it needs more damping? Of course I need to do some experimentation with placement in the room. The ceiling has foam acoustic tiles and the floor has a thick jute rug.
I really enjoyed THELSAF 2026. It's such fun to visit with folks and share time listening to music with them. That's been true ever since I started the event in Tulsa in 2005. Visiting the Lone Star Audiofest is much more enjoyable for interested hobbyists and potential customers than coming over to my place to see and hear my speakers. People that come to the Lone Star Audiofest can see and hear many more things that way. This is especially true for other companies like mine - online shops and direct marketing companies - because we have no showrooms and no dealer network. But even companies that do have a showroom and/or dealer network benefit from shows like these. People that attend audio shows don't only see the products from a particular dealer. They see products from several dealers, and they see products that aren't available at any dealer. That draws people for a very good reason. It is a unique gathering event. There's a wonderful synergy here. People that attend shows like these are incentivized to attend the Lone Star Audiofest because we bring in manufacturers that don't go to any other audio show. That also works in the favor of the larger companies that have a dealer network, because they can be auditioned by these show-goers that come to the show to visit with their favorite online/direct shops. So the Lone Star Audiofest is particularly attractive, I think, because it showcases so many products that cannot be seen any other way. Having said that, I found this year's Lone Star Audiofest to have more dealers and reps than we did the smaller shops. We've never seen this before. Most years, we are 75% direct/online companies and 25% dealer/network or brick-and-mortar shops. This year, that was turned around - amazingly - and we saw 75% dealer/network companies and only 25% direct/online at the show. I am certainly glad to see the addition of our dealer/network friends, and I think that's largely from the influence of T.H.E. But I think we need to reach out to the direct/online companies and give 'em a reminder that we're their show. Personally, I think we did two things that might have brought this about. First was that we chose Memorial Day weekend. That might work for a parade, a festival at a lake or other similar event. But I don't think it's the right weekend for an audio show. So we'll make sure to grab the first weekend in May next year like we normally do. Second was we didn't really promote the show as aggressively as we could have. We're long past the days when our best way to reach-out was to post on all our favorite audio messageboards. So notices on messageboards are not enough. We need to be more proactive on various social media sites. T.H.E. has been a tremendous help there, but we're going to try to step it up a notch next year. Starting now, actually. We've already started a LoneStarAudiofest channel on YouTube, and we'll drop videos there often. We'll work together with T.H.E. to promote the show, and to provide useful and interesting content. And we'll update the LoneStarAudiofest.com website to provide messages to its subscribers and to its social media channels every time we make a post. That will help get the word out. So if you haven't already subscribed to the LoneStarAudiofest.com newsletter, you might want to do that. Just press the "SUBSCRIBE" button at the lower right corner of any page on the LoneStarAudiofest.com website. Or maybe you'd rather subscribe to our LoneStarAudiofest YouTube channel. We'll make sure to provide content to keep you informed.
Music doesn't care whether you are young or old. The vibe flows through. I've seen older people who are very happy listening to new songs from rappers and other players. What always matters is musicians making quality music that a lot of people will find a reason to listen to.
Raven Audio (Bluebonnet Room) Raven Audio is another LSAF veteran exhibitor. We've proudly watched them from company birth to the industry behemoth they've become. Their equipment is both stunning and understated - which is quite a trick - but there's no other way to say it. They immediately impress, but not by overwhelming you with glitzy pizzazz. They impress you with their quiet confidence in quality.
Origin Hifi (Verbena Room) Origin Hifi is an Austin dealer that offers Focal, KEF, Dynaudio, KLH, Linn, Steinway Lyngdorf, Naim, McIntosh, Luxman, NAD and a few dozen other top-notch brands. Their offerings list looks like a who's-who of the audio industry. You really had to see and hear their room!
PBN Audio (Sunflower Room) PBN Audio is Peter Bichel Noerbaek, maker of fine quality loudspeakers, amplifiers and turntables. Super good stuff!
Vintage Lounge (Lantana Room) The Vintage Lounge was a cool room filled with cool vintage stuff. It was manned by Wayne Carter, Manny Cazz and James Plumb.
Legacy Home Theater (Holstein Room) These photos were taken before the show began, allowing us to get a view of the whole system without interfering with anyone. It was quite a setup!
Decibel+ (Bluebell Room) Decibel+ is a Las Vegas dealer that offers Atlantis Lab loudspeakers, Neoson and Soulnote tube amplifiers and DACs and Supreme Acoustic Systems turntables. The Decibel+ room was absolutely stunning.
Legacy Audio (Highlands Room) Legacy Audio makes all kinds of droolworthy audio gear. Just look at this! And man, you had to hear it.
Pi Speakers (Room 233) Pi Speakers makes efficient high-fidelity loudspeakers, specializing on those that deliver uniform directivity.
Uilleam Audio (Room 225) Uilleam does gorgeous woodworking for all kinds of audio equipment. They specialize in making custom cabinets for popular loudspeaker kit makers.
Audio Crafters Guild (Room 223) Audio Crafters Guild is an LSAF veteran. For the last few years, they've partnered with PureArtFi and their partnership has resulted in some truly stunning components and systems.
Schiit Audio Room (Room 217) Schiit Audio is truly a rising star. They brought all kinds of goodies to THELSAF 2026.
What a weekend! What a show! Pictures follow...
Kurt wrote on Wed, 20 May 2026 23:58 I've got the Klipsch RF-7 floorstanders, and the one amp that I've used on it for a while now is the Yamaha A-S220. I've made use of the Yamaha A-S2200 most times as it perfectly fits the speakers. The bass and the highs don't get harsh while in use, and for the times that I've used it, I've not had any major complaints on it. As one who really likes tube amps, I also make use of the Rogue Audio Sphinx V3, and the experience of using it has been pretty awesome. It doesn't cost much to maintain. That is the main reason that I picked it Have you used any of the amps? If yes, what has been your personal experience on them? The main point of amps is finding the right one that fits your speakers. It can be disheartening figuring out that the one you purchased never synchronised with the speakers you intend using it on. So, if the Yamaha A-S2200 works pretty good on your Klipsch speakers, then I don't see any need making a change.
I've been in a similar situation where I got deceived by my bedroom in terms of sound production. I mean the sound being cool while in the bedroom and sounding a different way while outside. That's why I would say room treatment matters a lot when it comes to getting a good sound quality. It does not mean that you have to spend a lot to achieve that. You can get a couple of acoustic panels that are quite affordable, fixed in some corners, and behind the monitors. That's not comparable to getting new gears, but it can improve the sound quality. I can only say you go for upgrades on the music equipment if you've not got a good monitor or decent headphones. However, if you've got them, then I think doing a simple room treatment is the first step for me.
gofar99 wrote on Sat, 05 March 2022 20:03 Hi, the way it was sometimes it was done was to use either a full track or half track tape recorder to tape it and then to swap the tracks playing when you reverse the tape. It was also possible to just swap the take up and play reels and play the tape backwards. :roll: Honestly, I've not heard such sounds, or maybe it was because I never cared to check some of them. What would you say made them special?
It totally depends on the room and what you're lookin' for. The room has a major impact on sound - there's no doubt about that. So if you want to hear the source and not the room, you'll need to do some work. But if you know your room - especially if you're on a budget - and if its flaws aren't glaring, you can probably do a budget setup and be fine. Glaring flaws are things like all hard surfaces like concrete or tile, especially in a small space. That's hard to work with 'cause it will over-emphasize certain sounds and make you want to mix 'em to "correct." Playback in another environment - the sound is way off. One thing that always helps - mount the speakers flush with the front wall and make your listening spot far away from the rear and side walls. If you can't sit far from walls, cover them with acoustic wedges, largest you can get. If you can't mount the speakers flush to the wall, pull 'em away from the front wall and/or use flanking subs.
Oh, man. That's so cool!
I've never left it. I wandered with digital. But vinyl has been the mainstay since that's all there was. The ritual aspect is quaint and I do my version of it. But my joy comes from having tailored as best I could my system to be able to play vinyl in a sense that gave me pleasure for having made it sound so good. Sure cd and streaming I guess, (I've never invested in it) is simpler and can sound fine too. But I'm happy with what I got. Julia Lee & her Boyfriends absolutely require a turntable to listen to. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pE0zHUDbJVg&list=RDpE0zHUDbJVg&start_radio=1
Is room treatment a must for bedroom producers?
I am trying to know if room treatment should be a major criterion to mix beats in the bedroom. I've done a couple in my bedroom using headphones and a part of monitors, and I always feel satisfied once I am done. However, I don't get the same result if I take the same mixed sound to my car, for example, and I am kinda trying to know if treating the room can have a major impact. I want to know if it does so that I can get some acoustic panels, or is it better I focus on saving up to upgrade the music gears that I use for my bedroom production?
I have been opportune to make use of both carpets and hardwood in the listening. For that reason, I get how you are feeling about the whole thing. When I had carpet in the room, it brought about zero echo and a dead-quiet room, and the feeling was good at the beginning, but certain things weren't cool with it. The vocal sounded dull, for example, and the energy in the songs that I listened to weren't fantastic. I would say that Hardwood is better because when I got them last four years, placing a think rug between the speakers and I, some absorption panels on the first reflection points and bass traps in the corners of the rooms made the songs sound far more better than when I made use of carpets. So, I will always pick Hardwood because I like better sounds when I listen to songs in the listening room. You can stick to your carpets if you are pretty fine with calm sounds.
To be honest, I find the whole vinyl ritual experience a bit tiring. I mean, if I need to listen to my favourite song like Hoe to Love by Lil Wayne, I would have to stick around the vinyl record until it gets to the song, right? That's not interesting to me. I feel streaming is more exciting. I like picking the songs that I wish to listen to in seconds and playing it like I want. That's what I like, and the good part is that I can even listen to a full album from 50, if I want to. I feel like having that control over what I play is the best, and that is why I am happier with digital records. I am not disputing the fact that vinyl records felt special back in those years and for that generation because my dad still plays those vinyl records when I visit him and enjoys every experience, but a lot has changed and digital is more convenient for me.
That's pretty cool, Barry. Thinkin' about John too. He left way too soon.
I miss seeing you guys, too. Tell all I said hi, Doing a mini-LSAF in my place this weekend. Been listening to John Busch's Widowmaker 3's for a few days with various flavors of electronics and at some point will switch over to the 4 pi's. It may not be the LSAF but is sure kinda sounds like it.
Sure wish you were here, Barry! You are missed. Kelly and I went out to dinner tonight with Norman Tracy and Mike Lundy. We were talkin' about you, wishing you were here.
Looks great from out here in the cheap seats. :)
First-take photos from the first few hours of the show! Photos from LSAF 2026
I've got the Klipsch RF-7 floorstanders, and the one amp that I've used on it for a while now is the Yamaha A-S220. I've made use of the Yamaha A-S2200 most times as it perfectly fits the speakers. The bass and the highs don't get harsh while in use, and for the times that I've used it, I've not had any major complaints on it. As one who really likes tube amps, I also make use of the Rogue Audio Sphinx V3, and the experience of using it has been pretty awesome. It doesn't cost much to maintain. That is the main reason that I picked it Have you used any of the amps? If yes, what has been your personal experience on them?
I'm starting to get excited now. Gathering the equipment and supplies today and tomorrow, going through my checklist, it's always the beginning of the week right before an LSAF when things get cool. Well, not cool, actually kind of edgy. Gotta check the list twice, make sure to get spare tubes and stuff, just make sure not to forget anything. This is the 19th year of the Lone Star Audiofest, after the first two years in Tulsa where we called this event the Great Plains Audiofest. In some sense, they're different animals but in most respects, it's the same core bunch from GPAF in 2005 and 2006 that gathered together in Dallas starting in 2007 to form the Lone Star Audiofest. And now - last two years - we started meeting in Austin. And we're working together with the T.H.E. folks too. This is the second installment of that. Super groovy cool! Can't wait to see you all this weekend!
Hi, Bercle Just as Wayne said above, there is more to do if you are moving from carpets to hardwood floors. I've been there, and I know that using just hardwood floors won't give you the very best in terms of sound quality.
Hardwood floors are beautiful, but acoustically difficult. Same with tile, stone or concrete. These kinds of surfaces are very reflective at all frequencies, which makes for an unnatural-sounding floor bounce. If you want to make a listening room out of a room with hardwood floors, it's best to have a large rug between the listening area and the speakers. That will at least reduce the high-frequency "slap" reflection.
Hi, This something Wayne should comment on as he has considerable experience in that area. My simple take is the hardness or softness of a room relates to how any particular speaker will sound. I have what would be a mostly soft room. Carpets, furniture, bookcases and acoustic stuff on the ceiling. This in my case is required because I use electrostatic speakers that are bi-dimensional. They rely on controlled back sounds. More conventional speakers are not usually as demanding in that area, but will still depend on room resonances and reflections. I hope this helps.
Is switching from carpets to hardwood floors actually worth it?
What has been your experience with hardwood floors in a listening room? What I currently have right now is carpet, and it seems it makes the room feel quiet and the music not sounding the way that I want it to sound. In the beginning, I felt it was fine since I didn't have to get echo, but I don't feel that satisfied and have been thinking of switching to hardwood floors. Is there anyone who's tried using both? Do you think hardwood floors with good treatment are better than using just carpet, or should I keep managing this?
Cole wrote on Wed, 29 April 2026 17:42 The Katana 100 amp is not bad. Zero tube stress, like you mentioned. However, I've been on the Henrksen and the Quilter brand for years now and currently use the Bud Ten model that I got for $1,000 as my main amp right now. Kinda costly, but it has served me with no issues experienced for over 10 years that I've been making use of it. I've used solid-state amps from Roland JC, Fender Tonemaster, and Peavey in the past, but none has given me the confidence that I had with these two brands. They've been a reliable brand for years. If you've not gotten any of their amps in your collection, then I suggest you try them out, too. I totally get your point. I mean, if the Bud Ten that you've been using for a decade or so hasn't had any issues, then it is safe to say that you've gotten value for money spent. I've been using the Katana 100 for a while, too, and the good part is that I've not had any issues with it. I bring it to my rehearsals, have used it for some small gigs, and haven't had many complaints with it. I've got the DV Mark Little Jazz in my collection, gotten for $400 three years ago. I needed a little amp for doing coffee shop gigs, and that's the one that I've used for it a lot of times. I've always admired the Henriksen brand, but Katana and DV Mark have been my two reliable brands for years, and I've enjoyed every bit of it.
The Katana 100 amp is not bad. Zero tube stress, like you mentioned. However, I've been on the Henrksen and the Quilter brand for years now and currently use the Bud Ten model that I got for $1,000 as my main amp right now. Kinda costly, but it has served me with no issues experienced for over 10 years that I've been making use of it. I've used solid-state amps from Roland JC, Fender Tonemaster, and Peavey in the past, but none has given me the confidence that I had with these two brands. They've been a reliable brand for years. If you've not gotten any of their amps in your collection, then I suggest you try them out, too.
dustboy wrote on Fri, 10 April 2026 20:53 I modeled this port to be 3D printed in PLA. Wall thickness is only 1/8", I'm wondering if the flat walls will resonate? I'd make it thicker but I have limited space on the baffle after adding the flange at the face. I'd stick with plywood/MDF for the port. It's nice and solid and is easy to incorporate into a horizontal brace. Looking forward to the rest of your build. CNC would be so nice to have for speaker building. I keep threatening to buy a hobby machine.
One of my favorite things to do is to connect an oscilloscope to the left and right channels, and to display Lissajous patterns of the music.
I've had a similar experience where a couple contracted me to handle their anniversary sound production using their first dance song. I picked Audacity, powered the MP3, zoomed straight into the chorus, and exported a crisp black and white waveform, which is at 600 DPI. Worked on it over time and gave it to them. I can still recall the joy on their faces when they played it. One thing that I like about Audacity is that it is free and can do this job perfectly without any issues. You just have to trim the chorus, play file, click on export as picture and then pick PNG. I don't need any plugins for that. You can also scale the PNG to any size you desire using vectors. I can help you handle this if you need my services. Thank you.
I'd have one printed and then test it for bell modes. If it rings or buzzes, maybe you can damp it with adhesive sheets or something. Or just make it from wood if the plastic duct becomes too much trouble.
I modeled this port to be 3D printed in PLA. Wall thickness is only 1/8", I'm wondering if the flat walls will resonate? I'd make it thicker but I have limited space on the baffle after adding the flange at the face.
I love that! Looks great!
I had some nice tweed grille cloth and these speakers being very, well, boxy, it seemed like a good reason to lean into the 'vintage monkey coffin' look. I mocked them up in sketchup, adding a 4" plinth that looked proportional. I have a teenage boy who likes to use my listening room, and while he is pretty careful, his friends are likely to put a hole in my very expensive JBL woofers. So, removable grilles are mandatory. I'd actually like to raise the speakers a bit higher to get them closer to ear level. The plinth might grow to 10-12", but it starts to look pretty chunky. In that case maybe a hardwood stand is more appropriate.
Exhibitor List Atlantis Lab - Bluebell Room Audience AV Audio Crafters Guild - Room 223 Ayre Acoustics - Verbena Room Decibel+ - Bluebell Room Hana KEF - Verbena Room Kimber Kable - Highlands Room Legacy Audio - Highlands Room Miller Audio - Room 223 MusicTools Italy Mytek Audio Neoson - Bluebell Room Nordost - Bluebell Room Origin HiFi - Verbena Room Pass Labs - Verbena Room PBN Audio - Sunflower Room Pi Speakers - Room 233 PureArtFi - Room 223 Raven Audio - Bluebonnet Room Schiit Audio - Room 217 Soul Note - Bluebell Room Sonus Faber - Verbena Room SVS Uilleam Audio - Room 225 Vintage Lounge - Lantana Room
What's your preferred solid-state amp now?
What would you say is your preferred solid-state amp right now. I am talking about a brand that has served you for a while with minimal complaints. I just added the Boss Katana 100 to my collection of solid-state amps, and it just fits what I've been seeking. Great performance with zero tube drama. I am always relaxed as there has been no mid set concern since I started using it. Which one are you using or can say fits into what you've been seeking for a very long period?
It is simply Spotify. The app keeps getting better with each passing day, and it is clear to see the efforts the team put into building a very good app for music lovers. I've been using Spotify for a long time and haven't thought of making a change any time soon.
Sounds like it's going to be a cool build! You can probably radius the edge of the ports without any ill-effects. There's a formula for calculating the Helmholtz frequency of ports with radiused ends that could be used to see. But then again, that port is huge - in a cabinet tuned and designed for full-range use rather than as a subwoofer. So you won't hear any chuffing no matter how hard you push 'em.
Hank wrote on Fri, 26 December 2025 02:41 Hey, mate I like your decision to build your hifi rack making use of the Maple butcher. It is a popular choice and the one that my dad made use of when he constructed the hi-fi rack that we use at home. It can be able to carry the heavy amps without issues and although it costs more, the quality is always assured. I didn't see you mentioning isolation feet, but it is what you would need under the rack for stability. I believe that spending $900 or around that price can be able to handle constructing a strong hifi rack for all your sound components that you use at home. I mean the wood would cost around 500 dollars or thereabouts while the cost of the frame won't cost more than $200 to get everything. So, you are within budget. I knew spending that much would be enough to handle the projects no doubt, but I had to pause the project because my eldest son got sick around January and we ended up spending so much towards paying the hospital bills. The plan is still on building this, but I've paused going forward till the next two months at the least.
4pi parts are on order JBL 2226/DE250 (and backorder, in the case of the DE250-8's) and in the mean time I'm starting to work out the details. I own a custom cabinet shop with 5x10 CNC router and edgebander, so building boxes is kind of my thing. But doing the engineering of building a speaker is way beyond my mental capacity so I'm glad to have found this design. I've built several kits before including Zaph Audio 5.2 and Adire Audio MTM. I don't want to mess with success so I'll be sticking with the script for the most part. -Would it be a bad idea to fillet the mouth of the port with a 3D printed flare? Or 3DP the entire port with flares at both ends? Presumably sharp outside corners produce turbulence and most ports I've seen have this feature. Would I want to change the length of the port if I do this? -I have 2+ sheets of A1 MDF with a walnut veneer that are very nice and even better, free. I think most folks are using 18mm or thicker baltic birch these days, so I'll plan for more internal bracing. What is the intended enclosure volume? For whatever volume I displace internally I'll need to add to the total enclosure volume, yes? Which outer dimension is preferable to modify? -I'm considering an inset baffle to allow a removable cloth grille panel to set flush. -I will probably integrate a base, maybe some nice hardwood legs and try to make the speaker a bit less boxy looking.
Prince wrote on Thu, 11 December 2025 22:00 Hello, everyone Please, I am seeking some opinions on making a good hifi rack for my family that can be able to carry 4 equipment. If you add the turntable, that will be on top. That's basically 3 shelves where I can place the preamp, power amplifier, and digital streamer. I am thinking of using the Maple butcher block platforms on a metal frame for this work. For the measurements I am looking at Length: 100 cm Thickness: 2.8 cm Width: 50 cm. I am budgeting around $900 for the project and won't want to exceed that unless I have no options. What do you think about the measurement and the materials that I plan to use? I don't know if you've built this, but speaking from personal experience, I will suggest you check out a ready made hifi rack because I've noticed that some of the custom builds miss the little details like proper vibration damping that is very important for great music experience. I got a friend who spent three weeks building a custom hifi rack but didn't get the desired output as the metal hummed a bit, and the soundstage felt odd. I won't want you to fall into the same challenge as he did. So, I feel you should check out Audio Racks from popular brands on Amazon since you've got $900 to spend, which I believe would be enough, or have you checked some of the ready made options already?
I remember when I first heard Adele speak between songs on one of her concert Blu-rays. She sounds completely different when she talks than she does when she sings. Totally cracks me up!
Becky wrote on Mon, 06 October 2025 11:21 I do notice it when the artists are been interviewed. Their accent became so thick that I couldn't understand what they are saying but the songs were more understandable. There are great singers but I don't know why they change accent when speaking. To be able to sing, they most times have to dig deeper with the way that they speak. It is quite different when they are talking normally with others. The energy to use the same voice when they are talking is quite different, and I understand why it is so.
When it comes to getting speakers, I like going for those underrated brands that deliver much better than what they cost. Also, I can't pinpoint what I don't like about my current setup right now as they have been doing perfectly fine. I am talking about the likes of KEF brands and Wharfedale. For example, I make use of the KEF LS50 Meta speakers in my bedroom. Not those big-sized speakers, but the bass is unbelievable when we compare what such speakers offer. I spent around 800 dollars when I purchased the pair of Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 floorstanders that I use in my sitting room. This pair of speakers is highly recommended for those young guys like me who are still trying to find their feet in life and don't want to spend heavily on getting quality because this right here is affordable and still delivers value. The last on the list is the Polk Audio Atrium 4 Outdoor speakers that I use in the bathroom. Sleek, waterproof, and gives clear sounds that make being in the bathroom fun.
It's TIME! We’re super-excited to announce that we’re all set and ready to go for THELSAF 2026! Same place, same great time! Mark your calendars for Memorial Day Weekend – May 22, 23 and 24th – at the Embassy Suites in Round Rock, Texas. If anyone wasn’t there last year, that’s just north of Austin. Click here to reserve your room. Or here to get tickets. Just like last year, tickets cost no more than parking would have cost. And the exhibitor rooms and booths are more than reasonable. Totally affordable. We’re committed to keeping things that way. And as for the fun – Wow! – If you’ve been here before, you know what it’s like. Most of us are regulars. But if you haven’t been here, ask folks that have. We’re an audio show like no other. We’re up close and personal, we’re approachable and basically just cool as can be. Join us! THELSAF 2026 in Round Rock! Memorial Day Weekend!
Phonetic Ear wrote on Fri, 03 June 2022 01:35 I haven't heard a piece like that so far, but it sounds like something you'd encounter in mystery movies. Playing sounds backward may have you finding some hidden messages that can serve as entertainment. You could even end up getting ideas from it. The thing is that some of them actually sounded cool. I can remember even playing some songs backwards some time ago just to have a feeling of how it felt when it was a thing many years ago. It can be quite entertaining when you pick the right songs for the experiment.
positron wrote on Tue, 23 December 2025 11:43 Cole wrote on Wed, 17 December 2025 08:53 I am a man in my 60s, and in those days, playing vinyl records on the turntable was always a blast. Nowadays, it seems most people have moved to playing music on digital platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and others. Don't misunderstand me, streaming music via these digital platforms looks easy and convenient. I mean, one can get to play any album they wish with a simple search on Spotify, for example. However, I feel like something is missing. I miss that vinyl ritual. That feeling of going through the crates is looking for that album that is on your mind. The joy that comes with finding it quickly. That act of quickly brushing it to clean off the dust before placing it on a turntable. The sound of the first crackle before the music starts. Staying close to the full side with no skipping allowed. That makes one listen to every song on the album without missing any, which is what the artist wanted in the first place. It is so different from digital. Digital kind of looks like watching a movie on your phone, unlike vinyl, which can be likened to going to the cinema to experience movie watching on a different level. Does anyone have this exact feeling, or am I just thinking aloud? Do you think the "vinyl ritual" was worth it, or was it overrated? I mean, are you happier with the digital streaming of songs nowadays? If you miss the days of vinyl records, are you now actively collecting? Let me know your thoughts. Hi Cole, I used to, but over the years there are so many great selections from all over the world, including classical, yesteryear in the 50s-60s, covers etc. Other things include getting tired of the same LPs, expense, inferior fidelity these days, and my age. Still have and occasional selection with my STD TT, Acutex 320 lll STR cartridge, my own Phono stage. I do watch/stream movies with the stereo connected, just like being at the movies, but with smaller 32" screen. But just don't feel up to much at my age, ill right now. But I sure do remember those young days, 7 on, of listening, learning, experimenting. Cheers and all the best Cole. pos Reading this reminds me of those good memories back then. I am now trying to recreate them with the way that I play the records and hopefully many more older folks can jump on it. You said you are ill, how are you faring right now? I hope you are a lot more better?
I would say that you are not the only one who still feels the vinyl rituals. I mean, there are many of us out there who feel the same way. Personally, I am still more focused on collecting and spinning vinyl and believe that it is worth it for the following reasons. The first one is the immersion that you get when you listen to every track on the album without missing any. Vinyl records give that opportunity to feel what the album has to offer from start to finish. Secondly, I also feel that vinyl demands presence, which I appreciate. I mean, getting to flip through the crates, picking the sleeve, brushing off dirt, and lowering the needle just to play the record. It is a step-by-step process that needs you to be there, to have the full experience, and it is lovely. See, I get that many people are seeking convenience when it comes to listening to songs, but I am always fulfilled with the vinyl ritual. Nothing comes close to how I feel each time I go down the route. So, I don't think you are alone on this. We are many! For that reason, I want you to keep spinning those records.
Hey, mate I like your decision to build your hifi rack making use of the Maple butcher. It is a popular choice and the one that my dad made use of when he constructed the hi-fi rack that we use at home. It can be able to carry the heavy amps without issues and although it costs more, the quality is always assured. I didn't see you mentioning isolation feet, but it is what you would need under the rack for stability. I believe that spending $900 or around that price can be able to handle constructing a strong hifi rack for all your sound components that you use at home. I mean the wood would cost around 500 dollars or thereabouts while the cost of the frame won't cost more than $200 to get everything. So, you are within budget.
Cole wrote on Wed, 17 December 2025 08:53 I am a man in my 60s, and in those days, playing vinyl records on the turntable was always a blast. Nowadays, it seems most people have moved to playing music on digital platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and others. Don't misunderstand me, streaming music via these digital platforms looks easy and convenient. I mean, one can get to play any album they wish with a simple search on Spotify, for example. However, I feel like something is missing. I miss that vinyl ritual. That feeling of going through the crates is looking for that album that is on your mind. The joy that comes with finding it quickly. That act of quickly brushing it to clean off the dust before placing it on a turntable. The sound of the first crackle before the music starts. Staying close to the full side with no skipping allowed. That makes one listen to every song on the album without missing any, which is what the artist wanted in the first place. It is so different from digital. Digital kind of looks like watching a movie on your phone, unlike vinyl, which can be likened to going to the cinema to experience movie watching on a different level. Does anyone have this exact feeling, or am I just thinking aloud? Do you think the "vinyl ritual" was worth it, or was it overrated? I mean, are you happier with the digital streaming of songs nowadays? If you miss the days of vinyl records, are you now actively collecting? Let me know your thoughts. Hi Cole, I used to, but over the years there are so many great selections from all over the world, including classical, yesteryear in the 50s-60s, covers etc. Other things include getting tired of the same LPs, expense, inferior fidelity these days, and my age. Still have and occasional selection with my STD TT, Acutex 320 lll STR cartridge, my own Phono stage. I do watch/stream movies with the stereo connected, just like being at the movies, but with smaller 32" screen. But just don't feel up to much at my age, ill right now. But I sure do remember those young days, 7 on, of listening, learning, experimenting. Cheers and all the best Cole. pos
Digital looks so simple, sometimes I miss the vinyl ritual
I am a man in my 60s, and in those days, playing vinyl records on the turntable was always a blast. Nowadays, it seems most people have moved to playing music on digital platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and others. Don't misunderstand me, streaming music via these digital platforms looks easy and convenient. I mean, one can get to play any album they wish with a simple search on Spotify, for example. However, I feel like something is missing. I miss that vinyl ritual. That feeling of going through the crates is looking for that album that is on your mind. The joy that comes with finding it quickly. That act of quickly brushing it to clean off the dust before placing it on a turntable. The sound of the first crackle before the music starts. Staying close to the full side with no skipping allowed. That makes one listen to every song on the album without missing any, which is what the artist wanted in the first place. It is so different from digital. Digital kind of looks like watching a movie on your phone, unlike vinyl, which can be likened to going to the cinema to experience movie watching on a different level. Does anyone have this exact feeling, or am I just thinking aloud? Do you think the "vinyl ritual" was worth it, or was it overrated? I mean, are you happier with the digital streaming of songs nowadays? If you miss the days of vinyl records, are you now actively collecting? Let me know your thoughts.