What was the last bit of gear you bought in 2022?

Your first Impression? I got mine on Friday. Clemens

Thanks for this. As the Z3 is likely a step up on the standard issue, I guess the improvements heard with the Powerline will be subtle.

I have some tweaks in my system for some weeks now.

  1. I have a new network router from another telecom provider (fiber XGS-PON) with WIFI 6 and access point in the living room. We now have much better WIFI coverage in the house. My System (with Uniti Atom) also sounded a bit brighter immediately and resolved a bit finer via WIFI 6 (the Uniti Atom technically runs on WIFI 5) than the old router. However, the Ethernet connection to the Uniti Atom (directly to the router - without a switch) still sounds a bit better and more transparent than WIFI, although it’s more nuances than “day and night”.

  2. After reading a lot about it on the forum, I bought a CISCO 3560 switch second-hand (for only 70 Swiss Francs). It works (after a factory reset) „plug and play“ without problems and brought an immediately audible progress, even with a standard power cable.

  3. Then I recently tested some power cables with Cisco 3560 and my CD player. I was amazed that the sound effects and the improvement was the same everywhere:
    a) Isol-8 Isolink Wave: the budget cable. Brought only a slight improvement over a standard cable.
    b) Audioquest NRG Y3: clear improvement, more three-dimensionality and resolution and quieter, however, slight emphasis in the bass and fundamental range with less precision.
    c) Vovox Sonorus Power: also significant improvement like the Audioquest, but very neutral with powerful, precise bass.
    I stayed with the Vovox Sonorus. It is a clear upgrade for the CISCO and the CD-Player at a comparatively low price. It is worth a try. I am happy with it.

  4. I also compared some Ethernet cables I bought second-hand. The differences with the Uniti Atom are not extrem, but still audible.
    d) - Meicord Opal: rather disappointing. It sounded rather diffuse to my ears.
    e) - Chord C-Stream: much better and more resolving, but still a bit foggy.
    f) - Audioquest Cinnamon: best in comparison. Better resolution, precise also in the bass.
    Now I use two Cinnamon’s from the Ethernet wall socket of the house wiring to the CISCO 3560 and from the CISCO to the Uniti Atom. I think it’s a good solution in my system at an affordable price. I now use the Chord C-Stream between the CISCO switch and the TV box. I will sell the Meicord again.
    Overall, my system has made a significant progress. Many thanks for the numerous posts in the forum, which have helped me a lot.


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Birthday presents from my wife and daughter :smile:

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The Vega G2.1 has arrived, and at the same time a couple of pieces back from Darran. I haven’t had time to put the Vega in the main system so I have connected it to the 252/SC DR along with the just returned from service 250-2 ( replacing a temporary CB 250)… The Vega in DAC only mode replaces a Qutest in this set up and is fed by a Node 2i ( soon to be replaced). It is simply outstanding the difference the 250-2 and the Vega makes. Depth and inky blackness are terms that I am completely beginning to understand.

Forgive the sub optimum stacking

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I have never heard these old A5’s sound so controlled. A small room and not a hint of boxiness but so much bass just extending across the room. All of my love (Zep) has never sounded so good. I hesitate but its almost like I don’t need the 552 system :slight_smile: ( apart from its a completely different sized and furnished room).

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Difficult. If it would help you out, I could take the 552 system off your hands? It would be a real bind for me, of course, but I wouldn’t mind extending you the favour. :grinning:

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I’ll bear it in mind. :rofl:

Aaahhhhh!!!

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Just think Nigel, what it would be like with a Fraim.

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….or any decent rack.

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The UK not only produces good HiFi.

DMM is a climbing/alpinism brand that makes great gear.

That carabiner is perfect when working the crux of a climbing route.

It replaces the bottom carabiner of a quickdraw and prevents the rope from wearing out prematurely.

When working a route, I can fall between 5 and 10 times on the same move during a session.

On the route I’m working it’s a 6-8 meter fall.

This carabiner will be very useful.

HiFi is not everything, at least not tomorrow, one must go out and climb! :smiley: :person_climbing:

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Just read two persons fell down from Matterhorn. I checked Matterhorn out on Youtube and fell off my chair. Crazy stuff! :scream:

Honestly, Thomas, I really think that you should seek approval from the collective before diverting your attention away from your new room!

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Sad, but it happens.

A few years ago, we climbed the Zmutt ridge

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Fair play Thomas. That takes some balls !

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:joy:

I have trouble keeping still!
Climbing is an addiction. Alpinism is a passion.
The weather is too nice to tinker around :sweat_smile:

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The Zmutt ridge can indeed be “tricky” :sweat_smile:

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It does beg the question…why did the audiophile climb the mountain😁

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I know one thing at least and that is I will never fall down from Matterhorn :smile:

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