Stop Wasting Your Apple Music subscription! Buy an Audiophile DAC! Cheaper Than You Think!
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- čas přidán 28. 05. 2024
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Thanks for your review....always informative and well paced. Re your title, Apple Music , I have using my iPhone cabled to the Apple Audio/ video adaptor linked to my Marantz SR 6015 I am using the internal DAC (PCM1502A DAC ). Wondering if you could shed light on significant improvements with one of the DACs recommended here?
Thanks for fantastic video
I still listen to AM radio. As a side note, I have purchased many DAC's and because I hear so little difference in each, without buying more, I am happy with the Schitt. Sometimes, less is just enough. Enjoy all.
AM is magic.
I have a 1936 Silvertone that belonged to my grandparents and I listen to sports talk radio on it. I have a 1940 RCA Victor, a 1942 Silvertone and a 1947 Silvertone. They all work.
@@timharbert7145 There is something calming about it, especially through a mono speaker in my Dad's 1977 GMC truck.
@@chungang7037"Sometimes less is more" seems to ring truer and truer with each passing year.
@@chungang7037as a kid growing up in Nebraska, id pickup WLS AM out of Chicago late at night. Also CBC out of somewhere Canada. Just fueled my dreams of seeing the world. Streaming feeds just ain't the same.
I'm trying to understand why this "Stop Wasting Your Apple Music subscription!" was in your description of this video?
I bought two Schiit Modi 3 DACS and I love them. In my opinion a DAC should be used as a DAC. It doesn't need a volume control or a remote or a headphone output. All of those can be found further down the audio chain.
I have an older Burson Audio DAC and it only has 2 sets of L/R outputs. USB/Coax/toslink in. It’s been on for 15 years except for power outages.
Fellow Dallasite here. First time watching your channel. It popped into my recommended feed tonight and the title grabbed me. I have seen a lot of shows at The Factory and the HOB. I prefer The Factory if I can get there early and be very close to the stage. At 5'6", it is a real pain to see over the crowd at Factory. I seem to get better sightlines at Southside Ballroom. Of course, my favorite venue is the Kessler, and have really enjoyed seeing shows at the Texas Theatre as of late. A couple of shows at the Longhorn Ballroom have also been enjoyable.
I don't know what a DAC is, so not an audiophile, but I do love listening to music. I'm 53 and used to drum in hair metal cover bands in the 80's/ 90's for reference.
Just bought a audiophonics Sabre-EVO and it's super super nice, love it!
Easy integration into every streaming service (AirPlay as well), network sharing and accessing local files.
Just finished watching the whole video and I don't even know what a DAC is! 👍👍👍
A streaming DAC is a box with electronics in it that acts as an audio source. It selects a specific stream of blocks of digital data transmitted as sets of ones and zeroes and coverts that stream into channels of analog signals that consist of continuously varying electrical voltages which, when fed into an amplifier, get linearly increased so that the amplified fluctuating voltages and current are strong enough to cause loudspeakers or headphones to reproduce the music or whatever sounds were encoded into the digital signal that went into the Digital Analog Converter, or "DAC."
Ordered a grey aluminum with blue J2 Socketed, no USB, sparco OP. Took a while to get it, but I was patient. I've had it for about 6 months. Sounds fantastic to me, has the inputs I need. Did I mention how fantastic it sounds. It sounds fantastic. :)
I have a very inexpensive Topping D10 USB powered dac.. when I output my Apple Music subscription into it it has the capability to play Hi-Res audio into my stereo.. for 9.95 a month, that’s pretty damn good and it sounds flipping great- but I rarely stream music. I spend so much time playing vinyl and CDs. I usually only stream to investigate certain albums that I might be interested in buying or I stream when we have a small get together and I don’t wanna spend a lot of time flipping LPs or changing CDs. The D10 sounds frikin awesome. I remember buying it for about 60 bucks. The dac chip can be swapped out with other chips (a hack I haven’t investigated).
I have a Schiit and a Geshelli DAC (one in my desktop system and one in my main system). I love them both!!! Great Video Randy!!! 👍👍👍
I just purchased a Wiim Pro plus, into my Aiyima T9 pro. Speakers are Polk ES 50 tower with a PSW 10 sub. Sounds amazing!!
I replaced my metal jumpers on my speakers with SKW jumpers and to my surprise made a BIG difference on my mids and highs. Thanks for the info.
Do you connect the Aiyima (amplifier?) to the output of the Wiim Pro? (DAC) or does the DAC go at the output of the amplifier? These strange gadgets are all new to me
I don't have a lot of DACs to compare besides stuff inside DVD players but I have been very happy with the Modi+. It is easy to hook up multiple devices and everything just works through USB. Mac, PC, Android, Raspberry Pi. It all just works. Very happy with this DAC.
We were in Dallas over spring visiting my son and daughter in bishop arts district.
Rock shows are always worth any cost. Rock on, dude! Still trying to decide on my first DAC, so I'm here to stay. Your my new audio guru.
Yes, I understand voice loss, great deal Randy
I’m a fan of quality but not at the cost of diminishing returns. I go with the keep it clean and simple method. JDS Labs Element III Mark 2 & Hifiman Sundara cans + the LosslessSwitcher App for MacOS for bit-perfect. Done and done.
I have the SMSL…. From my TV to my Musical Fidelity amp. It works brilliantly 👍
I'm in the DAC debacle as well. I need this great information. thank you
Love Static-X. I got to see them in 99' with Fear Factory at a local radio show's festival.
Love that their continuing to play music with Xer0 on lead vocals, he sounds great.
Speaking of "zero"...
Have you (or anyone) listened to the Vanatoo Zero Plus? Anything you'd look to add for a desktop setup?
The built in DAC on my Yamaha A-S301 integrated amp seems to work very well.
The Factory in Dallas in Deep Ellum rocks. Parking tough and homeless yes but the venue itself great.
Just bought my first dac, chord mojo2 and love it.
Love the song by Dope that begins and ends with the word "die" Such a sweet and mellow tune.
Thanks for the comparisons of DACs. Also like the discussion on chip sets. You have guided me for my first standalone DAC.
Glad to help!
I just wish Amazon would open up spatial atmos audio to more devices. It seems like they've done the hard part - getting the atmos mixes in their database. Just let me pass the audio to my receiver!
Great info, Randy. Thanks for the video!
I just bought a Topping E50. It worked for less than two hours before sending the "d-3" unit is defective code. It goes back tomorrow and I will not be getting another. I decided to go with the Emotiva entry-level pre-amp which has a DAC built in. I might get a Modi for the upstairs listening system as I don't need a remote.
This solved my problem. Thx so much.
Great review, but I'm wondering where the Fosi Audio K5 Pro would fall. It is marketed as a gaming headphone amp, but it is a DAC as well, and a good one based on your initial review. Thoughts?
I love my iFi Zen Blue V2. I prefer vinyl but it’s great to preview a record I’m considering buying. Sounds almost like I’m spinning vinyl. At first I wasn’t impressed, until I realized I should set my Spotify playback to the highest quality. And wah lah! Beautiful. Why do I need a remote control when I simply use my phone?
I picked up the Emotiva Big Ego + USB DAC for $80. I plug my HiFi Man Sundara head phones into the head phone out put for a very nice result. I wish you would compare it to all the other low price DACS you review.
When you can host your digitized music locally at home, and play it anywhere in/out home in far higher quality than any service, "Streaming" starts to make alotta sense. Your music is always there for you to add or remove at YOUR discretion. Think of the "Steam Link" game service but for your music : )
The gateway drug for me the WiiM Pro and SMSL-SU1
DUDE!!!! I just got the SMSL SU-1, 79$, I needed another DAC cuz I have a SchiTT Vali2 with a Modi. It was not acting great with ROON. I have to tell you, you are so right. I hooked my SVS prime Wireless' using RCA output. Oh yea so good. Thank you much. keep up the great work.
I wish smsl would come up with an su-1 pro where they would ditch mqa and add a remote (could be very simple only on/off and input selection) or at least 12v trigger in/out and independent usb/ power inputs. That woul be killer! Also, seems like Topping has in fact been changing their sound signature in most of its latest models to a fuller and warmer sounding one that i think you would enjoy - e70, e70 velvet and d70 pro octo are good examples. And they're using 12v triggers which i like. I also think you should try Loxjie d40 pro. Seems like another very good value unit! Chord Mojo 2 is also a very good unit or the price!
SMSL D400 EX
@@wckkee7 smsl has tons. and tons of the same too
Well I just tried using my IPhone 15 Pro connected to my Denafrips DAC using USB connect. To my surprise the results are astonishing V using an Apple adaptor with older lightning IPhones or Mac Mini with USB. I wouldn’t even think of using any streamer using Airplay.
Odd to see many folk still like going to see bands just to stand & point their high-held mobile cam's at them, rather than "getting into" the musical experience of live music for it's own sake & regaurdless of the numbing arm'aching shake & not being able to see the cam's view screen, so they've successfully confirmed that they at least tried to film it.
luckily, we all know how superb & unmissable those mobile movies are of head's rears, many other high held mobiles & blurry stages with some movement going on. I always look in wonder at friends or colleague's results, wondering what the hell I'm supposed to be looking at & why they bothered to pay to capture that mess on their screen
I'm rocking a Drop+Grace SDAC to Drop THXAAA789 headphone amp. If I am on the move, a simple Fiio Aspen 2 is all I need. Learned about the world of good DACs when I got into Clarion car audio gear in the 90s. Ever since, gimme good DACS....
I did a side by side with the Topping E50 & the Schiit Modi ( latest one ), Couldnt tell a ton different but really dug the Schiit. Kept the Schiit and sent the topping back, I didnt need a remote or the added features. Im really starting to dig the Schiit gear and look fwd to listening to more of their products. As for that Geshali J2 its on my radar, in a wood case it just looks so awesome. Keep up the great videos Randy!
The Modi+ is really solid. I love my AK J2 with sparkos opamp and Ifi power supply. If you like the Modi, you'll really like the J2.
If you could barely tell the difference between the Modi+ and the E50, then stick with the Modi+ and save your money. If you upgrade your system, then you could revisit a DAC upgrade, but right now, your money could be used more appropriately elsewhere.
Cant wait to try a J2 @@leodesforges161
Yeah I really couldnt tell much of a diff and I went back and fourth a few times. Now mind you I was only feeding them from the Airport Express which is limited to cd quality... Airport vs External DAC was noticable.. Just Topping vs Schiit was hard to tell a diff and I am using pretty damn good speakers and gear ( Hafler Amp / ADS Speakers / Marantz Preamp ).
@@shipsahoy1793
The Modi + is very good. It has excellent detail and is not harsh in any way. I’ve had all of the Modi iterations and the Modi + is the best, by far.
Love your show, and I think you’re the right guy to make this request to!
Would it be possible for you to run through the mysteries of dacs and other components, maybe with cartoons to illustrate? Eg: the path of a source signal through an amp, dac and speaker, and what happens if the amp itself and/or other components have inbuilt dacs already? You might also mention pre-amps, power amps, streamers, bi-wiring, phono inputs, styliiii etc and demystify for the common man?
Just a thought. 😊
yeah this. i dont know if i need an external DAC if my integrated has one already.
I just brought the Fiio K5 Pro. Excellent DAC with the added bonus of Line In so I run my turntable thru it.
Yup got the same Fiio K5 pro ess on sale for 85 bucks from aliexpress. Still waiting for it to arrive, probably in 3 days.
I saw Static-X and Dope at the Vogue in Indy. Great show!!
Still rocking two Schiit Modi DACs, the 3+ and 3E. Waiting to figure out what DAC to get in my living room. Leaning towards a Denafrips Ares 12th or maybe Gustard R26. Decisions, decisions. Or heck, the Schiit Bifrost 2/64 (maybe). SMSL has come a long way though. They figured out a little before Topping that people wanted a full-bodied sound, not something thin and analytical sounding.
The Bifrost 2/64 rocks. But the Modi Multibit 2 is no slouch.
@@riffraff9000 100% agree. The MM 2 is sonically very close to the Bifrost.
@@ChicagoRob2sounds like the MM 2 is a bargain then in its price category.
Have you tried hooking up the j2 to one of the nice receivers that uses dirac to see if that made much of a difference?
Had the Schitt it failed at less than thirty days. Sadly. It sounded pretty good when paired with Wiim pro. Now just using the Wiim until I can find the dac I am looking for.
Would be great to see you reviewing some ak4499 dacs to compare with the j2. I've just picked up the smsl do300ex, coming from a topping e50. The smsl is definitely a bit softer while also giving me a fair bit more soundstage width and depth. Details wise I'd say it's a wash but the way it's presented has changed for the better imo.
Is the dac in marantz sr8015 as good as a stand alone dac? Is there any advantage listing through a dedicated dac then the dac that's built into a AVR
OK, I finally took the plunge and bought a DAC. I bought an SMSL SU1 for $80 on Amazon. I plugged it in, between my kitchen radio (it has better sound than you would expect) and the little hockey puck WIIM streamer. I was actually skeptical I would even hear the difference. But OMG WOW! The tunes are so clear, so vivid! The music comes alive! Its amazing. A whole new world for me to enjoy.
I immediately ordered 2 more SU1s. I'll need a DAC for my living room stereo of course (it has the best audio but gets the least use). And I need a DAC for my smart TV, which has always sounded pretty dead, in spite of me trying various half decent audio systems with it.
Thx to your video I ended up buying a USB-C to Toslink SPDIF Adapter and run an optical line from my Mac Mini to the SMSL SU1 DAC and into my Rotel RC-850>RB850 preamp/power amp combination, driving Celestion Ditton 3 speakers. For my purposes it sounds great. Thank you for making this easy to decide. I was already fretting over having to buy an Eversolo or somthing along those lines but that would have been stupid.
And if one day I decide I need even better sound I can get a higher quality DAC but I think that probably the gains become so marginal that it's hard to tell the difference.
Btw: I have been a music producer for 20 yrs and an audio engineer but abandoned the game 10+ yrs ago. My ears still do work though. ;-P
I have a question. I have the WiiM pro plus streamer. I am wanting to add a better Dac. My speakers are the klipsch Nines which you know are powered. Any advice on a budget deck that is better than the one I currently have. I’m not worried about a remote because I can control the volume through my speakers.
Thanks for this Randy. The SMSL M300 seems right up my Alley. Greetings from Trinidad 🇹🇹
Thanks Randy, I don't do anything without checking with you first. I recently just picked up your A tier DAC dongle from Hidizs which is a fantastic addition to when I'm on the go in the car or want to listen to headsets. At home I have the SMSL DL200 and the SMSL SU1. The DL200 is hanging off my reference system and I love it, but it may be time to check out the Geshelli 4499 with the upgraded Sparkle amp. Today is my sobriety date of one year and I may just treat myself after I get the wifey's approval. 😂 thank you again I've learned so much and appreciate my Metal that much more.
Randy, I have two single ended systems I would like to share the J2 with and I would like to know if balanced adapters can be used with the Geshelli DAC’s ?
Keep us educated Randy, thanks :)
I use a Ifi Signature One, very impressive with Bluetooth.
So I currently have the Modi + and like it very much. I mainly use it with a wiim mini to stream music to my vintage receiver and speakers. My next upgrade I wanted to get a J2 DAC. Is it worth it to get the regular AKM, or should I save up a bit more and get the 4499 to hear a bigger difference? Thanks.
Randy has said that the 4499 is a big upgrade in terms of sound quality. Lachlan at Passion for Sound thinks so as well. For a great detailed breakdown of the various J2 configurations, take the time to listen to his post, "GOOD news, BAD news: Geshelli J2 DAC and new AK4499EX version". It is very helpful.
Hi! I was wondering if you could possibly test the SHARP CP-HP500 speaker or a similar speaker of the same manufacturer. They are (or were, idk how old this model is) packaged with a cd player/amp, but you can find just the speakers used from $40-$80. I personally got mine for free, but when I wanted to see if there were any proper tests done, all I saw were people playing cds for a minute and a half on poor video quality.
I was just using the DAC in my avr and I have a Dayton that 200 hybrid and the DAC in that I don't think is very good so I ended up getting smsl su 1 and it sounds really good I don't need a remote control because I control the volume on everything else. I don't think I will ever buy anything else it gets better reviews than smsl more expensive dacs .
So, I bought the SMSL m300se the day your video dropped, when the price was $105. Great deal. BUT, I've had a few issues with the unit. The single-ended side doesn't output, and when I bought the Schiit Midgard for more power to my hungry planars, i never got them to work together. So, I bought the Modius to match the Midgard. Now I'm scared to hook them up just to find they don't work for me because I'm old and ignorant.
New sub here and excited to be on our near one of your 200K subscribers! 🎉
Thanks for this video. Mostly based on your reviews I have the SMSL SU1 and use all three inputs and the RCA output to a Schiit preamp. It would be easier to have a remote to do the input switching. I recently saw the new SMSL D-6S DAC advertised that does have a remote but is about the same price as the DL200 that you reviewed although I do not need a headphone amp. Have you had a chance to listen to the SMSL D-6S which is appears to be quite an overhaul of the the earlier SMSL D6.
Congrats on 200,000!
For sure use a good streaming setup! Mine is this:
Audio Physic Classic 25 Black Glass (pair)
Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III, Black
Auralic Altair G1 Digital Audio Streamer
Have to add a turntable, but I'm still on the fence...
That said, it wasn't cheap, but it's not crazy either.
Thanks for the DAC info - always looking for more gear ;)
Currently have an SMSL AO200 MkII connected to a pair of Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2 bookshelf speakers mounted up against the wall. Not sure how effective a DAC would be with this kind of setup.
Honestly I heard some other reviews about the smsl su 1 sounding better than their more expensive ones so I bought one and got a tidal masters subscription for mqa and it's huge upgrade and btw Sevendust is a totally underrated band .
I choose, for the moment, for a Fosi K5 Pro gamerdac icm with a Fosi BT30D pro amp. I use 2 Amazon Speakers and will add a subwoofer too. I am finding out which I take, I think of the Vulkkano. But maybe I make my own speakers instead. I am watching all videoos of how to build yourself. I found suppliers for speakerkits. 👍👍
I don’t think you’ve done a review on the Chord Mojo2 - I would be really interested what you think of it, maybe in comparison with the Geschelli labs J2.
I learned the hard way, if you are going to be standing on a concrete floor for any length of time, get some of those shoes nurses wear during their 12-hour shifts. I believe Hoka is one brand they love and saves a lot of wear and tear (and pain) on their feet and legs.
And the scrubs are quite comfy!
Thank you for the video. This set-up in my living room is pretty good with sound staging, accurate sound, and powerful enough to bring out all the details even in low, night-quiet listening:
My set-up:
PC FLAC files USB input(16,24 bit 192 KHz)
Topping D90 DAC
SMSL AO 200 MkII Int. Amp.
Kef R3 Bookshelf speakers
Rel 1003 MKII Subwoofer
XLR connections (L and R)
Direct (No EQ tweaks) input
I did not pick up how I'm wasting my Apple music sub. in not having a DAC? (this was the clickbait headline, after all) I just saw reviews for, well, DACs. What are the advertised DACs doing that the D/A converter in my Apple Studio computer is not doing? Please advise...
Thanks!
For a newby, is there anywhere online that demos the difference between a basic external DAC and the one built into a laptop?
@cheapaudioman I’ve got the eversolo z8…. VERY impressed. I’ll be taking it to my local hifi dealer I’ve used the last 20 years… They want to test it.and I want to see how it links to ultra hi-end shop stuff 👌
It was very important to me that my DAC not have any of the MQA BS in it. No royalty for the now defunct MQA.
I use the Modi 3+ in my Vintage setup between the Wiim Pro & Realistic STA-95 receiver. Anybody notice that the Modi 3+ doesn't support audio resolutions beyond 24-bit/96kHz? 🔊🙄
Aune S8 magic dac you can swap Op Amps about $350
I already have a dac in my phone, and i connect my phone to the integrated amplifier using the aux or Bluetooth, my question is whats the difference between the dac of phone and the external dac?
Thanks
Thanks
Totally love me some Static X!
Hey all, I have a question: I'm incredibly new to the world of hifi and am planning out my first budget build for a desktop setup. I have a pair of Edifier MR4 powered speakers (because they were on sale, work fine, and opened up my perspective on what audio could sound like) and am planning on getting a sub (either Emotiva Airmotiv SE 8 if it comes back in stock and on sale or the Kanto Sub8 if it doesn't) and a DAC (Schiit Modi+). I've pretty much figured out how to wire all of that up to _one_ PC, and I've found RCA switches that will allow me to connect the MR4s to two different devices (e.g., Schiit Sys). However, since I want both devices to be able to use the sub, as opposed to just the speakers on my laptop and both speakers and sub on my desktop, what do I need to do/buy to make sure both devices can access the sub? I have a gaming PC that will require HDMI 2.1 (which my laptop also has), as well as limited space on my desk, so I'd rather not go with a typical AV receiver unless there's a cost-effective, miniature version (assuming that would even solve my problem).
Sounds like you should go with an integrated amp. Most are a bit of not a lot smaller than a receiver.
@@JonMoralesLA I ended up finding a solution: when I bought the Modi+, I also bought a simple USB switch from UGREEN that alternates the audio between my computers (along with my mouse and keyboard, which is incredibly convenient). Although I've certainly been window shopping for integrated amps, I'm not ready to buy one _and_ a set of passive speakers at the moment (even though that's what I'll be going for later down the road).
If using Bluetooth output from the WiiM Pro to broadcast to an integrated Amp or a Sound Bar, is this bypassing the WiiM Pro on-board DAC ?
Just as long as a good time was had by all, always good to see you on any day. Thanks for this just-in-time review to pull all this info together and share it with us all. I am so on the edge of DAC insanity right now with thoughts of reducing my nearfield technology overbloated environment. Thank you as always for your time and efforts to help us all out and sharing this with us all. I'm leaning towards the Emotiva XDA-3.
Im ditching wireless and going for this setup, any thoughts would be helpful! Iphone - Cayin ru6 - Meze Balanced wires - Meze 99 Classic. am i crazy, no returns for the ru6 so im wondering if its worth it?
I have a blue node ,how much more of a difference to purchase a separate dac?someone know
Hey man, what do you think about the Fiio K5 pro Ess, it's 50% off and at this price I wonder if it's about the best you can get right now ? Thanks !
I don't know anything about Dacs or streaming recievers. Do I need one if I have a Onkyo TX-NR5100, or is it sufficient?
Would these be better than a Pioneer home theater receiver sc91
I got a smsl su9 with a old Parasound amp and pre amp and keff q100, it good
I snagged an SMSL AD18 about 5 years ago, how would that compare in your mostly SMSL roundup?
I have a tv that supports earc, the latest apple 4k tv and I would really like to setup speakers to get great sound from my movies and music.. what should I buy? my budget is roughly 500, i could go over if i must.
Omg what a show we like the same music Australia don’t get bands like that a lot
I really appreciate the exploding man in the intro…bravo😄
Dude that True Lies quote got me hard!!! 😂 I still reference that scene. Love it! 👏
I’m a noobie. Just purchased the Marantz NR1200. Love the sound. Can you explain why I would need or want a DAC if I have a newer tech, quality receiver?
You don't. If you are happy with the dac in the Marantz, then you don't need to buy something else. Happy listening. ☺
I have an SMSL AO300 ('DAC + Power Amplifier') and Aaron AP3 (6 ohm speakers).
Do I still need the SU-1 ?
Please clarify.
How exactly do you use that thing? What do you connect as the input and what as an output? Your CD player, smartphone or computer? The output is an amplifier or headphones or the speakers? Help and Thank You. I would like a DAC or mini amp for an old Sony discman or if not to a modern Oppo A78 smartphone. Thank You again
Your source, such as your discman or phone, connects to the Digital to Analogue Converter (DAC). The DAC converts the raw digital data into analogue signals that your amplifier or if you have active (ie, with an amplifier built in) speaker, can understand.
The advantage is that many, if not all external DACs are probably better quality than the one built into your phone or CD/DVD player. No criticism of your devices - space, limited power budgets and usual use cases for them mean that designers are limited as to what they can do
To get the full benefit you need a decent amp and speaker too, of course. Also, make sure your discman has a digital out - if it has one it'll probably be optical - budget for an optical cable for it. Needn’t be expensive. I picked up a stack of them for a few Australian dollars apiece.
I’ve use an Allo Boss2 for almost two years and simply love it. Sadly it seems COVID put Allo out of business as everything in their website is “Out of Stock”.
Which SMSL dac with bluetooth will you recommend?
How’s a DAC different / same than a Streamer? If you do use Apple Music or Spotify etc does a DAC or streamer give better product?
Happy Halloween. What watch you wearing!??? And you got something about Mary in your hair! LOL