#midrange excellence

[sgiandubh]

When you do not know a thing about the issue at stake...

...perhaps it's better to remain silent.

Some of you know, others don't - and that's fine - but my main field of expertise is labor law.

I just read this in anger and disbelief:

Look, lady. I don't care who the hell you are, what you do for a living or why you felt entitled to answer those insistent questions on your side of the fandom. I suppose you are North American and have no idea of how things work on this side of the pond. It is fine: I might know what a Congress filibuster is, for example, but I'd be severely unable to judge the finer points of competence sharing between Fed and state level.

The difference between you and me?

I keep my mouth shut and/or do my own research before opening it in public.

Have you no shame to write things like: 'It was discovered clothing factories in Bulgaria and Portugal made it and how workers were exploited, mostly women, because these factories were in special economic zones in these countries exempt from EU employee rights and regulations.'

HOW DARE YOU? What strange form of illiterate entitlement possessed you to utter such things with confidence, comfortably hidden behind a passive voice ('it was discovered')?

Portugal joined the EU in 1986. Bulgaria (and my country) joined the EU in 2007. I have given 5 relentless years of my life to make this collective political project a reality, along with hundreds of other people my age who chose to come back home from the West and put their skills to good use for their country. In doing so, I rejected more than 10 excellent corporate job offers in France and China. To see you come along and write such enormities is like having you spit in my face.

Article 4 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (aka The Treaty of Rome) is formal and clear, as far as competence sharing between the EU and its Member States goes (the UK was still, back then, a full member of the EU - it quit on February 1st 2020):

That means that ALL the EU regulations are being integrated into the national legislation of the Member States. This is not a copy/paste process, however. And because it is a shared competence area, the Member States have a larger margin of appreciation into making the EU rules a part of their own. While exceptions or delays in this process can be and are negotiated, the core principles are NEVER touched.

Read it one hundred times, madam, maybe you'll learn something today:

THERE ARE NO SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES IN THE EUROPEAN UNION. THE WHOLE FUCKING EUROPEAN UNION IS A SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE, THIS IS WHY IT IS CALLED THE SINGLE MARKET.

What the fuck do you think we are, Guangzhou? We'd wish, seeing the growth statistics!

Now, for the textile industry sector and particularly with regard to the Bulgarian market, a case very similar to my own country. Starting around 1965, many big European textile players realized the competitive advantage of using the lower paid, readily available Eastern European workforce. In order to be able to do business with all those dour Communist regimes, the solution was simple and easy to find: toll manufacturing.

It worked (and still does!) like this:

The foreign partner brings its own designs, textiles and know-how into the mix - or more simply put, it outsources all these activities. The locals transform it into the finished product, using their own workforce. The result is then re-exported to the foreign partner, who labels it and sells it. In doing so, he has the legal obligation to include provenance on the label ('made in Romania', 'made in Indonesia', 'made in Bulgaria' - you name it).

The reason you might find less and less of those 'made in ' labels nowadays at Primark and more and more at Barbour, Moncler and the such is the constant raise of the workers' wages in Eastern Europe since 1990 (things happened there, in 1989, maybe you remember?). We are not competitive anymore for midrange prêt-à-porter - China (Shein, anyone?), Cambodia and Mexico do come to mind as better suppliers. To speak about 'exploited female labourers in rickety old factories' is an insult and a lie. They weren't exploited back in the Eighties, as they are not now (workers in those factories were and still are easily paid about 50% more than all the rest) and the factories being modernized and constantly updated was always a mandatory clause in any contract of the sort. Normal people in our countries rarely or ever saw those clothes. You had to either be lucky enough for a semi-confidential store release or bribe someone working there and willing to take the risk, in order to be able to buy the rejected models on the local market.

If I understood correctly, you place this critical episode at the launch of the limited SRH & Barbour collection, for the fall of 2018. How convenient for you, who (I am told by trusted people) were one of the most vocal critics of S during Hawaii 2.0!

And as far as Barbour goes, it never pretended to manufacture everything in the UK only:

This information is absolutely true. You can read the whole statement, signed in October 2017 by one of their Directors, Ian Sime, here: https://www.barbour.com/us/media/wysiwyg/PDF/Ethical_Statement_October_2017.pdf

And a snapshot for you:

Oh, and: SEDEX is a behemoth in its world, with more than 75.000 companies joining as a member (https://www.sedex.com/become-a-member/meet-our-customers/). Big corporations like TESCO, Dupont, Nestle, Sainsbury's or Unilever included.

I am not Bulgarian, but I know all of this way better than you'll probably ever do. The same type of contracts were common all over Eastern Europe: Romania, Poland, the GDR (that's East Berlin and co, for you) and even the Soviet Union. I am also sure your Portuguese readers will be thrilled to see themselves qualified by a patronizing North American as labor exploiters living in a third-world country with rickety factories.

You people have no shame and never did. But you just proved with trooping colors you also have no culture and no integrity. More reasons to not regret my unapologetic fandom choice.

I expect an angry and very, very vulgar answer to this, even if I chose to not include your name/handle. The stench of your irrelevance crossed an ocean.

[madnesshyperfixation]

White Madness Combat Headcanons 

The White Madness Combat world for me is basically a giant genderswap and then some 

White Hank 

White Hank is considerably calmer and less reckless, but that doesn't mean she can’t be a dumbass sometimes 

She has a build meant for defense and survivability, very high endurance but slower than the usual Hank variant 

Stays very practical with her gear, not having anything too long for the enemies to grab or weigh her down 

Prefers more midrange combat to close combat or ranged combat, partly because it’s what she excels at and the other being it’s the biggest pain in the ass to get blood out of her cloths, a lot of her cloths and gear still have light pink spots from blood being too stubborn.

Doesn’t talk much but will eagerly listen to anyone spilling some piping hot tea, her and White Deimos share any new drama they hear in SQ once and a while. 

Points FLAT 

White Deimos 

White Deimos likes to give affectionate nicknames, to everybody she’s close to. 

really cares for White Sanford. 

A bigger foodie than regular Deimos, loves snacks, loves food in general, if you want to get on White Deimos' good side get her favorite fast-food order. (Take a guess) 

Also, if you try to take her food, she will fucking bite, and HARD at that in the name of defending her food. (She has bitten off quite a few fingers because of this) 

She will kill a motherfucker before they can get even a crumb of her food.  

One time on a mission when her and White Sanford they got stuck in enemy lines for a while and ate through nearly all their food rations and White Sanford teasingly reached out for the last dried meat bar near White Deimos, who quickly responded by biting her hand as hard as possible, (Look just because White Sanford is her friend doesn’t mean she has food privileges) and then eating the dried meat bar while making eye contact with her, she apologized soon after by wrapping up her hand 

She's also a menace when fighting which is to be expected.

White Deimos’ flames are very condensed similar to a blowtorch but also burn a lot of energy if we go with the route that the flames use up her energy, if not then well that's how she’s used to creating the flame 

White Sanford 

White Sanford is also kind but can be scary when desired, and I mean scary. 

Like regular Sanford she’s in charge of torture interrogations, but the thing is she really loves torturing people who sadly fall into her grasp.  

She can and has made people three times her size cry for their moms (or mercy) 

On one occasion the torture victim cried and began confessing the SECOND White Sanford entered the room, she preens at the memory but also was disappointed she wasn’t able to rough up the AAHW Agent a little bit 

She’s more into the torture thing than she is the bomb making and handling 

And yes, she is very gifted in the chest.  

White 2BDamned 

White 2BDamned, oh White 2BDamned, she is tired 24/7 and hardly bothers to wrangles in White Hank but that's because she trusts her to not do stupid shit or cause problems on purpose. 

she also does frequent checkups for the team best to keep everybody in tip top shape. 

Like every variant of 2BDamned she drinks coffee, 3 shots of espresso keep her going, sometimes she puts cream in it. 

Sometimes drinks coffee with White Sanford if White Sanford offers it. 

[inventors-fair]

Second Color: Hybrid Legend Runners-up ~

Our runners-up this week are @bergdg, @real-aspen-hours, and @yourrightfulking!

@bergdg — Tajic, Obzedat Champion

I almost forgot that Teysa was the other champion for the Orzhov, whoops. Regardless: once more this is exactly what the prompt was looking for, and we've got an awesome card on our hands here. I think that there were one or two other guild leaders/maze runners that were being thrown around. I like the notion of having all the leaders being swapped in some alternate world, where the circumstances led them to being tossed and turned and thrown into these strange situations in the eternal city.

I almost wish there was more of a mechanical connection to either Tajic in some way—or at least a kind of callback. Of course I don't necessarily want an inverted or direct response, but I feel that there could've been a bit more of a nod or nudge. Boros is pretty solidly in the aggressive department, though, so I wonder what one could've done. As we have it, though, the card you've made is an excellent midrange legend, a great finisher, perfect for the hybrid, and strong enough to brew with. Honestly can't ask for much more as far as the nitty-gritty goes.

@real-aspen-hours — Zimone, Pyrotechnician

Isn't it annoying how "once per turn" is an awesome English turn of phrase, but it doesn't ever appear on cards? I've done the same thing so many times... But it groks, and I'm on your team. What I'm slightly mechanically worried about is the fact that, if you're hellbent, this is just a one-sided Howling Mine. Still—easy fix, right? Make it an "if you do" kinda thing and say that they only get to draw if they've discarded. The card draw from the original Zimone was direct and constructive, and this one is searching and creative. Zimone's original activations were calculated and activated, and this one is about the right experiments at the right time. I mean, it's a pretty perfect inversion that captures both her character and her card in a world where she's on the Prismari track.

Some folks pointed out the flavor text, and I really do have to commend the lighthearted mood that you've made here. Zimone would be brilliant no matter what school she went to, and I think a world where she exercises in experiments instead of mathematical study is a fantastic move. The alternate Strixhaven might not have changed much, but the characters within matter more. I wonder what the tracks would be like with allied-color combinations... Hm... But this is enough conjecture for a stamp of approval. Well—once you change the last sentence, too. Right now you're literally just exiling and countering the spell. It should read: "If that spell would be put into your graveyard, exile it instead."

@yourrightfulking — Geralf and Gisa, Tragic Siblings

More semi-lighthearted fare? I suppose that it's fair, considering the slightly distorted nature of these worlds, but regardless. I want to pause and say that the mechanics of this card are a little lacking for me. If the white card draw is indeed allowed (and I'm honestly not sure it is, even limited to one turn), then that's fine, but I wonder if having it look at spirit tokens or enchantments might've been a little better for the hybrid blend. Cost reduction is totally fine, though. It's a perfectly fine card to slot into the archetype, and I think I like how you chose to go with the same world but with a singular different timeline moment, rather than imply a whole new AU.

The real tragedy of Gisa's death is made strangely peaceful here, even on Innistrad. Geralf is a good brother, though, and he always has been. He's also always been brilliant, and I love that you've changed the dynamic completely. I have a few friends that are deeply invested in sibling and twin dynamics, and would absolutely adore this card. Personally, I don't have the same ardor as them, but there's something about how Geralf would have to constantly protect his sister from being released to the Blessed Sleep, how he's so devoted here to the study of spirits, that he can stay with Gisa as they have their fun. I think that you've touched upon a deep and interesting pairing here. Great job.

Commentary as it comes. See y'all later. @abelzumi

[stevewarlock]

What if Jean Grey was in Rivals?

Jean Grey is one of the most significant figures in the lengthy history of the X-Men, making her a no-brainer for Marvel Rivals. As the Phoenix, she possesses phenomenal psychic power, and can grow even stronger with the Phoenix Force! However, that same power can corrupt Jean into Dark Phoenix if she gives into her godlike abilities.

Class: Strategist

Jean is a telekinetic and has a strong connection to the Phoenix Force, which has brought her back from the dead about as often as its caused her to die. Rivals is no stranger to stretching characters' lore to give them healing powers, but giving Jean the power to heal is barely a stretch in the first place. Additionally, her main weakness as a fighter is getting caught off guard, which is reflected well in many strategists already, such as Adam Warlock and Loki.

Abilities:

Left click: Telekinetic Blast - Jean fires a fast moving projectile that does about 60 damage. The fire rate is fairly sluggish but the projectile's hitbox is large.

Q: Phoenix Force - Jean charges an explosion while saying "I... am... Phoenix!" that deals 200 damage to nearby enemies and 400 healing to nearby allies.

Right click: Cosmic Flame - Jean creates a flame that floats over a teammates head, granting them healing over time for 3 seconds. It heals about 25 hp per second and has 2 charges that come back after 3 seconds each.

E: White Hot Revival - Targets a single teammate who died near Jean. Jean enters a 3 second animation to bring that teammate back to life where they were when they died. Has a 60 second cooldown.

Shift: Mental Assault - Creates a slow projectile that stuns a single enemy for 2 seconds.

F: Phoenix Rising - Jean rises into the air quickly.

Passive: Telekinesis - Hold space to slow fall.

Passive: Dark Phoenix - Whenever Jean dies, she gains 10% ultimate charge. If she dies with her ultimate fully charged, she can use a variant that deals 500 damage to all enemies around her. Additionally, she revives with full health and any cooldowns fully restored.

Team-Ups:

X-Factor (Jean/Cyclops):

While Jean is active, Cyclops' Optic Blasts get a 33% increase to their damage as he shares her Phoenix Force, denoted by his model gaining orange flames.

Brainstorm (Jean/Storm):

While within Storm's aura, Jean can press C to give everyone within the aura 25 armor. This ability has a 30 second cooldown.

Overall, I think Jean would be an excellent addition to Marvel Rivals! While several characters can grant healing over time or revive their allies, Jean would be distinct in that she can do the latter on command, albeit with a large cooldown and risk of being targeted. She also has an ultimate that can be used defensively and offensively, or save her from death in a team fight going poorly. Her team-ups are also quite powerful, allowing her to empower Scott or make Ororo's supportive abilities even more effective for the team, as a strategist should. Jean would fit well on most teams, but likely fits a brawl play style the best, as she excels at keeping her allies alive and fighting at midrange.

[docholligay]

Drunk Shakespeare

I’m not sure what else there is to say about Drunk Shakespeare* other than I think a humorous recap of a Shakespeare play in one and a half hours while one of the cast is drunk is a delightful time. 

The show is: Imagine me and a bunch of my drunk Lit friends are all trying to recap a Shakespeare play in a dive bar, one of us is already wasted, and we have gotten the rest of the bar to pay attention. You’ll have an excellent idea of what you’re buying tickets for. 

The room was small and intense--I think there were only about three rows to the back in total, and the room was the size of what I would consider a decent-sized restaurant, decorated as a library with the sort of color-sorted books that suggests no one in the family actually reads. We were seated in bench-style seating with a little cubby underneath, next to two young girls celebrating a 21st birthday. 

Birthdays are, as you might imagine, a common thing at intimate activities like this, especially in big cities. Hell, we were there to celebrate my mom’s birthday. But there was something about her that was so perfectly eager and artless, in the way some people are. She was telling the actors (who come around before the show to get a feel for who in the audience is willing to participate and be picked on a bit--more on that later--and who would prefer to stay in the background) how she was an acting major and how she had always wanted to go to this for her 21st birthday, had waited until she was 21. She was intensely awkward in the way that only people who deeply love a thing can be, and I was actually rather touched. 

Again, birthdays, not an odd thing, but anyhow, they do this auction for the king and queen of the evening, who get to sit in the throne, and wear crowns, and twice in the play get to, de jure, do a sobriety check and if they are deemed too sober, force them to take another shot. De facto, this means, force them to take another shot. They get a bottle of champagne--actually, if I was going to say I had one annoyance with this show, it would be that they gave the king and queen a bottle of decent midrange bubbles that was unavailable for purchase on their drinks menu. I had a glass of middlin prosecco, but I would rather have split a bottle of decent sparkling wine between me and mom wow I am abusing the FUCK out of this em dash, amazing--and we all have to call them by their royal name and they get to participate in the play and it all seems very lovely. 

They auction it off. 

This is where I would tell you that I won the royalty, and that I gave it to the little weird girl and her friend for her 21st birthday because she would enjoy it more than any person living. But, that didn’t happen, because I was outbid to a level i could not afford, and so the fantasy of being nice to a stranger will have to be just that. 

They only ever do plays that are well known to audiences, as there’s not a lot of point to doing Coriolanus jokes when most of the audience have no idea that’s a Shakespeare play. The biggies: Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, etc, seem to be the choices here. As a practical matter, NYC is always Macbeth, unless google reviews have lied to me, which is great, actually, as I don’t need the element of surprise here and Macbeth is my mom’s favorite Shakespeare play. 

Who this show is for: 

Drunkards

English majors (Drunk)**

People who have never read a Shakespeare play

Drama nerds (Drunk) 

Attention whores (First row only) 

Moms from Worchester

Who this show is NOT for: 

Someone expecting a “real play”

People who don’t like to be around drinking

Moms from, I don’t know, Texas, probably

I don’t say that to criticize the show as I had a great time, but if you’re looking for a serious discussion of the bard I have to assume you can’t read, because this is anything but. The joking is often barroom joking, tits and sex and surface level political stuff that plays very safe to a New York audience. I had a great time, I think many people would have a great time, but I think it’s always important to frame who something is for, or not for. 

During the little entree in which the actors come around and talk to you, I had stated happily that I was quite the extrovert and very difficult to embarrass if you know nothing about me, so they could happily go at without any worry. During this time, I also got into a sort of play-argument with one of the actors when I was telling him Mom was very game, too, and extroverted, and he accused me of answering all the fucking questions and while in fairness, he had me there, I reminded him that I only occasionally let my mother out of the basement and so social interaction is new to her. It sounds aggressive on paper, but I assure you there are people in the world who tease around like this and I’m one of them, I had a great time with this guy. You can sort of see where this is going. 

We get to the scene with the drunken porter, and he’s played by the guy that I was having so much fun with before the show. He sees me, and for his speech comes over and says, “Helllooooooo,” and starts talking about his conquests and how drink “Provokes the desire but takes away the performance” and it is very funny, and he keeps saying my name, and doing knock knock jokes with me, because the door keeps knocking and knocking, the actress playing macduff yelling at the door. So he’s backing away from me, still talking to me, telling me:

“It is my job to answer this door--”

To which I reply: 

“Well, you’re not doing a very fucking good job of it” 

To which I gave great thanks to my lord and maker that I thought to reply that. I love getting a laugh like I love few things in life. Best part of the show because I’m an attention whore (See: Who this show is for) 

At one point the sobriety test bell was rung and they had the actress who was drunk balance a beer on her head and then, try to drink it faster than the lady, leslie, they picked from the audience. Sarah could not use her hands, they said, and so Leslie had to have a straw. This is clearly a very good party trick that Sara can do, to show how funny it is that she’ll be asked to take another shot. And it was truly amazing to see. I can’t believe she got the fucking thing off her head and had started to drink it in an INCREDIBLY QUICK amount of time. 

But. They were not counting on moms from Worchester. 

Leslie was a powerhouse. A monster. An icon for the ages the likes of which we may never see again. It is so so difficult to chug a beer through a straw. Nigh-impossible. Leslie cared not at all for this reality. She blew through it. She killed. Sara was laid to waste. I pledge allegiance to the moms of Worchester. 

In all, a very fun show, assuming you know what you’re getting and show up with the right mindset. It very much helps to be unserious about Shakespeare, or have the ability to be unserious about Shakespeare, and also to be a drinker. I loved it, very much recommend it, if you are that sort of person, and unlike most shows in NYC it has a tight run time so you can get on with your evening very easily or go to bed early or whatever your needs are. 

*Followed by me saying many hundreds of words. 

**Some of the language is Shakespeare’s and some, obviously, is off the cuff or jokes or whatever. My ONLY disappointment was that the very funny gal playing lady macbeth was doing the whole “I wish i were a man, I’d fucking kill the king, I wouldn’t be such a fucking pussy about it. I would use my huge fucking dick to stab him. You know, if I were a man.” thing and when she got to “Unsex me here” She waggled her eyebrows and it was all I could do not to stand up and go, “THAT’S NOT WHAT IT MEANS AT ALL”

[firel-makes-music]

So! I've published two tracks lately, Space and Seabed, but Seabed is the one I actually want to talk about! I know, crazy, talking about music on my music blog and not being snarky online. Anyway. This one was interesting to me because this didn't actually start as a PokeRogue track, it started for another project entirely (A tabletop project that's in the doomed Eternal Development(tm) ) but as I was working on it in parallel I realized this kinda fit one of the biomes perfectly already and threw it at the team. They loved it. The flute, to me, was an interesting part of the decision making process. It actually started as Synth2(as per the soundfont) then I did some testing around it being violin, which came off as too harsh. I also have a version around still with a fully realized drumline that I had to pull back to make that open-water feeling for it. I think this does an excellent job at being what it eventually wanted to be. The other interesting choice was in the pizzicato strings- the plucks you hear in the midrange for most of the track. It almost feels like it's dancing, in a way, which was a deliberate choice. It answer-and-calls itself in the first segment with an almost exact copy of itself in a lower volume except for the last measure, which finally provides a 'retort' that ties the whole repetition together. This answer-call was continued for the second segment, which maintains even as the flute moves on to longer, more dramatic wending, almost like it's looking, pleading for words to sing. I dig that a lot in my music, as can be heard in many of my tracks, particularly the violins in Burning Wings. I won't delve into the nitty-gritty of the music theory (key signature choice, the instruments made) because I feel like most readers probably aren't teeeeeerribly interested in that? But more the vibe-based choices, to learn what works for what feelings. One music theory choice I will dive into, however, is the marimba in the back hitting a back-and-forth, push-and-pull rhythm for almost the entire track- except for when the flute comes in with its longer melodies. This makes the flute pop, dropping one of the four entire instrument tracks that otherwise plays for the entire track. The virtue of this is that I don't actually need to adjust the flute volume because, now that the airspace is open, it can start and let you sink into the flow of it before bringing the marimba back. The result, I believe, was immaculate. So far, reception's been great! Nowhere NEAR as great as the other track added this update, though...

[fruitbasketball]

i personally am partial to a good midrange game because kobe was my fav growing up and it’s true that it’s kind of a lost art among both men and women. there’s probably a handful of players who truly excel in that area and paige is one of them. i think a lot of people underestimate how hard the midrange is especially for someone like paige who always looks like she’s open from there. it’s because she works so hard to get to her spots. her movement off the ball and the screens she calls (whether it’s one or a scheme of them) allows her to get to a spot before her defender that’s trailing her or the help can come out. then she’s able to get square and pull up off the 1/2 dribble quickly on top of that. plus her jumper is just so pretty and pure (the arc and spin on her shots are chefs kiss). the midrange is hard to master but once you do, it’s kind of unstoppable. i think there’s few people in basketball who are as good in the midrange as paige bc if she gets to her spots, you’re surprised if it doesn’t go in.

i agree 100% whoever you are please please dm me and let’s be friends

can’t even express how much i missed watching kobe dominate the midrange and seeing paige do it in the women’s game just reminds me of him so much

also this is such a good point that the reason people think those are “open shots” is because paige makes it look so easy

[eight-freakin-gids]

After taking a break, I'm getting back into MTG Arena. I mostly played Alchemy before, but now I'm looking to try Standard. Moreover, I'm feeling a bit experimental, and I want to play something other than the most popular decks. So, I built Mono-White Midrange.

Ultimately, this deck is filled with the cards I'm most excited to play, and I could stop my justification there. Because I don't really know the first thing about midrange decks or this Standard metagame. That being said, I will try and document my thought process behind this deck, if only for my own benefit.

While I acknowledge Alchemy and Standard are pretty different formats (and I've missed a few expansions since I've last played), I will try to share my logic about cards that have performed well in the past and why I expect them to perform well again.

To set some groundwork, I think Flying is really, really good in this particular metagame. Several decks run notable flying creatures. Phoenix Chick; Goddric, Cloaked Reveler; Harbin, Vanguard Aviator. Atraxa, Grand Unifier; Ledger Shredder; Faerie Mastermind; and Raffine, Scheming Seer are all centerpieces or key players in big name decks. Whatever your deck is doing, you can't ignore these creatures.

For my own Flying creatures, let's start with Phyrexian Vindicator. I love this card, and could probably gush about it for a whole post. But let me focus on the big stuff. Bottom line, it beats any flying creature. It beats any creature, really. This can attack and block freely in any board state, and that's a very valuable trait. However, this card is held back by the abundance of good removal in this Standard card pool. Additionally, while this can beat any of the Flying creatures mentioned above, those cards all come down 2-3 turns before Vindicator does. So while I think this is a valuable card to use, earlier options are needed.

This brings me to Steel Seraph. This card enables you to defend against enemy fliers, admittedly to mixed results. But what it really excels at is Flying offense. The ability to give your other creatures flying is very powerful. The only thing better than an Adeline, Resplendent Cathar is an Adeline with evasion. On top of all that, Steel Seraph is also immune to Go For the Throat and Cut Down, some of the most popular removal spells available to Black right now.

Archangel Elspeth accomplishes some similar things to Steel Serpah. It can give creatures flying, with the added bonus of being very nice on the defensive.

Alright, alright. You see I've got these 4-5 mana planeswalkers and big fliers, but they do me no good if I'm dead before I can use them.

For the early game, Thalia and Anointed Peacekeeper slow down my opponent's gameplan, Cathar Commando and Fateful Absence lets me interact with the board, and Lunarch Veteran gives me a buffer against aggro decks. Shoutout to Cathar Commando for being a good tool against counterspells, as Make Disappear is popular in any decks with Blue.

Throw in a few Eiganjos for extra removal and a few Skrelvs to protect my creatures or break through board stalls, and that's my deck. I've written this all before I've played the deck. This is all theory that needs to be put into practice, but I look forward to trying it out. 

I have a sideboard, since I want to play best of 3 rather than best of one. That being said, the sideboard is definitely what needs the most work. I don't see a lot of point in adding it here since it's likely going to change pretty drastically.

[charlesmwa]

Budget Audio Gear That Still Sounds Premium in 2025

There is always that one point in a playlist session or nighttime editing session when sound quality turns messy or becomes flat-out magical. Whether you're recording a bedroom session, podcasting in a dorm room, or editing tracks for a Saturday night show—sound matters. Top-of-the-line, pro-studio gear isn't in everyone's budget, though. The good news? In 2025, it doesn't have to be.

Through mind-bending technology advances, some of the best-sounding equipment around is now firmly in the bargain bin. Manufacturers are bridging the gap between sound and cost and bringing some genuine premium-sounding, premium-feeling equipment at not-so-premium prices. The catch is to know where and what to search.

The following is a roundup of sound equipment that delivers amazing quality without forcing you to break the bank—from audio interfaces and mics to speakers and headphones.

Clean, capable, and creative—today’s budget audio gear blends into any modern workspace without compromise.

Clean, capable, and creative—today’s budget audio gear blends into any modern workspace without compromise.

1. Headphones That Won’t Let You Down

Excellent, affordable headphones are rarer than you think. In the flood of new models boasting “studio-quality sound,” it’s easy to fall for products that focus more on volume and appearance than actual audio clarity.

Classic-style wired headphones with a neutral profile and solid midrange presence are still strong choices in 2025. They're praised for their clean, uncolored sound—particularly on vocals and mids—and a durable design that suits casual listening, editing, or light mixing. Lightweight and no-nonsense, they’re the reliable choice for those who value accuracy.

For wireless fans, modern Bluetooth headphones now come equipped with features like adaptive noise cancellation and surprisingly well-tuned drivers. While they may not be professional-level, they're more than enough for everyday use and avoid that dreaded "cheap audio" experience.

2. Mics for Content, Not Just Comments

Regardless of your platform—streaming, podcasting, content creation, or virtual meetings—the right microphone instantly boosts your voice quality.

Some budget microphones offer both direct USB connectivity and traditional studio input options, an uncommon feature at low cost. They often do a great job of rejecting background noise and producing a warm, intimate vocal sound—perfect for shared or non-treated spaces.

Others lean into aesthetics, offering RGB accents and sleek designs, while still delivering crisp, clean voice capture. These are ideal for creators who want their gear to look as good as it sounds.

From recording sessions to spontaneous streams, budget audio gear now fits right into real-life creative spaces.

A solid mic boom arm and pop filter elevate budget microphones dramatically. Proper mic positioning and reduced vibrations can turn rough recordings into polished audio.

From recording sessions to spontaneous streams, budget audio gear now fits right into real-life creative spaces.

3. Future-Proof Portable Speakers

Portable speakers used to be all flash and no sound.                                That’s changed. Compact, rugged speakers today can deliver a rich, loud, and surprisingly full audio experience—perfect for casual listening at outdoor hangouts, small meetups, or private downtime. Despite their small size, they manage an impressive low-end presence and vocal clarity.

Larger models go even further, creating a wider soundstage and deeper, more balanced tones. They're ideal for those who want quality sound at home without investing in a full audio system. No, they won't replace studio monitors—but they are miles ahead of built-in laptop or phone speakers.

4. Audio Interfaces That Don’t Feel Budget

Audio interfaces are essential for connecting your mic or instruments to a computer. And while many high-end ones come with premium price tags, some compact models now offer clean, reliable signal transmission and solid preamps—without unnecessary complexity.

Basic models are great for solo producers, vocalists, or podcasters. They’re easy to use and deliver dependable sound quality with minimal fuss.

More refined options come with extra features like improved latency control and sleeker designs. These are perfect for digital audio workstation (DAW) users or multi-track layering projects.

Buying from a knowledgeable audio retailer can help avoid knockoffs and ensure your gear works with your setup.

5. Accessories That Complete the Installation

It’s the details that elevate your sound—accessories like isolation pads, cables, and mounts add polish to your performance.

It’s the details that elevate your sound—accessories like isolation pads, cables, and mounts add polish to your performance.

The headline gear is just the beginning. It’s the supporting accessories—cables, stands, mounts, and pads—that can make or break a setup.

•Isolation pads placed beneath speakers reduce vibrations and improve sound clarity.

•Shielded cables prevent interference, essential in electronics-heavy spaces.

•Sturdy mic stands and arms provide stability and make long recording sessions much more ergonomic.

Budget-friendly accessory makers now offer surprisingly high quality, making it affordable to build a professional-feeling setup at home.

Smart Shopping Tips for Budget Audio Gear

In a crowded market, wise choices are key. Keep the following in mind:

•Compatibility first: Make sure your gear works with your devices and software, especially for USB gear.

•See it in action: Look for videos of people using the gear in real-world setups. It’s more telling than the spec sheet.

•Skip the gimmicks: Ignore flashy extras that don’t actually improve sound.

•Trust the proven: Stick to established brands or newcomers with good reputations and reviews.

•Shop specialists: Music gear stores often provide better support and protect you from counterfeit products.

Final Thoughts

Budget sound gear in 2025 doesn’t mean cutting corners—it means making smarter choices. With thoughtful options now widely available, anyone can craft a system that delivers rich, immersive sound without financial strain.

It comes down to understanding your needs, skipping the hype, and investing in tools that align with your workflow and style. Whether it’s discovering new music, recording ideas, or just zoning out to an old favorite, sound still has the power to connect—and elevate—the experience.

[speakerparts42-blog]

Buy High Quality Pressure Mid in India from ATI Pro Technologies

ATI Pro Technologies is a trusted name in India for professional audio equipment. As a top supplier and importer based in Delhi, we offer a wide range of pressure mid drivers across the country, including pressure mid in Nagpur.

Our models come in 150 watt, 300 watt, and 400 watt options to suit various sound setups. These midrange drivers are built for clear, powerful sound with excellent transient response and low distortion.

The ATI Pressure Mid delivers smooth, detailed mid frequencies, enhancing vocals and instruments in live events, professional audio systems, and large venues.

Built for durability, it features a strong diaphragm, advanced magnet structure, and high sensitivity—ensuring long-lasting performance.

Looking for the best pressure HF driver price? Trust ATI Pro Technologies for high quality sound solutions and reliable service across India.

[propeciadealsonline]

Acoustic and Electric Guitar Tonewoods: Complete Guide for Enthusiasts

When choosing a guitar, one of the most important — yet often overlooked — factors is the tonewood used in its construction. Whether you're a beginner learning your first chords or a seasoned guitarist chasing the perfect sound, understanding guitar tonewoods can elevate your appreciation and performance. This article explores the impact of acoustic guitar tonewoods and electric guitar woods on sound, playability, and aesthetic appeal, helping you make an informed decision whether you’re buying or building your own instrument.

What Are Guitar Tonewoods?

Tonewood refers to the specific type of wood used in crafting the body, neck, and sometimes the fretboard of a guitar. The unique acoustic properties of different woods significantly influence the instrument's resonance, sustain, and tonal character. While many players focus on pickups, strings, and hardware, guitar tonewoods are the true foundation of a guitar's voice.

Acoustic guitar tonewoods, in particular, play a vital role because the entire body of the instrument vibrates to amplify sound. In electric guitars, tonewoods also affect tone, although electronics share much of the responsibility. Nonetheless, the choice of wood still contributes to the “feel” and nuanced tonal quality of the instrument.

Common Acoustic Guitar Tonewoods

When discussing acoustic guitar tonewoods, certain species have stood the test of time for their tonal reliability, availability, and aesthetic charm. Let’s explore a few of the most popular ones.

Spruce

Spruce is arguably the most commonly used top wood for acoustic guitars. Known for its light weight and high stiffness-to-weight ratio, spruce offers a bright, responsive, and articulate sound. Its dynamic range makes it a favorite among strummers and fingerstyle players alike.

Mahogany

Often used for backs, sides, and necks, mahogany produces a warm, midrange-heavy tone with excellent punch and projection. It's ideal for blues, folk, and roots music, offering a rich, woody sound that ages well over time.

Rosewood

Prized for its beautiful grain and deep tonal palette, rosewood is another premium choice for backs and sides. It produces a clear, bell-like treble and robust bass response, adding complexity to the guitar's overall sound. Brazilian and Indian rosewoods are especially popular among tonewood suppliers.

Maple

Maple is known for its bright, snappy tone and incredible projection. It often appears in jumbo or cutaway acoustic designs, delivering crisp articulation. It’s also popular in electric guitars for its aesthetic and tonal consistency.

Cedar

Cedar is softer than spruce and generates a darker, warmer sound. It's highly sensitive to lighter playing styles and is a favorite for classical and fingerstyle guitarists.

These species are often found in high-quality tonewood shops, both as raw materials and in semi-processed formats. Guitar makers seeking unique voices might also consider koa, walnut, sapele, or bubinga, all available from reputable tonewood suppliers.

Electric Guitar Tonewoods

While acoustic guitar tonewoods receive much attention for their acoustic properties, electric guitars also benefit from specific woods that contribute to sustain, attack, and tonal coloration.

Alder

Alder is balanced, resonant, and lightweight. It delivers a full-bodied tone with clear highs and well-defined lows, making it a staple in many Fender-style guitars.

Ash

Ash offers a bright, cutting tone with plenty of sustain. Swamp ash, in particular, is lauded for its light weight and superior resonance, often used in high-end electric guitars.

Mahogany (Again)

Mahogany is just as popular in electric guitar bodies as it is in acoustics. Its dense grain provides warmth and sustain, often paired with maple tops (as seen in Les Pauls) to balance brightness and warmth.

Basswood

This affordable, lightweight wood has a soft tonal response that complements high-output pickups. Its neutral tonal profile makes it a preferred choice for many rock and metal guitars.

These materials are often showcased in a tonewood shop offering electric and acoustic tonewoods for sale and pre-laminated options for custom builds.

Sourcing Quality Tonewood for Guitars

Whether you're a luthier or a hobbyist builder, sourcing quality tonewood for guitars is crucial. A good tonewood supplier ensures sustainably harvested wood, optimal curing processes, and consistency in grain and color.

You can find acoustic guitar tonewoods for sale at specialized retailers who cater to the demands of professional and DIY builders. They offer detailed grading systems, helping you choose the right wood for tops, backs, sides, and necks.

Online tonewood shops also offer bundled kits, combining matched top and back sets, along with pre-shaped neck blanks, ensuring compatibility and tone matching. With the right supplier, even exotic woods like ebony or ziricote are just a few clicks away.

The Relationship Between Tonewood and Tone

Different guitar tonewoods resonate differently. The hardness, density, and cellular structure of the wood impact how it vibrates and transmits sound. That’s why a spruce-top guitar sounds brighter and louder than a cedar-top guitar, even if both have similar dimensions.

Moreover, environmental factors like humidity and temperature can alter the wood’s tonal qualities. That's why seasoned wood and careful storage are essential aspects of quality guitar production.

In electric guitars, while pickups do most of the heavy lifting, the body’s wood still influences sustain, resonance, and feel. Solid body guitars like those made of alder or mahogany tend to have more focused tonal characteristics than laminated or composite builds.

Sustainable Tonewood Practices

Due to deforestation and rising demand, ethical sourcing of acoustic guitar tonewoods has become a significant concern. Reputable tonewood suppliers emphasize sustainability through partnerships with forestry agencies, use of reclaimed wood, and promoting alternative species like sapele and blackwood.

Some luthiers and builders are even experimenting with composite materials and torrefied woods (heat-treated to simulate aging), offering eco-friendly options without sacrificing tone.

Final Thoughts

Understanding acoustic guitar tonewoods is key to unlocking the full potential of your instrument. Whether you're shopping for your next guitar, planning a custom build, or just curious about what makes guitars sound the way they do, tonewoods offer a world of variety and expression.

From the sprightly shimmer of spruce to the earthy thump of mahogany, every wood tells a story. As the guitar world continues to evolve, so too does our understanding of these incredible natural materials. Fortunately, with numerous tonewood shops and tonewoods for sale online and offline, getting your hands on the perfect set of woods has never been easier.

If you're ready to take your sound to the next level, explore your options with trusted tonewood suppliers and dive into the world of acoustic guitar tonewoods today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best acoustic guitar tonewoods for beginners?

Spruce tops paired with mahogany backs and sides are ideal for beginners due to their balanced tone, affordability, and durability. These woods are also widely available through most tonewood suppliers.

Where can I find acoustic guitar tonewoods for sale?

You can find acoustic guitar tonewoods for sale through online tonewood shops, specialty luthier stores, and at trade shows. Reputable suppliers often provide grading info and detailed specs.

Do electric guitar tonewoods matter as much as in acoustic guitars?

Yes, although to a lesser degree. While pickups dominate electric guitar tone, the choice of tonewood still impacts resonance, weight, and sustain.

What should I look for in a tonewood supplier?

Look for suppliers that offer sustainably sourced wood, clear grading standards, seasoned or kiln-dried products, and good customer service. Transparency about origin and treatment is key.

Can I mix different tonewoods in one guitar?

Absolutely. Many guitars use different woods for the top, back, sides, and neck to balance tonal qualities. For example, a spruce top with rosewood back and sides delivers both clarity and warmth — a classic combination in high-end acoustic guitar tonewoods.

[atipro-blog]

Precision Audio Control with Crossover Network Plates

ATI Pro Technologies offers high-performance Crossover Network Plates designed to optimize sound distribution in professional audio systems. These essential components serve as the backbone of speaker configuration, intelligently splitting audio signals into designated frequency ranges to ensure each driver—woofer, midrange, and tweeter—receives only the frequencies it’s designed to handle. The result is a cleaner, more accurate sound reproduction across the entire audio spectrum.

Crafted with superior-grade components, the Crossover Network Plates from ATI Pro Technologies deliver exceptional reliability, minimal signal loss, and long-lasting performance even under high-power loads. Ideal for PA systems, DJ setups, and professional speaker enclosures, these plates are engineered to enhance clarity, reduce distortion, and maintain sound integrity during live performances or studio playback.

ATI Pro Technologies ensures easy integration with speaker cabinets through user-friendly plate designs featuring clearly labeled terminals and robust wiring options. Whether you're building a custom speaker or upgrading an existing system, these crossover solutions provide the precision and durability required by today’s audio professionals.

With ATI Pro Technologies' commitment to innovation and sound fidelity, their Crossover Network Plates represent a critical upgrade for anyone seeking professional-level audio performance and system efficiency. Experience balanced, high-quality sound engineered for excellence.

[inventors-fair]

Fresh Start: Introductory Winners!

Our winners this week are @curiooftheheart, @grornt, and @hypexion!

@curiooftheheart — Crackling Eel

In the midst of general consensus, I find myself agreeing: Yearling is an awesome mechanic that approaches Prototype's groundwork from a fun new flavor perspective. I appreciate the differences between it and the animal-themed mechanics of precedent as well as the similarities. Offspring and Mutate both come to mind, at least in the sense of "young animal" and "changing animal" vibes, but it plays to a mana usage that's almost akin to flashback/monstrous/adapt, i.e. spend some mana now and more mana later for bigger effects. This framework is precisely the kind of work that makes new mechanics feel intuitive and approachable.

The card itself plays into the framework of punisher effects, and I think that bolting an opponent for their fetchlands/equips/planeswalker abilities is very cool. Small red hatebears are some of the most difficult things for midrange decks to deal with. Limited might be slightly less down on the effect, depending on the environment, but there are always cool corner cases, and getting up to a 3/5 body eventually makes the menace worth it. Everything about the card is balanced to the best of my knowledge, and the shock of a wild eel is menacing indeed. This one seemed to be a workshop favorite, and you should take solace in that being well-earned.

@grornt — Reefbed Remnant

I swear that this isn't a sea-creature-themed bias in the winners this week! As I was going through entries and narrowing down our winners, I just kept coming back to this card as a limited all-star and a major flavor win. Looting decks, more aggressive creature-heavy decks, discarding-to-hand-size decks—just about every archetype is going to be okay with having this card in it. The only archetype that might not want it is a UW type, but that depends on the number of creatures you're dealing with; in limited, it's excellent. Even discarding noncreature cards can be worth it because, well, looting is good.

I love the scavenging aspect of this card as well, not just because the name is wonderful. Whenever you give this creature food, it gets bigger, and as long as it's still around it gets to look for things to eat from the sea floor. It's an ideal simplicity, IMO. The flavor text is pretty much on point, too. I think if I break through the editorial side of my heart, I can concur that it's just what this card needs as a bit of whimsy, which is a flavor aspect that I don't think I lean into enough. It feels like a tongue-in-cheek Planet Earth aside, you know? This scuttling bug plays well, feels good, and—oh no! Look out! There's an eel right above you! Swim away!

@hypexion — Land Grab

I had said that this card was a winner as soon as I saw it and even after narrowing things down and doing some editing I stuck with my gut. You know the first thing I thought about? Amulet Titan. Turn one: Forest, Amulet, sac the Forest and plot Land Grab. Turn two: Untapped land, Arboreal Grazer, bounceland, cast Land Grab, get another land, Azusa or Dryad—etc. Like, it's a ridiculously powerful card even for its cost, but the cost at which it comes is enough for a rare. This is by far one of the most constructed-viable cards I've seen submitted to the Fair in quite some time, and I say that with love. Arguably powerful in ways that might necessitate a {1} in addition to the sacrifice, maybe, but for now, I'd play it as-is.

And I think you leaned into cards telling their own stories as well in a way that I appreciate. I know that sometimes flavor gets lost in the weeds, but this one speaks for itself in a naturally thematic way. You can either pay the cost for a land, or literally plot out by clearing a forest to build something with additional framework later. It's slightly insidious if you want to lean into that story of land grabs as corporate evil—depends on your point of view. Could just be nomads in uncharted territory settling their survival, could be dryads wrestling with spirits to find a new home, could be a lot of things. But the action of the story remains the same regardless of intent, and I'm curious as to the intentionality behind that. Great job overall. I'd love this for my Vorinclex deck.

Runners sooner rather than later... @abelzumi

[om617minjectionpump]

The Ultimate Turbo Upgrade for the OM606 Engine: What You Need to Know

When it involves extracting most performance out of your Mercedes OM606 diesel engine, deciding on the right turbocharger is key. Known for its strong layout and high tuning potential, the OM606 responds rather well to rapid improvements. But what turbo is exceptional for the OM606 engine? The answer depends to your goals—each day using, racing, or off-street performance—but there are established alternatives that strike a super balance of electricity, reliability, and response. Benz Injection, a depended on name in diesel overall performance, gives rapid systems tailored for each OM606 and OM605 Turbo setups.

Performance Gains with OM605 Turbo on OM606 Setup

One popular choice for OM606 proprietors is upgrading with an OM605 Turbo setup. This turbo variant supplies quicker spool, better throttle response, and strong midrange torque—perfect for day by day driving or mild towing. Benz Injection provides high-overall performance OM605 turbos designed to bolt onto the OM606 platform with minimal adjustments.

Benz Injection’s Custom Turbo Solutions

For those trying to push the OM606 engine past factory limits, Benz Injection gives custom-built faster kits. These are engineered to deal with excessive raise applications whilst preserving engine sturdiness. Whether you want a road-friendly setup or a tune-focused build, Benz Injection's rapid systems supply the power and precision fans demand.

Matching Turbo Size with Driving Needs

Turbo size topics. A large OM605 Turbo from Benz Injection can offer excessive-give up power gains however may additionally introduce lag. A smaller rapid offers faster reaction for town use. Identifying your driving fashion will guide the excellent faster healthy.

Reliability and Support

Benz Injection now not only affords exceptional OM605 Turbo kits but additionally gives tuning guidance, elements support, and installation recommendations. With their understanding, OM606 proprietors can increase overall performance without sacrificing reliability.

Conclusion

The high-quality rapid on your OM606 engine blends performance with dependability. With Benz Injection's OM605 Turbo answers, you get bot—tailor-made electricity and established engineering.

[createdworldchori]

Here are some of the best hotel options in Diu, organised by category and what they offer:

You can find some of hotels in diu for your next trip

Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, India

Charming 5★ coastal retreat near Jalandhar Beach, high staff ratings. 

Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, India

3★ modern hotel with pool & fitness centre, beachfront. 

Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, India

3★ tent‑style beachfront resort, good food & sea‑view rooms. 

Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, India

2★ well‑rated property, short walk to Nagoa Beach. 

Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, India

3★ solid mid‑range option with restaurant & Wi‑Fi. 

Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, India

2★ budget‑friendly, decent basic amenities. hotels.com

Top Picks

1. The Fort House, Diu – IHCL SeleQtions (5★)

Review score: ~8.3/10, very good

Highlights: Luxury beachfront stay, excellent staff, peaceful ambiance.

2. Ginger Diu, Jalandhar Beach (3★)

Review score: ~7.4/10

Facilities: Outdoor pool, fitness center, beachfront location.

3. The Fern Seaside Luxurious Tent Resort (3★)

Review score: ~7.9/10

Unique Feature: Lux-style tents with sea views, good dining.

Solid Mid-Range & Budget Options

Gateway Diu: Rated ~9.5 by guests; walking distance to Nagoa Beach

Hotel Apaar: Comfortable 3-star with restaurant and Wi‑Fi, review ~7.6/10

Hotel Hari Om: Very budget-friendly at ₹3‑4k/night (£42 nightly), 2-star .

Hotel Laabh: Super-budget—£19/night (~₹1.7k/night)

Beachfront Resorts

Praveg Beach Resort variants (Ghoghla, Nagoa, Chakratirth) are top luxury picks, ~₹7–11k/night

Kamnath Zinc Journey by The Fern: Beachside with pool, ₹11k/night (~£106), rated 8/10

Radhika Beach Resort & Spa: 4★, ~₹9k/night

Kostamar Beach Resort: Highly rated on Trip.com (~8.4/10)

Price Overview

Star RatingApprox. Price/Night5★ Luxury₹7k – ₹12k (~£69–£120)4★ Resorts₹5k – ₹9k (~£50–£90)3★ Midrange₹2k – ₹5k (~£20–£50)Budget₹1k – ₹3k (~£10–£30)

(Averages based on Booking.com, Hotels.com, and MakeMyTrip)

How to Choose?

For luxury/romantic stays: Go with The Fort House or a Praveg Beach Resort.

For beachfront comfort on a budget: Choose Ginger Diu or The Fern tents.

For tight budgets: Go with Hotel Hari Om or Hotel Laabh.

Top Nearby Attractions

Jalandhar & Nagao Beaches – for sun, sand & water activities.

Diu Fort, St Paul's Church, Fudam Sanctuary, Gangeshwar Temple – all within easy reach of the recommended hotels

Let me know your preferred travel dates, budget range, and what amenities matter most (pool, beachfront, meal plan…), and I can help narrow it down further!

Here we had discussed about cheap hotels in diu for your stay

[zikmanaudio]

Silver vs. Copper in IEM Cables: Which One Truly Sounds Better?

When it comes to IEM (In-Ear Monitor) cables, two materials dominate the conversation: copper and silver. Audiophiles swear by one or the other, with passionate claims about warmth, detail, and transparency. But does the material actually make a difference? And if so, how should you choose between copper, silver, or even silver-plated copper?

Let’s unpack the science, the subjective listening experience, and the practical considerations behind these two popular conductor materials.

The Basics: Conductivity and Audio Signal Transmission

To understand their differences, we need to start with electrical conductivity. According to our guide on Conductive Materials in Audio Cables:

Silver is the most conductive metal (higher than copper).

Copper is slightly less conductive but significantly more affordable and durable.

While conductivity impacts signal transmission, other factors—like cable geometry, shielding, and dielectric materials—also play important roles. Still, for many audiophiles, the material's tonal characteristics are what matter most.

How Does Silver Sound?

Silver conductors are often described as delivering:

Greater detail and clarity

Tighter bass

Enhanced treble extension

Listeners who enjoy high-resolution tracks or bright-sounding IEMs may find silver cables bring out additional micro-details, especially in the upper frequencies.

However, this added brightness can sometimes be perceived as harsh or fatiguing, particularly on already bright IEMs.

How Does Copper Sound?

Copper cables are generally favored for:

Warmth and natural tonality

Smooth midrange

Less fatiguing treble

If your IEMs are neutral or lean toward brightness, copper cables can add a layer of musical warmth and body, making them ideal for long listening sessions.

Our Zikman Danube is a great example of a copper-based cable engineered for rich mids and a smooth treble response.

What About Silver-Plated Copper (SPC)?

This is where things get interesting. Silver-plated copper (SPC) attempts to combine the high conductivity of silver with the warmth and affordability of copper. These hybrid designs aim to balance both tonal characteristics.

We cover this concept more deeply in our post on Hybrid Cables, where multi-material strategies aim to optimize for both signal integrity and sound coloration.

Cables like the Zikman Rhine utilize a refined geometry and conductor blend to deliver crisp highs and solid bass, offering a taste of both worlds.

Silver vs. Copper: Key Differences At a Glance

FeatureCopperSilverConductivityHighHigherTonal CharacterWarm, smooth mids, full-bodied bassBright, detailed, crisp highsPriceMore affordableExpensiveFlexibilityTypically more durableSofter, more prone to oxidationCompatibilityPairs well with bright IEMsIdeal for dark or neutral IEMs

What Does Science Say vs. What Do We Hear?

Scientifically, both materials can transmit audio signals well below the threshold of measurable distortion. But audiophiles often hear subjective differences, especially with high-end audio chains, sensitive IEMs, and clean signal paths.

Ultimately, psychological expectation and synergy with gear also play major roles. That’s why choosing the “right” cable often comes down to personal preference.

Want to learn how to select the right cable for your setup? Don’t miss our Complete Guide to Choosing an IEM Cable.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Silver If:

You want the most detailed and revealing sound possible.

Your IEMs are warm or dark and need more sparkle.

You listen to genres like classical, acoustic, or high-res recordings.

Choose Copper If:

You prefer a natural, musical, and non-fatiguing presentation.

Your IEMs are bright or analytical and need more warmth.

You prioritize comfort over absolute detail.

If you’re somewhere in between or want to experiment, go for a hybrid cable like the Zikman Tiber Elegance for balanced tonal response and excellent build quality.

Final Thoughts: There’s No “One Best”—Only What’s Best for You

Silver and copper cables both have their strengths, and neither is universally superior. The key is to consider your listening preferences, gear synergy, and budget.

At Zikman Audio, we design cables to match a range of preferences:

Zikman Danube – Warm, copper-based tone ideal for fatigue-free listening

Zikman Rhine – Bright, lively presentation with hybrid conductors

Zikman Tiber Elegance – Audiophile-grade balance between detail and warmth

Zikman Tiber – Stylish and flexible all-rounder

Zikman Seine – Midrange-focused with clean highs

Still unsure? Try starting with the versatile Zikman Test and upgrade as you discover your sonic preferences.