The All Purpose Advice Thread

Anyone have any experience with the Musical Paradise MP-D2 dac?

 

I bought JBL LSR305, connected those to most likely the cheapest but not actually bad Roon endpoint and balanced DAC in one small box: RPi 3 with https://www.hifiberry.com/shop/boards/hifiberry-dac-pro-xlr/.
I like the way this setup, which costs all together like $350 sounds, but I want one knob to adjust the volume, and not to ruin the sound. I tried cheap Nobsound passive preamp but it it introduced a noise I did not want to hear.
But neither I want to spend $400 just to add volume control to a $150 DAC.

My options are:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1174032-REG/jbl_npatch_blk_nano_patch_compact_2_channel.html
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod..._monitor1_premium_passive_stereo_monitor.html
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1313074-REG/mackie_big_knob_passive_studio.html

Any advice on which one, or other options?

 

What about a schiit SYS?

I didn't think I've ever heard a cheap preamp that sounds truly utterly transparent - or an expensive preamp either, now that I think about it - but the SYS has served me well so far.

The JBL looks pretty good out of those three. Looks to be from their pro line, which tend to be solid, and has a minimum of switches in the signal path.

The Mackie should be ok but less shit in the way = better, also Zeos has one and likes it, so that's a demerit.

Behringer gave me gonokhakhakhakis.

 

I've been using a Emotiva Control Freak (the wiring configuration is silly though IMO) and it works pretty well so far.

 

Best headphones under 400...gram? I can think of Hp1000, Stax 007, HE60 but not much else (not a fan of HD800)

 

Wyrd is $100. I would just go for USB gen 5 instead. Same price if you install it yourself.

 

HD650 + epic tube amp...

You really need to give us more about your sound, if you want good advice on this topic. Someone's tuna salad is someone else's tuna salad, if you know what I mean...

 

Hey Guys, I've been out of the audio loop for a while.

What's a good amp/dac combo under $150 in 2018?

Primary usage will be on a Mac Pro at work to drive Beyerdynamic DT770 and IEMs like GR07 and Hifiman RE262. Preferably one with a cable since the Mac Pro is pretty far away from the keyboard. A physical volume knob would be nice, since OS X usually disables volume control via software.

So far, I know of the Schiit Fulla 2 and some Fiio models, but I want to know if there's a better option out there that I haven't come across on my research.

Cheers

 

@OmarCCX

The Meridian Explorer 2 is a solid and very portable choice. The pricing is a bit all over the place, look around a bit and you might find some deals.

 

I concur with TwoEars on the Meridian Explorer. Really good with my Massdrop Plus.

Check out this review

http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...damp-quick-impressions-and-measurements.4649/

 

Thanks for the very quick reply, both of you. Will check it out!

 

I'm a little surprised no one recommended the Topping D30

 

Quick shout-out to @TwoEars for their kickass signature URL!! I hadn't noticed it until last night and I was on that site for hours!

Thanks for sharing and reminding me it's more about the music than the gear we have.

 

Thanks, I think I will go with your advice and get JBL.
SYS would be an option but the HIfiberry the DAC has only balanced XLR output, and if I use XLR input to LS305 the cost of the transformers would be more that the DAC.
I may also want to use the same knob to to control two headamp monoblocks Nuforce HA-200.

 

I'm looking for decent power cables, like, solid non-jewelry that's better than your usual cheap crap.

I need both Schuko EU plugs, USA plugs and IEC-320 for my power conditioner.

Anyone have suggestions?

The things I see seem silly, with cryo-treated plugs and stuff, but I know the cheap 1€ leads are shite.

EU would be preferred as paying shipping and import ain't fun.

 

@Taverius

Not sure exactly what price range you had in mind but you can usually find lots of stuff on ebay.co.uk and ebay.de.

And if you want you can always build yourself too. I've built some cables using brands like furutech, viablue, neutrik, mogami etc. Albeit those are fairly expensive brands. We have a DIY cable thread around somewhere.

 

Some names, no experience with them, but they seem to be well thought of and cheapish:

Pangea (US)
SignalCable (US)
Supra Lorad (Schuko)

 

I understand that. My preference is playnar-type: laid back, warm, dark, great bass. But for this time, I'd like to put this my own personal preferences aside and just want to see what are some great headphones < 400gr are; according to you either personally or objectively.

 

TIII would fit the bill

 

Best IEMs under $100 exclusively for gym use? I'm thinking the Nuforce EDC3 looks like a nice option

I sweat quite a bit so that might be a factor too