The All Purpose Advice Thread

I will. I might get some new strings and tune it like my cello too, because then ill be a lot better at playing it.

 

Squires can be awesome instruments, and tons of upgrade options. Just go look at any bass and pay super close attention to the neck. If its straight, its usually a winner...

And remember, these days you can skip the amp and play into your computer using amp emulators.

 

There are literal headphone amplifiers, too. Vox makes different ones for electric guitar, bass, acoustic, and a couple of others. It's a little amp that plugs directly into the 1/4" port and has a 3.5mm port. No clue what it sounds like yet, though.

 

I'm a solid budget mid-fi guy in my spending and I'm zeroing in now on what amp/DAC setup I want to get.

Hey! I'm a bassist of 24 years. Sorry that I didn't see this earlier or I would have offered up some advice. In this price range I would just try to play on several and see what FEELS the best and sounds the best to you. Some people prefer split p-bass pickups, I prefer jazz bass pickups, some prefer the music man style soap bars, some prefer the 1-of-each setup like the Jag etc.. Right now you're going to have to figure out what you like the most. The setup with one of each will be the most versatile but will not completely replicate a straight double J-bass sound. Like I said though, play a few and go with feel and sound.

 

I've done a little digging on the SHF and it looks like Pioneer Elite DVD players can play DVD-A and SACD and have coax/optical out. They can be had used on eBay for under $200. I'm thinking I may go with that and keep lusting after a Theta.

 

I wouldn't go so far as that!

 

Was planning on plugging it into my pa amp and pa cab with JBL 2226h I have.
You missed it, was on craigslist, 2 PA cabs with JBL 2226h's and a PA amp for $50.

Im picking up the fender today.

I mean, never played bass, so not sure what im looking for. Im picking up the fender today though, if it looks all good.

 

Yep, was using a Line6 GX nearly 10 years ago when I moved into the dorms for college and it worked great. Never got around to buying another amp and I've been using a Rocksmith Realtone cable into GarageBand recently.

I'd also be interested to hear impressions on products like the Vox headphone amps. I like the idea, but I'm not very confident that companies like Vox are using quality components in products like this. I would expect it to be outperformed by digital amp modeling on something in this form factor.

 

Well, at his price point, that's really the best one can expect...

 

Maybe try some proven, documented design first. To get the barebone right.
This guy has caught my attention lately, uses some Accuton setups as well as Scanspeak and Seas: Troels Gravesen

 

Are any of those small form-factor class D/T-amps worth considering? It would be for a pair of Dynaudio bookshelves (DM2/6). Right now I'm using an Audioengine N22 (class A/B), but ever since putting bass traps at ear level in the corners of my room and also putting some foam loosely in the back ports, I can actually hear when the amp starts to distort at high volumes (yeah, I know, T-amps do that too)

The reason I'm asking about small form factor is that, while my desk is quite large, it already houses a bunch of shit and I need a lot of space for work. Like, I could fit a Nikko Alpha II (once I get it fixed) and build a small passive preamp, awkwardly, and I know that's probably what I should do, but I'm wondering what my options are for upgrading while still keeping that space freed up

 

Which models were you looking at? Looks like a bunch of different ones at various price points.

 

The 49avi, 59avi, or 79avi models seemed like good buys to me.

 

Thanks for the input.

 

I like the original explorer too, especially if you're going to go line out to a separate amp, i.e. vali2. Should be able to find one used for ca. $70-80. Also still really enjoy my original vali, which would allow you to step up to the modi MB w/in your budget. Good luck.

 

I would make Modi MB the priority and go from there.

If you can stretch to include the Vali 2, and like the idea of tubes and, potentially, tube-rolling, then it's a really nice combination and performs well above the level I think is generally expected for what it costs. Having a pair of AKG K7XX, among others, myself, I'd lean towards the Vali 2 over the Magni 2/Uber.

But that's based on my preferences and your mileage will almost certainly vary.

 

I agree, if you're not getting an all-in-one, get the Modi MB and probably a Magni 2 (look for a used Vali/Vali 2 first) and then upgrade the amp when you have a chance (unless you manage to get a Vali/2 the first go around).

 

Another vote for the Modi Multibit and a Vali/Vali 2 combo. Should be in your budget if you buy used, just outside of it if new. A solid alternative if you are strictly limited by funds is a Modi 2 Uber and Vali/Vali 2 stack.

 

Given that the original Vali is still $99 on closeout, and the Modi Multibit is $250, that seems like the best pairing if you can't find a used Vali 2.

 

Yep.. I've still got mad love for Vali 1 (haven't heard Vali2 yet.. but it's pretty well established that it kicks ass, as well). Really liked the Vali 1 with select orthos like the Slants, original Paradox, and the HE-560.