The All Purpose Advice Thread

Yeah I know Andy. You know you made it if you can afford one of his instruments...

 

But he is a good guy, and would be a good place to go?

 

I never used him for service, but he seems nice enough. And he knows his stuff. If you have to kill 90 minutes, start mumbling about Beatles gear...

 

@spwath you should post your Fender in the "Show of your Musical Instruments" Thread!

http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/show-off-your-musical-instruments.191/

 

The connector in the photo I posted isn't stock, and the stock cable for my HD800S doesn't have a set screw either. It might be specific to that specific connector.

I would PM @fraggler and find out if there's anything on the connector that's supposed to keep it attached to the two-pin connector. If there isn't then the fix might be as simple as putting on new heat shrink. <$5 and super simple to do with a hair dryer.

 

@ibzrg1570 - Unfortunately, @fraggler is in Japan right now so I have no way to contact him. I am happy for him that he has the opportunity to visit Japan, but I am sure he would be a big help in walking me through fixing this.

@Hands gave me a suggestion on some Heat Shrinks from Amazon which I may have to purchase, unfortunately I will have to buy an assortment box since I am not sure the exact size of heat shrink I will need to fit the connectors of the HD800.

 

I have extra lengths of the two most common diameters, can mail them tomorrow easily, the only problem is I only have them in red and blue. Pick a color and pm me your address!

 

Hi all I am new so I hope this hasnt been asked but I didnt see much regarding specifics for movies.

I am looking for an all movies setup. I currently have a 7.1 setup however since I have young children I dont get a chance to let that system go (except for animated stuff)
I would like to watch movies at night after everyone has gone to bed.

My current setup is running a Plex Home theater PC setup, Movies are all in DTS/Dolby and most recent movies are DTS-HD MA.

I am looking for a setup that most closely mimics a speaker setup so wide separation, surround like effect. I think the first place to start is in quality gear and I can play afterwards with software based effects so we can keep that out of this discussion.

I have done a fair bit of research. I am new to Headphone hi-fi. My price range will likely hold me back but many of you have amazing ears and I am sure are picking out things I wont notice or will eventually learn and refine.

The price ranges I am looking at I am considering (high price to low - for me) Hifiman HE400S, Beyerdynamic DT 990/880/770 Premium/PRO, and Sennheiser HD 598 (low end of pricing). I am open to any other suggestion. If its higher priced I would consider if you think it vastly meets what I am trying to achieve.

Like I mentioned the biggest thing for me is the spaciousness that would mimic the separation of a surround sound system. I like bass but I am not a basshead and do not like the pounding directly in my ears.

I understand from my research that pairing these headphones properly is important. What would you recommend in this area? My thoughts were to go with a DAC/AMP or DAC --> AMP out of my PC directly. I have looked at the Schiit and a modi2/magni2 combo and maybe a wyrd added later on would be my best bang for buck option.

I am going to be testing a Fiio 18 (from a buddy) after I post this but not with higher end Headphones but just to get a feel for it and the setup on my PC.

I am totally open to feedback and totally open to saving to make a jump that makes sense in either headphone or amp/DAC

I hope this post makes sense and is clear and I did enough research to not come off lazy.

Thanks!

 

Actually in further searching I found a pretty good price on Sennheiser HD 600s so they can be added to the list. I am in Canada so I dont get that nice US pricing I get the weak CDN dollar lol

 

@The Alchemist If you don't plan on making DIY cables as a hobby and you have an Ace Hardware near you I'd just take the cable there and ask for a size recommendation. Otherwise take up @aufmerksam on the red one for quick and easy distinction of the right channel.

 

Thanks ultrabike. appreciate the feedback. Funny you mention out of your head as that is what I was just testing right now. I am impressed and like the out of my head effect quite a lot I believe. Just want to get the best combo to go with that software.

Thanks for the heads up on the Beyer cans. They are off my list.

 

Video/lighting gear uses 4 pin xlr as power connector. Is it vaguely sensible to use such a cable as extension cable for balanced phone? (Less hassle than to build myself or get one made up) I guess it's wired straight through, but maybe electrical properties are all wrong.

 

Yes just like speakers there is a wide range of opinion but certain technical elements seem to hold true.

So lets say if I go with HD600s what is the best pairing to get the best performance using something like OOYH. Also note I do have a Denon 2112CI receiver however everything I have read seems to indicate not to use receivers for amping. Looking to the experts... thanks

One other thing to throw out there. What does everyone think of Phillips Fidelio X2? It was on the Wall and is 100 bucks less for me than the HD600s

 

Thanks again ultrabike, do you have HD600s? What is your setup for AMP/DAC or what have you heard them on that you would recommend? Anyone else?

thanks

 

My brother needs a pair of closed headphones in the price range of $45-90. Any suggestions?

 

I agree with @ultrabike that the HD600 is a safe pick given its scalability and relatively low price, pair it with something like a Schiit Magni 2 or the Vali 1 that's on closeout. I don't hate the DT990 as much if it's paired with a warm tube amp, I'd actually say it's pretty enjoyable out of something like a Bottlehead Crack, but glowing tubes in a dark room aren't the best while watching movies. I like the X2 for the wider soundstage (HD600 is relatively closed in) and more bass impact, and it will be easier to drive out of your receiver. I've never listened to it out of nicer amps than my Magni 1, so I have no idea if it scales at all with better gear.