The All Purpose Advice Thread

Anyone that's a beginner and interested in a bit of physics and very broad general audio problematic and where to start can take a look at my post at hydrogenaudio - https://hydrogenaud.io/index.php?topic=115447

Perhaps it will be usefull.

 

I was able to snag a used T3 from head-fi, thanks for the suggestion @Gaspasser

 

Excellent! Congratulations! I would also recommend reading through the T3 thread for all the information you could ever need about this great amp.
If you are using HD800, the CV4024 are awesome.

 

Asking for a friend, because I know nothing about turntables and the related chain requirements. What would you recommend for someone who has a few records they want to play and is starting from ground zero system-wise? Total budget of $500 - $1,000 for the full chain. Is this even feasible?

TIA

 

Does full chain mean you're including the amp/pre/speakers? Or do you mean just the phono chain with a TT, cart, and phono stage?

 

Whole kit and kaboodle is needed. Only records owned so far...

 

It looked like that's what you meant, but I figured I should be sure.

I do think that the U-Turn Orbit with the cue option is the best value for the TT. I'd probably just start with the cheapest cart then buy a Nagaoka MP-110 if he wants an upgrade. With the cuing lever, the U-Turn sits at $219.

I'd personally go out and buy a vintage receiver. Marantz is cool, but some of the Sony and Pioneer stuff is better. I saw this Sony STR-7065 on your local Craigslist that would work. I'd also pick up a pair of old Advent Loudspeakers. My pair is slightly different, but I found these for $150 that also look relatively local to you. That's basically the system I use in my bedroom. It's not perfect, but it reliable for me and the downsides are more sins of omission than commission. Still, I fully understand if vintage gear is to be avoided.

If you're looking new, I'm not going to be a ton of help in this price range.

If convenience is a concern, I do know that Pro-Ject is now making an all-in-one integrated TT for ~$500. I doubt it has much power, so you'd want slightly more efficient speakers (maybe 88+ db/1W/1m). I doubt it would be stellar, but I'm sure it would be convenient. There's also the Kanto speakers that have a built-in phono stage. I'm sure there are other products like this, but it's just not a corner of the market that I've explored.

 

I agree with @Daveheart's U-Turn recommendation. I would probably recommend the acrylic platter upgrade too. That's the direction I would go if I were doing it over again.

If you are looking for a good budget phono stage, it's probably hard to do much better than a Schiit Mani. The ART DJ Pre II and TCC TC-750 are also good options. I personally would avoid the phono stage in any modern entry-level receiver or integrated amp (e.g., Onkyo TX-8020 or A-9010).

 

I've been looking for a closed-back headphone, mostly because the trains across from my office are loud and constant. CIEMs have made me appreciate how much music I was missing with my HD600, but I get tired of wearing the customs.

• Tonality in the HD600/650 ball-park.
• Sound isolating, though lighter clamp would be preferred.
• Over-ear preferred, but again no clamp on the ear is the big thing.
• Under $400 preferred, but could maybe stretch.

I've done some super-searching. Anything new stand out to anyone?

 

Beyer DT150 should fit the bill...

 

The Senn 5-series closed (I forget the model number) is also pretty good.

It's been a while but I remember it closer to the 600?

Or a used ZMF Ori, that's also relatively neutral.

Really, until you get to the level of the Starving Student LFF Slant it's all a great deal of compromise with a closed can.

 

I just got paid and want to blow around $1500 on something headphones. I currently have an AFO, Nightowl, Meze 99 classics, 1more iems, Modi 2 + Magni 2, and a MCTH on the way. I'm considering the Focal Clear, or the ZMF Auteur (in which case I'd sell my AFO), or keep the AFO and get the Campfire Andromeda. About 30% of my listening is on the go with iems or portable, so it's tough to justify spending a lot on that, even though they're clearly the weakest link here. Part of me wants to just go "f**k it" and get end game, and sell my other stuff. What else should I consider if my priorities are 1) Comfort, 2) Resolution, 3) Smooth/refined highs, 4) details, clarity and air? - in that order.

 

I would suggest you try the Auteur. Maybe a HD800, given your priorities.

That will be $1499. My advice doesn't come cheap.

 

Hi,
I need some help with my Gungnir Multibit: I've just bought a used mac book pro 15 mid 2015, planning to use it as my main source (audirvana), problem is that It doesn't seem to recognise the Gungnir Multibit: os high sierra.
Funny bit to consider, I tested on the same computer my Modi Multibit, nad m51 and vio v280 internal dac, all with different usb cables, they all work.
The same Gungnir Multibit works on my wife's 2009 mac book pro, high sierra installed as well.
Any suggestion? (Other than copying my music on my wife's mac)
Thanks

 

@Thomas Crown - I'd start by dropping Schiit a line, get them to advise you. It can be a bit hit or miss if you get someone who knows what they're doing, or just asks "have you tried switching off and on again?", but they're generally pretty friendly.

Make that your first resort, see how you get on.

 

Thanks, I’m waiting for their opinion as well, it’s such a peculiar problem

 

For what it's worth, @fishski13 had a similar problem, and it turned out that the USB board was actually faulty:

http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/schiit-dacs-and-linux.3877/
http://superbestaudiofriends.org/in...rfaces-and-bears-oh-my.62/page-77#post-182943

..and for some reason took real exception to his Linux box.

Obviously wait to hear what Schiit say.. but if you're out of warranty and on an older board, possibly a good excuse for a Gen 5 USB upgrade (which restarts your warranty too!).

 

@Thomas Crown I use the same setup of A+, mid 2015 mbp, Gungnir Multibit. For me, it's hit and miss whether things work if I connect Gungnir Multibit to the mbp directly, so I use a powered usb hub, at which point there are no issues. I haven't really checked this since upgrading to Gen 5 USB though, maybe the hub is now unnecessary.

 

Thanks even schiit’s page suggests to buy a hub (as the reply from their c.s.), I’ll go for the wyrd (damn! They tricked me again!).

 

Hi guys, in need of a preamp here.. Connecting these:

1. RME ADI-2 DAC (general use)
2. Apogee Duet Dac (recording)
3. my phono preamp

..Into a pair of active monitors (Adam A7, input impedance 10kohm).

I’m not too fussy about SQ through the speakers and a Schiit SYS seems like just what I need, but it only has two inputs. I need vol control for the phono stuff btw. That’s it. Suggestions are welcome.

Cheers!