The All Purpose Advice Thread

Discussion in 'Advice Threads' started by purr1n, Sep 26, 2015.

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  1. rhythmdevils

    rhythmdevils MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    I've stickied this thread with a list of switchers on the market. Mapletree Audio, Goldpoint or AliExpress units should be good. I'd probably go with the AliExpress unit in the metal chassis.

    https://www.superbestaudiofriends.o...put-via-amp-“pass”-jacks-ala-drop-amps.10123/
     
  2. ColdsnapBry

    ColdsnapBry Almost "Made"

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  3. neo_the_one

    neo_the_one Acquaintance

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    So, I stream from a few sites that are a little offbeat. The easiest way to listen to is to use the android apps or iOS apps. If I use by phone or digital player, it works. But I want to stream these services via wifi to my main system which has a DAC.

    I do not want to use a computer or NUC mainly because they are noisy (because of Fan) and secondly these sites provide better streaming support via the apps rather than browser player. So basically I don't want browser based interaction. I really would prefer using either the iOS or Android apps in some form. Also would like to stay away from any kind of computer if possible(because of distraction).

    I am not quite sure if I can stream any app (if there is no in built option in the app itself) using apple play. The apps I use do not support apple play in the app itself. Can stream any app using iPhone or iPad with appleplay without support from the app? if so then I can probably use something like iFI Zen Stream, cast airplay from phone and then output using USB.

    The other option is using Android. I am just not sure which DAP or player have digital out that can output music stream from any app install on the DAP. I have Astell&Kern Player which streams from any installed app, the problem being only handful of app can be installed on AK DAPs.

    I am really in the pickle as to what is the best option in this scenario. Would prefer USB C or optical output as I have those cables.
     
  4. TamHo

    TamHo New

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    Just got the AKG k1500 (Arcam Rhead clone) amp to compare to my Zen can signature. It sounds very good and bests my Zen can sig easily in term of sound quality. Don't know why very few people talk about this amp and is producing discontinued.
     
  5. MiXoLoGiSt

    MiXoLoGiSt New

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    Hello everyone,

    I am looking for some advice/recommendations on some good amps to buy. I am looking to pair it with my GOXLR mini as my DAC so that I can retain full functionality of my GOXLR Mini. This would mean running a 3.5mm to RCA cable from the headphone out (or line out) on my GOXLR mini to the RCA input on the amp. I emailed TC Helicon to see what these ports are capable of and I got this response:

    Unfortunately, we do not provide any Spec. sheets to end users as this is internal information only made available for our Partners.

    All the information we made available for your unit will is present on the product page, for that please follow the link below:

    https://www.tc-helicon.com/product.html?modelCode=P0DI7


    When it comes to the Headphones output capabilities we recommend the use of Headphones that offer 150/160 Ohms’ but the GOXLR and GOXLR MINI will work with any professional Headphones until 250 Ohms’.


    If you require to use an External Headphone Amp we can point out that the Schlit Magni 3 and the Mayflower ODAC work well with the GOXLR and GOXLR MINI

    So without them being willing to give out simple information, I am unsure which amp will adequately be able to reach its max potential.

    The two amps I have been looking into the most have been the Magni (all three variants) as well as the Drop THX 789. I am a little bit different of a use case as I will be using this for 80% gaming and 20% music so things like soundstage and imaging are very important as I rely on soundstage and imaging to be able to tell where enemies are in competitive games.

    This is where I was worried about the Magni line as it has been said on this forum to have a Crushed Soundstage or Headspace (which I’m assuming is the same thing). I am also worried about the THX 789 as it has been said things sound off to the side instead of up front.

    Anyone that can recommend some great amps (multiples at different price points if possible) that would be good for my uses in the $250 or lower bracket, I would appreciate it very much.

    The headphones I currently use are DT 990 250ohm but I am also looking into other headphones known to be great for gaming and music such as the K712, HD560s, HE400se, HD 58X, HD6XX and a few others.
     
    Last edited: Nov 8, 2021
  6. Womaz

    Womaz New

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    My first post on here so be gentle :)
    I admit to having limited knowledge on hifi know how but I bloody love my music so I have always tried to get a decent system
    My HP is the Abyss 1266TC and I have an incoming Violectric or Niimbus amp. Not finalised yet. DAC looking like it will be the Qutest for now.
    I have recently got a Pi4 and it is all loaded for use with Roon as I subscribe to it.

    Its a simple question, how much would I have to spend to get an improvement on the Pi?
    I know I could update the power supply, add USB purifiers etc, but I dont really want to go down that route.
    So to get a significant improvement on the Pi how much would I need to outlay?
    Cheers
     
  7. loadexfa

    loadexfa MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    I have heard the 58X, 6XX (between the two just get the 6XX ;) ), and other HiFiMan.

    Everyone has different taste but between the Magni 3+ vs the THX, I think the Magni is by far the more enjoyable listen. The THX is dry and sterile vs the Magni’s warmth. Others have liked the THX a lot for IEMs but they aren’t on your list so I wouldn’t consider it.

    There is a budget amp that is a nice step up from the Magni that should be coming out in a month or two if you can wait. I’m not allowed to say more but feel free to PM me in a month and if the amp is out I will provide more details. If you can’t wait the Magni is a great option and low risk, it’s not expensive and you get a 2 week return period if you don’t like it.
     
  8. loadexfa

    loadexfa MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    How are you transporting music from the Pi to a DAC, USB? In that case I’d highly recommend getting the Pi2AES hat. Most mid-fi and above DACs will accept non USB input including the Qutest. Purr1n wrote a fantastic write up on how to get started here.
     
  9. Womaz

    Womaz New

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    Yes connected by USB, I will read the highlighted post, cheers.
     
  10. MiXoLoGiSt

    MiXoLoGiSt New

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    Thanks for letting me know. I might be able to wait a month and see what’s out by then. In the case I want to get something now (I can order the Magni from Amazon and have a return window until Jan 2022), do you think my competitive gaming will take a hit via soundstage if I do decide to get a Magni in the meantime? From posts on here, I have read the Magni suffers from a crushed soundstage which sounds like it wouldn’t be great considering soundstage and imaging is very important in competitive gaming. That’s my main concern with the Magni but I might just be taking what was said about it a little too literally.
     
  11. loadexfa

    loadexfa MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    I should add, since you’re using Roon you don’t need Volumio. Whatever you have installed now will probably work with the Pi2AES. I’m using Ropieee for mine.
     
  12. loadexfa

    loadexfa MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    Ahh yeah, I forgot about that from your post, I was thinking mostly of music quality. I wouldn’t think the Magni would be worse than not using an amp at all but I’m not familiar with the GOXLR so I could be wrong and the Magni might make sound stage worse. Considering the low risk I’d still give it a shot, the THX sounds really bad with headphones IMO regardless of intended use.
     
  13. Womaz

    Womaz New

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    Yes I have Ropieee too.
    I am reading through the other thread but I am not technical at all. I think I am looking more towards moving away from the Pi for a more user friendly device. If that makes sense. I see products like the Primare N5 , Project S2 and Bluesound node as examples and wonder do they offer an upgrade.
     
  14. loadexfa

    loadexfa MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    Ahh, if you can wait a bit, the same company is coming out with a consumer friendly (fully assembled and ready to use) streamer called Mercury sometime in the near future. @Michael Kelly could potentially add more detail. I recommend waiting because their pricing is fantastic and the Pi2AES is competitive (often considered better) against streamers that are way more expensive.
     
  15. ColdsnapBry

    ColdsnapBry Almost "Made"

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    Just a question about Digital SPDIF out on computers.. On my Modi3+ if I go USB I can hear my graphics card through my headphone amp if I crank up the volume. I've got the RTX cards to thank for that as they all have coil whine and dump a ton of noise into the PC chain. Anyways, on the Modi 3+ if I use SPDIF out on my motherboard and power the Modi3+ with an Apple USB plug then all is fine, black background.

    It seems like the manufacturer of my motherboard tried to make the SPDIF and sound section not shit. But what am I looking for what I'm trying to hear jitter, anything else I need to be on the lookout for when using SPDIF over Unison USB?
     
  16. daduy

    daduy Acquaintance

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  17. Tekker

    Tekker Facebook Friend

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    What is the amp with thickest bass, full lower mids and smoothest highs around the $350 price (used) for the HD650?
     
  18. pk500

    pk500 New

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    Hi all:

    I'm looking to step up from my Meze 99 Classics in a closed-back. The Mezes' bass is just too uncontrolled, too bloomy.

    Seeking something with some warmth and a bit of richness in controlled bass, with no bleed or bloom into the mids or treble. I do NOT like hot treble, as a pretty serious case of tinnitus makes me pretty treble-sensitive. Yet, I still want clear, detailed mids and treble. Basically, I seek something on the slightly warm or rolled-off side of neutrality, with good soundstage, detail and imaging.

    My extensive research has led me to the discontinued Focal Elegia at $540 on Amazon or the Drop.com special on the Dan Clark Audio Aeon Closed X for $380. I will drive these from the iFi hip-dac, SE with the Dan Clark's until I can get a balanced cable. I can go balanced with the Focals out of the box since the outstanding Audiophile Ninja balanced cable I have for my HiFiMan HE-400se -- LOVE those cans -- will work with the Focals.

    My primary genres are classic rock, alt-country and Americana, with a hint of blues, hard bop jazz and progressive house EDM.

    So, would the Elegia or Aeon Closed X/RT work best for me? Appreciate the advice!
     
  19. ColdsnapBry

    ColdsnapBry Almost "Made"

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    Bottlehead Crack 1.1
     
  20. Tekker

    Tekker Facebook Friend

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    I can’t build it myself, and prices for completely build ones exceed $600. Perhaps other recommendations?
     
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