The All Purpose Advice Thread

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

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  1. JoshMorr

    JoshMorr Friend

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    Hey Divine,

    I dont think you real problem here is the headphone - I would say that the HD650 is not known to be a very good pairing with the o2/odac. A Jotenheim would certainly be a huge upgrade in term of helping the HD650 do what it does best, and it might also allow you to ditch the EQ. HD650 will never have super tight punchy bass, but amp pairings can certainly help this.

    Again, in your situation, I would look at upgrading amp / dac before writing off the headphone. Its capable of much more.
     
    Last edited: Jan 3, 2017
  2. Chipless

    Chipless New

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    Thank you for the response, and congrats on your Andromeda purchase! I look forward to your impressions.

    As far as Audirvana, I agree it's an excellent product, and one I've used for years. However, since the ability to use Direct Mode is no longer an option thanks to Apple, I prefer BitPerfect when playing back at native sample rates as BitPerfect tends to be a bit more stable than A+ in iTunes integrated mode and Airplay to my living room theater works. I will A/B them once I purchase the Andromeda's and choose a DAC. I will report back with findings.

    Now, back to DACs to pair with the Andromedas, the RAP KEB02iP I mentioned earlier looks good on paper, but I have yet to find someone who has used one. Certainly not as sleek as the GO2A, but still portable. I wonder why no one has used the RAP KEB? Any other options I should be considering? Is the only difference between the GO2A and GOV2 the ability to use the GOV2 with iOS devices? Tried searching for an answer, but couldn't find one.

    Thanks again for the response.
     
  3. TsKen

    TsKen New

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    Have you tried the foam/quarter mod?

    I find that it made the hd 650 sound more crisp and the bass sounds tighter as well. They don't sound as warm anymore though but I prefer the modded sound over the stock one.
     
  4. landroni

    landroni Friend

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  5. DivineCurrent

    DivineCurrent New

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    The main reason why I would prefer to go with another headphone is distortion performance. There seems to be quite a lot of 2nd Harmonic distortion in the bass of the HD650 from 100 Hz downward. I don't know how audible that is, but it would give me more peace of mind to have something that performs better in the low end. I'm not saying the HD650 is bad by any means, but objectively there are better performers out there. However, if I do go with something like the Jotenheim, a balanced connection would surely only improve the sound.
     
  6. SSL

    SSL Friend

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    Just FYI, I started my headphone "journey" from where you're looking to go, and I've ended up at the HD 650. I don't miss the playnar bass, but that's just my preference. Like you, I also put great stock in FR plots and distortion measurements, trying to find a headphone with "extension" and low distortion. Total waste of time and effort.

    Bottom line, if bass performance is more important to you than overall cohesiveness, I'd say go for the HE-560. You're using EQ, so the treble issues shouldn't be as much of a concern.

    I would definitely give the KISS mod a try first, though, in the interest of exploring all possibilities.
     
  7. AdvanTech

    AdvanTech Friend

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    Random question, but does anyone know the range of dB's on Spotify's EQ? I want to match my phone's settings to my desktop but it doesn't have any markers. Thanks.
     
  8. barelyincollege

    barelyincollege Nice Pit Bull

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    I've been mulling over purchasing a pair of KEF Q100s on sale from a local retailer for about $200 USD.

    I've done as much research as I can, and while there are certainly other options available in the Q100's class, most of the popular alternatives cost up to 4x more here in Canada. I'd also like to start out slow, since I don't have too much experience with speakers (living space is at a premium here in Vancouver) and am unsure how much I want to commit to them as of now.

    It seems like the Q100s are a good fit for my needs and budget, but am I missing anything, speaker experts of SBAF?
     
  9. landroni

    landroni Friend

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  10. Arok

    Arok New

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    Hello guys!

    I'm thinking of buying my first tube amp in the near future. My chain right now is PC-->Wyrd-->Modi MB-->Magni 2 (non uber)-->AKG K712 Pro . All cables are pyst, system drain power from a belkin pure av power strip connected to a dc blocker with a DIY power cable. I would like to hear how tubes sound. I'm willing to spend up to € 300 on a new amp, and as for now the candidates are Vali 2, Project Sunrise 3 or Project Horizon 3.

    I don't really know what of these will synergize best with my headphones, given that apparently they are a strange beasts; they aren't really neither low nor high impedance, and they apparently need lot of current, so what would be best? Sunrise or Horizon? According to the impedance graph of inner fidelity, the 712 has an average impedance of 67 ohm with peaks of around 90, and at that load it seems horizon and sunrise put out about the same power so it seems either would work. What about the vali?

    Right now i use my magni 2 in high gain at about 12 o clock as far as listening volume goes. Main things i want from an amp are 3D sound, plankton and good transient response in this order of preference. FR should be neutral, but with good low extension, or slightly warm.

    Feel free to also suggest other options in the price range. Looking for advice especially from people that have experience with the akg k7 series.

    Thanks!
     
    Last edited: Jan 5, 2017
  11. dubiousmike

    dubiousmike Friend

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    I ran a few term searches but failed to come up with any relevant hits on this - does anyone have any recommendations on comfortable over-ear headphones for children? My daughter (7 yo) has been using my ES10's off and on in recent months on car trips but finds them a bit uncomfortable over time. Both she and my son (2 yo) love to commandeer my hd800's and th-x00's, but I'm looking for a budget can that doesn't require attentive parental supervision. Durability is also a key factor given the twisted wreckage my son made out of a pair of headband mounted ksc-75's that were left within reach. Any suggestions much appreciated.
     
  12. Grahad

    Grahad Guest

    Creative Aurvana Live? It was fairly comfortable and should be rather cheap. Not that sure about durability though, didn't have one long enough to know about that. Same set up as with the E-MU phones, just without wood.
     
  13. Armaegis

    Armaegis Friend

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    @dubiousmike Need durability? Grab an old Beyerdynamic DT770 or 880 from the classifieds somewhere for cheap and stuff some felt or cotton or an old cut up sock into the cups to muffle out some of that treble peak. Heck, it wouldn't hurt to even get a 250 or 600 ohm version so it's a built in volume limiter for the kids, and you can still plug into a proper amp for yourself.
     
  14. dubiousmike

    dubiousmike Friend

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    Thanks for the great suggestion - all the better since I already have a beat-up pair of 250 ohm dt880's sitting in the garage somewhere! Hard to get much more comfortable, and the limited volume out of a cheapo fire tablet is a nice perk. I'll give them a test run over the weekend and shorten the cable/reterminate with a mini-jack if all goes well. Cheers!

    Much appreciated Grahad. I may well pick up a pair of these for child no. 2 after looking into the durability question!
     
  15. ButtUglyJeff

    ButtUglyJeff Stunningly beautiful IRL

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    My three kids commandeered my ATH-M50s several years ago. They all would fight over them, toss them everywhere, and drop them often. Those poor headphones just finally broke after 5 years of service. I tip my hat to the durability of those things...
     
  16. JoshMorr

    JoshMorr Friend

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    Hey Arok!

    Looks like you found the best two (or three) lower priced tube options. Either the schiit or the garage 1217 amps will work fine with your akg. The Vali2 works well with most headphones, so if you decide to get a different headphone in the future you won't have to worry about impedance and matching.

    As far as sound, the Vali2 is ging to be a bit brighter even though it is a fairly neutral amp. Vali 2 has great staging width and image separation. Will put you in the music.

    While I have not heard the garage amps, they tend to be on the warmer and more laid back side. You should also eek out a few more decibels on the low end with the garage amps, as the Vali can sound a bit rolled off at either end.

    Hope this helps!
     
  17. a44100Hz

    a44100Hz Friend

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    Something like a Senn 280 Pro should be neigh indestructible as well. Or keep it simple and get those tank-like monoprice headphones. I forget what they called them.
     
  18. crazychile

    crazychile Eastern Iowa's Spiciest Pepper

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    I completely agree. I bought a pair a few years back when I started getting into headphones to use with an original Modi/Vali combo. My boys each bought a pair and beat the crap out of them. They got thrown around and dropped daily. One of them finally got stepped or sat on and broke one of the hinges. My old pair is at work and gets used occasionally when I want something a little different from the KSC-35 w/ headband. I've replaced pads a few times to get the comfort and sound I wanted, but those things are tanks.
     
  19. imackler

    imackler Key Lime Pie Infected Aberdeen Wings Spy

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    Hey all. We just moved and my wife is looking for a portable, rechargeable, wireless speaker for use at home as she moves through various rooms... I guess I'm looking for under a $100 but less is probably wise because we have kids around, etc. Does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks!
     
  20. k4rstar

    k4rstar Britney fan club president

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    Check out the Riva S. http://rivaaudio.com/riva-s/
     
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