The All Purpose Advice Thread

I would not suggest headphones for those who sweat heavily. Even with the ruggedness of the HD25 family, they're still gonna gunk up fast and stink too. Stick with the sporty "water resistant" types that don't have foam pads of any sort (like those Senns I linked earlier), so you can easily wipe off and do an alcohol swab every once in a while. Deep insertion iems are another possibility, but depending on your level of exertion even the tight ones might eventually work loose.

Going wireless is also worth considering, but that limits your selection even more.

 

Do they still make those? Also I know a guy that is going to make a custom shell for them, so I don't think that I can get one of those filters in there.
Also as I understand it stock ER4S will have a more full and forward mid compared to SR, but the red filter will "calm" it a bit down

 

Thanks for the recommendations!!! I have decided to stay away from in ears and get the koss pairs since they are so cheap it won't hurt and some either the amperiors, and the koss ones. Unfortunately in ears will not work for me. I may try one of those in ears but the moment I have to even push it back in just a little bit will make me push sweat back in there and mess up the sound.

so it is the amperiors, the koss, and probably a pair of those in ears later on down the road.

I kinda want those sines but that will be a bit overboard.

You guys have been very helpful!!!!! Thanks again

 

I haven't tried that many, but take a look at the Sony A35. It's on the small side and almost toy-like, but it sounds good and should be able to power any IEM properly. Supports Bluetooth, including LDAC for almost lossless. But it doesn't have a master BT media volume setting like Android phones (so it'll be like having that maxed out) and will only be able to remotely control the volume setting on the BT receiver.

 

I've got some Beyers for sale that I like better than the Amperiors and they are quite a bit less money. PM me if interested.

 

I've had a Headstage Arrow (4T?) for a while but, in addition to misplacing it, it can't use it with my phone due to interference. He's coming out with a new case at some point in the unknown future, but are there any other very slim amps or amp/DACs that compare in size and quality to the Arrow? I want to be able to fit the phone and accessory in my front pocket. Right now the main contender seems to be a Dragonfly Red.

 

Pico Slim?

 

It always looked chunky, but it's evidently only 1mm thicker than the Arrow. This is a matter of millimeters, but I'll look for a deal on one, thanks.

Edit - looking around more I'm thinking the slim Leckerton might be a good option and also might just try a Topping NX5.

 

Apex Glacier is very slim. One second-hand here:

http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649375568-apex-glacier-dac-amp-headphone-amp/

Disclaimer: never heard one myself.

 

As I understand it, the Glacier is well regarded. I believe @zerodeefex may own one.

 

[redacted]
Time stop worrying about the nonsense and go with Gungnir Multibit (or wait for Schiit's new DAC?), thanks for assistance
@Grahad2 @Ash1412

 

Given how much weight you put on measurements, just buy the dac1541. It has AES and Balanced, all the tick marks on paper you're searching for.

 

Does it? Besides the dac1541, I don't know any other multibit dacs near the price that measure as well as Gungnir Multibit, and even then the dac1541 doesn't measure better in all aspects

 

Between then and now I have found that listing and negotiated down to the actual market used price, so let's see how much I'm about to fork over for shipping from Western Canada to Eastern US. Thanks for the help!

 

It's been a long time since I've heard the Glacier and Pico Slim... but from memory I'd pick the Pico. I can't remember anything specific about them, other than liking the Pico and feeling meh about the Glacier.

 

Hi guys, done my research—here and elsewhere—but still haven't been able to resolutely decide between the Elear and the HD600 as an upgrade path from the HD600.

Audio chain goes as follows: Elise by Feliks Audio > Schiit Eitr > Schiit Modi Multibit > Sennheiser HD600 / Audirvana Plus v3.06—Tidal

So far as I can tell, HD800 are an end–game beast if properly amplified; so good thing I own one of the recommended amps for the purpose. I've read comparisons between the two and I get the analytical vs. fun sound signature, but in many cases the issue of amplification always comes up as a disclaimer on the HD800. My question is whether the two compare on proper amplification.

I generally prefer accurate sound and critical listening over 'fun' renderings, albeit I also prefer long listening sessions over short critical ones (SuperDupont mod, maybe helps in this regard?). If it's any help, I recently compared the DT990pro with my HD600 and for my taste there's no contest; the HD600 are hands–down more refined for my taste.

Mostly listening to Classical and Jazz (60%+), then Alt Rock (think Blondie, Bowie, Talking Heads—not sure about the term), Pop (whatever may catch my ear), Electronic (think Brian Eno, Kidsuke), Classic Rock (think the Stones), Hip–Hop (think Beasite Boys' Paul's Boutique), and finally Soul /R&B (think Alicia Keys).

Thanks,

 

I would grab the hd800 with a copy of sonarworks. Used like new the 800 is going for around $750 ish. Given your preferences this seems to be the logical choice.

 

Also a safer bet? That is, given how a number of people show up disappointed from the Elear against how well–documented the HD800 are?
Got me two offers from far, far away from where I'm located, and returning them would be a pain (not to mention import fees).

 

@angpsi you're going through the phase where you want an upgrade from the HD600 because you haven't heard a lot of headphones out there. Maybe you should think about upgrading your source and amplification instead of thinking it's your headphones. You'll be surprised at how good the HD6X0 headphones really are.

 

You're probably right. I'm actually looking forward to testing the waters with some audiophiles from the local scene—might even be reading my post here as we speak. However, I was looking into a too good to be true (probably fake) ad on eBay, hence my asking for advice.

Now that I mention it, what do you guys think? http://www.ebay.com/itm/new-focal-elear-headphones-brand-new-official-warranty/142494106602
All the descriptions certify it for a money–back guarantee if not the real deal, but they also nominate it as a no.1 candidate for a counterfeit. (or, perhaps it fell off the back of a truck?)