The All Purpose Advice Thread

Didn't know you played guitar! I do as well! Been playing for 32 years. Some of guitars and bass here:

http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...w-off-your-musical-instruments.191/#post-3506

http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...your-musical-instruments.191/page-2#post-8083

 

Hmm.. since the problem seems to be isolated to the power brick of the laptop, then the power brick could be out-of-spec. Do you have another power adapter you can borrow? Or run an extension cord from another circuit like the kitchen (maybe something else is causing the issue and the adapter is picking that up)?

Not sure if the ground plug would work. Maybe, if it is caused by something else. If the loop is between the Focusrite and computer, it might not work.

 

@Xen

Hm, something weird happened, I noticed that there is no noise or buzz today, only vibration left when I touch it.

I tried to power it from 3 different outlets, same result.

Just bouth one outlet surge protector, problem remains.

Will try to find another adapter. Thanks.

 

Btw, I'm just curious, is it dangerous to use headphones/speakers with it? Can it cause damage to them? If not, I actually don't mind the rubbing/vibrating thing, as long as I don't shower with it I guess.

 

I've just given up piano and switched to electric bass (Yamaha BB424X). This is my first encounter with a stringed instrument, so my fingers wander about in a daze rather than actually playing. If I ever get any free time, I'll post pics.

 

I am looking for a compact amp to pair with my TH-X00, HD650, and HD800. I am saving up for a bigger amp down the line but need something reliable, small, and of high value and relatively low price for the short term. My DAC is Gungnir Multibit. The main amp I am considering is the Leckerton UHA-6S MKII, but the Vali 2 or Magni 2U are also on my shortlist.

If anyone has experience with these amps, could you offer a brief comparison to the Leck? Also, which op amp is the best for the Leck if I go with that option? I am fairly certain the Leck is the right choice, but the Vali 2 especially may be sonically competitive at a lower price.

Thank you for the advice in advance!

 

Check out the Project Ember as well.....that's a very good compact amp as well..cannot help with the comparo with Leck unfortunately...

 

I've heard all of them, but not those headphones with the Leck. Frankly, the tubes + dynamics is a magical combo. I'd completely go for the Vali 2.

 

Looking for a USB headset that has quality sound for voice (it's ok if it sounds bad with music) and is comfortable. I have a Modmic, but it's cumbersome to use and would prefer something that connects via USB. I tried the Jabra Voice 550 recommended by the Wirecutter, but it does not sit well on my head. Looking to spend around $50.

Basically, what is the PortaPro of USB headsets?

 

Phone calls/video chat only.

 

Wow that price is ridiculous. Ordered and thanks!

 

Thank you for the reply. My DAC is a Gungnir Multibit. Your latest response preferring the Vali 2 to the Leck if portability is not needed helped a lot!

I have definitely considered this one. I used to own a Lyr and use another amp in its place for my high Z cans. I am thinking the Leck or Vali 2 are more suitable for my current usage. But thanks for the suggestion!

Thanks very much. I agree that tubes are great for most dynamics. I dont own a high-end tube amp but am currently using a tube amp for my high-Zs as well, and used to own the Lyr. It looks like you also preferred the sonic qualities of Vali 2 to the Leck.

 

After watching a couple of "show me your desktop setup" videos in YT, I noticed Audioengine speakers (A2, A5) are frequently included in most of the setups. I thought that they must be good sounding, but then ATH M-50 came up into my mind.

Are Audioeng "ATH M-50" of entry-level speakers? (popular, always recommended but mehhh sounding)

 

Yes................................ They are rather thick in the mids and never really sounded good to me. My fave for a budget powered speaker is the Vanatoo Transparent One.

And then you can go down the list of really decent pro stuff like the Focal CMS series,, Dynaudios nice stuff, even the Mackies pro stuff. Lower down the list I have not heard but owned by some I respect are JBL 305s and the new Emotiva stuff.

On the non-powered front one of the most fulfilling speakers I have heard are the Silverline Minuets (man these are very good), but geared more to stand mount and a more open situation.

 

Thanks. So my guess was right after all.

I really need some speakers as I find the HD600 quite uncomfortable after some time.

Luckily, there's a local distributor of the 305s here so I could perhaps hear them myself.

 

What? HD600 uncomfortable? Have you tried to bend the headband outwards? I used to have jaw pain wearing the HD650s for a long time until I bent the headband. Now I'm quite sure only the HD800 are more comfortable.

 

Opinion, please: GO450 w/ the Magni 2 Uber to HD650. Too bright or just right?