The All Purpose Advice Thread - Part 2

Discussion in 'Advice Threads' started by shotgunshane, Mar 27, 2022.

  1. JonCharles

    JonCharles Friend

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    Thanks for the help. I think I'll try to pad roll my Verum 1 to become a pseudo Zenith and save the money. Might splurge on an Auteur a bit later.
     
  2. econaut

    econaut Almost "Made"

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    A question regarding Schiit Yggdrasil.

    I am considering buying a Sonore opticalRendu and its manual states this:

    I don't know if Yggdrasil is VBUS powered (I guess not?) and if yes how much ampere it uses. I only know that Unison USB needs around 5V on the USB connection for handshake or communication but I guess this is probably not of any help here.

    Any help appreciated :)
     
  3. Biodegraded

    Biodegraded Friend

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    Pretty sure @rlow is using that exact pairing, as per his post yesterday.
     
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  4. rlow

    rlow A happy woofer

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    Yep, no issues so far. It runs fairly warm, but IME this is typical of Sonore products in this form factor. Let me know if you have any other questions about it. I highly recommend it.
     
  5. econaut

    econaut Almost "Made"

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    Thanks, that's good to hear.

    And many MANY thanks again for your tale of 3 digital transports which opened the whole world of things that come before the DAC for me.

    Accordingly, I have a SOtM sMS-200ultra neo, but since adding a cheap fibre media converter (FMC) I get dropouts to the Yggdrasil when using Roon. There are no dropouts when just using copper ethernet (router -> ether regen -> sMS-200 -> Yggdrasil).

    Thus I got the idea that getting an opticalRendu and turning around the ether regen should fix this, avoiding the cheap FMC. I know a person who has this setup and has no dropouts with Roon. Fortunately, he is also selling his opticalRendu :)

    BUT the question is, how does the opticalRendu sound to your ears in comparison to the sMS-200ultra neo?

    EDIT:

    It's not fair to compare when using different PSUs for the streamers, of course. Why did you go for the Plixier? I was considering a Farad Super3.

    Have you had the chance to try opticalModule vs. Ether REGEN in front of the opticalModule by the way? There seem to be differing views on which combo sounds better.
     
    Last edited: May 28, 2022
  6. imackler

    imackler Key Lime Pie Infected Aberdeen Wings Spy

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    In the 30 pin ipod line-out cable pictured below, does anyone have a guess what the two things on the end are? Capacitors? Resistance? Artistic license? A Google image search didn't reveal anything...


    Line out https://imgur.com/a/KLojyOI
    [​IMG]
     
  7. yotacowboy

    yotacowboy McRibs Kind of Guy

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    It's a version of the iPod "cap mod" that (in its most tedious and purest form) bypasses the caps out of the DAC in the older gen iPods. That particular mod attempts to do a similar thing, just at the LOD and after the caps on the board.
     
  8. imackler

    imackler Key Lime Pie Infected Aberdeen Wings Spy

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    I'm impressed! Thank you for taking the time to respond!
     
  9. Qildail

    Qildail Friend

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    Great Hive Mind, please lend me your wisdom. I am looking at another level bump in headphone-land, and am seeking recommendations for models I may be overlooking in the auditioning round. Trying to frame this as a "things I should try" request rather than "go buy this".

    Budget: ~US$2K

    Gear: Asgard 3; Vali 2+; Cambridge CXC-v2 as a DAC/Streamer.

    Things I've heard: Sennheiser 600 (touch bright in places; sold them awhile back), 650 (the great all-arounder, but I hear the veil), 558 (bit bassy if overpowered), Hifiman HE400S (clang at 8K; sent back), Hifiman HE5XX (I like it with Vali, especially live music).

    Music genres: Pretty much everything. I run the gamut on music choices. Would prefer a headphone that works well with most types.

    Special notes: Shallow earcups are a no-go (one ear is bigger than the other). I'm not a basshead in any way: I'm usually EQing bass OUT of my system. Where some people have pressure problem with high frequencies, I have them with low frequencies.

    Models on the list already:

    -) Sennheiser HD800S -- I'm a Sennheiser fanboy, so this is going to be first.
    -) Focal Clear Mg/Pro
    -) Hifiman Arya
    -) Audeze LCD-X

    Any others in this price range I should be considering?
     
  10. ColtMrFire

    ColtMrFire Writes better fan fics than you

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    Clear MG/Pro is the HD650 upgrade, so is the obvious answer since you enjoyed the Senn. I have the Clear and am happy coming from the 650. But you will have to EQ the bass down a bit if I'm understanding you correctly... I would not say it a BASSY headphone, it is balanced, but is not bass shy like the 800S and 650. Used Utopia is worth looking into, but it has some upper-mid foolery, and I felt the Clear was more balanced and the beryllium timbre may or may not be a turn off.
     
    Last edited: Jun 9, 2022
  11. loadexfa

    loadexfa MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    Some thoughts on your selections and a couple suggestions:
    • 800S lacks versatility. I love my 800 + SDR but they’re pretty much for classical music only
    • I felt the Clear MG was too smoothed over, similar to the 8XX but not quite that bad. If possible try the OG Clear to see if it's too hot in the treble for you. I think it’s just right but different preferences and all that.
    • I strongly encourage you to get on the RD modded LCD-X loaner + the LauX amp. (Or at least ask, he may allow it despite not having friend status yet). The modded version is more neutral and has better tone from what I recall. Modding adds to the cost but I think is worth it. Also you'll get to hear it on an amp that synergies very well and goes at a discount at predictable times (like Black Friday)
    • Suggestion for your list: ZMF Auteur. Using suede will tame the bass and despite being tuned for neutral, they still have the unique beautiful ZMF sound. I know they're not currently available but you can find one used or Zach has said they will be brought back with a better driver as the Auteur Classic sometime soon.
    Also you may need to add an amp to your budget. I've found all the headphones I listed above to be picky and significantly better with correct amp synergy. Can't comment on the Arya, haven't heard one.
     
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  12. bixby

    bixby Friend

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    I'll second this rec. Of the more expensive models I heard at the last Colorado crew get together, the Auteurs were on the top of my list. I am a 2 time owner of 650s and a recent 600 owner (not as much of "veil") and loved the Auteurs.

    Also agree with the importance of amp synergy.
     
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  13. ColdsnapBry

    ColdsnapBry Almost "Made"

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    Just to add, if you're looking for headphons instead of amps then you could try the ZMF Aeolus as I thought it sounded great off an Asgard 3 with the perforated suede pads. I was really happy with this setup until I started scaling my hd650.
     
  14. Qildail

    Qildail Friend

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    As much as I was ready to go pull the trigger on something, now I'm back to putting the cash under the mattress and see what happens with the Auteur (unless some gorgeous used deal comes up on one of the others on my list, eh). Or just keep saving for something like Atrium later in the year and make it "The Last Headphone".

    Thanks for the help, gang. This was all great info.
     
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  15. earnmyturns

    earnmyturns Smartest friend

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    Hi SBAF wise ones,

    In a scandalously sybaritic frame: finally, who knows why but maybe because of different software/firmware updates, my Hugo 2+2go setup is working reliably from Roon when I am in the hot tub. But I worry about wearing those beautiful ZMF Verités closed next to all that water and moisture, so I'm looking for headphones that would still do a decent job but I would not be distraught if some moisture got to them. I have a pair of Ether C Flows that maybe I could use, but TBH something a bit lighter than either would be a better choice, even though the Hugo 2 is OK driving them.

    Got to think about this when I felt that steam from the tub was starting to condense on the Verités in the cool night air here...
     
  16. penguins

    penguins Friend, formerly known as fp627

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    ^ I just use a portable speaker...

    In all seriousness, I intellectually know that not every setup is going result in floating a proverbial toaster over the bathtub and many steps can be taken to minimize any real risk of anything happening, but even knowing this, I would not be able feel comfortable or relaxed with headphones connected to anything with more power than an old ipod while I sit in the hottub with water up to my chin.

    Hope this doesn't come across as crapping on your post. I have no actual advice to give with regards to what headphones should be used in a hot tub as pretty much every headphone I can think of has a significant amount of foam somewhere that would probably be degraded by the steam. That and I can't imagine moisture inside of any headphone wouldn't cause some kind of problem in the long term.
     
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  17. earnmyturns

    earnmyturns Smartest friend

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    Not an option given the rules and environment of this particular place.
    The Hugo 2 is battery-powered, so electric shock potential is not a concern. But moderate cost bluetooth in-ears are likely the least regret solution for this use case, thanks.
     
    Last edited: Jun 17, 2022
  18. dasman66

    dasman66 Self proclaimed lazy ass - friend

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    agreed - this use case is idea for air pods, samsumg ear buds, etc. No risk of toastering, no concerns with foam or headphones deteriorating, and not a huge loss if they die and you need to get new ones.
     
  19. PoochZag

    PoochZag The Shadow knows - Friend

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    Been in the hobby for a while but have largely taken the last ~4 years off of the forums and trying new gear, so I don't know the new stuff.

    Looking for a specific open back headphone, that will play second-fiddle to Utopia/HD800. It will be used largely for general computer use, gaming, or when I want a change of pace from the bright headphones for music. Source is the headphone out of the RME ADI-2, as if I'm going to fire up my Zana Deux I'll use the aforementioned pairs.

    Top priority is lightweight and comfortable, followed by a non-fatiguing sound signature (doesn't have to be dark). Leaning towards a planar as I don't have one right now, but dynamic is fine. Budget is $200-$1k used. I've had every HD6__ variation and they're great and all but looking for something new.

    The large light Hifiman's like Arya have piqued my interest but there's so much new stuff out there I'm unsure
     
  20. Armaegis

    Armaegis Friend

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    @PoochZag I think your idea of the Arya is spot on. I'd add a piece of toilet paper/felt/foam in the front and call it a day.
     

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