The All Purpose Advice Thread

So, my dad's looking to replace his speaker cables for one of his systems (Sunfire preamp -> Adcom GFA-5500 -> Martin Logan Ascent i). He's currently got it bi-wired with so older cheap monster cable that's terminated for bi-amping (using two connectors for each tap). There are a number of products out there pre-configured for bi-wiring (usually a 4 conductor cable terminated with twisted pairs on one end and 4 terminations on the other end). I pointed him toward Signal Cable and Blue Jeans Cables as relatively inexpensive options. Does anyone have any recommendations for other manufacturers or a good bulk option that I could terminate?

 

What IEM's do you think hold their own against the TH-X00 in terms of ectronic music and sub bass?

 

Ask that question in @shotgunshane 's comprehensive IEM thread. I only have experience with 64 Audio U8, Andromeda, HEM4, Carbo Tenore and SE215.

Edited for derpness.

 

The thread referenced above: http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...-recommendations-favorites-and-classics.2229/

 

Yes, it really is as simple as that. However, the external power is more for whiney mobile devices that don't like being asked for 500mA. It's not really a route to achieving magic clean USB- you still have the VBUS from the host going into the receiver chipset (by default)- if it's noisy, it's noisy.

From the FAQ:

It only draws 500mA either way, so I have powered it from a phone just fine, and also from the USB port of the Raspberry Pi:



(That's running MPD as a cheap streaming box, works nicely)

You only need to add a second USB cable if your source won't power it, really. It doesn't seem to have a whole lot of isolation, so if your source was noisy, an external PSU isn't going to magically clean it up.

It's a cute box for the price. It's 4490-based, for everything that means. It sounds pretty good, though obviously multibit pwns it. You'll find it can kick out almost all of that 500mA into connected headphones, it's incredibly efficient, clever design there. It drives headphones surprisingly well for its price- it's not really worth bothering with a Magni at this point, unless for other reasons (form factor etc.)

It has been beset by production problems- early units had a hardware fault that meant the power reporting stuff was broken, and they wouldn't work on mobile devices. This is mostly fixed. There are also units with assembly issues like off-centre pots and mis-aligned microUSB sockets. If you have the latter, you can solve it by loosening the case screws, plugging in microUSB plugs to line everything up, and re-tightening the screws. There are also some with noisy pots, but this isn't too common.

If you get one that's fully working, it's pretty cool for the price- it sounds relatively good for an entry-level unit, drives headphones nicely (though not HD800, avoid ), and has variable level out, useful for powered monitors, plus a fixed level DAC out, which is great if you want to use it as just a USB DAC.

I quite like mine as a little non-critical streaming box on an integrated receiver, the sound is surprisingly decent, so I'm happy. However, I wouldn't waste time/money with too much USB nervosa with one of these, it's a $99 DAC/amp, so any elaborate solutions would be overkill.

Hope that helps.

 

I am going to place the order. Thank you very much. My Pico DAC needs a replacement.

 

f**k it, I'm not getting anywhere on my own. lets say I got $2,000 and I want a good amp for the HD600, Eikon, and HD800. All 300 ohm dynamics so I assume I'll see a lot of tube recommendations. What actually available options are there that people here would buy?

 

I am sure you will get lots of good suggestions, and mine will not help at all, but with those headphones surely you have to wait and see what the Torpedo IV or Zach's new amplifiers will be like.

 

http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...s-for-the-sennheiser-hd800-2017-edition.3408/

 

If I could find one Used I likely would. The wait time and it being OTL is an issue. Anyone have experience with the Decware taboo?

 

Whats there to look for/be wary of/inspect on vintage turntables?
I'm checking out this badboy tomorrow, I can get it for $115
http://rochester.craigslist.org/ele/5965102081.html

 

I can't speak to the Eikon, but I enjoyed my Taboo with the HD650/800 while I was using it. I actually still have it (replaced it with a Liquid Glass but never got around to selling it), but all of my non-portable gear is in storage while I'm in between moves. With the right tubes, the mids sang, and the HD800 highs weren't as annoying, but the bass was never really that great.

 

What was your issue with the bass?

 

It wasn't bad but didn't have quite as much punch as some other offerings (a touch rolled off I think). It's been a while since I'd ABed it against the Rag or Liquid Glass though.

 

Is there a 3-pin XLR balanced version of a passive pre-amp like the Schiit Sys? Looking for a physical volume knob in between my DAC and JBL LSR305's. I could use my headamp as a pre of course, but I hate putting hours on the tubes when I use those speakers primarily for gaming and general computer use.

I know Emotiva made the "Control Freak" in balanced, but it's discontinued. Ideally under $50 or so but I'd climb towards $100 for the right product if I had to. Thanks

Edit: Turns out via their sales phone #, Emotiva has balanced control freaks hiding in a warehouse, grabbed one so I'm good. Feel free to respond for the greater knowledge of the community or whatever

 

basically the same as the Control Freak - https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LevelPilot

and with a DI box- https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TrimTwo

 

@PoochZag - Over your budget ideal. Separate L/R stepped attenuators, I don't know how easy that would be to get used to. Looks kind of cool to me. Anyway, for your consideration:
Passive-Pre-Amp-Stepped-Attenuator.