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beergod posted:It does nothing. I can only control the volume on the Magni. Excellent. That's exactly how it should be. Glad to hear it's worked out so far!
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Jan 8, 2014 07:06
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Xovaan posted:DACs are impossible to differentiate in blind trials so the receiver will be perfect if it supports a digital source (coax, USB, etc.) Your setup is basically perfect until you decide to experiment with tube amplification, then your wallet will cry. What do you mean by "if it supports a digital source"?
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Jan 8, 2014 07:06
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beergod posted:What do you mean by "if it supports a digital source"? Digital input, like the ones he mentioned or HDMI or optical. Basically, if something has a digital input and an analog output, there has to be something in the middle that handles that conversion. Your receiver does that job for anything that sends it a digital signal through the aforementioned inputs. RCA can only send an analog signal, so any input device connected to the receiver via it is outputting an analog signal by default. In the case of digital media devices like CD/DVD/BD/MP3 players and computers and so forth, it means that there has to be a DAC inside those devices doing the conversion, which can be of arguably variable quality when compared to what's inside a receiver or a dedicated DAC. trilobite terror fucked around with this message at 07:32 on Jan 8, 2014 |
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Jan 8, 2014 07:29
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Midorka posted:You talkin about the Ad700/Ad900? Yeah, I originally had the AD700's and gave them to her when I got my AD900's. I think she doesn't like that the midrange is more prominent and wants a darker headphone in general but I don't know what to offer her in that respect. I'm gonna be making her an O2 DAC and amp combo for Valentine's Day so at the very least she'll be able to pick any headphone without worrying about it being underpowered.
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Jan 8, 2014 07:44
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I am seriously blown away by how my vinyl sounds with this setup. Thank you all for your help and patience.
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Jan 8, 2014 08:03
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Of course man, it's all about making sure you can connect to your music in ways you've never experienced before. We've all been in your shoes. Sit back and enjoy re-listening to every record you have in your collection. 
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Jan 8, 2014 08:11
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So if want to listen to, say, my TV through my amp, I would need to get an analog audio output going from my tivo into my receiver, then select the receiver to output that source through zone 2. Does that sound about right, since zone 2 only supports analog audio?
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Jan 8, 2014 08:29
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beergod posted:I am seriously blown away by how my vinyl sounds with this setup. Thank you all for your help and patience. That first OMG moment is awesome.
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Jan 8, 2014 11:58
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beergod posted:So if want to listen to, say, my TV through my amp, I would need to get an analog audio output going from my tivo into my receiver, then select the receiver to output that source through zone 2. Does that sound about right, since zone 2 only supports analog audio? Yes, that's exactly what you would have to do. It's kind of a pain in the rear end. If the device you want to listen to doesn't have an analog output, you're SOL.
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Jan 8, 2014 14:43
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neogeo0823 posted:After some more googling and looking around, I think the emulated surround sound thing was done using the Realtek HD audio drivers that come standard on the board. My old motherboard was an MSI K9A2(ms-7376), and that didn't have a separate audio card either, but it did have the same set of drivers. I guess we'll find out once my order arrives sometime next week. Quoting this because I said I'd post about it. I got the headphones in today, but not the mic. I actually have no clue when I'll be getting the mic, as I didn't shell out the extra ~$2 for a tracking number, which in hindsight I totally should have, given how much I'm worrying about it. Anyway, the headphones are more comfy than they have any right to be. The plastic bit that sits on the ear is bendable, so you can contour it to fit with the back of your ear. They weigh almost nothing, and the way they sit on the ear, they almost hang off of it, but pivot onto it, if that makes sense, so that they rest against your ear without adding anything even remotely resembling pressure to your ear. I'm obviously not an audiophile, so as little as this means coming from me, the sound quality is pretty fantastic. I've been playing the weirdest collection of songs I can find to test the high and low range, and I can hear everything, with no dead zones or static from high frequency to low. It's pretty great. EDIT: Nevermind, I found a free utility by Razar that claims to work with any stereo headset. I'm generally loathe to use anything made by Razar, but the utility is free till June, and they're doing it to try and get donations for charity, which makes this cool in my book. neogeo0823 fucked around with this message at 01:33 on Jan 9, 2014 |
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Jan 9, 2014 00:54
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Does anybody have an opinion on the Hifiman HE-400? I'm looking to replace my 5+ year old $150 Sennheisers because the pleather is perishing, and I'd like a step up in sound quality. I'd use them on my PC for listening to most genres of music and playing games. What I like about the HE-400 is that they seem to be entry-level high-end headphones, but don't require an amp to run.
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Jan 9, 2014 02:16
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You know you can replace the pleather.
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Jan 9, 2014 02:17
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Retarded Pimp posted:You know you can replace the pleather. Yeah, but like I said, I'd like a bit of a step up from these headphones. They're closed back, and can be a bit boomy.
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Jan 9, 2014 03:06
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Here's some quick thoughts from me on the Monster DNA Pro that I'm reviewing: It's a drat shame the fit is awful with most who have tried it and the isolation is mediocre as the DNA Pro sound great with good imaging and instrument separation. The fit is so awful that even if these were $200 I would recommend other things, despite them sounding on par with $300 closed headphones. The isolation is lacking as well for closed headphones. It's a real drat shame as these could easily be $300+ headphones with some minor changes, unfortunately I wouldn't recommend these unless you were willing to deal with discomfort and can find these for $150 new. Monster really blew their chance with these.
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Jan 9, 2014 06:24
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I think it might be time to upgrade to a tube amp. What's good?
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Jan 9, 2014 07:28
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Xovaan posted:Yeah, I originally had the AD700's and gave them to her when I got my AD900's. I think she doesn't like that the midrange is more prominent and wants a darker headphone in general but I don't know what to offer her in that respect. Beyer DT-990 Pro 250 ohm? They're $150 and ugly as balls, but they seem right up her alley and they'd pair well with that amp- and they're a steal at that price. If you want, you can pay an extra $110 for the sonically identical but slightly more attractive Premium version (I personally think it looks worse, all plain and bulbous and gray). beergod posted:I am seriously blown away by how my vinyl sounds with this setup. Thank you all for your help and patience. It's all downhill from here. Once you get used to it, it'll become your new normal and you won't be as wowed by it but you'll always be disappointed and unsatisfied by anything inferior. Welcome to your new hell. beergod posted:I think it might be time to upgrade to a tube amp. What's good? For headphones, or in general?
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Jan 9, 2014 07:50
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Electric Bugaloo posted:Beyer DT-990 Pro 250 ohm? They're $150 and ugly as balls, but they seem right up her alley and they'd pair well with that amp- and they're a steal at that price. If you want, you can pay an extra $110 for the sonically identical but slightly more attractive Premium version (I personally think it looks worse, all plain and bulbous and gray). I was thinking the 600 ohm version of the DT-880's for her would be great, actually. I figure our combined budget is about $400 and they seem to have stellar reviews. (although the 990's are no slouches either) beergod posted:I think it might be time to upgrade to a tube amp. What's good? Are aesthetics important to you? What's your budget? It's a pretty different sound signature in general depending on how you roll your tubes and if you go pure tube vs. hybrid. Tubes are also really pretty to look at:       edit: I should also add: What don't you like about solid state that you feel would be accomplished with tubes? Knot My President! fucked around with this message at 09:19 on Jan 9, 2014 |
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Jan 9, 2014 09:08
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beergod posted:I think it might be time to upgrade to a tube amp. What's good? Slow down and enjoy the music.
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Jan 9, 2014 15:04
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beergod posted:I think it might be time to upgrade to a tube amp. What's good? Slow down there, chief. Is there something specific about the Magni you don't like, or is this based on "everyone says tube amps are better for vinyl"? Tube amps have a very different sound, and really should be listened to before buying. I personally don't even like the sound, so it's more of a personal thing than a straight improvement. See if there is a HiFi shop near you and give them a listen.
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Jan 9, 2014 15:17
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Midorka posted:Buy the NVX XPT100 and thank me later! They fit all of your criteria. Thanking you later! I received these and I'm using them and hearing stuff in songs I had no idea was there! They're also comfortable as hell and I love the cabling system, and the price was right, and I can't even hear myself type through the padding. Seriously all of my criteria spot on
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Jan 9, 2014 18:38
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I was joking, I'm not upgrading anytime soon. Point being I can see how this could quickly get addictive as you chase the perfect-sound dragon.
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Jan 9, 2014 22:20
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Diminishing returns come fairly quickly. I work behind this with lots of very expensive toys: But I never feel like I'm missing anything with a modestly-priced setup at home. eddiewalker fucked around with this message at 22:43 on Jan 9, 2014 |
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Jan 9, 2014 22:39
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drat, that's an awesome setup. A lot of my friends are audio engineers (two in studios) and those space stations never cease to amaze me.
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Jan 9, 2014 23:18
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Xovaan posted:Are aesthetics important to you? What's your budget? It's a pretty different sound signature in general depending on how you roll your tubes and if you go pure tube vs. hybrid. Tubes are also really pretty to look at: What is this beautiful thing and where can I buy it?
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Jan 10, 2014 01:17
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Allnic HPA5000. I think you need a small loan to buy it though  edit: YEP ONLY SEVEN GRAND
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Jan 10, 2014 01:28
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Xovaan posted:Allnic HPA5000. I think you need a small loan to buy it though gently caress. I have zero need for a tube amp and I therefore can't justify buying that, no matter how pretty it is.
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Jan 10, 2014 05:01
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So after owning a HE400 for over a year I kinda reached the conclusion I prefer the AD900s. I enjoy the HE-400 and I could live happily with it, but it's just not as good for me. The AD900s are still my favorite headphones. I even had more expensive headphones like the Denon D5000, the HE400 themselves and I've heard on Sennheiser HD 600 and 650 (though I didn't own them). I'm not looking for a replacement any time soon but I suppose the only place I can go from here is the AD2000? Elentor fucked around with this message at 05:47 on Jan 10, 2014 |
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Jan 10, 2014 05:41
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I need new headphones for use with my Galaxy S4 (among other things but that's the big one). It came with IEM headphones that I really liked, but after a few months something bent the wrong way in the jack and sound only came out one ear unless you bent the cord next to the jack just right. I got an identical pair to replace them, which may not have been the best idea because they developed the same problem after a few months. Is this a problem I'm always going to have with IEMs, or can you point me to a pair that fits these requirements (list format from the OP), AND won't get hosed up like that after a few months? Budget - Probably no more than $50 unless they're really sturdy and won't develop the same audio problem after a few months. Source - Samsung Galaxy S4 phone primarly, laptop when needed. Isolation Requirements - Sure, normal IEM isolation is fine by me. Preferred Type of Headphone - IEM. Preferred Tonal Balance - Balanced, but I had a pair of Phillips IEMs years ago with totally bitching bass and I wish I could find those same IEMs again (or their most recent form) Past Headphones - Stock Samsung headphones: seemed like a good balance in the audio, but more importantly had a mic, volume and play/pause controls on the headphone cord which are a huge help. I'd really like my new pair to have those controls. Don't really know headphone names past that. Preferred Music - Primarily podcasts but I should listen to more music.
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Jan 10, 2014 05:57
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There still aren't a lot of headphones that have Android specific button controls. In fact, the best one I've found is the Samsung stock headphones that came with the S4. If you replace the eartips with Sony or generic eartips the sound is actually very good as well. An option might be to get them again but also get a carry case for them as opposed to just wrapping them around the phone or shoving them in your pocket. Something like a cheap tin cigarette case from a dollar store works really well. Other than that, both Klipsch and Philips make Android-specific headsets but I've not had a chance to test them. If you want a Philips headset with the bitchin' base you remember, try the Philips SHE3595. It's pretty cheap and sounds great but only has a single button for control.
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Jan 10, 2014 06:10
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shymog posted:gently caress. I have zero need for a tube amp and I therefore can't justify buying that, no matter how pretty it is.
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Jan 10, 2014 06:23
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Probably easier to just get a cheap tube amp. Tubes aren't expensive or mysterious.
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Jan 10, 2014 06:37
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japtor posted:Aren't there fake tube amps for situations like this? Like a regular (and affordable) amp but cosmetically looks like a tube amp, including lighting up and stuff. Maybe fake sound distortion options too for all I know. Maybe. But for $350 you can pick up a Schiit Valhalla and have the real deal. By all accounts it sounds really good too- though some people say that it's too accurate and doesn't sound tubular enough for them. Aesthetically it's really pretty- though the tubes are a bit on the smaller side so you get less of that  eye candy.
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Jan 10, 2014 06:41
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You can also spend $200 on some thing from china. http://www.ebay.com/itm/221178245274 Realize that audio tubes emit almost no light. That Hollywood glow comes from LEDs wedged underneath.
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Jan 10, 2014 06:43
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eddiewalker posted:You can also spend $200 on some thing from china. http://www.ebay.com/itm/221178245274 In a very dark room, the tube light is enough to feel significant, even if it looks like nothing under sunlight. I don't really know of any amps that have LEDs built into them.
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Jan 10, 2014 06:48
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xgp15a-ii posted:In a very dark room, the tube light is enough to feel significant, even if it looks like nothing under sunlight. I don't really know of any amps that have LEDs built into them. LEDs:  A lot of tube sockets have a rivet that can be drilled out up the middle, just the perfect size for an orange LED.
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Jan 10, 2014 06:59
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eddiewalker posted:Realize that audio tubes emit almost no light. That Hollywood glow comes from LEDs wedged underneath. You're absolutely right, or it comes from the giant fuckoff tubes that a lot of more expensive amps use in their AC->DC rectifier circuits.
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Jan 10, 2014 07:05
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Elentor posted:So after owning a HE400 for over a year I kinda reached the conclusion I prefer the AD900s. I enjoy the HE-400 and I could live happily with it, but it's just not as good for me. I just put in an order for AD-2000X's and they'll be here Tuesday. I'll give you a thorough opinion as currently I'm using the AD900's which I love a lot. I love the AT lineup (had 700's prior to these for several years) so I'll try to give you details within perspective.
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Jan 10, 2014 07:24
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Elentor posted:So after owning a HE400 for over a year I kinda reached the conclusion I prefer the AD900s. I enjoy the HE-400 and I could live happily with it, but it's just not as good for me. As a former Ad700, Ad900 and Ad2000 owner, yes the only place is the Ad2000. Audio Technica Ad sound is so unique that it's the only way to go if you're that in love with the Ad900.
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Jan 10, 2014 22:32
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Got a set of Vsonic VSD1's a couple of days ago and these are definitely going to be my IEM recommendation in the $50 range. I was debating on whether to get the more balanced sounding VSD1S or fun sounding VSD1, I've already had the Ety ER-4p, EREK-5 and HiFiMan RE0, so I went with the fun one. I think I've got the fit right, the swivel nozzle is a godsend for that, I'm not sure I could get a good seal without being able to angle it up. It also helps wearing it over the ear, just reverse the left & right and angle the nozzle appropriately. They come with a rubber wire guide to run over the ear and three tips, I haven't used the guide yet since I've been rotating between straight and over the ear. The large single flange and bi-flange seem to work well, I don't notice any difference in sound between them. The single flange is oval and long, seating deep for a single flange and works better for me than round ones, I've put that one on the Turbine as it gives me a good fit over the ear with those finicky fit IEM's. The Bi's work pretty good in either orientation, no pun intended, the profile is low enough that I could see falling asleep with these in and not having sore ears in the morning. These have about 30 hrs on them haven't noticed any burn in at all. They've got a sound somewhat like the Monster Turbine pro, slightly mid recessed and a strong low end and some sparkle on top, I could see how they could cause some sibilance on some recordings, but I listened to my brightness test, Big Money - Rush and there wasn't any, in fact, the VSD1 brought out some bass I hadn't really heard before in that recording and made it an enjoyable listen. The mids are a bit recessed in some areas, guitars and female voices aren't as engaging as on the RE0 or Grados I've had, but they're not bad, just not as forward as those other phones. The VSD1S would probably be better for that. On Mazzy Star the RE0 does something almost magical with the singers voice, the VSD1 isn't quite there, it's almost like she's a couple steps back in comparison. Male vocals tended to do better, on Harvest - Opeth it sounds like Peter took a step toward the mic. On Conceiving You - Riverside Mariusz Duda sounded really good. The bass is really what these do best, it gets low and strong without overpowering the rest of the music, on Daughter of Bilitis - Grails it was almost ear shaking, turning on the E10 bass boost was eye opening. On D-Moll (session1) - Tosca the low rumble and subsonics that start at 1:30 were very present and with the bass boost on they shook a little in my ears. On Welcome To The World Of The Plastic Beach - Gorillaz the bass tone that starts at :35 was smile inducing. In back to back listening the Turbine seems to have more mid-bass, but the VSD1 sounds like it goes down farther or at least has more down low. The Turbine seems to edge out the Vsonic in detail, but not nearly as much as the $50-100 price difference would lead you to believe. The imaging and soundstaging is pretty good for this price range, it's pretty wide and has some front to back depth and the instruments and imaged much much better than left, right and middle globs, just not quite pinpoint like the ER-4, but for $50 I'll take it. So yea, for $50 it's going to hard to beat these and the VSD1S, IMO Vsonic has knocked one out of the park with them, I may get the 1S just because.
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Jan 11, 2014 20:11
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I have an aging set of Audio Technica ATH-A700s. I lost the wings a while ago, the pads are wearing down a bit, and the cord's covering is starting to fray. I'm having trouble figuring out whether to try to replace the old/broken parts, get a new pair, or buy a different set entirely. I really like the soundstage of these, and it seems to be unique in the price range. I also like having versatility, so it works for basically anything from music to games. I have no need for aesthetics, mobility, or any kind of other special features in headphones. How much do I need to spend to replicate the great soundstage in the A700s? They are often listed for like $200 or $300, then marked down to $140ish, so it's hard to compare them to other models in terms of return on investment. I mean, I like them a lot- I'm just wondering whether I can do better, especially after reading a Wirecutter review that recommends $80 Sony MDR-7506s for this price range.
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Jan 13, 2014 05:27
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