This video is a review of some random ear buds, but I like the part of the video this embed starts at for being a super quick and somewhat clear (to me) explainer of what frequency response means/does:
By Kuma Go To PostHoly shit that was helpful. What streaming service do people use?I use Tidal because I get a discount from my Plex Pass and it offers lossless quality streams.
Tidal hifi over here. Managed to grab a free account back when I started working at my current employer.
Yeah Qobuz is fine. We have it in our stores. It’s not covering everything though, with a wide orientation in music you’re better of with Tidal and Deezer hifi.
By Kuma Go To PostWhat is preamp for ?This is a pretty good explanation: https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/preamp-need-one/
If you don't already know what it is, you probably don't need one, tbh.
By Kuma Go To PostCan you mismatch dac and amps?No.
By Kuma Go To PostCan you mismatch dac and amps?Each are separate and you can do any combination you'd like as long as you can connect them.
Fuck it, just bought some Grado Hemp headphones: https://gradolabs.com/headphones/limited-editions/item/124-hemp
They are pretty and have been getting good reviews from pretty much everybody. I also wanted a new pair of Grado (gf is using my only other pair) and these also sound different enough than their other stuff while still keeping all the good parts (light, open back, articulate, etc.)
They are pretty and have been getting good reviews from pretty much everybody. I also wanted a new pair of Grado (gf is using my only other pair) and these also sound different enough than their other stuff while still keeping all the good parts (light, open back, articulate, etc.)
By Kuma Go To PostThey look nice. How many pairs of headphones do you have?Three. Nighthawk Carbons, Drop Universal Plus IEM, and an eGrado that I use when washing the car or working out or something since it sits tight, has good enough sound, and was cheap.
By Linius Go To PostFucking hell, the pricing on that Grado is exquisite haha. Be sure to drop your impressions man!Lmao, yup. Definitely a meme product. But it is also their cheapest wood headphone and is far more neutral sounding than their norm. Which they seem to be deviating from more often. They also make a Bluetooth open back headset and it, too, has a different sound signature than the emphasized treble Grado is known for.
My future upgrade is to get a better stack. Want more head room for planar headphones. They are so hard to drive lol
By Kuma Go To PostMy future upgrade is to get a better stack. Want more head room for planar headphones. They are so hard to drive lolTHX AAA 789. Not cheap, though.
By Kibner Go To PostTHX AAA 789. Not cheap, though.There's also the THX AAA ONE amp that's basically the same thing as the 789 but it loses the Balanced input and costs $100 less. I want to get that one myself.
By Kuma Go To PostIs there a dac that goes with the thx one ?Every DAC that has connectors for it. Which is just about every DAC, iirc. I'm just a fan of JDS Labs stuff in the USA and they have an Atom DAC now that is $100 and, while basic, has top notch performance. https://jdslabs.com/product/atom-dac/
e: Topping also makes great performing DAC's for not too much money.
By Kibner Go To PostEvery DAC that has connectors for it. Which is just about every DAC, iirc. I'm just a fan of JDS Labs stuff in the USA and they have an Atom DAC now that is $100 and, while basic, has top notch performance. https://jdslabs.com/product/atom-dac/The Atom DAC (and amp) is what I have. I see no need to ever buy anything else.
e: Topping also makes great performing DAC's for not too much money.
By Perfect Blue Go To PostThe Atom DAC (and amp) is what I have. I see no need to ever buy anything else.More powerful amps for headphones the Atom Amp doesn't have enough power to drive. Like planar headphones that Kuma has.
By Perfect Blue Go To PostThe Atom DAC (and amp) is what I have. I see no need to ever buy anything else.
Better amp for more head room for planar headphones. Bought a budget planar(Hifiman 400se) that I enjoyed the sound of. So I going invest in a higher end model.
Toying with the idea of ordering either a Schiit Modi 3 or JDS Atom DAC to fiddle around with. I hardly ever use my audio setup in my bedroom but I am interested to know how much a little 100 dollar box would improve that setup. Currently it’s my Legion laptop connected from the 3,5mm output to my Argon SA1 amp powering a pair of bookshelf loudspeakers.
And I’ll probably add an headphone amp at some point. But that’s for the future, not ready to dig into expensive headphone setups yet.
And I’ll probably add an headphone amp at some point. But that’s for the future, not ready to dig into expensive headphone setups yet.
Just got the Grado Hemp and haven't really put it through its paces, yet. First impressions:
So far, I enjoy it about as much as I thought I would. Which is to say, not blown away, but brought exactly what I expected and wanted it to.
- is not bright like a traditional Grado; different enough that I will probably buy a more traditional sounding Grado in the future
- it is beautiful; only potential quibble is that the wood finish is very rough/raw
- I had forgotten how open Grado's are; I really missed that about them and the NightHawk Carbon's I have been using are "merely" semi-open and didn't bring that same feeling
- standard Grado fit and comfort, which has always been ok for me; just bend the headband outward a bit if they clamp too tight
- much more neutral sounding than what I was expecting; still lacks a thumping low bass, but I knew that going in; still fun, overall
So far, I enjoy it about as much as I thought I would. Which is to say, not blown away, but brought exactly what I expected and wanted it to.
By Linius Go To PostToying with the idea of ordering either a Schiit Modi 3 or JDS Atom DAC to fiddle around with. I hardly ever use my audio setup in my bedroom but I am interested to know how much a little 100 dollar box would improve that setup. Currently it’s my Legion laptop connected from the 3,5mm output to my Argon SA1 amp powering a pair of bookshelf loudspeakers.Amps make much bigger differences to overall sound than DACs do, tbh. Once you get to the competent ones, anyway. Unless a DAC intentionally adds color or has some kind of glaring deficiency (interference, poor pre-amps, etc.), it is very hard to tell an audio difference between ones that are like $100 and ones that are $1,000.
And I’ll probably add an headphone amp at some point. But that’s for the future, not ready to dig into expensive headphone setups yet.
Yeah I’ve kind of did an 180 on this. I already bought a DAC, had the chance to buy a used Topping E30 for just 70 euros including shipping. So that will arrive in a few days. I plan on adding the L30 to go with that. And I’m seriously contemplating the Audeze LCD-2 Classics. In May I’ll get back some tax money over 2020 which is gonna be enough to get a nice pair of cans.
Still curious though how much of a difference the Topping DAC will make over the built in DAC from my Lenovo. Think I will also put the Topping in between my Bluesound Node and my amplifier in the livingroom to see if it performs better than the internal DAC. Just doing it for the fun of the hobby really.
Nice to hear the Grado is doing what you hoped they’d add for you by the way. I have a Grado dealership in my city. Maybe I’ll pay them a visit at some point. Ever since first getting to know the brand I’ve really liked the look of them. But I’ve never had the chance to listen to a pair.
Still curious though how much of a difference the Topping DAC will make over the built in DAC from my Lenovo. Think I will also put the Topping in between my Bluesound Node and my amplifier in the livingroom to see if it performs better than the internal DAC. Just doing it for the fun of the hobby really.
Nice to hear the Grado is doing what you hoped they’d add for you by the way. I have a Grado dealership in my city. Maybe I’ll pay them a visit at some point. Ever since first getting to know the brand I’ve really liked the look of them. But I’ve never had the chance to listen to a pair.
Yeah, definitely check them out to see if they mesh with you. They are very much a love it or hate it kind of thing. Below is a description of what you can expect from ~90% of their lineup.
Very, very elevated treble. The range that lead electric guitars usually sit in. The bass is deemphasized but not to the same point. It is present, audible, and tight. Just no "thump" to it.
Headphones are on-ear and they don't use particularly cushy pads so will get uncomfortable after a while. Easiest solution is to lessen the clamping force by bending the headband (it is made of a metal that is intended to be bent to fit your head shape).
They are super light. Like, computer mouse light. But the cords are super thick and heavy duty. Also, you are not able to easily change the cords due to how they are installed in the headphone.
Very wide and open soundstage (though I would need to listen to some more headphones to really compare). The easiest way I can describe it is that it sounds like you are in the front row of an outdoor performance. Relatedly, they block virtually no outside sound. You can shine a light from one side of the headphone and see it come out the other.
Super efficient. Can be driven effectively by damn near anything. Take less power to drive than Apple earbuds, iirc.
With all that said, they seem to have branched out a little bit from their signature sound with more recent headphones like the Hemp and their bluetooth GW100. These headphones have a bit more balanced and neutral frequency response as that is the biggest reason why many say they won't buy Grado.
I happen to like the brightness and over-emphasized treble and love their weight and that they don't block any incoming sound. It outweighs the lack of "oomph" from the bass and the, at times, uncomfortable fit for me. My high frequency hearing has started to take a dip lately, anyway, so the extra brightness would do me some good which is why I'm also considering getting the SR325e: https://gradolabs.com/headphones/prestige-series/item/5-sr325e
FYI, if you do go listen to some of their Prestige Series stuff, here is what they offer between each other:
SR60: great entry point for just about anyone
SR80: more low-end than the SR60
SR125: 8-conductor cable vs 4-conductor in SR80 for a "smoother" or "more refined" transition between frequencies
SR225: A slightly larger range than the SR125 (which may not matter) and stricter tolerances when matching drivers for volume
SR325: Leather headband, metal accoutrements, slightly larger range than SR225
The only easily audible leap is between the SR60 and SR80, imo. Serious diminishing returns after that point.
They have a couple other series of headphones that use wood or metal as primary materials, but they are all much, much more expensive than the Prestige Series. I have not had the chance to listen to them so I can't really tell you what they are like.
Very, very elevated treble. The range that lead electric guitars usually sit in. The bass is deemphasized but not to the same point. It is present, audible, and tight. Just no "thump" to it.
Headphones are on-ear and they don't use particularly cushy pads so will get uncomfortable after a while. Easiest solution is to lessen the clamping force by bending the headband (it is made of a metal that is intended to be bent to fit your head shape).
They are super light. Like, computer mouse light. But the cords are super thick and heavy duty. Also, you are not able to easily change the cords due to how they are installed in the headphone.
Very wide and open soundstage (though I would need to listen to some more headphones to really compare). The easiest way I can describe it is that it sounds like you are in the front row of an outdoor performance. Relatedly, they block virtually no outside sound. You can shine a light from one side of the headphone and see it come out the other.
Super efficient. Can be driven effectively by damn near anything. Take less power to drive than Apple earbuds, iirc.
With all that said, they seem to have branched out a little bit from their signature sound with more recent headphones like the Hemp and their bluetooth GW100. These headphones have a bit more balanced and neutral frequency response as that is the biggest reason why many say they won't buy Grado.
I happen to like the brightness and over-emphasized treble and love their weight and that they don't block any incoming sound. It outweighs the lack of "oomph" from the bass and the, at times, uncomfortable fit for me. My high frequency hearing has started to take a dip lately, anyway, so the extra brightness would do me some good which is why I'm also considering getting the SR325e: https://gradolabs.com/headphones/prestige-series/item/5-sr325e
FYI, if you do go listen to some of their Prestige Series stuff, here is what they offer between each other:
SR60: great entry point for just about anyone
SR80: more low-end than the SR60
SR125: 8-conductor cable vs 4-conductor in SR80 for a "smoother" or "more refined" transition between frequencies
SR225: A slightly larger range than the SR125 (which may not matter) and stricter tolerances when matching drivers for volume
SR325: Leather headband, metal accoutrements, slightly larger range than SR225
The only easily audible leap is between the SR60 and SR80, imo. Serious diminishing returns after that point.
They have a couple other series of headphones that use wood or metal as primary materials, but they are all much, much more expensive than the Prestige Series. I have not had the chance to listen to them so I can't really tell you what they are like.
Oh, I forgot to mention that Grado headphones are typically very easy to mod and repair. It is also a pretty popular thing to do. Change out cables, drivers, cups, gimbals, pads, headbands, etc. Everything is fairly easy to get to, with the only real thing more difficult than it should be is how the cable is connected to the drivers (directly soldered on, iirc). Lots of first and third-party replacement parts out there.
e: oh, one final thing. the "enhanced" treble and open soundstage made it very easy for me to hear footsteps in video games and figure out where they were coming from.
e: oh, one final thing. the "enhanced" treble and open soundstage made it very easy for me to hear footsteps in video games and figure out where they were coming from.
By Kibner Go To PostOh, I forgot to mention that Grado headphones are typically very easy to mod and repair. It is also a pretty popular thing to do. Change out cables, drivers, cups, gimbals, pads, headbands, etc. Everything is fairly easy to get to, with the only real thing more difficult than it should be is how the cable is connected to the drivers (directly soldered on, iirc). Lots of first and third-party replacement parts out there.
e: oh, one final thing. the "enhanced" treble and open soundstage made it very easy for me to hear footsteps in video games and figure out where they were coming from.
I was gonna ask you about the gaming aspects. I would imagine a brighter sound that doesn’t slap heavy heavy bass works well for what you’ll be using them for.
By Fenderputty Go To PostI was gonna ask you about the gaming aspects. I would imagine a brighter sound that doesn’t slap heavy heavy bass works well for what you’ll be using them for.Aye, it does. There are also times where I want a deep thumping bass for personal enjoyment reasons, but it's not too terribly often. Like 20% of the time. The Hemps are a bit of a middle ground between the typical bright Grado and my Nighthawks that are definitely boomier.
The Nighthawks have a neat effect where there is a very slight resonance/reverb to the sound which can be a pretty cool effect. I think it is because the drivers are positioned so far away from the ears, comparatively, and the wood cup housing.
Grados sound like the T50rp in that they are easy to mod. Found my next amp purchase. Going to get the asgard 3. From the reviews it got a lot of power and sounds decent.
If the drop THX One was 150 I would of bought that in a heartbeart
If the drop THX One was 150 I would of bought that in a heartbeart
By Kuma Go To PostDo cables matter?As long as they are well shielded, you’re good. No need to spend on those absurdly priced ones.
By Perfect Blue Go To PostAs long as they are well shielded, you’re good. No need to spend on those absurdly priced ones.Yup.
There are legit reasons for certain specialized cables, but for just plugging a headphone into an amp? Something shielded is all you need.
If you were running cable through walls, then you would want a special kind of cable that is designed for that (can't remember the name) in order to lessen the risk of a house fire if something goes wrong.
Balanced cables (and amps and so on) are useful when you are doing long runs over ~15 feet, iirc. Due to the way they work, they are able to carry a signal a longer distance with less interference. Again, not necessary for typical home use. More appropriate for performances and stage work.
By Kuma Go To PostWhat do people mean when they say an amp sounds warm?Generally means there is greater emphasis on the high bass and/or low treble. The sounds that aren't quite subwoofer territory, iirc.
The opposite is if something sounds sparkly or bright means there is more emphasis on the mid / high treble.
Just Bought the Asgard 3. I was trying to wait til my bday(In 3 weeks) but every forum and youtube videos mentioned how well Asgard paired with the Elegia(my babies).
My last audio purchase til I find the planar of my dreams release going to be a set of bluetooth speakers
My last audio purchase til I find the planar of my dreams release going to be a set of bluetooth speakers
Looks like MQA does not work as advertised: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/mqa-deep-dive-i-published-music-on-tidal-to-test-mqa.22549/
I will probably be moving off Tidal and joining Spotify with my GF for a lower monthly fee.
- MQA is not lossless in either stock or unfolded form. Regardless of original file sample rate.
- Most MQA releases are simply being upsampled, and are NOT sourced from high resolution masters.
- MQA aliases high frequency content down into the audible range with minimal attenuation.
- MQA does put back high frequency content, and remove the previously aliased content when unfolded, but leaves distortion and noise behind.
- Tidal no longer offers true lossless streaming for any track marked as "Master" that I could find. You either have compressed, or lossy MQA. The lossless FLAC is not available and you must use an alternative service such as Qobuz or Deezer.
- MQA 'authentication' and the blue light gives no guarantee of source sample rate or lack of alteration. And does not guarantee that the sound is the same as was in the studio
- A huge number, presumably most, of MQA releases are just upsampled and altered 44.1khz. Not Hi-Res
- MQA like for like offers no file size advantage, and is actually bigger than 44.1khz FLAC. Though is smaller than Hi-Res flac.
I will probably be moving off Tidal and joining Spotify with my GF for a lower monthly fee.