One of my favorite things about getting a stereo system for music tuned just right is being able to pinpoint where each instrument was at during the recording. Wish I had more space (and the desire) to mess with my setup more to get that effect working even better.
crossposting from the PC thread:
Speaking of headsets, I got to try the Massdrop exclusive Sennheiser HD6xx and Fostex T50RPmk3 with my audio stack at QuakeCon (thanks for bringing them, fellow audiophiles!). I was finally able to compare other headphones to my Grados SR225 in person.
Test setup: I used the first minute or so of this song from Google Play Music things were plugged into a JDS Labs OL DAC and the Emotiva Basx A-100 amp for the comparisons. Dolby Atmos for Headphones was also enabled. All software volumes were maxed and control was done with the analog knob on the amp itself.
The Fostex's were better in nearly every way than the others except for one thing: there is a frequency band in the the mid-bass range where it just turns into a muddy mess. It made me go from wanting to pick them up to striking them from all consideration.
The Sennheisers were a good all-rounder, but nothing especially stood out. It has tradeoffs with my similarly priced Grados.
The SR225 was much more articulate and had clearer separation than the other two headphones (which is the reason why I bought them years ago in the first place). It definitely has a less impactful, resonant, and deep bass which the Sennheiser and (especially) the Fostex excel at.
I don't think giving up that signature Grados clarity is worth a stronger low end for me, so that limits my options because those other two headphones are supposed to be really damn good and they just didn't cut it in that respect. Obviously, they are both still amazing cans, just not for me.
----
So, after finding that no one else makes the sound I want like Grado does and that the price of a new set for a minimal improvement over my 225 doesn't make sense, I might mod it with these or drivers (or similar) for a cheap-ish upgrade: https://www.symphones.com/shop/symphones-v8
Will need to do more review reading before deciding. I would need to do some soldering if I went through with this, which I suck at.
Speaking of headsets, I got to try the Massdrop exclusive Sennheiser HD6xx and Fostex T50RPmk3 with my audio stack at QuakeCon (thanks for bringing them, fellow audiophiles!). I was finally able to compare other headphones to my Grados SR225 in person.
Test setup: I used the first minute or so of this song from Google Play Music things were plugged into a JDS Labs OL DAC and the Emotiva Basx A-100 amp for the comparisons. Dolby Atmos for Headphones was also enabled. All software volumes were maxed and control was done with the analog knob on the amp itself.
The Fostex's were better in nearly every way than the others except for one thing: there is a frequency band in the the mid-bass range where it just turns into a muddy mess. It made me go from wanting to pick them up to striking them from all consideration.
The Sennheisers were a good all-rounder, but nothing especially stood out. It has tradeoffs with my similarly priced Grados.
The SR225 was much more articulate and had clearer separation than the other two headphones (which is the reason why I bought them years ago in the first place). It definitely has a less impactful, resonant, and deep bass which the Sennheiser and (especially) the Fostex excel at.
I don't think giving up that signature Grados clarity is worth a stronger low end for me, so that limits my options because those other two headphones are supposed to be really damn good and they just didn't cut it in that respect. Obviously, they are both still amazing cans, just not for me.
----
So, after finding that no one else makes the sound I want like Grado does and that the price of a new set for a minimal improvement over my 225 doesn't make sense, I might mod it with these or drivers (or similar) for a cheap-ish upgrade: https://www.symphones.com/shop/symphones-v8
Will need to do more review reading before deciding. I would need to do some soldering if I went through with this, which I suck at.
My Schiit Fulla 2 arrived but it requires 1/4" jack, so now I gotta wait for a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter to arrive.
Recommend me some inexpensive wired earbuds. I already have wireless buds for working out. This would be something a little more lightweight with decent sound for carrying around
By data Go To PostRecommend me some inexpensive wired earbuds. I already have wireless buds for working out. This would be something a little more lightweight with decent sound for carrying aroundSorry, been on vacation and hadn't really taken the time to look anything up as I don't have the expertise for this. :(
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Joefu bought a Schitt Fulla2 and has used it for about a week when I asked him to try going back to listening to things how he used to in order to see if he could tell a difference:
yeah huge difference, it just sounds muddy or whatever
listened for 10 seconds and plugged the fulla2 back in lol
Forums poster Reilo has also used the Fulla2 and had this to say:
@Kibner the Schiit is good
So, it seems like the multiple online reviews I've read saying it is a worthwhile amp+dac for $100 are right! You just may need to pick up a USB mini to USB C adapter and/or an aux to 1/4" jack adapter for it to plug into your phone or headphone.
Had the chance to listen to Bowers & Wilkins new 600 series for a work event this weekend. That's an amazing improvement over the previous 600 series. These continuum drivers make a hell of a difference. Much like the 700 series was a massive step up from the previous CM series. Also really digging the looks, they made them so much smoother and modern now. From a few meters away it's almost hard to tell if you're looking at a 600 or 700 series speaker.
https://www.whathifi.com/news/bw-unveils-new-entry-level-600-series-speaker-range
https://www.whathifi.com/news/bw-unveils-new-entry-level-600-series-speaker-range
Didn't really remember the exact pricing, but they will be a bit more expensive than the previous 600 series. Not by much though. For example when they replaced CM with 700 series the top model went from 1800 euros to 2000 euros. The bookshelf models will also cost a bit more, but obviously a smaller step up than 200 euros. The smallest one in the previous 600 series (686) was 249 euros per speaker, so the new ones will be between 300 and 350 euros per speaker.
But if you're in the market for speakers I'd definitely recommend checking them out a local audio store when they're out there.
EDIT
Actually found the American prices, I was not far off.
But if you're in the market for speakers I'd definitely recommend checking them out a local audio store when they're out there.
EDIT
Actually found the American prices, I was not far off.
Bowers & Wilkins 603 ($900 each): The flagship 600 Series speaker is a floorstanding model that includes a Decoupled Double Dome Tweeter, a Continuum midrange driver, and dual-paper cone woofers.
Bowers & Wilkins 606 ($400 each): A bookshelf model that includes a Decoupled Double Dome Tweeter and 6.5-inch Continuum Cone midrange driver.
Bowers & Wilkins 607 ($300 each): A small bookshelf speaker that features a 5-inch Continuum Cone midrange driver.
Bowers & Wilkins HTM6 ($599 each) center-channel speaker: A slim-footprint speaker with a Decoupled Double Dome Tweeter, and a pair of 5-inch Continuum midrange drivers.
I kinda want to go to different home audio stores and try out their stuff in person just to compare to my home setup. Which I'm still very happy with (chilling listening to it right no), but having more points of reference is always nice.
Have to say, I'm really proud of my employers new 'commercial', powerfull stuff. That people don't really listen anymore is a thing.
Checking into the thread. Desk setup:
Amplifier: Sansui AU-D9
Speakers: B&W DM12
DAC: Fostex HP-A4 BL
Headphones: HE-400i
Amplifier: Sansui AU-D9
Speakers: B&W DM12
DAC: Fostex HP-A4 BL
Headphones: HE-400i
A friend of mine was asking me some questions about headphones last night and it got me thinking about an upgrade from my Grado SR225i. Well, I started looking and Rtings.com does headphones now, too, and even has a recommendation list for critical listening. I think I am going to wait for the HiFiMan Sundara to go on sale (Black Friday, hopefully) and pick it up. Here is their review of it: https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/hifiman/sundara
e: or maybe the BeyerDynamics DT1990 Pro
either way, I don't think I'll be paying full price for either headphone
e: or maybe the BeyerDynamics DT1990 Pro
either way, I don't think I'll be paying full price for either headphone
By Kibner Go To Posti do not but do you have a question about them?
Just hoping for impressions.
I saw them in a shop yesterday and liked the look of them.
You saw them inside a shop and now you're asking questions about the sound quality on the internet? Only trust your own ears m8, just try them on. You were already there.
By Linius Go To PostYou saw them inside a shop and now you're asking questions about the sound quality on the internet? Only trust your own ears m8, just try them on. You were already there.
Overall impressions: sound quality, battery, comfort, connectivity, value.
They are about $100, so would be nice to hear some user feedback, or if there are any other buds that I should be looking at.
By Linius Go To PostHad the chance to listen to Bowers & Wilkins new 600 series for a work event this weekend. That's an amazing improvement over the previous 600 series. These continuum drivers make a hell of a difference. Much like the 700 series was a massive step up from the previous CM series. Also really digging the looks, they made them so much smoother and modern now. From a few meters away it's almost hard to tell if you're looking at a 600 or 700 series speaker.I almost bought the 603's on the spot because they put out an incredible sound. I'd describe them as subtle and refined compared to everything else that was in the room. The same goes for the 606 model.
Yeah, it's a great series for the price! So you're auditioning speakers at the moment? Or was it just a random occasion?
It was a run of the mill kind of thing but I made a mental note of which ones to consider if I end up getting new monitors.
Thinking of getting a highfalutin new amp in the new year (for hooking up TV / consoles to 5.1) but assume I should wait for the new HDMI standard?
By Laboured Go To PostThinking of getting a highfalutin new amp in the new year (for hooking up TV / consoles to 5.1) but assume I should wait for the new HDMI standard?Do you mean a receiver? Because dedicated amps take speaker wire/rca/etc. and not HDMI.
By Kibner Go To PostDo you mean a receiver? Because dedicated amps take speaker wire/rca/etc. and not HDMI.
Sorry it was early in the morning. Yes receiver.
By Laboured Go To PostSorry it was early in the morning. Yes receiver.I would read this article to see if the benefits are worth it to you: https://www.cnet.com/news/hdmi-2-1-what-you-need-to-know/
Just keep in mind that there may still be another two or three years before things start to really take advantage of the new standard.
Ya on reading that article I do want to probably wait for HDMI 2.1. Bit irritating as I really miss having good 5.1.
By Laboured Go To PostYa on reading that article I do want to probably wait for HDMI 2.1. Bit irritating as I really miss having good 5.1.You could buy a relatively cheapo hdmi 2.0 receiver and then get a hdmi 2.1 one once you also get a tv that supports it.
By Laboured Go To PostDon't suppose you wanna recommend me one ? :DSadly, I have not looked at that stuff in a couple years but I'll try! Do you need one with an integrated amp?
Ya that would be gud. I'll check some stuff myself but recommendations always help narrow down the search.
From a brief search, it looks like the Denon AVR-S540BT would be a good choice. It is supposed to have better sound quality but maybe not as many other features as similarly priced receivers. Not sure how much it costs in your area, but it is only $229 USD on the US Amazon store.
The 540 is really entry level stuff. So keep in mind that you don't want any kind of demanding speakers hooked up to that receiver.
What's also an interesting option is the NAD T758 v3. NAD work with MDC modules, meaning they can upgrade your existing hardware by designing a new module to insert. That's also how people who bought the v1 back in the day have a 4K HDMI board in their receiver now. So that way you buy an absolute powerhouse with beautiful sound and the ability to buy a module later on to add new HDMI or whatever else new is going on. Also has Bluos (bluesound) integrated and comes with a pretty great demo version of the Dirac room correction software. Definitely one I would check out if I were into surround.
What's also an interesting option is the NAD T758 v3. NAD work with MDC modules, meaning they can upgrade your existing hardware by designing a new module to insert. That's also how people who bought the v1 back in the day have a 4K HDMI board in their receiver now. So that way you buy an absolute powerhouse with beautiful sound and the ability to buy a module later on to add new HDMI or whatever else new is going on. Also has Bluos (bluesound) integrated and comes with a pretty great demo version of the Dirac room correction software. Definitely one I would check out if I were into surround.
Dirac is super legit.
I recommended that cheap Denon as a placeholder for his next receiver because I wasn't sure if he wanted to go for something modular (and much more expensive) like that NAD.
I recommended that cheap Denon as a placeholder for his next receiver because I wasn't sure if he wanted to go for something modular (and much more expensive) like that NAD.
Also, that NAD may be something I eventually grab myself one day. Not sure. I was thinking of getting the Emotiva RMC or something in a few years, but that is just a pre-amp and is also far more expensive.
Yeah that's the same thing, in the Dutch market it's also called X. It's the most barebones and entry level receiver they have to offer.
What speakers do you wanna hook up? Also, what's the price range we're looking at?
It is a great receiver. Can drive most speakers properly and is pretty feature packed coming from NAD. Our shop sold a combination of the bigger version (T777) with a Bowers & Wilkins surround set the other week. That's fucking heaven man. B&W 702's in the front, the HTM72 center and a pair of 705's in the back. And a DB3 subwoofer. That guy doesn't have to go to the cinemas anymore.
What speakers do you wanna hook up? Also, what's the price range we're looking at?
By Kibner Go To PostAlso, that NAD may be something I eventually grab myself one day. Not sure. I was thinking of getting the Emotiva RMC or something in a few years, but that is just a pre-amp and is also far more expensive.
It is a great receiver. Can drive most speakers properly and is pretty feature packed coming from NAD. Our shop sold a combination of the bigger version (T777) with a Bowers & Wilkins surround set the other week. That's fucking heaven man. B&W 702's in the front, the HTM72 center and a pair of 705's in the back. And a DB3 subwoofer. That guy doesn't have to go to the cinemas anymore.
By Linius Go To PostYeah that's the same thing, in the Dutch market it's also called X. It's the most barebones and entry level receiver they have to offer.
What speakers do you wanna hook up? Also, what's the price range we're looking at?
It is a great receiver. Can drive most speakers properly and is pretty feature packed coming from NAD. Our shop sold a combination of the bigger version (T777) with a Bowers & Wilkins surround set the other week. That's fucking heaven man. B&W 702's in the front, the HTM72 center and a pair of 705's in the back. And a DB3 subwoofer. That guy doesn't have to go to the cinemas anymore.
Nothing too amazing as I'm waiting on high-level HDMI 2.1 TVs which mean's I'll have to upgrade. I have a Mordaunt Short 5.1 speaker set (cannot remember for the life of me which one as it was a long time ago).
If I can't get something semi-capable for £300 I'll probably leave it until something I want is out.
Speaking of £300€ audio purchases, I think I might finally treat myself to a subwoofer to compliment my 5" studio monitors computer / guitar / general listening room setup. Upon hearing my specific needs in terms of I/O & features (and budget) a buddy of mine recommended the Presonus Temblor T10.
Do you lads know of any other decent studio subs at around the 300€ pricemark?
Do you lads know of any other decent studio subs at around the 300€ pricemark?
By Laboured Go To PostNothing too amazing as I'm waiting on high-level HDMI 2.1 TVs which mean's I'll have to upgrade. I have a Mordaunt Short 5.1 speaker set (cannot remember for the life of me which one as it was a long time ago).
If I can't get something semi-capable for £300 I'll probably leave it until something I want is out.
Well in that price range the Denon does his job for sure. If you're set on waiting for new HDMI standards anyways it doesn't really matter all that much which budget model you go with. For convenience you might wanna see if there's a model with spotify connect integrated at that price. With Denon that starts at the x1500 and upwards.
Ordered my self some Bowers & Wilkins P7 Wireless cans. Can't wait to finally have them. Gonna be a great pairing with my music streamer.
What we usually recommend at the store are a pair of Sennheiser RS175. They work with a charge mount that sends a radio signal for wireless connection. You can connect the mount to your TV via optical cable. It won't win any design awards but it works great and sounds pretty good as well.
https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-RS-175-Wireless-Headphone/dp/B00SLUI5SA
https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-RS-175-Wireless-Headphone/dp/B00SLUI5SA