I'm looking to buy a bluetooth-equipped stereo amp, budget ... let's say up to 200€.
It's for my parents. I bought them a pretty damn sweet android tablet, which they've been using a lot. I want to upgrade their audio experience both when it comes to using the tablet (via bluetooth) and watching TV (atrocious internal speakers). Problem is I don't want to complicate their lives in the process, so I'm looking for a 'smart' amp, something with automatic input switching and an automatic turn on / off function.
If you lads know of anything that fits the above description, let me know.
It's for my parents. I bought them a pretty damn sweet android tablet, which they've been using a lot. I want to upgrade their audio experience both when it comes to using the tablet (via bluetooth) and watching TV (atrocious internal speakers). Problem is I don't want to complicate their lives in the process, so I'm looking for a 'smart' amp, something with automatic input switching and an automatic turn on / off function.
If you lads know of anything that fits the above description, let me know.
What inputs, other than Bluetooth? Also, how strong of an amp (watts per channel and impedance, if handy)?
Optical, as I think that's all their TV has.
2 x 50W would be plenty, 6 or 8 ohm.
I'm thinking BT amp because the idea is to give new life to one of the two pairs of passive speakers they have collecting dust around the house, however BT powered speakers with the same functionality is also an option, since said passive speakers are rather old.
2 x 50W would be plenty, 6 or 8 ohm.
I'm thinking BT amp because the idea is to give new life to one of the two pairs of passive speakers they have collecting dust around the house, however BT powered speakers with the same functionality is also an option, since said passive speakers are rather old.
Honestly I would look in the direction of active speakers for this kind of usecase. The concept I'm familiar with is that one of the two speakers has the amp and connections built in and is connected by one wire to the passive speaker. I have this kind of set-up myself at my PC and the inputs I have are optical, analogue, phono stage and it has bluetooth. Came with one simple remote and has auto sense for it's optical input. So whenever audio starts playing the speakers will turn on. From my experience in the shop this concept is simple enough for most people, it has little clutter and there's probably quite some variety out there when it comes to looks and size. Not needing to have a separate amp (which simply is a third object you don't actually need) really sold many people on this solution.
What speakers are those, Linius?
I'm leaning that way as well, I just wanted to see if I could give a new lease on life to the passive speakers present at my parent's house, but, yeah.
I'm leaning that way as well, I just wanted to see if I could give a new lease on life to the passive speakers present at my parent's house, but, yeah.
When I left the company the last christmas gift I got was a pair of the new Argon active speakers line-up. Argon has been started up by my employer but has grown into a proper brand over the years.
https://argonaudio.com/products/fenris-a4
https://argonaudio.com/products/fenris-a4
By reilo Go To PostAny IEM recommendations? My Massdrop Plus Universals are failing. $200 gone in less than 3 years 😡
The left IEM sounds like it has a high-pass filter on it. I have a backup pair of something from a decade ago – the quality is okay but the fit sucks.
Shit I saw this too late. My go 2 iem is SimgotEa500 and Tachjim Hana 2021
I figured out how to fit tight as fuck ear tips on my IEMs. A pair of tweezers is your friend. I keep losing them in public when I'm high.
Target is selling the terrific Sony WH-1000XM5 for a new all-time low price of $249.99 ($150 off).https://www.target.com/p/sony-wh-1000xm5-bluetooth-wireless-noise-canceling-headphones/-/A-86777236
I've started collecting cassettes again but not for fun. Okay, a bit of both.
I'd pop a tape into my Sansui cassette deck and it sounds phenomenal coming out of 15 inch woofers.
Slowdive - Everything Is Alive
Mitski - The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We
I'd pop a tape into my Sansui cassette deck and it sounds phenomenal coming out of 15 inch woofers.
Slowdive - Everything Is Alive
Mitski - The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We
Why cassettes? Just the physical aspect to them? I can understand records because they could, technically, have a better recording of some CD's. Cassettes are always worse, though. And more inconvenient to use. Is the tape hiss something you like in certain genres of music?
By Kibner Go To PostWhy cassettes? Just the physical aspect to them? I can understand records because they could, technically, have a better recording of some CD's. Cassettes are always worse, though. And more inconvenient to use. Is the tape hiss something you like in certain genres of music?Worse, sonically yes but I have records that sound considerably less enjoyable than tapes and then some.
Fun mucking about with an equalizer to get everything dialed in.
No hiss. Maybe if your speakers are sensitive and put your ears close to them. They're like three meters from me ffs
Physical media is inconvenience. This less than vinyl and CD's for me.
Two incredible albums you bought mate. Wish Mitski wouldn't just do Carré in Amsterdam. It just doesn't feel right to drop 70 euros on a Mitski gig. Hopefully I can catch her at Primavera. Willl be at the Slowdive gig though in Paradiso in january.
As for the medium itself, I did have some former co workers at the audio store who digged this stuff. But yeah, from a hobby perspective mostly. Messing about with the tech and something fun to collect. I also remember a customer who brought in some crazy expensive tape deck to be serviced. Don't remember the brand sadly but some of the older dudes were proper hyped about it. As for myself, I never dabbled into this territory. I'll stick to vinyl for my physical music fix.
As for the medium itself, I did have some former co workers at the audio store who digged this stuff. But yeah, from a hobby perspective mostly. Messing about with the tech and something fun to collect. I also remember a customer who brought in some crazy expensive tape deck to be serviced. Don't remember the brand sadly but some of the older dudes were proper hyped about it. As for myself, I never dabbled into this territory. I'll stick to vinyl for my physical music fix.
By Linius Go To PostTwo incredible albums you bought mate. Wish Mitski wouldn't just do Carré in Amsterdam. It just doesn't feel right to drop 70 euros on a Mitski gig. Hopefully I can catch her at Primavera. Willl be at the Slowdive gig though in Paradiso in january.Both spur of the moment.
As for the medium itself, I did have some former co workers at the audio store who digged this stuff. But yeah, from a hobby perspective mostly. Messing about with the tech and something fun to collect. I also remember a customer who brought in some crazy expensive tape deck to be serviced. Don't remember the brand sadly but some of the older dudes were proper hyped about it. As for myself, I never dabbled into this territory. I'll stick to vinyl for my physical music fix.
Go to wherever Kantarion Sound is playing in Nederland.
Professional shit photos from yours truly.
If I had a penny for every time I’ve had to replace the plug for my JDS Labs Atom amp because it broke under it’s own weight while plugged into a vertical extension lead. I’d have 2 pence.
I think I’m going back to on-board audio at this point.
I think I’m going back to on-board audio at this point.
By HottestGrapes Go To PostIf I had a penny for every time I’ve had to replace the plug for my JDS Labs Atom amp because it broke under it’s own weight while plugged into a vertical extension lead. I’d have 2 pence.:(
I think I’m going back to on-board audio at this point.
You could always try the Apple USB-C -> Aux adapter. It's $10 USD and better than on-board. https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MU7E2AM/A/usb-c-to-35-mm-headphone-jack-adapter
I have a cheap USB C to aux DAC on hand already but ty.
Since my AKG headphones started acting up a while back, I’ve been using some cheap Sony headphones for almost everything.For the time being, I don’t need a great DAC/amp solution thankfully.
More than anything I’m just perplexed that the plug has broken for a second time. First time, the earth broke off it. This time the whole plastic housing between Earth/live/neutral has cracked and caved in. All from just being plugged in. That’s a 10/10 for impressively bad build quality.
Since my AKG headphones started acting up a while back, I’ve been using some cheap Sony headphones for almost everything.For the time being, I don’t need a great DAC/amp solution thankfully.
More than anything I’m just perplexed that the plug has broken for a second time. First time, the earth broke off it. This time the whole plastic housing between Earth/live/neutral has cracked and caved in. All from just being plugged in. That’s a 10/10 for impressively bad build quality.
By Linius Go To PostThey still look hella coolThanks! Still love the weed meme headphones. The comfort was the main drawback of using them. The cup cushions I have on now are thicker and also cover the driver, so the sound isn't quite as good. I might adjust the clamping force of the headband some more to see if I can make it comfortable when using the thinner cup cushions. The cushioned headband should let me rely on the headphones resting on the top of my head more while still being comfortable. Especially since these are super light headphones, aside from the cable.
Maybe I'll figure out how to do a cable mod one day. Only thing stopping me is worrying about if I need to separate the outer-cup hemp and inner-cup maple parts from each other. If I don't have to do that, then it should just be an easy soldering job.
This is the headphone band I got: https://turbulentlabs.com/shop/grado-leather-headband-black/
I was considering the XL one, but it looked so wide that I was worried about how goofy would be: https://turbulentlabs.com/shop/grado-leather-headband-xl-black/
Normal:
XL:
TurbulentLabs also offers a whole bunch of other colors, but I couldn't really find any that complented the Hemps more than the default black option.
Oh, I was also able to change out the headband and cup cushions without tools. Removed the cups from the blocks by taking off that rubber cap and just sliding them off. Then, I just wiggled the headband where it went into the R block. It took a significant amount of time and force, but the glue seal eventually broke and I was able to slide it out. I have not had the block fall off the headband since, even without gluing, so I think I will be ok without getting a thirdparty block or gluing it back myself. It has a bit of a dimple that holds it in place during light use.
The cup cushions are just foam cushions that slide on and off. No mechanisms to speak of.
The cup cushions are just foam cushions that slide on and off. No mechanisms to speak of.
do one of those customizations let you turn it into an open-back headphone? if not, no dice. smh
i do appreciate products that are easy to customize because it usually means they are also easy to repair
i do appreciate products that are easy to customize because it usually means they are also easy to repair
Ahh, this is a much more doable cable replacement mod: https://www.beautifulaudio.biz/grado-cable-adapter
You cut the cable from the cut, solder a new connector to it, and then the whole thing is housed in a custom gimbal. It's about as simple and non-intrusive as I have found. Don't need to get at the actual driver or use some heat to separate the cup halves or anything.
You cut the cable from the cut, solder a new connector to it, and then the whole thing is housed in a custom gimbal. It's about as simple and non-intrusive as I have found. Don't need to get at the actual driver or use some heat to separate the cup halves or anything.
My current workout headphones (egrado) have some exposed wire now and they aren't available anymore so I've been looking for a cheap replacement. My main requirements are: open-back, cheap, passable sound. I think I'm going to get the Koss Porta Pros. Just haven't decided on beige or black and gold.
Got cute little orange pads for them. Light, comfy, strong bass, not as crisp or as fast as I would like but they are relatively cheap headphones so whatever. Perfect for taking outside the house on walks or to the store or exercising and such. Super small when folded up so easy to transport, too.
ok, yeah, been maining these for the last couple days and i fully agree with a person who said they make bad recordings sound good and excellent recordings also sound good. they are forgiving but not revealing. with these yaxi pads, they are comfortable enough for all day usage.
i'm tempted to try the ksc75. it is the same driver but with a coating of titanium that adds some stiffness to it, which supposedly results in better response, particularly in the treble range. the ksc35 also uses the same driver as the portapro, but without the special coating the ksc75 uses. the 35 and 75 both clip on your ears and the 75 is only $25 so it is probably the value headphone for anyone wanting something for everyday, portable use.
i'm tempted to try the ksc75. it is the same driver but with a coating of titanium that adds some stiffness to it, which supposedly results in better response, particularly in the treble range. the ksc35 also uses the same driver as the portapro, but without the special coating the ksc75 uses. the 35 and 75 both clip on your ears and the 75 is only $25 so it is probably the value headphone for anyone wanting something for everyday, portable use.
https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/1/24259598/fasetto-dolby-atmos-audio-cu-speakers-power-lines
This is dope. Wonder how good the sound quality is. I imagine older homes will struggle with this.
This is dope. Wonder how good the sound quality is. I imagine older homes will struggle with this.
By reilo Go To Posthttps://www.theverge.com/2024/10/1/24259598/fasetto-dolby-atmos-audio-cu-speakers-power-linesOlder homes will probably do better with this because their lines probably use more copper. This looks like it is just an audio-focused powerline adapter which people already use for 100-350 Mbit network connections. I don't think there would be any quality loss. It sounds like a decent solution.
This is dope. Wonder how good the sound quality is. I imagine older homes will struggle with this.
e: i might be wrong on the audio quality part: https://www.techreviewer.com/tech-answers/moca-vs-powerline/
- May cause noticeable electromagnetic interference with some devices such as speakers (static sound)
- Power strip, GFCI outlets, and AFCI circuit breakers may degrade Powerline network signals
The interference stuff will be very home dependent.
I saw that the other day. Would be great way for me to add to surrounds in my bedroom. That said, I have aluminum wiring in my walls. Code stipulates that Aluminum wire has to be a size larger than copper for the same amps. So instead of #12's in CU I have #10's in aluminum. Curious if that is an issue. Nothing I've read really discusses this. The aluminum wiring is larger than any speaker gauge.
It would also be an easier way for me to add ceiling speaking for my main space for Atmos. I have a vaulted ceiling with no attic. I would have to remove drywall and I do not want to. I have a chandelier light fixture in this room. I could easier split off from this fixture and add two ceiling receptacles for a surface mount installation. (LED fixtures take up no load so adding two speaker receptacle wouldn't trip the circuit.) The caveat here is that I have to sell my wife on:
A. Two ceiling receptacles and
B. Adding two surface mount speaker when all others are in wall.
It would also be an easier way for me to add ceiling speaking for my main space for Atmos. I have a vaulted ceiling with no attic. I would have to remove drywall and I do not want to. I have a chandelier light fixture in this room. I could easier split off from this fixture and add two ceiling receptacles for a surface mount installation. (LED fixtures take up no load so adding two speaker receptacle wouldn't trip the circuit.) The caveat here is that I have to sell my wife on:
A. Two ceiling receptacles and
B. Adding two surface mount speaker when all others are in wall.
By Jazzy Jambalaya Go To PostOlder homes will probably do better with this because their lines probably use more copper. .
Not really. Copper is sized for the amperage needed. Additionally depending on the age you can have Aluminum (common in 50-70's installs) or if it's really old have knob and tube. Nobody oversizes the copper because they want to build as cheap as possible.
Regarding this:
- May cause noticeable electromagnetic interference with some devices such as speakers (static sound)
- Power strip, GFCI outlets, and AFCI circuit breakers may degrade Powerline network signals
GFCI outlets are found in kitchens and bathrooms. Homes in the 80's sometimes used a single GFCI for the kitchen but put the thing in the garage. Think of a GFCI is an added breaker in the circuit. (I found this out the hard way in my previous home). AFCI are arc fault breakers. Designed to trip if a loose wire causes an arc flash. This will depend on age of home, age or renovation and state home is in. AFCI breakers weren't a thing prior to 1999 and as code is updated the room requirements also change.
Yeah GFCI are required near a water source. AFCI breakers are now required for all branch circuit that aren't bathrooms and kitchens. So if you're home is 2000 and newer, there's a good shot you have them.
These seem ideal for like an 80-90's home but I honestly am not sure how much use they are to people? Nobody has ceiling outlets. Most people aren't going to have outlets in a convenient dolby like location and most residential spaces don't have 7 outlets in a room. So it would seem most people would still have some work regarding drywall removal and patching, just maybe not as much. They'll also need to be comfortable doing some electrical DIY.
I have two outlets, one for each nightstand on each side of the bed. This would be really easy to make my bedroom a 5.1 system. Hence my interest.
These seem ideal for like an 80-90's home but I honestly am not sure how much use they are to people? Nobody has ceiling outlets. Most people aren't going to have outlets in a convenient dolby like location and most residential spaces don't have 7 outlets in a room. So it would seem most people would still have some work regarding drywall removal and patching, just maybe not as much. They'll also need to be comfortable doing some electrical DIY.
I have two outlets, one for each nightstand on each side of the bed. This would be really easy to make my bedroom a 5.1 system. Hence my interest.
I need a budget sound bar for my living room PS5. Budget because I don't really use it that often but I need something better than tv and I'm usually moving around too much in the living room to use headphones
By data Go To PostI need a budget sound bar for my living room PS5. Budget because I don't really use it that often but I need something better than tv and I'm usually moving around too much in the living room to use headphonesWirecutter is usually pretty good for things like this where you just need something good enough: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-soundbar/
My favorite earbuds of the year, the Denon PerL Pro's are $99.99 (white) or $149.99 (black). They are normally $299 (MSRP) or closer to ~$249 at random times of the year/week. I bought the black version in July ahead of my UK trip for $213.75. I'm gonna buy a white set now.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2LZZXWV/ - white - $99.99
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C61G4X7P/ - black - $149.99
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2LZZXWV/ - white - $99.99
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C61G4X7P/ - black - $149.99
By RAThasReturned Go To PostMy favorite earbuds of the year, the Denon PerL Pro's are $99.99 (white) or $149.99 (black). They are normally $299 (MSRP) or closer to ~$249 at random times of the year/week. I bought the black version in July ahead of my UK trip for $213.75. I'm gonna buy a white set now.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2LZZXWV/ - white - $99.99
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C61G4X7P/ - black - $149.99
I found the form factor they chose for these a bit strange. But they actually sound good then?
By Linius Go To PostI found the form factor they chose for these a bit strange. But they actually sound good then?For my ears I had to change the right earbud tip. After that and running the eq setup, everything was all good.