Setup my computer speakers at my gf's house earlier today. Haven't taken the time to tune them with Dirac and I'm so awful at getting the balance right between my mains and my sub without some calibration tool showing me when they are way off. Playing some bass-heavy music that I'm pretty familiar with to try and yeah...
e: listened to enough of Bush's "Sixteen Stone" album to be happy with the non-calibrated settings now. took six songs :v
e: listened to enough of Bush's "Sixteen Stone" album to be happy with the non-calibrated settings now. took six songs :v
Yeah Dirac could really work wonders once you're used to it.
We've updated our webshop and added more products. So it's online now with a clear English description and tech specs -> https://argonaudio.com/collections/radios/products/bt3
By Kibner Go To PostAye, it's just been hard for me to really google for a product with those two-way capabilities. Thanks!
We've updated our webshop and added more products. So it's online now with a clear English description and tech specs -> https://argonaudio.com/collections/radios/products/bt3
Finally had a large enough block of quiet to run Dirac for my PC speakers.
This first screenshot has two lines. The thin line is the average response the system recorded. The thick line is what it attempts to correct it to:
This second screenshot adds the full recorded response from my measurements:
I probably need to move my subwoofer out of the corner of the room since I think that is what is making it have such huge peaks. For reference, my crossover is at 80hz using a Linkwitz–Riley filter at 48dB/octave.
This last screenshot is for those unfamiliar with Dirac:
See those dark gold dots/circles along that straight line? I can drag each of those to change the response curve that Dirac attempts to create. So, if I want more bass, I grab the dots at the left end of the graph and drag them up. If I want to hear human voices a bit louder, I take the dots between the 1k and 10k marks (iirc) and drag those up.
Dragging a dot down means quieter, of course. Dragging to the left or right changes what frequencies the curve starts to "bend" at. It's basically a super fancy equalizer.
This first screenshot has two lines. The thin line is the average response the system recorded. The thick line is what it attempts to correct it to:
This second screenshot adds the full recorded response from my measurements:
I probably need to move my subwoofer out of the corner of the room since I think that is what is making it have such huge peaks. For reference, my crossover is at 80hz using a Linkwitz–Riley filter at 48dB/octave.
This last screenshot is for those unfamiliar with Dirac:
See those dark gold dots/circles along that straight line? I can drag each of those to change the response curve that Dirac attempts to create. So, if I want more bass, I grab the dots at the left end of the graph and drag them up. If I want to hear human voices a bit louder, I take the dots between the 1k and 10k marks (iirc) and drag those up.
Dragging a dot down means quieter, of course. Dragging to the left or right changes what frequencies the curve starts to "bend" at. It's basically a super fancy equalizer.
Guess who's getting the JDS Labs Atom and a Topping D10 for crimbo.
Will anyone want my Topping NX4 DSD?
Will anyone want my Topping NX4 DSD?
By AnchovyVapes Go To PostGuess who's getting the JDS Labs Atom and a Topping D10 for crimbo.If we were in the same country, I would probably take you up on that as I want a good portable dac+amp and I believe that is battery powered?
Will anyone want my Topping NX4 DSD?
By Kibner Go To PostIf we were in the same country, I would probably take you up on that as I want a good portable dac+amp and I believe that is battery powered?
Aye, battery powered. Never used it as a portable but I believe it lasts for over 8 hours and doesn’t drain your phone or w/e while using it. I’d use it myself for my phone, but I’m not much of a listener when I’m out. A set of generic in-ears is good enough for me in the gym.
By AnchovyVapes Go To PostAye, battery powered. Never used it as a portable but I believe it lasts for over 8 hours and doesn’t drain your phone or w/e while using it. I’d use it myself for my phone, but I’m not much of a listener when I’m out. A set of generic in-ears is good enough for me in the gym.It would be for overnight stays for me.
Where’s a good place to get custom length RCA cables to connect the DAC and AMP?
I’ll probably go with eBay if I find a seller on there, reckon I’ll need 15-20cm as I’ll probably have the Atom and D10 side by side.
I’ll probably go with eBay if I find a seller on there, reckon I’ll need 15-20cm as I’ll probably have the Atom and D10 side by side.
By AnchovyVapes Go To PostWhere’s a good place to get custom length RCA cables to connect the DAC and AMP?For truly custom, I use Redco. Shipping may make it not feasible for the UK, though.
I’ll probably go with eBay if I find a seller on there, reckon I’ll need 15-20cm as I’ll probably have the Atom and D10 side by side.
JDS Labs makes their own real short stack cables: https://jdslabs.com/product/stack-rca-cables/
Another term to look for is "interconnect" cables. That will get you short runs.
Mogami makes broadcast quality cables and Neutrik makes my favorite connectors/leads. I would be comfortable with probably anything on this page: https://www.audiocables.eu/collections/rca-cables/
e: this site offers fully custom cables in your region: https://www.canford.co.uk/CANFORD-CABLE-TERMINATION
By Linius Go To PostGot some Audioquest Golden Gate interconnects, which is a fine cable and starts at 60cm.I love me the Audioquest quality, but, man, their cables are expensive. It's cheaper for me to get custom cables. D:
By Wahabipapangus Go To PostWhat kind of speakers are you all using? I've been dealing with a shitty logitech surround sound set for some time, for my PC, and can't be bothered with both all the wires and the quality anymore. Looking for something at max around 500 euros, but if you make a good case for something a bit above, I could go with that. I was thinking about Audioengine A5+ Wireless, they are on sale atm.
for my pc. pls help
^ Adding some clarification from your latest post in the PC thread.
The wireless seems to really just mean being able to turn on the speakers and have them play via bluetooth or some other wireless method while elsewhere in the house.
For this, you can still get whatever speakers you want and then attach a Bluetooth receiver to them. See this recent list for a mainstream look at what's out there: https://www.lifewire.com/best-bluetooth-audio-receivers-4138227
Also, it sounds like you may be ok with just stereo speakers and no subwoofer? That's a good idea and you can always pick up a sub later and add it to the existing stereo system.
----
Since this is primarily for PC, you will want some self-powered speakers.
I will try to offer suggestions later today.
The wireless seems to really just mean being able to turn on the speakers and have them play via bluetooth or some other wireless method while elsewhere in the house.
For this, you can still get whatever speakers you want and then attach a Bluetooth receiver to them. See this recent list for a mainstream look at what's out there: https://www.lifewire.com/best-bluetooth-audio-receivers-4138227
Also, it sounds like you may be ok with just stereo speakers and no subwoofer? That's a good idea and you can always pick up a sub later and add it to the existing stereo system.
----
Since this is primarily for PC, you will want some self-powered speakers.
I will try to offer suggestions later today.
I did some brief looking around and the Audioengine A5+ Wireless is a good deal. Some other speakers to consider: Edifier S2000 Pro and Swan/HiVi M200MKIII+. Audioengine, Edifier, and Swan/HiVi all make good products and you would likely be happy with any of them.
The best budget subwoofer I can recommend without caveat is the BIC America F12. It may be worth saving a bit of money by getting a stepdown on the stereo speakers to add in this subwoofer. A good sub can add a lot to the sound.
The best budget subwoofer I can recommend without caveat is the BIC America F12. It may be worth saving a bit of money by getting a stepdown on the stereo speakers to add in this subwoofer. A good sub can add a lot to the sound.
Alright thanks. I also did look into Edifier S2000 Pro before, but they are full on Ryzen 3900x when it comes to stock around here, unless you are willing to pay double of normal price.
M200MKIII+ seems to not even be sold here. So I guess A5 it is.
M200MKIII+ seems to not even be sold here. So I guess A5 it is.
By Wahabipapangus Go To PostAlright thanks. I also did look into Edifier S2000 Pro before, but they are full on Ryzen 3900x when it comes to stock around here, unless you are willing to pay double of normal price.
M200MKIII+ seems to not even be sold here. So I guess A5 it is.
So I saw this post last night, hence my brief reaction in the whatsapp.
Not sure if you have a chance to visit a Klubben dealer, but since you're in Denmark that shouldn't be a big problem I suppose. We have two series of active speakers of our own Argon brand. The basic model and the premium model basically, Alto and Forte. Both come in two sizes, one with a 4 inch woofer and a slightly bigger one with a 5 inch woofer. Both series in both sizes are within budget range. Personally I think the Forte serie offers a more bright sound as well as deeper bass. On top of that the finish looks much better and more premium. Both series offer optical inputs, a phono stage, a regular RCA input, a subwoofer input and bluetooth. They also work on the same principle, one of the two is active and has all the connections. The other one is just a passive speaker. For the Alto series you can choose your own speaker wire to feed the passive unit. With the Forte series we did a custom speaker cable that is already in the box. So basically you have a shitload of connections and bluetooth and if you ask me really impressive sound for the price. Argon is all about price/quality balance. Complemented with a subwoofer like the Bass 8 or Bass 10 I think it's a pretty baller system.
I use a pair Alto 4 next to my laptop myself. I have the passive version however because I had a spare amp to power them that offers the same convenience as the active version would have. Personally I feel like the 4 inch models would do the job next to a PC considering you're sitting so close to the speakers. But that's a personal matter too of course.
https://argonaudio.com/collections/active-speakers -> the ones with the letter 'A' in the model name are the active models. Prices are for the pair of them of course. Just need to keep in mind you need 2 to 3 meters speaker wire and some banana plugs if you go with the Alto series. Don't hesitate to just walk into one of our stores for a demo. They won't boo you out of the store if you don't like them. We also don't bite in general.
So this Atom + D10 combo is pretty fucking nice like. I don't have the ear to say exactly what about it sounds so much nicer than the NX4, it's just louder and cleaner sounding overall with my K712s.
It's basically the peak of what can be achieved for a transparent sound. There are some DACs that are a bit cleaner/more transparent than the D10, but it is debatable if those differences are even audible.
The only thing left to really try is DTS Headphone:X. It has some tuning profiles setup for over 450 headphones (I can't seem to find a list, though)
e: i activated the trial and it does support the AKG K712 Pro
The only thing left to really try is DTS Headphone:X. It has some tuning profiles setup for over 450 headphones (I can't seem to find a list, though)
e: i activated the trial and it does support the AKG K712 Pro
By Kibner Go To PostIt's basically the peak of what can be achieved for a transparent sound. There are some DACs that are a bit cleaner/more transparent than the D10, but it is debatable if those differences are even audible.
The only thing left to really try is DTS Headphone:X. It has some tuning profiles setup for over 450 headphones (I can't seem to find a list, though)
e: i activated the trial and it does support the AKG K712 Pro
My wallet, Kibner pls
By HoboVapes Go To PostMy wallet, Kibner plsThere are some free software equalizers for you to try tuning your headphones to your preferences. Lol
By Linius Go To PostGot some Audioquest Golden Gate interconnects, which is a fine cable and starts at 60cm.I’m currently using these. Recommended.
https://www.iear.nl/product/van-den-hul-d102iii-hybrid-rca/
Van den Hul is good stuff. We used to have that before we started carrying everything Audioquest.
Spengo, are you actually Dutch or Spanish by the way?
Spengo, are you actually Dutch or Spanish by the way?
I'm thinking of getting the Powerbeats Pro. Time to move away from wired wireless to totally wireless on my runs. I've been using Bose sports for the past three years and while the sound is great, they are a nightmare on long runs. I find myself having to spend so much time fiddling with the wire behind my neck, and with them eventually becoming loose because of sweat and the occasional rain. Earhooks are the way for me to go.
Also thiinking about getting the AirPods for the casual use, as dislike the wire on the back of my neck too on my Sennheisers
Also thiinking about getting the AirPods for the casual use, as dislike the wire on the back of my neck too on my Sennheisers
Looking to buy a new receiver. Need something a bit future proof for 4K, HDR, 5.2ch is fine, has to work well with a 4K Apple TV. $150-250 budget. Any recs?
By reilo Go To PostLooking to buy a new receiver. Need something a bit future proof for 4K, HDR, 5.2ch is fine, has to work well with a 4K Apple TV. $150-250 budget. Any recs?Will probably have to buy used with that budget if you want something somewhat nice. Buying new will be double what you are wanting to pay. I found some receivers I found for around that budget that may work, but you will want to look over them to be sure they fit all your specs. Might want to read a review of the ones you are interested in, too, to be sure there are no surprises.
- Onkyo TX-NR585:
$600$300 - Denon AVRS740H:
$480$330 - Onkyo TX-SR383: $240
- Sony STR-DH790:
$380$200 - Sony STRDH590: $180
By Linius Go To PostVan den Hul is good stuff. We used to have that before we started carrying everything Audioquest.Audioquest is everywhere now and sometimes it's the only brand available in hifi stores.
Spengo, are you actually Dutch or Spanish by the way?
Ik kom oorspronkelijk uit Amsterdam maar ik ben opgegroeid in Catalonië. Ik heb zelf geen spaanse roots maar soms voelt het wel zo. Je weet toch.
By Spengo Go To PostAudioquest is everywhere now and sometimes it's the only brand available in hifi stores.
Ik kom oorspronkelijk uit Amsterdam maar ik ben opgegroeid in Catalonië. Ik heb zelf geen spaanse roots maar soms voelt het wel zo. Je weet toch.
Ah cool. Kind of assumed you were Spanish based on the Barca support I guess. But when you started hotlinking to my Dutch competitors in the audio business I started to wonder haha.
Our stores also only carry Audioquest when it comes to cables. Next to our housebrand Argon that is. Also why we don't sell the cheapest Audioquest stuff, because that's where the Argon cables fit in most of the time.
Still debating if I should be upgrading my speakercables at some point. Currently got Argon Black SC2 (that was a serious 20 euros a meter cable). But considering some Rocket 33 straight from Audioquest.
By reilo Go To PostAnyone know what Pure Direct does?Something to avoid if you setup room correction or equalizers on the receiver.
It basically skips all sound processing. May lower audio delay as the only beneficial thing you can notice.
I got a (probably trash) soundbar at best buy for black friday. Cant believe I relied on tv speakers this long. It was a impulse buy too but damn. Can actually hear shit without cranking the volume super high on the TV 😭
I just did the same by buying a proper AV receiver and a big ass center channel speaker. Rocking q 3.0 setup but I got my AV setup to know that, so sound is actually clear now. No more booming lows overpowering voice.
could use a pair of noise-cancelling headphones for PC use, limited to about £100 though :( Any recommendations from the lads?
By Spengo Go To PostI think Chord will announce new products soon. A Qutest range network streamer would be nice.That just reminds me of how said I am Google discontinued the Chromecast Audio. A $30 wi-fi device with both analog and optical out. At least I was able to get one? Not sure when/if the firmware on it ever becomes outdated with the chromecast API to the point it becomes non-functional.
By Facism Go To Postcould use a pair of noise-cancelling headphones for PC use, limited to about £100 though :( Any recommendations from the lads?
Raunchy neighbours keeping you awake or?
By HoboVapes Go To PostRaunchy neighbours keeping you awake or?
Just a massive hate for having to listen to other people's shit whilst i'm trying to work.
By Kibner Go To PostThat just reminds me of how said I am Google discontinued the Chromecast Audio. A $30 wi-fi device with both analog and optical out. At least I was able to get one? Not sure when/if the firmware on it ever becomes outdated with the chromecast API to the point it becomes non-functional.This is why Cast protocol needs to be open sourced.
So gotta say I'm quite happy with the company Christmas gift, a pair Dali IO4's. That's the version without ANC. Never been a big fan of ANC so I'm totally down with this. Although I have to admit that ANC doesn't really seem to make the IO6's sound poorer, which is usually my experience.
Anyways, the IO4 sound completely different from my P7. Less bass and more crisp highs is probably the best way to tell the difference. Much like their speakers they have a very bright sound. Especially acoustic music sounds really good on them. I'm a bit dissapointed though by the lack of volume when connected to my iPhone trough bluetooth. Compared to the P7 I have to push the volume up a lot more to have a nice full sound. Connected trough a laptop over the supplied USB-C cable they open a lot more though. Using the internal DAC conversion and these headphones really do a great job.
All in all I think the P7 is a better allrounder packing more bass and punch. Especially when on the go. I think the IO4's will serve most of their hours when I'm at home working at the computer.
Anyways, the IO4 sound completely different from my P7. Less bass and more crisp highs is probably the best way to tell the difference. Much like their speakers they have a very bright sound. Especially acoustic music sounds really good on them. I'm a bit dissapointed though by the lack of volume when connected to my iPhone trough bluetooth. Compared to the P7 I have to push the volume up a lot more to have a nice full sound. Connected trough a laptop over the supplied USB-C cable they open a lot more though. Using the internal DAC conversion and these headphones really do a great job.
All in all I think the P7 is a better allrounder packing more bass and punch. Especially when on the go. I think the IO4's will serve most of their hours when I'm at home working at the computer.
Yeah the battery life on those is quite something. But to be fair, as long as they can last a long flight I would be fine with it. It’s not as if we don’t come home to charge our devices over night. Not sure what the specs of my P7 suggest but I hardly have charge those either. Usually do one charge at the end of the week to be sure since they don’t give you any indication of when it runs out.