Yeah, I think you were right to go to the normal "stereo" setting. That is probably what I would have done, tbh. Music recorded with left and right channels sounds weird to me when it is trying to be upmixed into surround. So many of the algorithms makes something feel lost in translation, imo.
Today is Yamaha day, turning 65 today and again in October. Kinda crazy how many products they make, including pianos.
By Kibner Go To PostYeah, I think you were right to go to the normal "stereo" setting. That is probably what I would have done, tbh. Music recorded with left and right channels sounds weird to me when it is trying to be upmixed into surround. So many of the algorithms makes something feel lost in translation, imo.
Almost every setting feels weaker. Some brighter, some softer but everything weaker. I’m figured Multi-channel stereo would be the spot since it should just make surrounds act like added left and right channels, but that’s not all it does and the result is just bad.
Fender, in the end it's up to you but music is recorded in 2 channel stereo. The only proper way to experience the music as the artist intended is to listen to it in stereo. Whenever we demo our surround receivers we always demo music in stereo mode. And I always inform my customers about how music is recorded because apparently a lot of people don't even know. But, in the end a surround receiver is always a compromise. If you're looking for a good system for music a stereo amp is always the way to go. In the price category of the Denon you have you could find the Denon PMA-1600 for example. A real class machine that sounds absolutely great. Powerful enough to drive most speakers in the midrange budget (anything under 1500 per speaker). Even a step up in surround receivers will not sound as good as this 1600 can make your music sound. That's also the main reason I never went surround myself because I simply don't have the budget for a surround receiver that can play stereo music in the quality I'm looking for.
One thing you might wanna try by the way with your Denon is turning on pure audio if you haven't tried it yet. Basically what it does is turning off everything inside the receiver it does not need to play stereo. Including the display. It's not some kind of miracle function but it does make the sound cleaner since there's less stuff going on inside that receiver. But it won't help with stuff like a lack of punch or stereo imaging in general mind you. With your current Denon you basically bought a very capable allrounder that is able to deliver you a nice movie experience and comes packed with a lot of features. But it's not a killer machine when it comes to just playing music.
Lastly I'd also advice to see if the integrated HEOS software might make your music sound better than the Apple TV can. I personally never listened to an Apple TV but I kind of feel like the internal streaming software should be better optimized for your device. And the HEOS app works really user friendly imo.
Yup, you feed the receiver information for 2 channels and the receiver will decide how it's gonna spread that information over 5 speakers instead of 2. And that's totally fine if you're hosting a party or a get together and you want music troughout the room. People won't be actively listening in these occassions and it fills the room nicely. But when you're actually listening to the music you'll notice right away how weird it sounds.
One thing you might wanna try by the way with your Denon is turning on pure audio if you haven't tried it yet. Basically what it does is turning off everything inside the receiver it does not need to play stereo. Including the display. It's not some kind of miracle function but it does make the sound cleaner since there's less stuff going on inside that receiver. But it won't help with stuff like a lack of punch or stereo imaging in general mind you. With your current Denon you basically bought a very capable allrounder that is able to deliver you a nice movie experience and comes packed with a lot of features. But it's not a killer machine when it comes to just playing music.
Lastly I'd also advice to see if the integrated HEOS software might make your music sound better than the Apple TV can. I personally never listened to an Apple TV but I kind of feel like the internal streaming software should be better optimized for your device. And the HEOS app works really user friendly imo.
By Kibner Go To PostYeah, I think you were right to go to the normal "stereo" setting. That is probably what I would have done, tbh. Music recorded with left and right channels sounds weird to me when it is trying to be upmixed into surround. So many of the algorithms makes something feel lost in translation, imo.
Yup, you feed the receiver information for 2 channels and the receiver will decide how it's gonna spread that information over 5 speakers instead of 2. And that's totally fine if you're hosting a party or a get together and you want music troughout the room. People won't be actively listening in these occassions and it fills the room nicely. But when you're actually listening to the music you'll notice right away how weird it sounds.
By Linius Go To PostFender, in the end it's up to you but music is recorded in 2 channel stereo. The only proper way to experience the music as the artist intended is to listen to it in stereo. Whenever we demo our surround receivers we always demo music in stereo mode. And I always inform my customers about how music is recorded because apparently a lot of people don't even know. But, in the end a surround receiver is always a compromise.
I know music is 2ch, but I'm thinking like a car. You have multiple speakers doing the two channels. So like drop the center and run the surround and front as though they’re the same. In the end the only setting that does this sounds like shit though. I’m just doing stereo now.
I’m not crazy audiophile though. I liked the DTS mastering for PT for example. Just a neat experience having a drum roll move around the room in a circle. But again, it was mastered for that experience and I was playing a 2ch music source on an upmixed multi channel setting that sounded like shit as a comparison.
It’s better now just doing stereo
Lastly I'd also advice to see if the integrated HEOS software might make your music sound better than the Apple TV can. I personally never listened to an Apple TV but I kind of feel like the internal streaming software should be better optimized for your device. And the HEOS app works really user friendly imo.
I want to try this and I’m glad you said it’s user friendly. Part of the problem is I am married and have kids and this is a shared space. So I try and simplify things for them. Hopefully I can map some of these functions to the universal remote but if not I’ve already pulled out the denon controller for just my use again.
Yup, you feed the receiver information for 2 channels and the receiver will decide how it's gonna spread that information over 5 speakers instead of 2. And that's totally fine if you're hosting a party or a get together and you want music troughout the room. People won't be actively listening in these occassions and it fills the room nicely. But when you're actually listening to the music you'll notice right away how weird it sounds.
Instantly. The system is mostly used for video, but as my remodel is winding down I’m finding more time to just play music and chill with the kids. Previously the only time I played music was when people came over and volumes were low and it was fine
Not sure what age category the kids are but in potential it's possible that they have their own Denon Home speaker in their room. That would give them some space to toy around with the app, play music etc. without bothering you in the end. But it's good to know that every device in your household can have the app on it and everyone is able to control every device. So let's say one of your kids is like, yo let's turn up the sound in the livingroom, that's entirely possible. So that's something to keep in mind in regards to Heos. But going by my nephew, that kids knew his way around the ipad when he was like 4 or 5. Kids these days that grow up with all this tech seem to master it at a young age.
Oh my, we're getting Audeze in our lineup. Haven't had the chance to listen to them before so pretty hyped to get them in the store soon.
By Linius Go To PostOh my, we're getting Audeze in our lineup. Haven't had the chance to listen to them before so pretty hyped to get them in the store soon.From the LCD range?
My Sennheiser HD 598 just stopped working..
I need a new pair of headphones, don't want to spend more than $250.
I need a new pair of headphones, don't want to spend more than $250.
Don't forget to go into an audio store of some kind and audition as many as you can. Different heads hear the same headphones differently just due to physical dimensions of the head and ears.
And don't discount comfort.
And don't discount comfort.
By Veckrot Go To PostFrom the LCD range?
Yeah the 1, 2 and X. And the IEM's (3) as well.
Oh Audeze announced something new, the Penrose gaming headset. We're going to carry that one as well. I can totally see myself get a new wired headphone and a gaming headset.
Got myself the Powerbeats Pro for half price.
My first true wireless buds. The Bose Sports I had for running would constantly be falling out on long runs when I was getting really sweaty, and the cable would be a real bother. So this hook design is perfect for me.
My first true wireless buds. The Bose Sports I had for running would constantly be falling out on long runs when I was getting really sweaty, and the cable would be a real bother. So this hook design is perfect for me.
By HonestVapes Go To Post*snip*Eh. The only thing it appears to have over traditional interfaces is that Smart Gain feature and a more compact and stylish design. It is very clunky to actually adjust anything, though. Compare this to a similarly priced Behringer UMC204HD:
@Kibner, is this Evo 4 actually decent kit?
The "Phones" knob controls your headphone volume, the "Mix" knob controls the mix between your mic and computer sounds, "Main Out" controls your speaker volume, the "Gain 1" and "Gain 2" knobs control the gain on both XLR inputs, and the various buttons above them are useful depending on what you plug in.
Neither of these units would give the best and most consistent sound since they both rely on USB for power and data, though maybe the USB-C in the Evo 4 can help address that? I would need to see a review by someone on the https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php site to confirm or deny that.
Oh god stop me lads I'm about to dive back into audiophile equipment
Got my finger hovering over buying the Audeze LCD-1 headphones. Looking for a good Amp/DAC too
Got my finger hovering over buying the Audeze LCD-1 headphones. Looking for a good Amp/DAC too
By Perfect Blue Go To PostOh god stop me lads I'm about to dive back into audiophile equipmentFor headphone amp on headphones that don't require absurd amounts of power, you won't do better than the JDS Labs Atom.
Got my finger hovering over buying the Audeze LCD-1 headphones. Looking for a good Amp/DAC too
For DAC, JDS Labs Ol DAC is pretty good as are a bunch of others in the 100 USD range. You can check this forum for review of several units: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?forums/audio-dac-streamers-servers-players-adc-review.8/
I linked it earlier in the thread, but there is some software you can run on your PC that will try to equalize your headphones as much as it can.
By Kibner Go To PostFor headphone amp on headphones that don't require absurd amounts of power, you won't do better than the JDS Labs Atom.You’re a legend, thanks a bunch. I’ll look into it. I have a MacBook Pro only. What can I use for that?
For DAC, JDS Labs Ol DAC is pretty good as are a bunch of others in the 100 USD range. You can check this forum for review of several units: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?forums/audio-dac-streamers-servers-players-adc-review.8/
I linked it earlier in the thread, but there is some software you can run on your PC that will try to equalize your headphones as much as it can.
Regret selling my old turntable setup when I wanted to de-clutter but now that I have the funds I want to get back down the rabbit hole.
Headphones are best demo'd in person as they can feel and sound different from person to person due to ear and head shape and size and whatnot. Personally, I would look into headphones that market themselves as monitoring headphones as they tend to have more of a flat frequency response, which is something my dumb brain prefers.
By Perfect Blue Go To PostYou’re a legend, thanks a bunch. I’ll look into it. I have a MacBook Pro only. What can I use for that?Not in a position to look into it more, ATM, but this link should give you all the info you need: https://github.com/jaakkopasanen/AutoEq
Regret selling my old turntable setup when I wanted to de-clutter but now that I have the funds I want to get back down the rabbit hole.
I had a listen to the LCD-1 in our store the other day. It's a very bright pair of headphones. Really capable of presenting the recording as is. But due to that also a bit boring to me sadly. My P7 for example has a stronger bass which makes it a bit more exciting. Still curious for the more expensive models though. Might have a chance to listen to those when I work in our Amsterdam store again.
Sennheiser HD 660S is on sale here for a price that makes it $30ish cheaper than the Audeze LCD-1. I may jump on that.
By Perfect Blue Go To PostSennheiser HD 660S is on sale here for a price that makes it $30ish cheaper than the Audeze LCD-1. I may jump on that.If you don't like them after the first 10-30 minutes, return them. "Break-in" may or may not be a lie but even if it isn't, it doesn't make a big enough difference to change your opinion on if you like a particular headphone or not.
Hey guys, crossposting from the Home Theater thread.
Looking to replace these PC speakers that I now own more than 12 years and have hooked up to my TV (via headphone jack) https://www.philips.de/c-p/SPA2300_00/-
Looking again for 2.1 speakers that should be active. I don't have any desire for a receiver/amp combo considering I want to plug the speaker set into the headphone jack / or optical input of my TV.
The TV gets audio from the PC, PS4, cable set-top-box and external storage - another remote for the receiver would make my wife go mad.
Thinking about something the size of the Edifier S350 https://www.edifier.com/us/en/speakers/s350db-bookshelf-speakers-subwoofer
Bookshelf speakers that create solid rich sound (don't care about the overall "loudness" since I live in an appartment with thin walls) even on low overall volume.
Any recommendations? The mentioned edifier has apparently pretty short fixed cables so I'm looking for alternatives. Pricing shouldn't be above 400yuros. The TV in use is an E9 and I don't want to place a soundbar in front of it but rather two bookshelf speakers to the sides of it placed on the same tv lowboard.
Looking to replace these PC speakers that I now own more than 12 years and have hooked up to my TV (via headphone jack) https://www.philips.de/c-p/SPA2300_00/-
Looking again for 2.1 speakers that should be active. I don't have any desire for a receiver/amp combo considering I want to plug the speaker set into the headphone jack / or optical input of my TV.
The TV gets audio from the PC, PS4, cable set-top-box and external storage - another remote for the receiver would make my wife go mad.
Thinking about something the size of the Edifier S350 https://www.edifier.com/us/en/speakers/s350db-bookshelf-speakers-subwoofer
Bookshelf speakers that create solid rich sound (don't care about the overall "loudness" since I live in an appartment with thin walls) even on low overall volume.
Any recommendations? The mentioned edifier has apparently pretty short fixed cables so I'm looking for alternatives. Pricing shouldn't be above 400yuros. The TV in use is an E9 and I don't want to place a soundbar in front of it but rather two bookshelf speakers to the sides of it placed on the same tv lowboard.
You're in Germany right? Check out the Argon Forte A5 on our webshop over there (Hi-Fi Klubben). We got them at 349 euros right now because our shops celebrate our 40th anniversary at the moment. Normally they are 459 euros. They have two optical inputs, one analog and one more for a recordplayer. Built in bluetooth receiver. And then a subwoofer output if you desire to hook up a sub. Any kind of active sub would do. We have shops in Koln, Hamburg and Bonn if that's in your area. There's also a 60 day return policy if you want to test them at home.
These are great bang for buck when it comes to active speakers. And I think you wouldn't even need a sub with those. Also comes with a 3 meter speaker cable to connect both speakers by the way.
These are great bang for buck when it comes to active speakers. And I think you wouldn't even need a sub with those. Also comes with a 3 meter speaker cable to connect both speakers by the way.
If you work in sales Linius: good job! Just ordered them. Will probably take a month till they arrive, but I might check them out in one of your stores in Cologne since I'm contemplating getting the argon base10 subwoofer.
Oof, that's a pretty long delivery time sadly. But cool to hear! I'm a sales guy for one of our Dutch stores, but online I'm always on the job it seems. Would love to hear what you think of them when they arrive.
And the Bass 10 can easily be connected trough the subwoofer output on the speakers, for that extra kick. Our German guys can surely help you out demonstrating those products at the store. If they are as good at their job as they are at partying you should be fine. The German crew didn't mess around during the last international meet up we had haha.
And the Bass 10 can easily be connected trough the subwoofer output on the speakers, for that extra kick. Our German guys can surely help you out demonstrating those products at the store. If they are as good at their job as they are at partying you should be fine. The German crew didn't mess around during the last international meet up we had haha.
By Linius Go To PostOur German guys can surely help you out demonstrating those products at the store. If they are as good at their job as they are at partying you should be fine. The German crew didn't mess around during the last international meet up we had haha.Cologne karneval is no joke. Trust me, I once worked for a company from Cologne and the party's they threw - oof. Everybody was drunk already at 2pm.
Offering listenable audio at lower bitrates means headphones can use less power. That’s particularly important for true wireless earbuds, which have to strike a difficult balance between size, weight, battery life, and audio quality. LC3 allows audio to be transmitted at half the bitrate of SBC without suffering a big drop in audio quality, the Bluetooth SIG says. This increase in efficiency means earbuds can be less bulky thanks to using smaller batteries, or can offer better battery life at the same size.https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/23/21452127/bluetooth-sig-low-complexity-communication-codec-lc3-power-efficient-audio-quality
You can listen to audio with the new codec on that page.
From 128 kbps on, it is pretty dang good. The biggest difference for me seems to be how sounds don't seem to resonate or hold for as long/loud as the unencoded version. There are also differences I can hear when the song is very loud or very soft. In a casual setting and not going back and forth between the different encodings, I would be hard-pressed to tell the difference at/above 128 kbps.
Had some developments job wise recently and things turned out positive. I'm actually gonna switch to fulltime in our biggest store in Europe now. A few weeks ago I thought I would be gone there before christmas because there wasn't much perspective for more hours. And with that I think it's time to set a new savings goal gear wise. Will probably take some time since other purchases got priority for me now. But I think I'm gonna slowly save my way towards the NAD M33. That should be end game for my amplifier situation. It comes with the sound I'm already enjoying. Bluesound built-in and a crazy amount of power. And the new Eigentakt module from purifi.
So, one of the channels in the receiver my GF uses for her 5.1 system is fucking up (it seems to max out at a particular volume and changing the speaker balance has reached its limits) and we are looking for a replacement and I need some ideas.
I am trying to keep things at 600 USD or less. The source is a sound card in a PC that has 3.5 mm jack outputs. The subwoofer is powered, but the other five speakers are passive. They are tiny speakers, however, so they don't need much power at all. A way to control volume from a unit in the stack (as opposed to from the PC) is preferred.
She is not as big into audio quality as me, but I do want something that is decent and will last several years.
I am trying to keep things at 600 USD or less. The source is a sound card in a PC that has 3.5 mm jack outputs. The subwoofer is powered, but the other five speakers are passive. They are tiny speakers, however, so they don't need much power at all. A way to control volume from a unit in the stack (as opposed to from the PC) is preferred.
She is not as big into audio quality as me, but I do want something that is decent and will last several years.
Maybe an entry line model from Denon? These are quality machines and should service all her needs given how basic those are. Something like a AVR-X 2700, that one is 620 euros over here. Or even a 1600 should be fine. Or if she wants a bit more compact the Marantz NR line is pretty good too. Current model would be the NR1711. But a second hand NR1609 would do a good job as well.
By Linius Go To PostHad some developments job wise recently and things turned out positive. I'm actually gonna switch to fulltime in our biggest store in Europe now. A few weeks ago I thought I would be gone there before christmas because there wasn't much perspective for more hours. And with that I think it's time to set a new savings goal gear wise. Will probably take some time since other purchases got priority for me now. But I think I'm gonna slowly save my way towards the NAD M33. That should be end game for my amplifier situation. It comes with the sound I'm already enjoying. Bluesound built-in and a crazy amount of power. And the new Eigentakt module from purifi.Congrats m9, you’re moving up in the world.
Patience is a virtue when you’re pursuing your perfect system but you’ll get there eventually. Knowing what you need is probably the most important bit. Most people don't know what they want.
I’ve been saving for the Klipsch AK6 since last year.
That'll be my time machine =)
By Linius Go To PostMaybe an entry line model from Denon? These are quality machines and should service all her needs given how basic those are. Something like a AVR-X 2700, that one is 620 euros over here. Or even a 1600 should be fine. Or if she wants a bit more compact the Marantz NR line is pretty good too. Current model would be the NR1711. But a second hand NR1609 would do a good job as well.Looking at the prices and talking it over with the little lady and it seems like the Denon AVR-S650H will be what we go with. I am going to wait until Black Friday before buying anything, in case I can get something better for the same price or get this even cheaper than the 400 USD it is currently going for.
Thanks Veckrot! Nice vid from Darko again. I actually sold an M33 already and I had the box in my hands today. It’s my last week at my current shop and we don’t even have it on demo yet. Was a bit sad that I couldn’t unpack it to listen it haha. Hopefully my new shop receives their demo unit this week.
These Klipsch speakers look insane by the way. No idea yet where my speaker journey will take me. But it’s gonna be a little more subtle haha. Would love to hear them, since I mainly know the boomy bass heavy home cinema Klipsch speakers.
@Kibner, that one would be good too for these needs. Even comes with heos these days so that’s a nice extra.
These Klipsch speakers look insane by the way. No idea yet where my speaker journey will take me. But it’s gonna be a little more subtle haha. Would love to hear them, since I mainly know the boomy bass heavy home cinema Klipsch speakers.
@Kibner, that one would be good too for these needs. Even comes with heos these days so that’s a nice extra.
Lol okay
I was a skeptic almost as much as anyone over wireless headphones and especially wireless in-ears...
But having been gifted a pair of AirPods Pro (and having used my Sony 1000Xm3s for a while) I gotta say I have no complaints. Does it meet what my wired RHA MA750i via a DAC? Honestly... probably? I haven't tested them back-to-back but even if I did I am not sure I have the auditory skill to tell a difference to make up the amazing convenience to say no to them given the good enough audio quality.
I was a skeptic almost as much as anyone over wireless headphones and especially wireless in-ears...
But having been gifted a pair of AirPods Pro (and having used my Sony 1000Xm3s for a while) I gotta say I have no complaints. Does it meet what my wired RHA MA750i via a DAC? Honestly... probably? I haven't tested them back-to-back but even if I did I am not sure I have the auditory skill to tell a difference to make up the amazing convenience to say no to them given the good enough audio quality.
RHA, nice one. You don’t see that brand often.
And when it comes to true wireless there’s some options out there. My personal preference are the Sennheiser Momentum TW. There’s a version 2 now and they sound and feel amazing. Quality product.
And when it comes to true wireless there’s some options out there. My personal preference are the Sennheiser Momentum TW. There’s a version 2 now and they sound and feel amazing. Quality product.
On another subject, but maybe this is better suited for the guitar thread:
Any recommendations for good IEM? Primary (sole?) purpose is for playing electric guitar.
Any recommendations for good IEM? Primary (sole?) purpose is for playing electric guitar.
By reilo Go To PostOn another subject, but maybe this is better suited for the guitar thread:Does it need to be wireless? These are supposed to be as comfortable as you can get without using custom earpieces and also great sound quality: https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-plus-universal-iems
Any recommendations for good IEM? Primary (sole?) purpose is for playing electric guitar.
Fuck, there was a post I had seen before with a list of short iem reviews. I will need to see if I can find it again.
Nope, in fact it needs to be wired. A long wire and a 3.5mm plug (I can use a converter if need be) since it needs to into my Scarlett 2i2.
EDIT: Looks like I can get 3.5mm TRS cable with that Massdrop version. I don't need a mic channel.
EDIT: Looks like I can get 3.5mm TRS cable with that Massdrop version. I don't need a mic channel.
By reilo Go To PostNope, in fact it needs to be wired. A long wire and a 1/4" plug (I can use a converter if need be) since it needs to into my Scarlett 2i2.Since you are trying to hear how your guitar sounds, you will want ones with a neutral sound. You will also want one that is universal with a bunch of different tips so that you can find the right fit. Finding the right fit can be very difficult, so having as many options to choose from as possible is important.
@Kib, I posted some edits. Those Massdrops definitely fit the criteria.
$280 with the premium copper 3.5mm TRS cables, a little bit higher than the $200 I was looking for, but I understand lol.
Any other recs would be great!
$280 with the premium copper 3.5mm TRS cables, a little bit higher than the $200 I was looking for, but I understand lol.
Any other recs would be great!
This guy seems to analyze the sound signatures of a bunch of IEMs. The prices don't seem to really be kept up to date, but might still be a useful resource: https://crinacle.com/rankings/iems/