The All Purpose Advice Thread

@atomicbob sometimes uses this Breeze Audio DU-U8 Digital to Digital converter.

System Synergy - Special Sound
https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/system-synergy-special-sound.54/

DDC warm up time technical measurements
https://www.superbestaudiofriends.o...ddc-warm-up-time-technical-measurements.4178/

aliexpress

ebay

Those with the blue transformer cover are supposed to be an upgrade over the ones with a green transformer cover according to the manufacturer. I saw their description of the differences before, but I am not finding it at the moment.

 

@Ice-man you can't add a PCI card can you? If so, you might be able to find a used Lynx PCI card in your price range. If you don't have full control over what goes into the computer, then the Breeze DU-U8 @Dino isn't a bad starting point.

 

How would that compare to something really cheap like a Behringer UCA 202? I use that with my Laptop to get Spidf out into my NFB10ES2, I'm sure the device isn't the most technically advance, but it's damn handy. Has both DaC and Digitial to Digital Output options, I also found out I can use the UCA 202 with cellular devices, from cheap Samsung to LG V20 to Galaxy 8 and iPhone, is there a product that runs purely on USB Power that'll work with as many devices as the UCA 202 does, what might be another good upgrade to that, something super portable with a variety of both Digital and analogue outputs running just on USB power?

 

None at the same price point that I can think of except for the Turtle Beach Audio Advantage Micro II (which is long discontinued). Moving a step up with similar form factor... maybe the ESI Dr Dac Nano?

 

We are changing the layout of the room later this summer and I'll see if I can squeeze a second PB-1000 in there somewhere once the upgradeitis hits again

As for the Anthem AVR and ARC, I don't want to go any further off topic but I have to say that I am thrilled with my purchase. Getting it up and running was a piece of cake and it sounds wonderful. The "quick measure" function is spectacular! I'm still running my antimode but I'll mess around with the quick measure in ARC and the bypass on the antimode to see what the measurements look like.

 

I've surprisingly been enjoying the ZDS -> HE-500 combo, but now I'm curious what improvements might be had from moar power. Any recommendations for a good amp that can drive a medium efficiency planar? I've been thinking about Decware Taboo, a 2nd hand Cavalli Liquid Crimson, or a Mjolnir 2, but figured I'd see if anybody else has recommendations.

 

Have experience with various levels of equipment, few synergistic matches. Looking for direction as much as product recommendations. Starting fresh.
Music: ambient/experimental electronica, modern classical, occasional black metal album. Post-millenium.
Focusing on sub-bass extension & image separation. Soundstage size.Full system budget is 4.5K max.

Past couple years I've been exclusively listening to a NOS DAC, SEP Tubes, Widebander speakers. Liked the tactile/dynamic/speed factor however my musical tastes have evolved and its no longer as important. I'm killing to get back to a system with good frequency extension. Redecorating has pushed a dedicated speaker rig out of the equation. I'd like to have that tactile factor but willing to let it go for freq extension & staging. Likely returning to ΔΣ as R2R's flaws shine brightest on computer generated music.

The K812 a decent pick now that its sub $800? Planars? I disliked the HE-6. Treble was 'hard.' Resonant? Similar to my Beyer T70. I can tolerate Ultrasone treble, not so for bass bumps. Strong dislike for thickened midbass. I can't rationalize a used Abyss/Utopia which seem along the lines of what I'm looking for, in that price grade I'd want something that meets all my criteria. The MySphere 3.1 has my interest but I likely can't afford it new.

 

Hi guys! I'm wondering if someone can help me with a little insight in my choice of headphones. Here's what I like: soundstage, bass and smooth treble. I'm allergic to sharp treble. My findings so far:

AKG K612: Murder my ears with treble (5-7 kHz=sharp pain), deep bass, but not punchy enough. Awesome staging though and solid midrange!
Fidelio X2: Nice bass (less extended than K612, but thicker), great soundstage, but still, low-treble peak killed them for me. Plus the mids were 'okay'.
HD650: Smooth! Intimate! Detailed! Great for relaxed listening; but not enough bass and staging was too narrow for me.
M1060 (currently using these): Great bass and extension, great soundstage, buuuuuttt a weid upper-mid spike, even with mods (BrainWavz round velour+paper towel). I just feel like something is off.

My setup: S/PDIF -> Schiit Modi Multibit -> Schiit Vali 2 w. Philips JAN 6922 Balanced tube (not planning on changing anytime soon).

My question: what headphone would you consider an upgrade from M1060, with punchy/thick bass, big soundstage and no treble sharpness? Currently I'm thinking of the ZMF Atticus/Ori (but worry about staging, I really like open sound) and Focal Elear. The latter seems to match my tastes? Any input from you guys would be appreciated
Budget: 1000 dollar/euro.

 

@DaftBunny I would steer clear of the Elear as mids are sucked out and there is a 10kHz peak. Hifi sounding but not what you're describing. TH-X00 would fit the bill with the Massdrop Dekoni Sheepskin Pads but stock pads I find them too boxy/boomy sounding with the bass (it's due to the sewn in attenuation rings) and there is also a little 10kHz treble peak. With the Massdrop Dekoni sheepskin pads and some minimal back cup damping (acoustic fiber and foam from Hifiman HE-6) they sound AMAZING and I pretty much just listen to them over HE-6, HD650 and M1060.

If you can't get the pads and want a headphone stock that sounds great you might be looking at the Atticus/Ori. I'll let others chime in on those headphones.

 

@DaftBunny if you wait a couple days I'll have the ZMF Atticus in hand to compare with the M1060 and HD650. I'll check out the staging for you. In the meantime, see if you agree with my impressions of the 1060 vs 650 (link), because if you do, it's more likely you'll agree with me on how the Atticus compares.

Never heard the modded TH-X00 that cskippy mentions so can't comment on those.

 

Thanks @cskippy and @a44100Hz for the quick and helpful replies! I'm not in a rush to buy anything (still saving up as a matter of fact). I'll definitely wait for your view on the Atticus @a44100Hz. I agreed with all points on your M1060 vs HD650 comparison, apart from the M1060 being less detailed in the bass. But I think you nailed describing their different feel

@cskippy ; Would you say the soundstage on the TH-X00 is comparable to the X2/M1060?

 

The soundstage isn't as wide or tall on the TH-X00 but it has better depth and you sit a little further away from the music. I prefer this as it's closer to listening to speakers which is what I'm used to. Others might prefer the expanded soundstage of the M1060 which feels more left center right in comparison.

 

Need advice for a good quality a headphones with elevated treble, natural mids and bass. I am starting to have problems hearing anything above 12kH and looking for some kind of "prosthetic" audio device that would the least affect natural sound reproduction.

 

You might enjoy a stock HD800 or DT880 depending on your budget. What headphones are you using now that you find dark or lacking in the upper treble?

 

Rather than something with elevated treble, just get something with good flat response and break the seal of the pad to drop the bass.

 

Actually all my headphones sound about right: HD800S, HE500, T5p 2 Gen highs are slightly elevated so I am fine with those for now. I was thinking that in the future open back with a lot of treble may enhance my listening experience.

 

Just a counter point, but high frequencies damage your hearing far worse than lows and mids, so trying to regain that sparkle your just hitting them that much harder with the harsh frequencies, which, in turn will just exacerbate the initial problem and turn into a viscous cycle.

I've stopped listening to bright or even neutral headphones and now prefer TH-X00 modded over HD650 and especially HE-6. Another benefit to the TH-X00 is the closed design as it provides some noise attenuation so I can listen at a quieter volume and still hear everything in the music.

 

@wormcycle I agree with @cskippy . The hair cells in the cochlea of the ear that are sensitive to high frequencies are first in line when sound waves arrive. That's why they get damaged first as we age, and cause high frequency hearing loss. Starts in gradually at about 20 years old. Increasing the intensity of high frequencies probably would just increase the rate of loss. Just my 2 cents. Unfortunately once damaged they don't repair themselves.

 

That was unexpected but thanks a lot for your responses. That's why this thread exists: to save some people from themselves

 

That's kind of what I feared. I put my Fidelio X2 and M1060 up to my Sony MDR-1A's and really miss the soundstage on the 1A's, even though they actually have some decent width for closed cans. I think I'd rather trade some bass for more width in staging. I think I'll stick to the 1A's for bass for now and focus on some more neutral open cans with smooth upper-mids and treble for now. Although that kind of brings me back to the HD650 My 'dream headphone' may just be out of budget or even inexistent.