The All Purpose Advice Thread

Discussion in 'Advice Threads' started by purr1n, Sep 26, 2015.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. gixxerwimp

    gixxerwimp Professional tricycle rider

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2015
    Likes Received:
    5,773
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    small island claimed by China
    Sorry, just catching up.

    I'm using the AudioQuest splitters out of Modi Multibit into MCTH and Magni 3 with no noticeable reduction in signal level or sound quality. I still have to turn both way down using SYS, which is between Modi Multibit and the amps.
     
  2. Kattefjaes

    Kattefjaes Mostly Harmless

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2016
    Likes Received:
    4,521
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    London, UK
    Informed opinions sought!

    I'm considering improving my office audio a bit, and was looking at some options for closed cans. They'd likely be driven from a Vali 2 or Lyr 3, so nothing fancy.

    Right now, I am considering two options:

    Senn HD-569 - these are affordable closed-backed cans (~£130). They're not too expensive to leave lying about in an office, and obviously spares will be readily available. @Tyll Hertsens quite liked them for the price, his was the most comprehensive well-informed review I've found. They're cheap headphones, but at least they will be consistent and well-made.

    Mr Speakers Aeon Closed - these are much pricer closed planars (~£800). Care would have to be taken to put them away, lest they grow legs. Again, reviews are good. My reservations are that Mr Speakers seems to have a bit of a harsh fanboy/cult following, so it's hard to get honest appraisals of the gear, outwith the hype train. People loved the Ether C, which sounded like ass, so I am cautious. I haven't really liked Ethers or Ether Cs that I've heard, and am suspicious of the constant revisions, so would love to hear a bit more about how they are now.

    Previously, the game plan was to use Oppo PM-3, priced between the two. However, it looks like the black ones are pretty much all gone now, and obviously spares will be impossible to source in future. A shame, they were a shoo-in at the price.

    So, thoughts on the choice between the two?
     
  3. Taverius

    Taverius Smells like sausages

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Dec 27, 2017
    Likes Received:
    3,026
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Rapallo, Italy
    AFC with Vali should be nice synergy wise as they have slightly more troublesome treble than AFO, I'm not sure Vali is has enough power though, as the driver is pretty low sensitivity ...

    That's also true for all the other options that come to mind, like ZMF Ori/Blackwood or Starving Student Slants, they all like juice.

    ... why are 80% of these options either t50 mods or supposed to sound like one? o_O
     
  4. maverickronin

    maverickronin Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2018
    Likes Received:
    313
    Trophy Points:
    63
    Location:
    Midwest, USA
    The HD569 are very smooth and mostly inoffensive with very few sins of commission. There's some "bloom" in the bass that can bleed over into the mids depending on the track and it has a more obvious "closed" sound than some other closed 'phones. It's not the most technically proficient, but you could probably listen to it all day without any fatigue. It's kind of a closed, baby, HD650. "Below" the HD700, Senn's HD series have a pretty consistent house sound so you'll know what you're getting into.

    The AFC is super comfy, and overall has much better technicalities. It barely sounds closed at all. It does have some rough spots in the treble that bothered me with a couple of my test tracks. It didn't have any problems running from portable rig so a Vali 2 should be plenty of power.
     
  5. elguapo

    elguapo Gringos falling from the skys

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2017
    Likes Received:
    222
    Trophy Points:
    63
    Location:
    Virginia
    I'm curious why you're not considering the ZMF options. They seem very highly regarded around here.
     
  6. Taverius

    Taverius Smells like sausages

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Dec 27, 2017
    Likes Received:
    3,026
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Rapallo, Italy
    Probably because nice woodwork is even more likely to walk away in a shared environment.
     
  7. mitch02

    mitch02 New

    Joined:
    Mar 19, 2018
    Likes Received:
    6
    Trophy Points:
    3
    Location:
    Singapore / Manila
    I'm looking to get started in vinyl, and am currently considering a Pro-ject Debut Carbon (it's cheap second hand) and a Rega P1 (it's cheap bnew everywhere). Will be pairing it to a Jono, HD650, and whatever decent cart I can get my hands on. Anyone got experience with both, or has a ringing endorsement for something else in the price range a new P1? I can probably stretch my budget and go for a used P3, but lower is better. Cheap is good.
     
  8. Kattefjaes

    Kattefjaes Mostly Harmless

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2016
    Likes Received:
    4,521
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    London, UK
    Plus they weigh a ton. I had some Eikons in the office for a couple of days, and there's no way they're suitable for all-day use, too big/heavy/hot.
     
  9. Elnrik

    Elnrik Super Friendly

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2017
    Likes Received:
    8,973
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Denver CO
    Home Page:
    I use a pair of Eikons 6+ hours a day, 5 days a week at work. I use a pair at home too.

    May I suggest neck exercises? hehe.
     
  10. Taverius

    Taverius Smells like sausages

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Dec 27, 2017
    Likes Received:
    3,026
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Rapallo, Italy
    Manly Necks for Manly Headphones!

    I think mine got trained by welding helmets and workshop ear protectors, which are often like large headphones made of concrete if you're using "the ones I bought 30 years ago" vintage ones.
     
  11. Kattefjaes

    Kattefjaes Mostly Harmless

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2016
    Likes Received:
    4,521
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    London, UK
    Nah, neck isn't the problem, it's probably big head disease. The Eikons press on the cheeks weirdly, my cheekbones ache after a while- that.. weird bit in front of your ears where it's nearly cheekbones. I am sure it has a name. The ergonomics are all wrong for extended wear, about three hours and I'm glad of a break, to let the skin on my face and ears breathe too.

    Plus, Eikons are just too stupid-looking for an open-plan office. Don't want stray AES members pointing and laughing ;)

    (Plus, if I was balking at leaving £800 cans lying around, asking why I hadn't considered a £1400 pair pretty much answers itself, whoever asked that. HD820 is right out too.)
     
    Last edited: Apr 11, 2018
  12. Elnrik

    Elnrik Super Friendly

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2017
    Likes Received:
    8,973
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Denver CO
    Home Page:
    The last coworker who mocked me for wearing my lovely Eikons is currently in jail for having illegal porn on their work computer and plotting terrorist acts against farm animals.

    I'm not saying "Don't f**k with the IT guy"... but don't f**k with the IT guy.
     
  13. Kattefjaes

    Kattefjaes Mostly Harmless

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2016
    Likes Received:
    4,521
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    London, UK
    Also, I never felt like the Eikons sounded like anything near £1400 of good, the sound just wasn't compelling enough. I get that they're short run/partially handmade and the materials are expensive, but call me eccentric if you will, I generally expect slightly nicer sound for that much.

    I like them as an object, and I don't hate the sound completely (other than the boxiness it has), but frankly, would be expecting more aural bliss for that much currency. I mean, that'd cover a pair of Andros and some superglue to keep them in my ears.

    Incidentally, the guy who gave me an ironic eyebrow over the Eikons last time needs to remain, as I like to borrow his (also daft-looking) Stax rig periodically, plus he has a first-rate collection of pricey broadcast-grade audio kit that comes in very handy . We can't have him "taken out", OK? Behave!
     
  14. Elnrik

    Elnrik Super Friendly

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2017
    Likes Received:
    8,973
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Denver CO
    Home Page:
    You just suck the joy out of everything. :p

    I understand that the Eikons aren't good for everyone though. =) I can't stand the treble on 75% of all the headphones I've heard, but the Eikons hit the perfect personal preference on FR.
     
  15. aamefford

    aamefford Nothing like chamberpot coffee

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2015
    Likes Received:
    1,092
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Between SF and Sac
    If you thought the Ether C sounded like ass, skip the Aeons. I use the Ether C, and I actually like them. The Aeons are way too similar to the Ether C. A tiny bit warmer and a tiny bit more euphonic, but a bit looser (and “fuller”) in the bass. Smallish differences, and not enough difference from the Ether C. You’d think they sounded like cute ass probably.
     
  16. TomHP

    TomHP Facebook Friend

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2016
    Likes Received:
    153
    Trophy Points:
    43
    Location:
    Taiwan
    Thanks for the input as well. I'm keeping my eye out for reviews/opinions on the DACMagic.... and second hand Modi MB :)
     
  17. gixxerwimp

    gixxerwimp Professional tricycle rider

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2015
    Likes Received:
    5,773
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    small island claimed by China
    I had the same problem with my Blackwoods when I had them, and I don't have a big head. Maybe it's a ZMF thing for certain people.
     
  18. ksat90

    ksat90 Acquaintance

    Contributor
    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2016
    Likes Received:
    79
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Location:
    Munich, Germany
    I have the Etymotic ER4XR but am itching for an upgrade/sidegrade.
    My typical listening gear is the HD650 and JBL LSR305s, which I appreciate very much their balance, smoothness, and resolution.
    The ER4XR is the best IEMs I've had so far, but in comparison to my other gear, they don't resolve all that well, are a bit too forward (DF tuning too strong maybe), and are a bit slow especially in the bass section.
    The Campfire Audio Orions seem to also be another contender for a very well-rounded and natural sounding single BA IEM. Anyone has heard both the Etymotics and Orions to offer a comparison?
    Any other suggestions are welcome too, budget is up to $500.

    P.S. I've read a lot of recommendations for the Andros, but they're twice my budget :O is it worth the jump?
     
  19. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

    Staff Member Pyrate BWC
    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2015
    Likes Received:
    89,778
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Padre Island CC TX
    I don't think you will get a jump in resolution going to the Orions or any at all. And in any event, the Orions will have a slightly different freqency response - more lower-mid-centric as opposed to ER4XR which I would consider more neutral (but with slight 2-3kHz emphasis). The problem with IEMs, even the Andromeda, is that they don't quite reproduce all the low level information like dynamic transducers on headphones and speakers.
     
  20. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

    Staff Member Pyrate BWC
    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2015
    Likes Received:
    89,778
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Padre Island CC TX
    Hard to say as each DIY build may be a bit different depending upon parts selection, power supply, etc.
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.

Share This Page