The All Purpose Advice Thread

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

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  1. a44100Hz

    a44100Hz Friend

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    Can’t answer your specific questions other than to say a preamp should work with any source as far as I’m aware? Not sure if that’s what you were asking.

    Read this thread to get an idea of where the Yggdrasil stands in comparison to other top of the line DACs: http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/life-after-yggdrasil-watering-the-ash.4036/
     
  2. Lheop

    Lheop New

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    Thanks for you reply, I'll read that thread.

    I can't find any comparison of my Rotel dac. Don't know where it stands with any of those dacs.
     
  3. Metro

    Metro Friend

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    I use HD 650 and listen primarily to classical. You can apply EQ for neutral response. I am using Sonarworks True-Fi: https://www.sonarworks.com/truefi. The amp does make a difference. Schiit Jotunheim is a good pairing with the HD 650, and use a balanced cable for further improvement.
     
  4. Torq

    Torq MOT: Headphone.com

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    Assuming the RC-1570 is using the WM8740 variant of the Wolfson DACs, which is the 2nd best sounding Wolfson DAC chip I've come across, then the very BEST implementation I've heard of the was in the Linn Akurate DS/0 (actually a WM8741 I think, which is better still).

    Yggdrasil easily outperforms that Linn unit and, by extension, the Rotel.

    In terms of signature the closest DAC in Schiit's line up to the WM8740 is going to be the current D/S version of the Bifrost (sometimes called the "Bifrost 4490", but that's the standard configuration today). And I would expect that the Bifrost, as a standalone DAC, would also outperform the Rotel (since the Rotel a) carries a dealer/distributor margin and b) is a multi-function product).

    If you want to read about the signature of the various Bifrost versions, go here.

    Now, whether an Yggdrasil is a sensible upgrade from your RC-1570 depends a great deal on what said Yggdrasil is feeding in terms of pre-amp (presumably the Hotel), power-amp and speakers (or whatever headphone amp/cans you're using). It's definitely going to offer a different signature (the WM8740 is known for a bit of low-end warmth ... true of a Bifrost 4490 too, but not of Yggdrasil).
     
  5. zephyrstar

    zephyrstar New

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    Would a Valhalla 2 be ok with a pair of Focal Clear headphones? I understand they require a low impedence amp. Is the Valhalla 2 set on low gain a good match?
     
  6. Lheop

    Lheop New

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    Hello Torq. Thank you for your long reply, ill read that thread.

    That was the advice I was looking for.
     
  7. Ice-man

    Ice-man Friend

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    Looking for somewhere to buy short (4" or so) coax cable for stacking Modi Multibit and EITR.
     
  8. Jerry

    Jerry Friend

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    Nowadays I just ask someone to make all my RCA and coax cables. USD10 for a 1m 75ohm SPDIF digital coax cable here locally. A lot cheaper.
     
  9. captkirk

    captkirk Khan's BFF

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    I bought one from Blue Jeans. Their site lists 12" minimums, but during checkout, you can specify smaller in a "comments" section. I requested 6" between the terminations and it worked perfect, especially if you buy the more flexy version of their cable.

    Edit: The more flexible version is the "Belden 1505F".
     
  10. Ice-man

    Ice-man Friend

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    @captkirk ...that's just what I was looking for, thanks!
     
  11. Taverius

    Taverius Smells like sausages

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    Or you could just use a PYST ...
     
  12. LetMeBeFrank

    LetMeBeFrank Won't tell anyone my name is actually Francis

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    The Blue Jeans coax made with belden 1505f is slightly more flexible than the Pyst RCAs, and it has the better (in my opinion) Canare connectors. Its also 75 Ohm all the way through if you care about that sort of thing.
     
  13. aamefford

    aamefford Nothing like chamberpot coffee

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    KIDS AND SPOUSE HEADPHONES - I know, I’m digging in the past here. Some good suggestions at the point of the OP, mostly AT M50’s. Anything else come To mind? Similar requirements - comfort, durability, half decent sound, limited volume a plus, but not necessary. Not fugly would help. Thanks all.
     
  14. crazychile

    crazychile Eastern Iowa's Spiciest Pepper

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    I like your quote from @dubiousmike and think that headband mounted KSC-75s are perfect. Not from their durability because they clearly aren't durable, but they are disposable at their price and sound really good for so little.

    I still have an old pair of ATH-M50s and they are indeed durable. But durability only goes so far with any product. My kids each bought their own ATH-M50s and at nearly a year the headbands broke because of being stepped or sat on. Extreme carelessness trumps even above average durability, so I favor cheap and disposable until kids can learn to be careful and semi-responsible.
     
  15. SPAZ

    SPAZ New

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    Greetings all! I really want to purchase a matched pair of WE296A tubes for the Mjolnir2 amp and I see a lot of options on ebay but I am a little hesitant to go with any seller on ebay. Does anyone know of any reputable stores/selling selling a pair at a decent price? Thanks
     
  16. mark47

    mark47 New

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    please help

    I have Schiit Ragnarok Amp
    Pioneer u05s headphone Amp / DAC
    Denon D2000

    The pioneer has 0.3 W in balanced output for headphone
    I do not understand a thing, the power of my Schiit has more power than Pioneer, but at the same volume perceived by the ears, the volume knobs are also on the same level.
    Ragnarok is setting in High Gain
    Pioneer and the schiit are connected through a rca cable.

    I don't understand

    Thank you
    regards
     
  17. cwall64

    cwall64 New

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    Currently I have my old A/V receiver (Yamaha RX-Z1 flagship from early 2000s) sitting right next to my office desk. I currently have a older Mac Pro hooked up to it through a toslink cable and using it as my headphone amp with Sennheiser HD 600 and HD 650 headphones. Listening to Apple Lossless files or Tidal HiFi/Master subscription. Is that going to be as good as any less that $500 amp/DAC combo unit?
     
  18. Case

    Case Anxious Head (Formerly Wilson)

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    @cwall64 , I can't speak on the Yamaha, but what kind of music you listen to and your sonic preferences will give the folks here some more info to work with.
     
  19. cwall64

    cwall64 New

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    I guess I missed a big part of the information! Mostly older stuff, large country collection form the 70s and 80s, same with old classic rock (Eagles, Eric Clapton, Pink Floyd, Rush, etc) and some Marcus Miller type jazz.

    I did just order a Schiit Jotunheim with the balanced DAC, to test out and see if I can tell a difference with my old ears...
     
  20. Case

    Case Anxious Head (Formerly Wilson)

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    Sounds like a good choice, the Jot should give you some authority on the low end. You may want to KISS mod the HD650.
     
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