The All Purpose Advice Thread

Thanks for the input (no pun intended!). I assumed optical would be better than any USB implementation but I guess that's not necessarily true. I'm really just looking at tinkering for the sake of tinkering. I'm just doing so now because I could have Schiit add the Wyrd to my upgrade order and save on shipping

 

Since I just bought BigFerret's HD-650, I'm done getting audio gear until next winter or probably later. However, I'm still interested in tube amps, and I was hoping the one Marv was talking about in the Modi/ODac thread was gonna be a fun little tube dude since he said something like 'entry-level' and the Copperhead doesn't give me the impression of entry level. If anything else is pretty damn good, I'd love to know about it so I can start researching now.
Budget is $1K +/- $200 or so, but cheaper ones that kick balls would be cool as well.

Also, should I start getting Zappa, or finish off the King Crimson collection?

 

Could you talk a bit about the differences? I'm gonna guess going Gungnir Multibit gets generally good gains?

And what I really meant to say before I got stuck on alliteration; What are differences between straight usb and the Regen?

 

Also, XLR to 1/4 adapter is okay, but 1/4 to XLR is bad and causes un-coolness?

 

I've got a 2012 Mac Pro at work feeding a Gungnir Multibit (well, once my Liquid Carbon arrives) and I have the option of using the Mac's optical out into Gungnir Multibit via Toslink without any additional gear; or the standard USB. Will there be a difference? Which connection would you all recommend?

 

I'm using the USB, since I already had a cable. I'm not sure what the difference is, since I don't have an optical cable that works with the mac (I've got the same one as you) so I couldn't say if there are any improvements.
USB sounds better than good to me.

 

Thanks @zerodeefex and @BioniclePhile. USB it is. The optical cable is going back in the storage box. Last time I used it was to record music on my Sony MiniDisc player. Lol.

 

Hello I was wondering if someone can help me decide on a ~$2k tube amp.

I was wondering if EC ZDS or DNA stratus will be better a match for HD 800?

I recently sold an unmodded HD 800 because it was too clinical sounding.. Recently ordered HD 800 S and will be pairing with a tube amp because I liked everything about it except the clinical sound. At the time I was using a crappy amp, so in retrospect I have not given it a fair try..

 

Moving this here as there is no feedback in the HD600 thread...

 

Does anyone have experience with Tisbury's Challenger amp?

Looking for an amp to go with Omni.

 

I have a problem with my K400, i hear slight rattle in bass area on one side, but it's so slight, that it's not noticable in regular listening, only if you isolate kick or sub bass. It also hapens with isolated voice, it's like hair is stuck in the driver, but when I remove the pad, I can't find anything. Is it maybe dust, or something else?

 

Also in my own personal experience with my Bifrost Uber (not Multi-bit), Optical is limited to 24/96kHz whereas USB with the Bifrost Uber gives me 32/192kHz. (at least in my own experience, if TOSLINK can perform better than that then I am unaware, just referring to my own personal experience.

I have read that:

• 96 kHz 2 channel audio can be done using Toslink.

• 24 bit / 96 kHz 2 channel audio is indeed the maximum the Toslink standard allows for.

• Modern hardware often beforms better than the standard.

• 24 bit /176 might work.

Remember, that is my own experience, Toslink may perform higher sample rates and bitrates, just not in my case with the Bifrost Uber (not Multi-bit)

 

Anyone with any experience with the Lavry DA11? Specifically the headphone output?

 

I just read about the Schiit Fulla. I am thinking of replacing or adding a DAC with line-out. I use the Pico DAC for the Logitech speakers from the PC and I would like something with the same form factor (takes little space!).

Two questions:

1. Would you and could you recommend the Fulla for casual listening to FLACs from a Windows PC? Critical listening is not a priority for me.
2. If I were to consider the Fulla as a future source for a basic headphone system with an HD650 and amplifier, would it be good enough?

If "yes" + "yes" then the Fulla is worthy of a gamble for me.

 

Vintage open AKG + sub-bass = unhappy vintage AKG driver.

Unless Sextett closed or semi-closed variant with bass drivers and special dampening and ear pads. Go AKG K240 Monitor or K240 DF.

Thing is, you have an HD250 II Linear, you are done. You can keep the K400 for music with a lot of mid-range and details.

 

Well, good to know they behave like that. Thank you!

 

Hello, do you think the Torpedo III is a totally better amp than Valhalla 2? I am in the middle of this problem for a whole week...