The All Purpose Advice Thread

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

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  1. Jokko

    Jokko Friend

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    What is the consensus on a good sub 500$ amp for HD800's nowadays?
     
    Last edited: Nov 26, 2018
  2. Baten

    Baten Friend

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    Why not the THX AAA? If you're not specifically looking for a tube amp at least.
     
  3. Jokko

    Jokko Friend

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    Yeah I'm thinking something along the lines of THX AAA and Lyr 3.
     
  4. Taverius

    Taverius Smells like sausages

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    THX too bright for 800s I would think. Even recent Jot maybe.

    Valhalla 2, Lyr 3 or MCTH world be my guesses? I'm sure there's notes on 800 match ups in those amp's threads.

    Edit: I mean for the Lyr and Cavalli, Valhalla is well known as a great match for the 800, if you're ok with its timbre.
     
    Last edited: Nov 26, 2018
  5. zonto

    zonto Friend

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  6. Jokko

    Jokko Friend

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    Yeah of course. Just so many new releases lately, hard to keep up.
    Will have a Valhalla here on Wednesday and take it from there.
     
  7. Biodegraded

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  8. Taverius

    Taverius Smells like sausages

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    Tbf a @Bill-P modded 800 is probably like a skunk-works alien-tech craft that just looks like the Cessna as opposed to the actual Cessnas the rest of chumps make do with but that's rather encouraging.
     
  9. JoshMorr

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    HD800 / THX AAA isnt a bad pairing - THX does have some space and depth, doesnt make the HD800 feel small and congested like many SS amps do. As for too bright - depends on preference. Some people run HD800 stock on a ragnarok, others mod them to remove peaks, ringing etc and are happy. Im in the modded hd800 camp. Have not done much long term listening with THX / HD800 combo, but nothing glaring (nice pun, huh) has jumped out at me. Amp seems to have certain smoothness many SS amps dont normally have.
     
  10. famish99

    famish99 Friend

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    It's warmer than a Hugo 2 but less warm than a Modi 3. These are about the only comparison points I can give off of the same amp.
     
  11. Btdk34

    Btdk34 Facebook Friend

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    Has anyone had experience with the Ether C v1.1 and the Solaris? I’m debating about upgrading to the Solaris for a few reasons. I’d like a more portable solution mainly, and also a more agreeable sound. I find the Ether C to be a little bass light and sometimes closed-in sounding. From what I’ve read in the Solaris thread, it seems the bass is textured and “warm”, and the overall presentation is spacious and layered. I do like the treble in the Ether C for the most part (with one black pad). It sounds like the Solaris would be right up my alley. I don’t have a way to audition these, though, so I was hoping to get some comparisons/thoughts if possible. Thanks!
     
  12. JustAnotherRando

    JustAnotherRando My other bike is a Ferrari

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    I'd like to do a simple DAC comparison to figure out if I can discern differences. Would this work?

    RPi -> coax splitter -> [ DAC1 / DAC2] -> Schiit SYS -> amp.

    I can't see any reason it wouldn't, but figure to check first. My current DAC is a Modi Multibit, figure I'll try something like the much-maligned D30.
     
    Last edited: Nov 28, 2018
  13. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    I was actually just researching this exact thing because I want to A/B DACs. Basically you shouldn't do it for digital cables because impedance mismatch due to another cable would cause signal reflection and introduce distortion. Not an issue for low frequency analog, but for high frequency digital you run into this problem.

    So it's either using USB on all DACs I want to A/B, or using something like a miniDSP nanoDIGI to distribute an SPDIF signal to multiple DACs

    Actually an RCA switch for the coax would probably be fine too
     
  14. Olias of Sunhillow

    Olias of Sunhillow New

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    Any recommendations for a not-crazy-expensive replacement cable for the HD800S? I've been using the stock cable and it's been fine, but one of the connectors has failed and I figure it's time to replace it.

    I really like the aesthetics of the stock cable and prefer the "soft" style over Dragons and such. Max budget is around $500, though I'd sure like to spend less than that if possible. The Forza Noir Hybrid is top choice right now and probably as expensive as I'd want to go.

    Will be looking at 10 ft. with 4-pin XLR connector. System is Rega RP6 or Gungnir MB > Rogue RH-5 > Senns. Music taste is everything that doesn't suck (though my wife might argue with that description).

    Thanks!

    Olias
     
  15. Ice-man

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    I'll go out on a limb and say that you'd be better off with a Norne cable. The Draug series can often be found used on HF, otherwise you'll have to wait 4-6 weeks, but worth it IMO. The build quality and craftsmanship from Trevor at Norne is the best that I've seen. And they sound pretty good also. :D
     
  16. Olias of Sunhillow

    Olias of Sunhillow New

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    Thanks for the recommendation! I've browsed the Norne site in the past but found the sheer number of options overwhelming.

    Looks like the Draug 2 is the standard item there. Any insight into that cable vs. the Zoetic, especially in terms of ergonomics, cable feel and microphonics?
     
  17. Ice-man

    Ice-man Friend

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    Just send an email to Trevor and let him know what you're looking for. Tell him I sent you and he should offer you a big discount! haha...
     
  18. ColtMrFire

    ColtMrFire Writes better fan fics than you

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    I'm also in the 800 replacement cable boat. The stock sounds fine but I'm curious about other options. Thanks for the advice.
     
  19. ergopower

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    Just received my Cyber Monday splurge, a basic Acer Aspire i5 desktop. This will be my office rig. Mobo is B360. Couple reviews on Newegg have mentioned mediocre sound, but that might be from a gaming POV. I was going to just use USB through an EITR to my Modi Multibit. Is it worth my while to add a sound card? If there are real gains to be had, what would you recommend that was PCIe x1? Looking at cards in the $50 + range, I see some that have TOSLINK out, but none with SPDIF coax.

    I also plan to upgrade the speaker side of my setup. Maybe just use the analog outputs of the soundcard to a stereo amp and subwoofer. Some soundcards have a subwoofer output, can you set the crossover for both sub and R & L?
     
  20. crazychile

    crazychile Eastern Iowa's Spiciest Pepper

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    I bought a cable for my HD-650s from Periapt Cables about a year ago and like them a lot. I cant say that the sound was vastly improved over stock, but they're well made and really cheap. Here is the link for their HD-800 replacement:

    https://periaptcables.com/products/12-type-12-dual-hd800

    They're also really easy to work with. You can email them with special requests if necessary and they try to accommodate. I had them make me a balanced to 1/4 pigtail in addition to my balanced cable for a very small upcharge.
     
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