The All Purpose Advice Thread

I have the standard Shield TV 2017 with the game controller, which is actually really good. I also have a WD dual drive in an external enclosure with the 120gb SSD section mapped to root storage and the 1tb section filled with music, movies and emulator ROMs. I also often play games remotely with gamestream from my 1080ti PC in my office.

I really like the shield, it's definitely the best streaming box you can get. If I was doing it over again I would get the pro version for the extra IO and built in storage.

 

The only thing different among the first three are what comes bundled with it. The Pro is the only one different with the added hdd and ports. Honestly the only reason to get the Pro is for the IR port so you can use a Logitech Harmony remote to streamline everything. I REALLY wanted it, but wasn't going to pay near double for it over the regular Shield. I stream via apps or my NAS, storage on the device didn't matter (and you can always an HDD via USB). So, personally, I'd go with the very basic and add what you want as you want. Or go for broke now and get the Pro bundle. I don't think doing either of the middle options make as much sense.

 

I use a Harmony hub with my non-pro shield. I think it uses Bluetooth.

 

Ohhhh. Neat, I was thinking only in terms of the old school IR ones. Didn't realize the hub could do bluetooth as well. Then really, I'm not sure why someone would get the Pro unless on a very good deal. NVidia's website doesn't have an easily accessed spec page for the Pro even though it is an option to buy. I wonder if it is being discontinued.

 

Let us know how you like it. I've been eyeballing those for a while. My Nexus Player is old and slow.

 

The Shield TV is crazy overpowered for a streaming box. The Nintendo switch is based on the same main chip. I have literally never had it lag or slow down in the 18 months I've had it. It's also being constantly updated with new features and is basically a "pixel" with how fast it gets new versions of Android TV.

Oh and I forgot to mention before, they recently fixed allot of the issues with mouse acceleration so you can actually use a M&K for gamestreaming FPS etc without an issue.

 

I have put several hours on to a borrowed set of Campfire Orions and I am pleased with alot about them, including the clarity and placement of instruments compared to the budget stuff I am familiar with (Shure 215 and Taotronics noise cancellers). Acoustic, jazz, classical, and simple vocal music all sound closer to how I have been wanting. However, I am apparently more of a basshead than I think, as I keep wanting more, especially with any rock, pop, electronic music. Like someone said before, the bass is heard but not felt. Trying to EQ through my phone even a little bit adds noticable distortion. Playing around with output impedance (from 0.5 to 5.2) didn't really impact the bass.

So is there something with street value around $200 that will give me an Orion, but with more bass? I don't need bass cannons, just a little bit more oomph. I am also sensitive to treble and upper mids energy so nothing too V shaped. I would like it if it worked well directly from my phone (Note 8, probably 4-5ohm) or from a device that is around 1ohm (ES100 or my Centrance Dacport HD). I am currently using some foam tips since that is all I have.

 

@bazelio's First Watt F5 came in today, super black background compared to Schiit Vidar which had an audible noise floor on my He-6 (all components on the same power strip so no ground loops afaik). I'm also able to push the digital volume control to -6db, compared to the max of -16 to -20 db depending on song from Vidar. My question is, should I bother with a Saga preamp at this point? If i'm so close to 0db digital volume I'm thinking I don't lose much from the signal and that I might be able to save myself a nice chunk of change if I forego the Saga.

 

They aren't light on bass, but more on accurate bass. If you like the bass response on the HD600, then you would feel right at home with the Andros. They do take bass boost ok but honestly I never really need to use it. Can't comment on the iPhone 6+.

My Request: I love the Andros + ZX2. Sounds like 85% of my home setup but I can carry it around. If I want to make the home setup similar to the ZX2 sound, I presume get a tube amp?

I like the relaxed highs with the wonderful mids and good bass response that isn't boomy.

 

If you don't need input switching and don't feel the need to mess with the sonic signature (ie: passive is fine) then in your place I would ditch the digital volume and use a fixed output volume in software plus an inline analog attenuator.

 

@beemerphile thanks for the advice, I ordered a Saga off eBay before getting the F5 and realizing just how close I was to max volume, I was considering asking the seller if he would be willing to cancel, but then remembered I had also bought couple RCA vt 231 tubes to roll, I'm in too deep at this point, hopefully the vt 231 can add some lower mid range warmth to my he 6.

 

It probably will. I enjoy the tube mode of the Freya + a speaker amp with my HE-6 phones.

 

Hello All, got two very different questions.

1, Has anybody tried out the Chord m-scaler with the Yggdrasil? I'm curious about picking up a used one for my 2 channel set up.

2. What are some good IEMs for general purpose?
-Up to 2k Budget
-Will primarily use it from my phone
-Want sturdy, decent build quality
I have had two Periodic Audio Mgs go bad on me in around 8 months total
I have also had issues with CA Vega (three returns, no driver/significant damage but the black plastic piece kept ungluing from the from the metal shell. I tried the CA comet and it arrived DOA
(So I'm avoiding these two brands, not saying they're bad at all, I'm just less interested in them due to my experience. All of my other audio gear has lasted fine)
-https://periodicaudio.com/product/mg/ the sound signature of the PA MG is one of my favorite out of things I have tried.
- Something similar with detachable cables could be great!

 

tl;dr: iBasso IT-03 & IT-04 are very good IEMs, offering solid value. 04s with a more linear/detailed/reference sound, while 03s are more fun, V-shaped, with excellent bass extension and good detail retrieval.

Per my recollection, PA MG are fairly neutral/somewhat V-shaped, with OK detail retrieval and good bass extension with some mid-bass hump — short trial over 6 months ago, so ...

I personally feel that iBasso IEMs offer good value. If my recollection of PA MG is at all accurate, you will probably prefer IT-03 over IT-04 as 03 has more V-shaped with more bass impact & extension, although neither has a mid-bass hump.

Both IEMs (but especially 03s) are very sensitive to the right tip/seal in order to get great bass.

 

I'm considering getting a mid to high end closed headphone. Traits that impress me:

* Neutral-ish sound with a fairly flat frequency curve. HD600 HD650 have what I consider near perfect balance.
* Big and open sounding soundstage with nice presentation (Big fan of the HD800 for this reason)
* Tight layered bass (love the HD800 for this reason also, stock there isn't too much but if you dial it up it's very tight and very layered. Also some orthos have been impressive on this point).
* Clear transparent sound which respond well to high-end components up the chain.
* Some of my favorite sounding headphones: modded HD800, HD6X0, LCD-4, HE-500. Just to give you some idea.

From what I've read I don't think I'm interested in the closed HD800, or the closed Audeze. Anyone have any suggestions? TH900 seems nice but maybe too much bass and not enough soundstage? Haven't heard it myself. Mr Speakers Ether C? Mr Speakers Aeon? Something by ZMF? Others?

I'm always looking for value but price is not an issue at this stage. Open for suggestions. Thanks