The All Purpose Advice Thread

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

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  1. RobS

    RobS RobS? More like RobDiarrhea.

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    @tomtan considering you stream Spotify, the Modi 3 would be my recommendation and it has SPDIF inputs. You can pocket the other 200 in your budget for an amp upgrade later.
     
  2. Colgin

    Colgin Friend

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    I bought a basic $6 cable on Amazon. May not have been Amazon’s own line but it is doing the trick for now. All I really care about for this purpose is durability. Will see how long it lasts.
     
  3. wormcycle

    wormcycle Friend

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    I have Modi3, DacMagic Plus, and listened to Modi Multibit for more than six months before.
    Modi 3 is the best value IMHO. At the $300 level the choice between Modi Multibit depends on what is your system, and where you are going with it.
    I kept Dac MagicPlus and sold Modi Multibit because:
    a) it has a great synergy with old class A Talisman T3H to drive HD800S, in this setup it was better than Modi Multibit.
    b) it provides XLR out and volume control to LSR305 monitors, with more than adequate SQ

    So from those three I wold pick Modi 3. If the choice is Modi Multibit or Dac Magic I would vote for Dac Magic.

    EDIT: It does not fit your budget but, after some time with Jot, if was was building a budget HP and monitor control setup today, it would be Jot with USB 5 period.
     
    Last edited: Mar 29, 2019
  4. tomtan

    tomtan New

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    Thanks wormcycle, treboR for your answers

    After doing quite a bit of research, I decided to go with a Topping DX7s. I can get it for quite cheap since I'm based in HK and have access to taobao... It has balanced output which I wanted to play with (and will be good with the mrspeakers CX). I'm a bit concerned that the 10 ohm impedance of the DX7s might be a tad high for driving the Fostex.

    For driving lower impedance headphones I can also use my ATH22Tube though.
    One other question I had, where can I find some cheap decent XLR balanced cables for my Fostex TH900 mk2? or at least not too overpriced?
     
  5. lm4der

    lm4der A very good sport - Friend

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    I need help. I'm looking to pick up a new set of cans for something under $1000, and would love some recommendations.

    Just to give a sense of my tastes and current setup - I currently own the he4xx and the hd650, and I like them both. However were I to nitpick, for my tastes the he4xx is a little bright and maybe a little rough in the treble, and I would say the hd650 is a little hampered in its bass quality and treble extension. I'm using a bifrost multibit variously with a jot, valhalla2, and crack w/speedball.

    I owned the Focal Elex for a month, and ultimately decided that it was a little too bright and hard on the ears. This may mean that I'm a warmpoo. Not sure.

    Ananda or lcd-x? Or other? Any thoughts appreciated.
     
  6. wormcycle

    wormcycle Friend

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    Used Hifiman HE500.
     
  7. Elnrik

    Elnrik Super Friendly

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    Used Eikon / Aeolus?
     
  8. lm4der

    lm4der A very good sport - Friend

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    I'm probably going to buy new, from somewhere with a return policy. But I still appreciate the used ideas. I need the ideas for things to research.
     
  9. m17xr2b

    m17xr2b Friend

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    I haven't heard the Jot properly but may I suggest a Senn HD580? You will need to change the grills.
     
  10. gixxerwimp

    gixxerwimp Professional tricycle rider

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    Clear new at "special price" from The Source is a little over your budget, but a bit of front damping takes care of the brightness and turns them into super HD650s for me. The font damping could have done the trick with your Elex too.
     
    Last edited: Mar 30, 2019
  11. waynestractor

    waynestractor New

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    I currently have a Fiio X7ii, running through a Marantz HD-DAC1 to HD6xx's. I am happy with the sound but just ordered the RME ADI-2 as it's the DAC I wanted when I bought the Marantz. I am thinking about upgrading the headphones now, so am looking for some opinions from others that have experience with the RME. Thanks
     
  12. ultrabike

    ultrabike Measurbator - Admin

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    Sell the Marantz. Keep the RME ADI-2 PRO FS and the HD6xx. And also keep the Fiio X7ii as a portable.

    Forget about further upgrading. Enjoy the music, forget the gear. What you have is IMO plenty good.
     
  13. Rthomas

    Rthomas Friend

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    Buy a used HD800 for around $700. EQ it for free with Equalizer APO.

    If you still prefer the HD6XX sell the 800 for pretty much what you paid for it. :)
     
  14. mtbizzle

    mtbizzle New

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    Hi everyone \/ Just made an account as this is clearly where the experts reside!
    I have a Schiit Magni/Modi 2 stack. I am planning to buy a pair of HD6xx's here soon.

    Two quick questions:

    1. It sounds like the consensus best earpads for the HD6xx's are the stock ones -- right?

    2. I've read at least a dozen opinions on this, so I have to ask. With a PC source -> DAC/AMP stack, what is the appropriate way to set the volume (i.e., how to set the PC volume & Amp volume). The most plausible opinions I've heard are (a) set the source PC to max volume & adjust AMP, and (b) keep the source PC volume below the AMP volume to reduce distortion that is amplified.

    Thanks! :punk:
     
  15. waynestractor

    waynestractor New

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    I was thinking about the HD800S, but whatever I buy it will be new. I don't need Equalizer APO as the RME has one built in.
     
  16. waynestractor

    waynestractor New

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    I agree, it is definitely good. I am planning to sell the Marantz as I don't need 2 DAC's. I think the HD6xx's are great phones for their price, but don't fully take advantage of the equipment they are running from.
     
  17. westermac

    westermac Friend

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    The HD-6XX scale pretty well as is, but can be improved if you're not afraid of some simple mods. I'd suggest KISS-modding them and see if you still feel that way.
     
    Last edited: Mar 31, 2019
  18. ultrabike

    ultrabike Measurbator - Admin

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    Technically speaking, the HD6xx offers very low distortion from upper bass to treble. It may not be that low in the bass area, but that is relatively normal on most open back full size headphones. The frequency response is very flat relative to other headphones as well.

    I've heard and measured headphones many times more expensive from HiFiMan, Audeze, Focal, and even Stax. I have not heard one dynamic headphone that would convince me to switch over from an HD6x0 or an HD6xx.

    The only headphones that I find superior are the HE60 and the HE90. The HE1 has potential but I have not heard it and it's ridiculously expensive (retarded-ly so). These are electrostatic headphones that would not work with your current amplification equipment. Perhaps state specifically what you don't like about the HD6xx so a headphone which is stronger in those departments can be suggested.

    After sampling several equipment, I do not think the HD6x0 and HD6xx are "great phones for the price". They are great dynamic phones regardless of price... Unless you want to give up some of it's qualities in the mids and treble for superior bass on some other random headphone.

    So my recommendation stands.

    It is possible however that you want a more forward and aggressive headphone. Or perhaps a headphone with more defined bass. Perhaps even some special effects. If so, maybe if you are more specific you can get a recommendation that better suits your needs. State what you don't like about the HD6xx so that another headphone that may fill such needs can be recommended. Obviously much more expensive headphones exist, so if you are out for exclusivity then state price range you have in mind.
     
    Last edited: Mar 31, 2019
  19. ultrabike

    ultrabike Measurbator - Admin

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    I would stick to the stock ear pads. As far as volume, I max the PC volume and adjust the amp.
     
  20. Rthomas

    Rthomas Friend

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    The RME gives you only 5 bands to EQ. APO will give you more control if you need it.
     
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