The All Purpose Advice Thread

Audio interface stuff, rather than "amps or dacs."

Being genuinely (not just sticking the word "pro" on the old product name) aimed at and designed for studio and music maker use, you will find, like the old-fashioned world of sound cards, input as well as output: ADC as well as DAC.

I have a soft spot for RME, because it is how I first heard hifi out of a computer over ten years ago. Still have the PCI card, but it no longer works properly. What you will find hard to get from RME is anything like that card of mine, that did simple stereo input/output, both analogue and digital. You will find a multitude of connectors, some of which are only really used in the studio world.

I think there is a thread on the ADI-2 Pro. Search --- or I'll post the link if I find it*. If you are in the market for that kind of stuff, you mihjt want to look at Lynx Hilo, Prism, and probably a heap of new stuff since I lost active interest in following these products.

*RME ADI-2 Pro Thread

 

I've noticed they mostly do professional equipment and was wondering how their DAC units sound in a home setup (headphone environment I guess). I've seen the brand at quite a few event places, though, seemed robust. Dang it, I totally forgot there is a google search option for SBAF, I really didn't know there is already a thread on it going. Gonna keep watching that thread then, thanks!

Edit: also, stellar design on that model!

 

WTF, I just connected my amplifier directly to my PC (RCA to 2.5mm) & I turned the volume up to max to test the noise level from my PC & I am now hearing Korean/Chinese dialog from what sounds like either a radio or TV show!

Is my amp or PC picking up radio signals, how can that be possible?

 

So... just out of curiosity... Are there any good portable/transportable cd players with either a great line out or a great headphone out?

 

Very likely.

Any length of wire will act as a radio antenna and it'll have a certain degree of frequency selectivity based on a multiple or fraction of it's length.

All a radio really is, is an arrangement where an antenna (some length of wire) can be tuned to be selective to specific frequencies to a) maximize the signal received at the desired frequency and b) maximize signal rejection at other frequencies. You can do this by varying the effective length of the antenna, or by using a simple discriminator circuit (capacitor and diode). Beyond that you're dealing mostly with amplification.

Feed (or allow) the signal from that wire into an analog audio circuit (e.g. a simple amplifier) and you'll hear what it picked up.

Hell, you don't even need an amplifier ... use a suitably sensitive transducer (e.g. a high-impedance crystal earphone) and a long enough wire, and you can power the entire radio from the energy received by the antenna (you'll need a proper ground to get a potential difference across the circuit).

It's not uncommon ... especially if things aren't shielded (properly).

 

I'm considering getting a Modi Multibit, Vali 2, and Jot for a basic version of @atomicbob's synergistic system rev. 3, and as a hybrid system using the Vali as a pre a la @a44100Hz. I'm wondering if there's an elegant solution for switching between the two modes without having to reconnect.

Mode 1: Modi Multibit > Jot direct
Mode 2: Modi Multibit > Vali 2 > Jot (also for listening directly from the Vali)



Is there a ready-made switch that can handle this? I guess what I'm after is a pre-amp bypass switch.

@atomicbob's Rev. 3 uses the Jot as a pre for the Vali to take advantage of the Jot's better pot, so I guess Mode 3 (Modi Multibit > Jot > Vali 2) would be the mirror of the diagram above (or it could be merged with Mode 1 so that the Jot's pre-out goes to the Vali as in Bob's setup), but that might be asking too much.

I guess one option would be to put the Vali output through an SE-to-balanced transformer and use the Jot's input switch, but I think a Jensen costs almost 2x a Vali 2 and that would be a bit silly.

 

Too late, in the meanwhile I got a QP1R (new, improved scroll wheel) and I'm pretty impressed. Still using ER4s with it, and it's way better than the DX-90, in fact closer than I had expected to my desktop system (Bifrost Multibit>Jotunheim>Ether C Flows).

 

@atomicbob answered my rather simple question. Guess I'll be adding a SYS to that shopping list.

 

Guys whats a good rca that has grounding and shielding in it?

 

do you think this stuff is worth anything? Seems like it could be

https://rochester.craigslist.org/atq/6002171912.html

 

Okay, so I've been mulling over a new setup for HE-6 primarily and other headphones if they work, but I'm not concerned if they don't. I was hoping I could nab that Liquid Crimson but the stars were not aligned in my favor.

I need a new power amp as my Pioneer Spec 2 is on it's way out and servicing it just takes away money from a potentially better amp.

The system in my mind is currently Gungnir Multibit->Freya->First Watt J2. I would have to use Jot for a bit before I pick up the Freya. When I get the Freya I'll make a Gumbreya.

So the question is, am I putting myself into a corner buying a very nice, but low power power amp to use with HE-6 and efficient nearfields sometimes? Should I go for a higher power SET amp for use with the HE-6 like a Stratus or Makoyi? The SET option is quite diverse so there are options there. Should I wait for Vidar and see how it fairs compared to other high power amps? This might be better for more compatibility with future components.

I just don't want to buy something that's just "Okay". I want a truly end game amp for around $3000. It's just hard to find something that can do HE-6 justice and work with other headphones and or speakers.

All advice is welcome and appreciated.

 

Nearfields tend to be compact and not terrible efficient, so unless you have a specific one in mind that fits I'd aim a little higher on power.

If you're into $3k... Benchmark AHB2 and never look back.

 

Speakers can't run from the triangle of

Efficency - Extension
\ /
Size

 

Has anybody bought from Your Final System?

Arw they a reputable dealer?

 

Fripp lost the tapes for everything in between the original pressing and the 2000s CDs after they found the original tapes. Shit happens.

Get the 2x or more CD sets with the original tape dump and Steve Wilson's remix. There are certain, non HD CD pressings of this. Robert Fripp didn't enable the peak limiting on the HDCD pressingsthough but get the normal CD pressings. They should be easy to find. Both the original tape dump and Wilson's remix sound great but different.

Then get Red and crank that as that's a better album overall and Red is awesome and amazing.

This one if you're normal: https://www.discogs.com/King-Crimso...n-Observation-By-King-Crimson/release/2820581

This one if you're an OCD collector and want crap you will never listen to (You could spend this time listening to Red) : https://www.discogs.com/King-Crimso...n-Observation-By-King-Crimson/release/2053798

 

great, thanks. I'll get the first. I'm new to progressive rock but I love it.

 

Ordered. Ill get Red later

 

Can someone recommend a reasonably priced DAP ($300 would be nice, but a bit more money is possible if its worth it) that is a good alternative to the ZX2? I'd like something to go with my CA Orion on the go and at the university. Preferably with >128GB (or if it can accept an SD card thats fine too)

This has probably been asked and answered before, but i couldnt find any solid information. All I found was some posts where someone mentioned the Shanling M1 and someone else saying they got the Sony A17 instead because $1200 is way too much money.