The All Purpose Advice Thread

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

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  1. Armaegis

    Armaegis Friend

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    @Luckbad

    I have the Babyface Pro FS, and I used to have the ADI-2.

    My choice interface for sound is still the Prism Lyra. In fact, the Babyface is currently serving as a usb/spdif bridge into the Lyra because the RME drivers are more stable. I've been halfheartedly thinking to sell the Lyra because the convenience and stability of the Babyface is great, but I just can't let go of the sound from the Lyra.

    On mic duty, the RME has more gain on tap but I vastly prefer the Prism preamp.

    The Lyra headphone jack has an awful high output impedance though, so that might play wonky with IEMs.
     
  2. Gruss Gott

    Gruss Gott Almost "Made"

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    Anybody have experience with the Atticus and both the MCTH and Liquid Platinum? I know the Atticus has awesome synergy with the MCTH, but can't figure out if that synergy carries over undiminished to the LP - thoughts? Thanks!
     
  3. dncnexus

    dncnexus Friend

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    Can I get some opinions on what is a better buy the BH Crack or the Drop x EDC ZDT Jr? I have an order in for the Starlett but wont get that for about 6 months, so was trying to sell my DV and get a better tube amp until then. Would you guys recommend the Crack or the ZDT Jr. since they are similar priced. Thanks for the help guys
     
  4. sheldaze

    sheldaze Friend

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    Call me crazy, but if I were on a 6-month wait I might instead go for a Cavalli Tube Hybrid (just saw one a eBay for $177) or a Schiit Vali ($149). No doubt, I've enjoyed BH Crack and Drop x EC ZDT Jr. but each involves some compromises that I don't think are necessary or a benefit to listen for short term. The CTH and Vali I thought were a small part tube, but also more generic use amplifiers at low cost.
     
  5. Tchoupitoulas

    Tchoupitoulas Friend

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    The CTH is also on sale from Drop at $175. If you go with the ZDT Jr., beware of the hum issue. Fixed units have a white dot next to the serial number.
     
  6. dncnexus

    dncnexus Friend

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    @sheldaze That is true. Maybe getting something like the Vali or CTH would be a better option since itll be a shorter term amp
     
  7. farbinator

    farbinator Facebook Friend

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    [
    It is a gamble with the ZDT, although I picked one up new in box from ebay recently that did not have a white dot next to the serial number and it is perfectly silent. It did have a wonky volume pot which I replaced with an ALPS RK27 a couple months back.

    The ZDT Jr. was my introduction to tube amplification and it has been thoroughly enjoyable. Makes a great piece of desk candy too.

    One observation with the ZDT Jr., it's definitely sensitive to ground loop from USB sources. My current setup is my laptop -> Schiit Modius (via USB) -> ZDT Jr. and with my laptop plugged into AC power there is some minor but audible USB noise. Unplugging thr laptop from mains power is my easy fix for that.
     
  8. farbinator

    farbinator Facebook Friend

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    It's a gamble. I bought a ZDT Jr. From ebay a few months back that was brand new never used (the seller seemed pretty clueless about it too) that did not have a dot next to the S/N and it is perfectly silent.

    I did replace the bad volume pot on my particular example with an ALPS RK27 due to audio cutout on certain portions of the left channel contact.

    One caveat is that this amp is sensitive to USB noise from poorly shielded/isolated (correct term?) USB sources including the Gigabyte laptop I use as a source. Thankfully unplugging the laptop from AC power fixes that and everything is dead silent.

    All that aside, I love the ZDT Jr. It was my introduction to tube amplification and I love the sound it puts out which really does bring my Senn HD6XXs to life. The whole origins of the amp starting life as the Laconic NBM is a great story as well.
     
  9. rhythmdevils

    rhythmdevils MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    Is the iPod touch headphone out considered to have the same sound quality as the iPhone Adapter? The iPhone SE 2020 is pretty close to the same price.

    thanks
     
  10. Abhishek Chowdhary

    Abhishek Chowdhary Friend

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    The dongle bundled with IP8 (or was it IP7, don't exactly remember) was thicker and dirtier sounding compared to ipod/earler iphones hp out
    Dunno how it still manages to measure well, but IME it sounded lame
     
  11. theveterans

    theveterans Facebook Friend

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    Do you know if you receive the US version or the EU version of the Apple Dongle? The US version is actually just as clean and almost as bright as the HP out of my iPod Touch 7G
     
  12. ChaChaRealSmooth

    ChaChaRealSmooth SBAF's Mr. Bean

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    I personally don't think the Liquid Platinum does the Atticus any favors; the Liquid Platinum is even more laid-back and polite than the MCTH to the point where I think it would be detrimental. You'd be better off looking elsewhere, or saving up pennies until you can afford to buy the DSHA-3F, DNA Starlett, etc (aka a big-boy amp). Alternatively, I'd also look at the Shortest Way 51+ (SW51+) from @Zampotech if you can't quite stomach the $$$$$ amps. The LP unfortunately exists in that void between $500-$2k where pretty much nothing is really worth listening to (unless you find a Black Widow or BHA-1 for a good price).
     
  13. PoochZag

    PoochZag The Shadow knows - Friend

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    I have moved to an apartment without AC and its just too hot in the summer for my Gungnir Multibit + ZDS. I'm looking for a small and cheap, cooler running DAC/AMP/Pre-amp (for powered monitors) for general computer use, doesn't have to be high end audiophile or anything.

    The Schiit Hel looks like the right thing, anything else I may be missing? Thanks
     
  14. rhythmdevils

    rhythmdevils MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    Thank you @Abhishek Chowdhary and @theveterans

    I just bought a 7th gen iPod despite the ridiculous money grab often lauded old chip and low battery life. I need one that has modern iOS.

    they sometimes can be found for 350 brand new on eBay but mostly from China and shipping is like 2 months. I discovered Amazon sells them for 375 (256GB) which is worth it not to wait and get a fully legitimate item.
     
  15. fraggler

    fraggler A Happy & Busy Life

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    I don't know how good it is, but iFi came out with their little Zen aio. The iFi Micro DSD BL works a treat, but isn't cheap per se. Asgard 3 with card is an option, but I don't know how warm it gets. If it doesn't have to be an aio, what about a B stock Schiit stack of a Magni 3 + and one of the DACs?
     
  16. redrich2000

    redrich2000 Facebook Friend

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    What would be some <$1k options to consider if wanting to upgrade from a Jot and stay SS? I'm not looking for any particular headphone synergy, I want versatility in that regard. My source is Eitr>Modi Multibit.
     
  17. StageOne

    StageOne Friend

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    What are the things you wished the Jot did better and what things did you not like. We need a little perspective.
     
  18. RedFuneral

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    Used Ragnarok? If your definition of versatile means having power for anything and a wide range of gain adjustment (can go 0x and add a preamp to flavor the sound) it's a solid option. Add in speakers or stats with a transformer box and you can build a number of rigs around it.
    SQ might lesson the deal but it's likely in line with the Jot(My impressions of the Rag are similar to what I've read about the Jot.) Forward with a tendency toward glare/grain, exciting sound. Don't pay more than $800 for one.



    Can I get some recommendations for test tracks for testing tactility & dynamics? I'm trying to diagnose if my system or music is what's holding me back, I generally feel it's lacking but every so often a song will come on and I'll be impressed by the punch. I'm using onboard audio with an Asgard 3 & LCD2C-Closed headphones.
     
  19. redrich2000

    redrich2000 Facebook Friend

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    Nothing specific. I like the Jot. Just wondering what the next step from here might be.
     
  20. sfoclt

    sfoclt Friend

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    You might consider Bryston BHA-1. Used for just less than $1k. Gives you versatility, and a clear step up rather than a mere sidegrade.
     
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