The All Purpose Advice Thread

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

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  1. ogharaei

    ogharaei New

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    That is awfully kind. I would completely understand if you retract your offer as I just joined these forums. That said, I also wouldn't be able to take you up on your offer right away. I will detail everything in my pm.
     
  2. softdelete

    softdelete New

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    Hello everyone! I'm looking to upgrade my monitoring for Mixing purposes.
    I currently have:
    • HD650 (unmodded)
    • Grace m900
    I've been considering buying a Jotunheim (amp only), and use the Grace only as a DAC. People's experience seems to be very positive, and the amp seems to improve desirable sound qualities for audio Mixing! Should i go for it, for what i plan to use it for?

    I've read as many threads related to this as i've noticed in the Amp+Combo subforum related to Schiit amps, Grace m900 and how they go with HD650 but i'm still nervous since i'm an amp/DAC noob.

    Any and all recommendations are very appreciated. :)
     
  3. señorhifi

    señorhifi Friend

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    Hey hello there, I need a new DAC :) I live in EU and my budget is limited to 300€. This is what I have been considering so far:

    - Modi 3 (must import or wait for stock from Shiit eu/uk)
    - Modius (must import or wait for stock from Shiit eu/uk)
    - DacMagic Plus (2nd here it's cheap)
    - DacMagic D100 (apparently these break easy, so might not consider it really)
    - Micromega MyDac (looks awful, but is it any good?)
    - Arcam rDAC (expensive new, but cheap 2nd hand)
    - JDS Labs El DAC or the Atom DAC (must import)

    I live in Spain and my current DAC is a Teac UD301 which I put up for sale already. I can stretch the budget if there is anything worthwhile considering. If possible, I would like to buy something from a local retailer without having to import, but honestly, as long as the overall cost is 300€ or less, I don't mind the import fees. Thanks in advance audio bros!
     
  4. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    The low-end DACMagic was warm and cloudy. Don't know if they've updated those DACs since I have last heard years ago. I think of the low-end DACMagic as on the opposite end of the spectrum compared to the Teac. Micromega I have not heard, but uses that horribly boring sounding CS4351 D to A part where I have heard maybe one good DAC, the Lynx Hilo ($$$$), but all the rest were shit, especially at the budget prices. There is probably a reason why rDAC is cheap 2nd hand. I've never liked anything from JDS. They design to measurements and don't seem to tweak the circuit based on listening.

    For EU Meier Audio? Past your budget though.
     
  5. rlow

    rlow A happy woofer

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    Look at iFi Audio. Their DACs are all generally good, and the more you spend the better they get. I really liked the iDSD Micro Black Label (BL) which you MiGHT be able to get used around that price point?? I’ve not heard the ZenDAC, but by all accounts it’s decent. Yes most have headphone amps built in, but just ignore that part if you don’t need/prefer (although the BL amp is supposed to be good, I never tried it)

    There are threads on a number of IFi DACs in here, here’s a couple of the ones I just mentioned:

    https://www.superbestaudiofriends.o...i-micro-idsd-bl-review-and-measurements.8842/

    https://www.superbestaudiofriends.o...-ifi-zen-dac-amp-for-tidal-hifi-masters.8450/

    Drop also has the ZenDAC Signature, and this is supposed to be very good, but I’m unsure of availability (Google it) and there’s also a thread on that DAC as well.
     
    Last edited: Oct 20, 2020
  6. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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  7. QXB98

    QXB98 New

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    Hey everybody, this is my first post here and I have a lot of info to unpack. I stated in my introduction post about how my experience in hi-if has been exclusively analogue and was curious about digital.

    I’ve had various tables. I started out with a cheap automatic Sony turntable, than a better yet still cheap Audio Technica AT-LP120. I had a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon, than a vintage Pioneer PL-41. Two other vintage tables an empire 208 with a Jelco 750d tonearm and the only one I’ve kept a Thorens TD 165. So I’ve had just about as many turntables as Liz Taylor had failed marriages.

    Jokes aside, I’m still on the fence about diving into digital audio because I’ve already invested so much into analogue. I have around 300 vinyl LP’s mostly first pressing from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s and a few MoFi remasters.

    Switching gears, one part of my system that I have always neglected was speakers. I spent must of my funds for audio on turntables and countless cartridges. The only two speakers I’ve owned are Paradigm mini monitors and a vintage Sansui SP-1500 4 way speakers. So no experience with high end speakers in my system. Last year I went to a couple hi-fi shops local to me. The first one I went to I heard a pair of JBL L100 classics that was being driven by a full blown assault of McIntosh gear that was probably upwards of 15k. It sounded pretty good it could play loud with little distortion. The second place I went to though pretty much changed my view on speakers. This shop was a dealer in Magneplaners. I’d seen Magnepan’s in pictures online and always thought they were the ugliest speaker and who in God’s name would want a 6’0 foot tall speaker?!? Than I heard them and was sold immediately. I don’t care that they can’t reproduce bass down to 30hz, they get the midrange, timing and sense of space that makes me care less about frequency extremes. That’s why this past summer I purchased a used Adcom amp-pre amp combo with the intention of pulling the trigger on either the LRS or .7. But, I haven’t pulled the trigger yet for two reasons. First because I want to figure out what direction I want to take in terms of source and second are Magnepan’s practical for my room. Should I think about a pair of Tekton’s? Kind of out of left field I know. But, like the Magnepan’s their affordable and seemed universally praised by owners of them.

    Back to the matter of source. Should I save up for an end game turntable? Adventure digital audio either with CD player, Transport with DAC, or just a DAC connected to my desktop playing FLAC files or something of the like? If I went digital I’d probably get a schiit modi to tryout and see if I like that route without spending too much.

    If I went back to turntables there’s a couple of directions I’d take. I’d get either a used VPI Classic, or maybe even a Schiit Sol. If I choose that route I’d stay exclusively analogue. Another route I could take would be to get either a Rega rp1 or Rp3 and that would allow me to also explore digital sources too. Plus the Rega’s are plug and play/set and forget tables. I wouldn’t have to obsess over vta,vtf,tracking force,etc.

    Sorry this post was SUPER long. I just want to enjoy this hobby again, but get off the merry go round. Any advice welcome, thanks.
     
  8. iFi audio

    iFi audio MOT iFi Audio

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    Although our Signature ZENs are limited for Drop for now, eventually they will make their way to our regular distribution channels. I don't have any info when this might happen, but it will.
     
  9. Metro

    Metro Friend

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    With Magnepan, your room and how much flexibility you have to position the speakers are critical. Does the dealer allow you to do home auditions? You'd also be able to check how well they work with the Adcom.
     
  10. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Get cheap source < $300. I would recommend iFi ZEN DAC, Schiit Modi/Modius, or laid-back or warmer DACs that will best approximate your vinyl listening experience. Avoid cheap Chi-Fi, even if it measures state-of-the-art 140db SINAD.

    Make your decision after this. DACs do get better, but IMO, not much, unless you want to make a jump to $5k or $10k DACs. Sounds like you already have a bunch of records and are experienced with TTs. May be best for you to continue in this direction, but keep the digital stuff on the side. it depends upon your priorities. For example, I would be perfectly happy revisiting my old records over and over, or going back in time discovering the wealth of music on records that already exist. I don't feel much of a need to explore new music. If you like exploring new releases, then a DAC becomes a greater priority.

    In regards to Maggies, keep in mind that the smaller Maggies will not be the same as the 6' Maggies. It no longer becomes no bass below 50Hz, but more like no bass below 200Hz. Also, the lower the specific Maggie model will extend, the easier to integrate with a sub.

    Also, you don't need a big room or speshal placement. I've heard full sized stuff in small rooms (the Schittr) and they sounded great. Just be willing to make sacrifices, pulling speakers from walls, moving stuff around, actually having furniture and rugs. Basic normal people setups and experimentation.
     
    Last edited: Oct 20, 2020
  11. QXB98

    QXB98 New

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    If I go with the Magnepan’s I would order it directly from Magnepan with a 60 day in home trial. Mostly likely I’d go with the LRS.
     
  12. QXB98

    QXB98 New

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    I agree with buying the Modi before making any decision on buying a more expensive source.
     
  13. Sonofsin

    Sonofsin Acquaintance

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    What is your source? Zen Dac has USB input only to my knowledge, so no luck on a CD player.
     
  14. señorhifi

    señorhifi Friend

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    Nah I mean I rip CDs to Flac and that's what I use as source, a WIN PC with Foobar and my own flac files.
     
  15. magicscreen

    magicscreen New

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    The DIY Morgan Jones Mini Tube Headphone Amplifier is any good? What is the sound quality?

    I am thinking about building it. But there is no point if it is not better than an MCTH or Loxjie P20.
     
    Last edited: Oct 21, 2020
  16. Ksaurav402

    Ksaurav402 Friend

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    Due to certain life situation I won't be able to use my desktop rig for next few months and have to rely on only IEM that I have, JVC FDX01. Now I'm really enjoying my FDX01 and have Mojo and Sony ZX300 to power it.My only wish is to have slightly wider soundstage with some height as I do crave for bigger headstage and better layering, may be my preference is spoilt by Verite and DSHA-3F. Do you feel DAP like Cayin N3pro with tubes or some other expensive DAP like Cayin N6ii or New AK Kann Alpha can help me achieve that or I have to upgrade to something like Andromeda 2020 and can achieve the same with Mojo and Sony.
    Want to keep it below $1K or around it.
    Thanks...
     
  17. EagleWings

    EagleWings Friend

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    I dislike the tube mode even on the Cayin N8. While it has a certain holographic feel, it does so with limited depth and also sounds congested. It is what I consider an example of a bad tube amp. For these reasons, I have my doubts about the N3pro, as well as the upcoming N9 amp from Cayin, at least in terms of soundstage. For a truly large stage you either need to go with a good portable amp stacked to a DAP with a good DAC section or, need to get a TOTL DAP. I have heard good things about the Romi portable amp. The problem with stacking is, the Line Out on most of the DAPs usually sucks. So even if you are going to get a large soundstage by stacking a portable amp, there might be other compromises.

    So my vote goes for the Cayin N6ii. And if its line-out is anything like the one on the N8, then you can rest assured that you have a good desktop DAC on hand as well.

    Or you could get the LCDi4 with cipher cable and use it with your smartphone.
     
  18. DrForBin

    DrForBin Friend

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    hello,
    any recommendations for an open-back, WAH, bluetooth headset?
    MrsForBin's work cans are hurting her ears, and she is isolated enough for open back.
    are there, not arm nor leg, gaming headsets that will work for this application?
     
  19. aamefford

    aamefford Nothing like chamberpot coffee

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    HD800S Rig - low midfi $500 used. I'm going backward, and selling my Cavalli Liquid Crimson, and my OG Gungnir Multibit.

    ModiMB and a Vali2 were surprisingly good with the HD800S - is that my best option at $500 used or under for a Dac and amp?

    Other suggestions?

    Thanks All!
     
  20. fraggler

    fraggler A Happy & Busy Life

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    The iFi Zen DAC Signature has been getting some love at a similar price to the Modi MB. I am looking seriously at it for my setup (HD800SDRSBAF) when I move my iFi Micro BL to my new office at the end of the year. I currently have an Asgard 3, which I may or may not keep. Unfortunately, it has been too long since I had my Vali 2 to do a real comparison. I think a Zampotech Bachelor or SW51 depending on your luck could be contenders as well.
     
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