The All Purpose Advice Thread

So something like this would do? https://www.amazon.com/Fanmusic-FM6...466953802&sr=8-2&keywords=usb+spdif+converter

 

It would and it would sound like crap. Trust me I used to have one of these types. Not sure of the quality of your headphones or your amp, but I would use something better.

While I have not heard these, they will be better than the above. And there are tons more on ebay, do some research on lower priced ones if your budget is constrained.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/iLINK-USB-t...479415?hash=item33b9ea6937:g:ZPIAAOSwvg9XXD1V

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MUSICAL-FID...978720?hash=item3ac5f08a20:g:TUAAAOSwNuxXYwsX

 

Ok, thanks.

 

Do you think it's worth buying a DAC like the Modi 2 and going through my speaker amp's Analog in? So, Laptop USB out -> Modi 2 ->Kenwood Amp analog in. Or should I just stick to getting a USB SPDIF and go through my Kenwood amp/dac digital in. Again, I'm a noob.

 

I wasn't going to say it, but I am fairly certain the dac in the 24 year old amp will very likely be spanked by the m2u4490

 

Ok thanks. I'll look in to the modi 2/uber.

 

Devil's Advocate: the Kenwood DA-9010 uses a Burr Brown PCM58P, which is 18-bit and the predecessor to the 1701. It likely does not suck.

 

I would, given that a decent bridge will cost almost as much. perhaps that vintage dac is rather good, so the person will have to weight his options. Throw money at a very old piece, assume no caps have gone bad, etc. and hope he likes it. Or buy a new piece that is decent and if he moves on will get about 80% of the price paid back in a year or two.

 

I think he'll be open to an external dac. He's getting into the heaphone 'game' and could use the dac for a headphone amplifier as well (even though kenwood has headphone out). Thanks for the input, I appreciate it. I guess I'll also run the idea of getting a new reciever/amp/speakers by him.

 

But is it worth getting a USB SPDIF converter just for the 9010 or getting an external 100 dollar dac? It''ll be around the same price.

 

I vote for the Modi 2, especially the Uber with the new 4490 chip if possible. Your speakers will sound amazing.

 

Ok. Thanks!

 

Well... might end up wanting a SPDIF converter someday anyway... but the much clearer path is the modi 2, as stated by everyone else. What kind of laptop is it? Many macs hide an optical out in the headphone jack. Not the most supreme quality, but probably beats the super cheap usb to spdif converters. I would still probably get the modi, but if you have a secret optical out, you could get a taste of the PCM58P without a converter.

 

They still have OG Valis left?! For $99, I may have to grab one. Seems like a fun little amp.

I shouldn't though. I already have a Vali 2 ( this + 4490 M2U = infallible listening experience.)

Anybody own/heard both?

 

No unfortunately I don't have an optical out. I think the Modi 2 is the best option. Thanks for the advice.

 

I have the 4490 Modi now and I was eyeing the Emotiva DC-1. Would it even be a worthwhile upgrade? Or am I looking at spending more than that for something worth it.

 

If the Modi 4490 is close to the Bifrost 4490 (which I'm sure it is), then you'll probably have to spend close to $1k (Gungnir Multibit) for any substantial gains. Maybe it's just me, but I personally prefer modest jumps in sound quality when I upgrade. Anything less is just a waste of money and time.

 

Can anyone recommend some high end IEMs that would be suitable for someone who prefers an HD650 to something like the HD800?

Budget unlimited but universal preferred. Want something I can just plug into my DAP (Onkyo DP-X1) and lie in bed with after a long day rather than sitting at my Gungnir Multibit / Valhalla / HD650.

I am interested in the Andromeda, but will this be too bright? Is a TG! 334 still bassy when using a HD650 as a reference rather than an HD800?

 

I've yet to hear the ones you mentioned but if you don't mind sub-1K, maybe consider the NuForce HEM8 or HEM6 (I own the latter). Both seem to aim for that smooth-ish treble tuning, with nice mids and solid bass extension + volume. The HEM6 leans dark to me but not to much technical detriment. Top-notch comfort + accessories package IMO. If interested, here's something to start you off:

http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...force-hem-series-balanced-armature-iems.1715/