The All Purpose Advice Thread

Here's a few for you to research:

Hifiman RE400i (mixed reviews on it's reliability though)
Ultimate Ears 600vi
Etymotic MC3
Audio-Technica ATH-CKM500i
Spider Realvoice

I pulled these from ljokerl's list here.

 

Any opinions/experience here on Chord amplifiers?

 

Before I pull the trigger on a Sennheiser HD598SE, I wanted to ask how are the AKG K240 compared to it? If it's better I may change my mind

 

I just got my order in for a TH-X00 to replace my HD-25s at the office. I've previously been running without a DAC/Amp, any recommendations around the $300 range?

 

Much appreciated!

 

There's always the Modi2/Magni2 from Schiit. The O2/ODAC combo works well too, and are onsale at JDS (and Mayflower too I think). They have a small form factor which is why I had that one at work personally. There's many others out there too I don't have experience with

 

GO450 or GOv2 are good choices as well.

 

With the great deal at Adorama on the HD650, I finally added these to my stable. Gotta say, so far I'm really impressed. Currently driving them with Modi 2 -> Project Polaris. I love the sound from my current setup but I know from meet experience that these can be brought to another level with better dac/amp.

I'm looking to upgrade my DAC to either Bifrost Multibit or Gungnir Multibit. Pretty much set on that. Thing is, I'm not sure what amp to go with. I've read tons of advice threads that recommend BH Crack or Valhalla 2, but I don't mind spending $1-2k on something that's going to be special with the HD650. The Zana Deux at current prices is maybe more than I'd like to spend. Is there a good amp priced somewhere between the Crack/Val 2 and ZD that can really show off the potential of these headphones?

 

The Mjolnir 2 comes to mind, and gives you flexibility to go balanced with XLR or single ended with a 1/4". Also gives you options to tube roll, or get the solid state LISST tubes. Will stack well if you get a Gungnir Multibit too. I haven't heard any higher end amps to compare, but it's definitely an improvement over the Lyr1

 

You could always wait on getting a used EC S7 or ZD or getting on the next run for the Black Widow. DNA Sonett is a good choice too, but it has been discontinued. The Sonett 1 I heard with my hd650s was pretty fantastic and I'm sure the Sonett 2 is even better.

 

Besides what are mentioned in the above post, Taurus Mk ii is a very good amp for HD650 (and other phones), especially if you can find a deal. Imaging is top-notch.

 

nvm I bought the 598

 

I thought someone else had already asked this question, but now I can't find it. If was already asked, sorry in advance. But has anyone heard the new D-S Schiit Bifrost? I'm thinking of stretching my budget a bit this season with a Valhalla 2 / Bifrost stack.

 

Quick update. I bought the HD 600 during the Adorama deal. So now I have: PM-2; HD 600; AKG K7xx; and AKG Q701. Will likely sell one of the AKGs (probably K7xx). I originally intended to get balanced cables for the Oppo and Senn, but now I am not inclined to as my setup is not a desktop one and I need cable runs that are at least 12 feet to get to my stereo. Seems like it will cost at least $200 for cables for each of the Senn and Oppo at that length (although if there are cheaper alternatives I would be interested in hearing about those).

So, assuming I will only have single ended cables, I am principally trying to decide between the Lyr 2 (both tubes and LISST) and the Cavalli LC. I have heard conflicting things as to whether or not the Mjolnir 2 would be worth the additional cost over the Lyr 2 if using only SE cables. So, I am inclined to cross that off my list.

I would appreciate any thoughts on whether to choose the Lyr 2 or the LC given the above facts. Thanks.

Edit: As usual, I am open to other suggestions within same general price range between the Lyr 2 and the Mjolnir 2.

 

Any suggestions for optical (PS3) to USB convertor?

 

Hello everyone! I have a question about buying music.
What is a better buy now, actual CDs(16bit 44.1kHz), download digital files(FLAC 16bit 44.1kHz), or Studio master (FLAC 24bit 96kHz).

Is there a difference in music quality between CDs and download digital files(FLAC 16bit 44.1kHz) from website like, linn and hdtracks?? I have read on headfi that download is a better buy since you don't have to worry about rip your CD which in some case can sound worse than download and in best case will sound the same, is that true? And how does both compare to studio master?

 

It depends. some Cd's now are 20 or 24 bit, but the majority are still 16/44. If you rip CD's in Lossless I think they sound great. I can tell you from my own experience that I personally cannot notice a difference between a good recording of 16/44 and a recording of 24/96 (My own masters are 32/192 - and it is still hard to tell the difference). I guess it could depend on the gear you have, especially DAC, amp, and Headphones. If you download digital files, I prefer FLAC or lossless in 24/96 or higher, but to be honest, I cannot tell too much of a difference in quality from ripping from a CD in lossless format, but 24/92 or higher is perhaps slightly better.

But like stated above, depends on gear I think. And remember, when you compress an audio file, most of the information that is lost is frequencies above human hearing or below (If you want a detailed explanation on how compressing audio works, just google it).

But that is just me - others may have a different opinion.

 

I personally cannot discriminate between 320kbps and 16/44 lossless, let alone higher res stuff. For best psychological/placebo satisfaction, going for whatever higher bit rate works best.

 

Most 16/44 stuff will sound the same from downloads or ripping yourself if done properly. Some people like having the physical copy as insurance. As for hi-rez, I have at max, mid-fi ears and can't tell a difference between 16/44 and 24/96 even on really good equipment. Much better to look for really well mastered music in whatever format you want.

 

Hey guys, any good recommendations for an upgrade to the Brainwavz B2?

Currently not in the position to pony up the cash needed for a set of UERM... and they're discontinued anyways.