The All Purpose Advice Thread

If it sounds like their MyZic Headphone amp, run away from it. That HP amp was so bad, I could not review it. The My Dac was not so bad, but hardly a class leader either.

 

Thanks Marv. From low-level information I gather you mean microdetail, plankton and the like (to use the terms I've read here)?

So what do I gain, say going from the ER4XR to the Andromedas? Extension at the ends, more perceived detail, speed, lower distortions?

On IEMs vs larger dynamic transducers, I guess that's a tradeoff I'll have to live with then. It's hard to beat IEMs in signal/noise ratio and convenience when on the go - I tried wearing the HD650 out for a month, but it's so bulky and lose whatever advantages in detail/resolution/subtlety when you have even the slightest bit of external noise (even in the library).

Gah physics

Thanks Shane. Seems like it's trading one thing for another I guess in the same price range. Might spring for it once Massdrop opens it up again then. I think having the DF bump is fine, I don't want to lose it as I prefer a more centered/forward presentation, just a bit less would be nice (1-3 db). The Etys have the nicest mid to treble response I've heard so far, even with it sounding very slightly hard/smoothed because of the distortion.

 

Hello guys,

Currently have the Eikons running from an Arcam rHead amp connected to a PC with an Asus Phoebus soundcard (PCM1796). All is good, no noise, or other PC electrical interference issues.
Curious if an external DAC would bring an improvement. Budget is rather low (~$200-$250) and would prefer to avoid Schiit because it's overpriced and out of stock in Europe. Also do not want something that increases the highs.

Been reading impressions for days without any luck. Please help.

Cheers.

 

You will be quite surprised how much a dedicated DAC brings to the table. I believe a budget DAC shootout is in the works here. @purr1n can confirm or deny.

I just throw this out there. Metrum has a budget DAC in the works (no idea just how low budget), that's tentatively being called "Flint".

https://metrumacoustics.com/flint/

 

I mean, it's not as if there's a whole lot that competes at sub 200, is actually good, and isn't made in the USA thus pricing it unfavourably in Europe.

The soekris 1321 is 4-500? The mojo is meh and the Hugo way over budget. The smallest iFi DAC is 270ish?

So you're looking at a Modi 2 Uber, or importing an SDAC, or other similars?

 

Anyone know if there is an alternative to Blu Tack that is easier to clean up?
Just need something that will be sticky & won't fall off, but easy to peel away.

 

3M Command strips?

Edit: for sticking things, not for damping

 

What is the use case?

I have used rope caulk or mortite for damping but it is a bit of a pain to clean all the residue.

 

So best thing would be to wait for a DAC shootout.
Thanks

 

I can't find any discussion about bluetooth headphones/iems for running here. Does anyone have recommendations (no more than $200 which is already a bit expensive for sweaty audio gear for me). I just want something that is decent sounding but will stay in my damn ears and not have any bad audio cutouts. I don't care about heart rate stuff or coaching etc.

 

Marvey, just a quick fyi. The OL DAC has an option for user-selectable filters via DIP switches. I think by default they ship it with a minimum-phase filter and no DIP switch. If I recall correctly, you're not a fan of the minimum-phase sound. If you want, you can copy and paste the following as a note on your order and they will solder the DIP switch and set it (linear-phase, fast roll-off) at no extra cost:

"Please install the Omron DIP switch and set it accordingly:

1 -> Low (SLOW off)
2 -> High (SD off)
3 -> Low (SSLOW off)

Thanks!"

Or I could just loan you mine (USB input only). I've been listening to my TT more lately anyway.

 

I have killed several pairs of earphones from sweat. My requirements are bud-style instead of iem so I can hear what's coming to kill me. I'm almost 2 years now with Plantronics Backbeat Fit, which are bluetooth and use a band around the back of your head. Costco carries them, they're like $60. Durability so far has been great, and the sound is better than any previous set I had, which included wired Adidas/Sennheiser and some cheapo bluetooth. You can find them other places besides Costco, but their warranty & return policy is pretty sweet.

 

@ksat90 Maybe the Campfire comets would be a good choice at 200 USD, slightly more bass and a bit more detail/resolution than the Orions, I am not really great at or experienced at explaining FR so I don't know if it is necessarily/technically better, the design is a bit better for people with smaller ears. But, I would ask some other people here what they think.

 

Does anyone happen to know much about the 6SJ7 preamp tube? Which are decent, glass vs. metal casing, equivalents? Cheers.

 

I am looking for a best sounding wireless full size headphones, I really do not need active sound cancellation but would like to use it for phone calls as well. I work from home but am getting a bit tired of readjusting wires every time I move.
Or maybe you know about a good quality Bluetooth adapter I can add to my MSR7?. Radsone ES100 was mentioned a few times.

 

<Caveat> I'm only familiar with ANC wireless cans, so the below is in that context. I understand you don't NEED ANC, but to my knowledge the best sounding wireless cans have it anyway, and it can always be switched off on the headphone itself -> take it as an added extra?

I also have no idea of your budget

In that context :
I've been using the Sony Wireless line for a while now, first with the MDR1000X and now with the WH1000XM2 (Gotta love Sony's naming schema) and I would strongly recommend giving the XM2's a listen, along with the B+W PX's.

I compared the XM2's extensively with Bose QC35, and with B+W PX when deciding on an upgrade earlier this year.
The Bose were very meh (NC was good, not as good as the Sony's but better that the B+W. Seeing as that's NOT a consideration for you that leads me to say disregard the Bose). Those were the three best of the available options when I was looking circa Jan I think.

I found the Sony's gesture control, especially the 'cover the cup to listen' thingy were the most polished out of the three. The PX has physical controls, which tbh I don't miss on the Sony's. Trying to find fiddly little buttons on my earcup while in the middle of a call or email etc was much more annoying than just swiping or tapping the cup.

The B+W Px's were noticeably less physically comfortable for longer sessions than the Sony's (Headband presses the top of my head, cups are a bit small for me). The PX's were also a bit more fatiguing for me. I have some hyperacusis though, so I don't last as long as most most I reckon

I've had the Sony XM2's for a few months now, and I routinely do 6-8Hrs/Day listening the office with no issues at all -> I think you'd do about the same if you're working from home?

The Sony handled calls very well, I preferred it's controls for that to the B+W.

The B+W sounded more open than the Sony's with a *slightly* stronger bass emphasis. It charges and plays via USB-C, whilst the Sony charges via Micro USB and will NOT play whilst charging. This may be a deal breaker if mobile - at home, less so I imagine. Both have great battery life: >20Hrs.

The Sony does Bluetooth aptX-HD and LDAC, the B+W does only aptX-HD if that's important to you. Sony DAPs sound great via LDAC.

Build on both was great. The B+W look more stylish, I feel the Sony's were more stealth. I think both are excellent value.

I have no experience with bluetooth adaptors.

TL;DR -> I guess try the WH100XM2 and B+W PX and pick the one that suits your preferred sound sig?

 

I would also recommend ATH-DSR7 if you can handle MSR7 and if you haven't tried it already. To me, it's basically a wireless MSR7 from its build to its sound signature. Slightly less hot in the top-end. Its built-in microphone is quite bad, though.