The All Purpose Advice Thread

my research has concluded that these have a very scooped out midrange and very U/V-shaped sound
I think I will skip these for now, as I have no way to really listen to them (except maybe the $5 one, but I'd hope for something a little better... )

Is the HiFiMAN earbud *that* bad? I can't get a good sense of how it would sound. some people say beautiful midrange, whereas some claim withdrawn.
fit issues?

 

Would need some advice for HD650 headphones, one of my relative wants to build cheap system to listen classic and jazz music. She already has 2005 year version of HD650 and schiit vali, wondering which would be best components to build one schiit stack for her?
First of all, i want good match for HD650 and have 500$ limit (already 100$ less for vali), i am using USB output from laptop with foobar2000 and wasapi output.
I made one by myself, not sure it's good choice or not:
computer -> pyst USB cable -> wyrd -> pyst usb cable -> Modi 2 usb powered -> pyst rca -> vali -> hd650 original cable -> hd650
Or better to take any random cables and just modi 2 uber? Wyrd will help or not?
Other idea is just to sell vali and buy LH GO V2 and make custom balanced cable for HD650, but i am not sure which one performs better.

 

Schiit's Wyrd FAQ states:

So I would say skip Wyrd, get Modi 2, some decent quality RCAs, the HD650 original cable, and you'll be all set with a few extra hundred dollars available towards an eventual upgrade of one or more components. You can always buy Wyrd if you hear the weird stuff they mentioned. My Modi (original) has never given me any problems.

 

I'd like to ask this again, is there something like a Dynalo MK2 with a preamp function (XLR preouts/switched headphone socket)?

So far it seems like my only options non-DIY would be a Mjolnir 2 (if it really comes down to it I can go with tubes) or something more expensive.

 

Actually, I'm selling a basically brand new Mjolnir 1, which I believe is the newest Mjolnir 1 in the world. It got delivered from Schiit literally 3 weeks ago. They custom made a 230V just for me! However I decided I wanted the gain options and tube ability of the Mjolnir 2 as I've recently decided to purchase the new T5p eventually so I'm selling it at a loss. I'd say it has less than 4 hours of total use and is like new condition. I'm in Auckland btw, if you're interested.

 

Question on wiring up an TRRS to 4pin XLR for the GOV2. I'm using a pigtail trrs cable from sparkfun (diagram here: http://cdn.sparkfun.com/datasheets/Cables/Audio/rect3946.jpg ), and a neutrik 4pin Female XLR ( NC4FX-B), image here http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/317eKp6vUuL.jpg

Super noobish to this but which cable goes to which pin? I can't seem to find the specific info anywhere.

I'm assuming:

T (Red) > pin 1
R (yellow) > pin 2
R (green) > pin 3
S (black) > pin 4

is that right? or am i totally off?

 

I appreciate the offer but right now I think I'm looking at the Mjolnir as a last resort, mostly because if I pick one up I know my OCD is going to force me to get the Gungnir Multibit to complete the stack!

 

I understand, my OCD has forced me to get the Mjolnir 2 to complete my Gungnir Multibit.

 

Lol, I got then Gungnir Multibit to complete my mjolnir 2 (after a listen of course). Maybe the most underrated part of Schiit's business model

 

nvm to my previous question. i looked at @purrin 's post and followed the image here:



For anyone else having the same question: This is the pin out i ended using is as follows

Using the sparkfun TRRS pigtail --> Female Neutrik 4pin XLR (NC4FX-B)

Red (T, L+) = 1

Green (R, L-) = 2

Yellow (R, R+) = 3

Black (S, R-) = 4

Here's a diagram i put together. hopefully this will help someone is as confused as i was / is. (btw if this diagram is wrong please correct me lol)

 

Looking for a DAC for a Black Diamond - Jupiter/HD650/UERM chain. GOV2?

 

GOV2 sounds pretty damn amazing lol. with the HD650 i highly highly recommend it, especiallay with the balanced out. (i have not taken off my headphones since i finished soldering it. definitely gonna be losing some sleep tonight. lol)

**note: it works great as a DAC as well, but you need to use the unbalanced out. I'm using it with the Vali 2 and its fantastic.

 

Over in the EC BW thread.. some guys found a near identical "Jensen isomax"-type device (for converting balanced to unbalanced) from Neutrik. It was a fair amount less than the ($300) Isomax (~$65/adapter.. but you need to buy two adapters: one for each channel). I thought I'd mention it in case it got lost.. I'm thinking about trying it because I'd like to use the GOv2+ balanced output to the Torp3do amp.

 

There's a bunch of them actually. Edcor makes a few https://www.edcorusa.com/stereomatchers. Also if you diy https://www.edcorusa.com/xsmseries

 

Iiinteresting~ so actually if we make a TRRS --> 2x 3pin XLR adapter cable, and then get the "jensen isomax" converting devices we could actually use the balanced out into another amp?

Side note, is there a thread dedicated to cable adapters? or one specifically for the GOV2? (i was thinking of posting in the GOV2 reviews thread but wasn't sure if that's the place to put it)

 

No, you don't need a transformer to plug into another amp that takes balanced in. Just need an adapter that goes TRRS to 2x XLR3. There's no point in a transformer at all for the GoV2. If you're going single ended use the single ended output, with a TRS to RCA adapter. If you're using the balanced get a TRRS to 2x XLR3 adapter.

 

ah @JewBear so i was thinking that since the balanced out sounded so much better out of the geek out, that with converting the xlr into rca with the transformer, the sound quality would be better than going from the single ended output to RCAs. But what you're saying makes a lot more sense, using the balanced out into a balanced amp, and single end into rca for single ended amps.

 

I thought the consensus was that the balanced out sounded better because it was throwing more voltage. I don't think that would transfer through a transformer. Furthermore, the transformer will probably hit the sq slightly anyways.

 

Hi looking to upgrade my desktop amp.

Currently I have :

Questyle Q192 Dac/Amp (just using the dac) -> DAC (HP Amp is good but not enough juice for Alpha Prime)
X-Can V8P (Amperex Orange Globe Tubes) + X-PSU V8 -> HEADPHONE AMP (DAC on this unit is just horrible)
Single-End Alpha Prime / HD 650 -> Have also Campfire Jupiter / Aurisonics ASG1+ but am very content playing out of Calyx M DAP

I'm thinking of purchasing Schiit Lyr 2 (retails for $700 AUD here at local audio store). Its also a hybrid amp and from my understanding I can switch the amperex tubes I have from the X-Can's into the Lyr 2.

- Is this a decent upgrade in terms of SQ from the X-Can V8P ?
- If not what else SS or Tube (I have no real preference) that is under $1000 AUD that is a better SQ upgrade from X-Can V8P (which I feel has plenty of power but I feel the bass is lacking somewhat and the clarity/detail is average).

I would like an AMP that pairs decently with Mrspeakers Alpha Prime + HD650. I am content with my DAC and I don't plan on buying a Dac/Amp combo (got enough dacs don't want more). I know the Alpha Primes aren't well received here (fair enough I agree with most peoples assessment but hell I want to make the most of this investment).

I'm looking for a HP AMP that makes it more 'lively' in the bass (more visceral impact and extension) while improving the clarity somewhat. A bonus if it pairs well with HD650 too (I haven't received my HD650 yet as they are on backorder but from what I know X-Can V8P will suffice for them). Also I prefer not to have to buy from USA as the shipping/custom fees don't make anything good value.

Hopefully Schiit Lyr 2 fits the bill - if not any other recommendations (under $1000 AUD - Approx $720 USD) would be appreciated and looked into.

Thanks!

 

I currently own Lyr 2 and also own the HD650 and ZMF Blackwood (another Fostex T50RP mod). I really like the sound on both. Tons of power - I put the gain on low and only need volume at 12 o clock to get loud on the HD650. I believe its this power that you are looking for to give you the tighter bass, great clarity, and a nice soundstage. You can also purchase LISST "tubes" to make the Lyr 2 a solid state amp, which is fun change (faster, bit more clarity at loss of warmth and laid back sound). I tend to like tubes with the HD650 and the solid state for the blackwoods.

Sorry, havn't heard X-can and am unfamilair with what is offered in Aus for other recommendations.