The All Purpose Advice Thread

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

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. penguins

    penguins Friend, formerly known as fp627

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2018
    Likes Received:
    3,451
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    SouthernCA
    Not sure if we have a car audio thread of this should be 2 channel thread but anyone have any recommendations for 4" car speakers (specifically, to fit in the door).

    I heard some Focals and another brand I can't remember, didn't enjoy either one. Looking for either a slightly relaxed sound or if compared to headphones, something along LCD2/3 (open, not closed), HD600, HD650, Auteur, or Aeolus kind of sound. It's not that quiet in my car so I don't need anything super high resolution, amazing plankton, etc. I feel like most options would be better than the stock speakers.
    OR
    Are 4" car speakers crammed into a door with minimal space all going to suck regardless and I just have to live with it...

    Also is the center channel worth replacing? The store I tried the speakers at above flat out told me it won't help much but if I want to buy of course they won't say no. Most listening in car seems to indicate the same.
     
  2. LetMeBeFrank

    LetMeBeFrank Won't tell anyone my name is actually Francis

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2017
    Likes Received:
    3,758
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Jackson, Mi
    What kind of car is this for? I usually recommend infinity car speakers. Speakers in the dash are very important. Door speakers can be blocked by legs or bags so I wouldn't upgrade only door speakers.
     
  3. penguins

    penguins Friend, formerly known as fp627

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2018
    Likes Received:
    3,451
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    SouthernCA
    m240i without Harmon Kardon factory speaker upgrade (in addition to "better speakers" it adds extra speakers/channels to rear and other places inside car... except even with upgrade the whole system still sounds like crap...) so I only have 2 front in the door and 1 center speaker in the dash. edit: oops, also have rear speakers... may or may not replace those. many don't.

    The way the speakers are placed on the door usually legs/bags/stuff usually don't block too badly. Dash as it is now just seems like some unnecessary filler in terms of sound but on the flip side if it's under $100-150, it may still be worth it... on a different note the car is not all that quiet inside and sometimes I don't listen to music/radio/etc. Replacing the speakers is not so much b/c I want better sound but more b/c they sound so bad that they actually flat out annoy me when I do decide to listen to something.

    Before I spend more time looking it up etc. what's the approx sound signature of infinity car speakers (or other options you may recommend)? Also forgot to mention above I normally don't listen to music that loud in the car.
     
    Last edited: Feb 17, 2020
  4. LetMeBeFrank

    LetMeBeFrank Won't tell anyone my name is actually Francis

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2017
    Likes Received:
    3,758
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Jackson, Mi
    It depends on the model of infinity you get. I have infinity reference 2 ohm speakers in my car and they are mid and treble centric, with a gain switch (+0db, +3db) on the tweeter. Infinity Kappas have really nice smooth mids and clean treble.
     
  5. Philimon

    Philimon Friend

    Pyrate Contributor Banned
    Joined:
    May 6, 2016
    Likes Received:
    2,092
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    diyma is a great resource.

    You’ve already stated that your car’s interior environment is loud and you only listen occasionally, so spending a lot would be a waste.

    Listening to car speakers in a store environment is a difficult judge because you’re likely listening in a large room and on-axis.

    Car audio can get expensive fast, especially if you’re paying someone else. Best Buy Ive found is generally cheapest with sales on equipment and service.
     
  6. squishware

    squishware Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2019
    Likes Received:
    424
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    on a whole other plane
    Car Audio: I like to use Crutchfield for included directions and adapters for your specific vehicle. The most important aspect is the power rating of the speakers matches your head unit or amps output in RMS. There is an abundance of bogus rating in car audio. Last time I bought car speakers was the Rockford Fosgate Punch series, they sounded great for budget speakers but that was about 6 years ago and I added an amp.
     
  7. Mystic

    Mystic Mystique's Spiritual Advisor

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2016
    Likes Received:
    2,754
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    U.S.
    Need some advice for ANC/bluetooth headphones.

    I'm travelling more for work lately and my Andros/zx300 combo is just too much of a hassle at the airport, plus I'd like to have noise cancelling. Doing some of my own research, it looks like there isn't much for solid ANC wireless headphones when it comes to putting a priority on sound quality.

    I bought a pair of Sony WH-1000xm3 (the over ear full size version) for $200. Sound is...ehhhhh. Very bassy. Messing around with EQ gets it to a listenable state, but for some reason it takes it out of LDAC mode or whatever to use the EQ in the Sony Headphone app.

    Do I have any better choices than this Sony? If not, any advice on getting better sound from these?
     
  8. Walderstorn

    Walderstorn Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Mar 20, 2016
    Likes Received:
    1,904
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Europe
    I prefer the sound of the Bose QC35II. I believe that, for most, the extra bass is a welcome but i also had the same problem and ended up selling them but not only for that reason, i felt much more the "pressure" of the ANC, for some reason and the cherry on top of the cake was that when in negative temperatures the touch control sometimes would go berserk, a problem which many, in Scandinavia, shared and they even wrote that in the QA here. I currently use the QC with a Custom Cleer Flow 2 as backup, which is on a lower level as the aforementioned duo.
     
  9. jnak00

    jnak00 Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2017
    Likes Received:
    608
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Canada
    I believe if you EQ within your music player app, it stays in LDAC. It only drops out of LDAC if you EQ using the Sony app.

    The PSB M4U8 might be another good choice. I haven't heard them, but I had the previous model, the M4U2, and really liked them. The ANC on the M4U2 was nowhere near as good as the Sony, but the SQ was on similar and probably better for your taste (a little less bass).
     
  10. Metro

    Metro Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Dec 27, 2016
    Likes Received:
    1,590
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    San Francisco
    What phone do you have? Samsung phones have a built-in equalizer that is applied to all sound output, including through Bluetooth and LDAC. Look under Settings > Sounds and vibration > Advanced sound settings > Sound quality and effects.
     
  11. Mystic

    Mystic Mystique's Spiritual Advisor

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2016
    Likes Received:
    2,754
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    U.S.
    OnePlus 6T. There is a built in EQ but it immediately does something horrible to the sound when turning it on. I found out that Spotify has a built in EQ which I'm playing around with.
     
  12. Taverius

    Taverius Smells like sausages

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Dec 27, 2017
    Likes Received:
    3,026
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Rapallo, Italy
    There's also viper and ainur via Magisk if you're rooted.

    I only use the dynamic compressor of the latter for speaker mode though, so I don't know if they're any good.
     
  13. barbz

    barbz New

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2020
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    3
    Location:
    Australia
    Hi all, I'm looking for a suggestion or two for a new amplifier to complement my existing setup.

    I currently have a set of allesandro ms2 and aeon flow opens that I run off a woo wa6 (first gen); I've done a bit of tube rolling and happy with the current ones as all-rounders.

    I'm picking up a set of LCD2C's shortly for a change of pace to my current headphones and while I'm unsure whether the wa6 will have issues powered the LCD's I'm tempted to buy another amplifier so I can have a bit more power up my sleeves and for something different.

    I currently own a set of balanced cables for the aeons and if I bought an amp that had balanced I'd do the same for the LCD2C.

    I'm in Australia and Brisbane so there's limited shops to go and demo so likely the first time I hear the amplifier will be after I own it.

    I'm tossing up the following options, any feedback or other options would be appreciated

    Schiit lyr3 - too similar to the wa6?
    Schiit Jot - run everything balanced and be done with it
    Schiit asgard3 - ?
    Burson audio soloist - new model is due out shortly
    Monoprice 887 - overseas purchase so potential for warranty woes.

    Also worth noting my dac - gielser klien 3 has rca and balanced outputs.

    I'm fairly confident the allesandro ms2's will remain paired to the wa6; before that I owned a modi/magni 3 stack and found the grado signature too much. They are very engaging but not overpowering on the wa6.

    Thankyou
     
  14. Tchoupitoulas

    Tchoupitoulas Friend

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2019
    Likes Received:
    3,711
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    PA
    I’m afraid I can give you only a partial answer (and one that does not address balanced options). I recently got an LCD2C and found it underwhelming out of my Massdrop Cavalli Tube Hybrid. In the LCD2C measurements thread, @purr1n stated that he didn’t think the MCTH “would mesh with the LCD2C highs” (see his post on p. 2 of the thread). I found that the pairing also suffered from a lack of macrodynamics; and besides there being little slam, the sound was hazy, the bass a good deal weaker, and everything sounded fairly dull and lifeless. You’ll frequently read that planars pair poorly with tube amplifiers, and this was correct in the case of my ZDT Jr., out of the low Z headphone jack. What little macrodynamics the MCTH had were gone, and everything sounded mushy and awful.

    I picked up a b-stock Magni 3 for a whopping $49 and it has transformed the LCD2C into what I remember having first auditioned - something punchy and dynamic, with well textured bass and with plenty of excitement in spite of having rolled of highs.

    I’d suggest a solid state amp. Hybrids or tube amps will need very careful, considered selection.
     
  15. Taverius

    Taverius Smells like sausages

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Dec 27, 2017
    Likes Received:
    3,026
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Rapallo, Italy
    Because most of them are very low on power.

    The Af does a pretty good job with some, and my Makoyi was designed for planars, but for most of them them the ultimate amp is a speaker amp.
     
  16. robot zombie

    robot zombie Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    May 11, 2016
    Likes Received:
    1,408
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Ennui, FL
    I've been enjoying my HD6xx's with my trusty M2U and Vali 2, but I think it's time for an amp upgrade. Not looking to spend more than ~$500-600.

    I'm stuck on two... Valhalla 2 or Lyr 3? I can't decide. The Lyr 3 seems like the all-around better amp, but part of the reason I'm looking at upgrading is due to the fact that ever since I got these HD6xx's I've gotten this faint glimmering of this layering and airyness that isn't fully realized. The Vali 2 really does little wrong, but it feels like it is missing something and I can't put my finger on it. The detail and staging with the HD6xx is actually pretty good when fed by this amp, but it does sound a little veiled. It's not that the treble is necessarily lacking... there is a lot of discernible nuance, but it's not quite as lively as I feel it could be. I'd like to hear that improved along with the layering, preferably with a fairly even tonal profile.

    From what I've read, Val2 would probably have more of that layering effect that I'm looking for. I'm just worried it won't have that body and smoothness that I also want. The common gripe with it seems to be that it sounds dry... which lead me to the Lyr 3, with it's more laid-back presentation. But it's apparently also a bit 'tighter' in the headstage, which I'm not sure I like. I enjoy when all of the little details come out in discreet spaces.

    It's hard, because I'm sure they'd both be great, so I can't make up my mind.

    Another thing worth mentioning... later on down I am also looking at a decent dac upgrade. Had my eye on the newest iteration of the Bifrost MB. So how well either one scales there *might* be relevant.
     
    Last edited: Feb 20, 2020
  17. StageOne

    StageOne Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2018
    Likes Received:
    1,121
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    US
    What tube do you use with your Vali 2? The Vali 2 is pretty receptive of diffierent tubes and the change is quite noticable. I was not a fan of the stock tube but after listening to a couple dozen, I had a couple favorites. And you dont have to spend much (< $25) to get significant upgrades. My two favorites were the GE 6CG7 and JAN GE 5670/adapter. Both of those will be < $40.

    If you'd tried a few tubes and are still looking for more, let's dig in. I have not heard the Vahalla 2 but as you and others have mentioned, it's a bit "dry" and you are looking for more body and smoothness. I have heard the Lyr 3 quite a bit and it's a fantastic amp, but I've found a few others that'd I preffered. The Lyr 3 has great tone and doesn't do much wrong but is a little flat sounding in depth. If you don't mind SS, the Gilmore Lt Mk2 is pretty solid. I thought it had better bass and synergy with the HD6XXs then the Lyr 3. The other tube option I've heard is the EC ZDT Jr. It's fantastic for the price and may only be beat in the value category by the SW51 (which I have on order) but have not heard, but gets great reviews here on SBAF.

    I'd also recommend an upgrade to the M2U. I've had that DAC in the past and even the new Modi 3 is an upgrade. A Modi MultiBit would be a huge jump. You don't need to spend huge $$ to get what you are looking for, there are many great options today.

    My current office setup consists of HD6XX, EC ZDT Jr and Drop RDAC and I could be content with that for a long time.

    And points for a well written question/request for information with your current setup/likes and wants.
     
  18. Case

    Case Anxious Head (Formerly Wilson)

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2016
    Likes Received:
    6,040
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Ohio, USA. Home of the eclipse
    I have the Val 2 paired with HD650, and it's great for small jazz combos, acoustic guitar, and voice. It doesn't do as well with rock and the rest. Not enough slam, and can actually seem claustrophobic but I'm a novice at critical listening.
     
  19. robot zombie

    robot zombie Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    May 11, 2016
    Likes Received:
    1,408
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Ennui, FL
    Cheers. And thank you for the well-thought-out suggestions!

    I have done my share of tube rolling with this little guy and I agree, it can wear many hats! Stock tube is fine, but doesn't get it to its full potential imo.

    A couple of years back, @jexby (I see you down there... 'preciate ya for that even though I doubt you remember) hooked me up with my favorite tube I would ever go on to find, a Valvo E288CC. Took what little glare I could discern completely out and replaced it with smooth, refined treble with a little extra warmth - actually a really intimate overall signature, but with the widest soundstage. Both spacious and cohesive. Not too aggressive, but not veiled like the stock tube - maybe just a tad dark. I just felt it brought everything together.

    Sadly after a year of owning it, my girlfriend at the time had picked up one of my LSR305's to move it out of the way when she dropped it right on that tube. I have never bitten my tongue so hard in my life :/

    After that I went back to a Phillips PCC88 I was using alongside it, which is what turned me onto the idea that I might want more air. Still can't use anything else. All other tubes sound congested after using that one. HF transients jump out from all over the place in all directions. Things that should dominate the space still do, but it's got that extra little finesse on the upper mids and highs. It's got a little bit of shimmer and holography... something I never knew that amp could do so well. Bit leaner and more spacious than stock. Nice, subtle saturation from mids on up. These are things I like that make me look at the Valhalla 2.

    But actually, the Lyr 3 lacking a bit in depth might not be the worst thing for me. @Wilson reminded me that I never mentioned what I listen to. I go from classic pop and rock, to funk/r&b, to OG metal, to nearly all of the modern metal out there, to all kinds of hip-hop (laid-back/lo-fi/backpack stuff, experimental, and turn-up,) to classical, to jazz, to film scores, to anything guitar driven, to acoustic stuff, to ambient, experimental, and dancey electronic music... I can go on for a while.

    So I need an amp that can perform respectably in all of these different scenarios. Meaning I will probably have to compromise on the upper 'best for this/that' aspects of the amp.

    So when you say the Lyr 3 lacks depth, how would it compare to that of the Vali 2 with a good tube? How weak relatively is its weakest aspect? If it's at least a favorable improvement on that front... then improvements in dynamics, overall tone, micro/macro detail, and things like that would probably suit me well. It doesn't need a ton of air/plankton/holographics/whatever, if it's a good bump up across the board, so long as it's still got a little more depth and finesse. The mixture of laid-back presentation with some forward energy, a lot of clarity and a dab of warmth interests me. I want some more air on the highs, but not at the expense of versatility (in terms of suitable music.)

    Worth mentioning, I'm not super bass-crazy. If it's generally even, with solid texture, reach, and speed, I'm good. The Vali 2 is really pretty close with HD650's... just shy of what I'd like to have, bass-wise. If it was a little tighter and more defined, that would definitely be welcome.

    I'm not familiar with the Gilmore Lt Mk2, but I see it is class A, which is interesting. I'll have to dig up some impressions on it. Nothing against SS here! The amps I thought might be a good fit just happened to be tube amps :p

    The Eddie Current ZDT Jr, I would probably LOVE to have, but it looks like I just missed the drop. Maybe if there is another or I could find it used, that would be a serious contender. I forgot about that little guy, so thank you.


    I agree that a DAC upgrade is worth pursuing. The little 4490 that could, really can, but I know there can be more. Modibit has always stood out to me. It was only after going through the later posts in the Bifrost thread that I considered that. People say it's much improved, closer to a Gungnir. I figured it might be worth having the superior DAC with an all around better rollout, since everything else in the chain can scale well enough to better DACs, even if I don't need balanced outs right now. Something I can stick with for a long time. But if the Modibit is really that much of an improvement over my 4490 M2U, that might still be the ticket.

    I suppose with Schiit I can always try it and eat the little restocking fee if I don't like it :rolleyes:


    Sorry for the ramble! I'm searching for the words to get out what I'm deliberating on in my head.

    Thank you again for the input. Given me a few things to consider. I'm still hashing out what I really want to go for, sound-wise. It's difficult because I really could go either way between something more visceral and something more... 'ethereal' I can at least say, I generally like the Vali 2's synergy with these headphones. In fact I'd say it's actually very good. The overall character of it is about perfect - I just wish it had more of that going for it across the board. So maybe what I'm looking for is something that sounds like a super-duper Vali 2. :D
     
  20. Case

    Case Anxious Head (Formerly Wilson)

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2016
    Likes Received:
    6,040
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Ohio, USA. Home of the eclipse
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.

Share This Page