The All Purpose Advice Thread

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

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

    Phantaminum Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2018
    Likes Received:
    1,976
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Dallas, TX
    There’s also the option of the Shortest Way 51 amp. I personally like the pairing with the HD650s compared to most amps I’ve heard it with.

    https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/shortest-way-51-amp-impressions-only.8363/
     
  2. robot zombie

    robot zombie Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    May 11, 2016
    Likes Received:
    1,408
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Ennui, FL
    I'm liking what people are saying about the SW51. I think that might actually be what I end up going with. Seems to have some interesting qualities and a lot of good things going for it.
     
  3. barbz

    barbz New

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2020
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    3
    Location:
    Australia
    From what point on did the thoughts on the schiit jotunheim change to be slightly warm? Would we know a rought date or serial number?

    There is one second hand near me which is around 16 months old and I'm hoping this is new enough.

    I'm also coming in late and reading old posts but what was the big amp that dropped March 2019? Massdrop thx?

    Thankyou
     
    Last edited: Feb 21, 2020
  4. gixxerwimp

    gixxerwimp Professional tricycle rider

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2015
    Likes Received:
    5,773
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    small island claimed by China
    Not sure if your application is Focal specific (Elear/Elex/Clear) @redrich2000, but there are physical limitations to the connectors they will accept. Tyll posted very detailed dimensions: https://www.innerfidelity.com/content/dimensions-elear-diy-cable-builders

    I have these 3.5mm 2-pole connectors on the custom cable I use for my Clears.
    https://www.markertek.com/product/n...3-5mm-mono-with-black-metal-handle-black-gold
     
  5. loki993

    loki993 Facebook Friend

    Contributor
    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2017
    Likes Received:
    148
    Trophy Points:
    43
    Location:
    Michigan
    So I sold all of my stuff off a while ago because I wanted to try some different things and replace my whole setup, well then I lost my job and Ive been without any type of amp or dac for my headphones for a year basically. Job situations fixed, a lot of new stuff has come out, a lot of the old stuff is still around and Im ready to dive in again.

    Im 99 percent sure I want an Asgard 3, its basically why I started selling stuff to begin with because I was going to get one when it came out. So what DAC and headphones to go with it?

    Had a first gen JDS Element...it was clinical, un engaging and not musical. It sucked all the life and fun out of the music and it taught me I dont like analytical or clinical amps.

    I then went to a Magni 3 and a Modi multibit, this should have been a winner but the sound was just too dark, to ...far away sounding...it had great depth but everything sounded distant, definitely better then the element but I needed to bring everything in closer. Is that what a laid back sounds like? If so I dont like it.

    I added an eitr and it helped by adding some dynamics, some better separation and clarity, a fair bit actually, but everything still felt distant. It was also a v1 modi multibit, so Im not sure if that had anything to do with it. I haven't heard a v2 to see if there was any discernible difference to my ears. I mean I also considered trying a DS Modi or SDAC just to see what the difference was.

    Next obvious DAC answer is bifrost 2, its a lot of money for me, I know everyone will say its worth it and it may be but I just dont think I can right now.

    Im using the K7xx right now but I want something with more bass, more clarity and overall more engaging sound.

    I tried the th x00 and while I liked the sound, I didnt like the fit. They had to be on my head just the right way to get the best sound and they moved a lot because of the weight and the clamping force isnt very good. So I would find myself constantly messing with them to keep the sound good and it just doesn't make for a good experience. So on the shelf they went.

    How much do I want to spend..well this is the tough part because Im not completely sure. I mean Im willing to spend money to get what Im looking for but Im also not ready to spend a ton. So I cant really nail that down.

    so for a dac ballpark 300 but cheaper is always better

    Headphones I dont even know probably up to 400 too but again id like to keep things relative cheap unless its for something really good. I feel like this is where there is probably a lot of flexibility because in the lower range there will be major compromises that need to be made sound wise but there are always compromises until you start getting to really expensive stuff, so it becomes what am I willing to be ok with.

    I mean example I think I may really like the Elex, which I know over 400, but would it pair well with the A3? Or better question would I think they pair well with the A3 but only I can answer that I suppose. I mean from what dematted said about them in the A3 thread I could throw a liquid spark and maybe a Modi 3 at these and be done wit it. Who knows, but maybe its worth a try. Still kinda want to hear the A3 though.

    Lyr3 seems to go well with them as well but Ive avoided tubes up to this point and Im still not sure Im ready to get into all that right now, even though it may be inevitable to get the sound Im looking for. Also the Lyr3 is a bit more expensive than that A3

    I know its a lot but Im trying to provide as much information as I can in my odd stream of consciousnesses verbose writing style. So I apologize for being a bit wordy and possibly all over the place because I tend to obsess and fret over this stuff way too much.

    so to try to tl;dr this

    If one wanted to build a system around the Asgard 3 what would Good DACs and headphones be to pair with it. Im looking for a relatively close presentation, great bass quality and slam. No recessed mids and decent treble. If something was to be rolled off I think I would prefer a bit of treble rolloff over anything else.

    In that same vein and looking for the same sound what would be a good Amp dac pairing for the Elex?
     
    Last edited: Mar 1, 2020
  6. loki993

    loki993 Facebook Friend

    Contributor
    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2017
    Likes Received:
    148
    Trophy Points:
    43
    Location:
    Michigan
    So I found my Modi Multibit..I know it sounds odd, how could he lose it you ask, well I was trying to sell it around the time I lost my job and I guess I just put it downstairs and kinda forgot about it, I honestly thought I sold the thing last year. Either way I have an Eitr that needs to go back to schiit to be fixed, so Im going to send the modi in too to have the new chip put in it and see how I like it with a new set of headphones. Ill pick up an Asgard 3, Maybe an M3+ just to see the difference.

    So what headphones.....What is a relative cheap headphone, 2 to 300 range, that isnt going to have the deficiencies of the 7xx but isnt light on bass? I also have dt770 pros 80s and while I like them sometimes they are too v shaped for me, I need the mids to not be so recessed. Is this even possible at this price point?

    So there a bit more coherent and a shitload more concise than my previous post after Ive had some time to think about things.
     
  7. neogeosnk

    neogeosnk Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2015
    Likes Received:
    1,882
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Yes, get the chip upgrade for Modi will make a difference. As for headphones, Massdrop 6xx. Get a used 502DAC to run all this, you should be set.
     
    Last edited: Mar 12, 2020
  8. plcamp

    plcamp New

    Joined:
    Mar 11, 2020
    Likes Received:
    13
    Trophy Points:
    3
    Location:
    Ottawa
    I need DAC advice. Does SBAF have any “best list” as I’ve seen for headphones?

    my need is either a single two channel DAC driving my own opamp, passive or fet crossovers, or a multichannel DAC downstream from a dsp crossover system (or a pc?) Seems to me multichannel is better in every way, except of course cost.

    I’m woefully unaware of what’s good and how to differentiate DACs for loudspeakers. I do know the minidsp I use today is at the low end (I made it a bit less noisy with power supply filters, but I need to replace it anyway for more channels).

    I see what appears to me to be a decent lowish cost DAC with topping d30. Am I on right track?
     
  9. Biodegraded

    Biodegraded Friend

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    May 28, 2017
    Likes Received:
    7,983
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Vancouver BC
    Not much D30 love here. Here's an example comparison with others in the same price range:

    https://www.superbestaudiofriends.o...ac-modi-multibit-jds-el-dac-ifi-nano-bl.6313/

    And using the search box you'll find other mentions scattered through other threads.

    The default recommendation for a cheap but decent DAC here would be the current version of the Schiit Modi at $US99. Mail-order from California, so of course you'll need to add tax & brokerage fees to the shipping to Ontario.

    https://www.schiit.com/products/modi-1

    Discussion here: https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/schiit-modi-3.6855/ .

    Consider system synergy when deciding, though. If you think the rest of your system has characteristics you don't (or do) want to reinforce, pay attention to the subtleties in any of the DAC reviews here.
     
  10. bixby

    bixby Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,987
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Northern Colorado
    I owned a d30, I would never let a friend own a d30.

    Besides Schiit, other good cheap dacs include Khadas Tone board, higher up the ladder JDS El Dac with easter egg filter switch set to traditional (does not get any love here, but is good), ifi Xdsd to name a few. On the pro side and a bit more sterile sounding are the Audient ID14 and ID22 and Steinberg UR22Mkii.
     
  11. atomicbob

    atomicbob dScope Yoda

    Pyrate BWC MZR
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    18,653
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    On planet
    No, waaaay off track. D30 is one of the most miserable DACs I've ever wasted time experiencing. Almost anything else will be better.
     
  12. Biodegraded

    Biodegraded Friend

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    May 28, 2017
    Likes Received:
    7,983
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Vancouver BC
    Last edited: Mar 16, 2020
  13. plcamp

    plcamp New

    Joined:
    Mar 11, 2020
    Likes Received:
    13
    Trophy Points:
    3
    Location:
    Ottawa
    Yikes...I am happy I asked. Thanks I will take a look at suggestions. I had noticed Modi3, but thought it was a rough (just based on price) equivalent to a d30. But I know almost nothing on this topic.



    Keep safe from Covid. Annoyingly, I got my second granddaughter in 6 weeks two days ago, and we can’t go visit either of them.
     
  14. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2016
    Likes Received:
    4,112
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Rhode Island, USA
    Home Page:
    Why used? I would happily sell them new one! ;)

    Full Disclosure - My company makes the 502DAC and PI2AES, so ignore my shameless attempt to sell!

    Michael
     
  15. jnak00

    jnak00 Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2017
    Likes Received:
    608
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Canada
    The Modi is a good little DAC. Just keep in mind that after exchange, shipping, brokerage, and GST/HST, you're probably looking at $200+ all in for one.

    It's not a great time for Canadians to buy in US prices.
     
  16. rlow

    rlow A happy woofer

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2017
    Likes Received:
    7,738
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Canada
    So, like many others I’m sure, I will be working from home for the time being. I worked a lot from home before anyhow, so this is not a big shift. However what is a big shift is also having my wife working from home in the next room.

    This means I can no longer listen to my speaker system while I work because it would simply be too annoying and disruptive for her - it’s just not going to happen unless she happens to be out for a run or something which won’t be that frequent.

    So now I’m looking at my headphone system, which barely gets used right now (which is why I haven’t done much with it for a couple years) and thinking about potential upgrades because going from my speaker system to that is a major let down.

    The system consists of:
    • HD650 (unmodded)
    • Vali 2 (stock tube)
    • Modi Multibit (latest firmware)
    • Pi2AES (feeding the Modi via coax)
    • Roon + Tidal for all music
    That is literally the first dedicated headphone system I’ve owned (always been a speaker guy), and the HD650 are the only decent non-IEMs I’ve owned since I owned a pair of Porta Pros back in the 90s. So I really don’t know what’s out there or what it sounds like.

    What I’m wondering at the moment is which what upgrade would you recommend to make the biggest improvement for $500-700 US or under? I’ll probably be looking used in order to get my best bang for buck, or may buy something new from Schiit if it fits in the budget.

    In general I find the sound of my current setup serviceable, but nothing special, especially compared to my speaker system, which crushes it in every respect.

    Those who know me know I like the Schiit sound and have all Schiit in my 2-channel setup (Yggdrasil A2, Freya, Vidar x 2).

    I think what I’m looking for is more clarity and dynamics, but smooth, without additional sharpness or treble fatigue, but also good tonal density. Right now I find my current system to be somewhat veiled and soft and not very clean sounding, and not very open.

    I may end up looking for nearfields as well, so don’t bother recommending that, but all/any other advice on the headphone system is appreciated!

    Edit: I’m obviously not ignorant to the Coronavirus mess and all the hardships some people are/will feel from this, but just trying to continue to focus some time on music/audio and find a way to distract myself from it a bit, while the pandemonium continues takes hold (and likely carries on for some time.)
     
    Last edited: Mar 16, 2020
  17. yotacowboy

    yotacowboy McRibs Kind of Guy

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2016
    Likes Received:
    10,695
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    NOVA
    Home Page:
    BF2. You'll get near Yggdrasil A2 resolution but only lack on bass definition and heft, leaving out planktons that the rest of your rig probably won't resolve anyway. Checking my biases at the door, a used pair of HD600 might be a fun addition, too, just for experiment's sake. Kinda boring suggestion, but might be fun. Oh, maybe add some dynamat and compare hd650M/K to HD600. Another option would to go Crack plus all the trimmings.
     
  18. Biodegraded

    Biodegraded Friend

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    May 28, 2017
    Likes Received:
    7,983
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Vancouver BC
  19. bixby

    bixby Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,987
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Northern Colorado
    Your system is quite nice.

    The biggest change toward your goal of more clarity and dynamics in my ears is going to be the cans. Having owned the 650s twice, you can go the mod route which can change their character but you may have to augment the chain if you plan to keep them. A change to the HD-600s would bring a bit more lower treble and a little less thick midbass which can be viewed as a softness.

    An amp change is probably the second place to look for a noticeable improvement. Best amp I heard with my HD-600 recently especially for the money is the sw51. It will be a marked change from the Vali.

    And last, you do not elaborate on what is the computer source. Is it a pi with Roon endpoint sw? If so that is good. A very subtle increase in clarity and fidelity in my tests occurred when I compared Roon(warmer) to Jriver ( slightly more transparent ), but this was with a pc based setup, ymmv. Not sure if Jriver will run on your pi, os if you are using, though. Tidal is not the best fidelity source I have heard but it sure is convenient and not a huge chain changer compared to the other two HW suggestions.
     
    Last edited: Mar 16, 2020
  20. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

    Staff Member Pyrate BWC
    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2015
    Likes Received:
    14,051
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Or just hunker down during the start of a market correction and enjoy your system + save the upgrade cash.
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.

Share This Page