The All Purpose Advice Thread

That is the most intelligent avenue in my opinion. I think finding the needle in the haystack for relatively reasonable money on a CD transport might be really tough.

I used to use Mint and other flavors of Linux, but compatibility with some hardware was a bugger. I have finally succeeded in getting Win to sound better than all of my trials with Linux. Still not as good as my Mac mini, but ok for headphone use.

 

Yeah, it makes good sense to me, as well. I've got no problems tinkering with computers. And that benefits me in many more ways. I'd enjoy doing it, too. After that, I can play around with things and stuff on the front-end.

Honestly, I just got fed up with messing with Windows, especially with this old machine. It has the physical resources to do what I need, but nothing about it really just works with Windows. I'm not a fan of Windows in general, though. Not a lot of patience for it these days. So when I switched over to Linux and heard the results just with the ALSA playback, it was just a no-brainier stopping point. I suppose there will always be time and resources for getting a better sound on the software end, though. What's happening now isn't exactly my endgame

 

Looking for some help here. I owned the LCD-X for some time and for the most part liked how they sounded.. At the end of the day I sold them for two reasons... 1. they were to heavy and the upper mids to treble was kind of a mess. I then ordered an HD800S and actually hatted it.. Still way to bright for my interest, returning that tomorrow. I currently still have a set of HD650 (SBAF modded) which I actually really really like, its just the bass is a little wooly and slow. Looking for something with a similar sound sig to the hd650, maybe a planar maybe not.. closed or open doesn't matter.. I listen to mostly folk, singer song writer and then some electronic music.. Currently have a Bifrost 4490 --> Lyr2... Looking to spend anywhere between 500 and 1500 def willing to buy used as well..

 

I'm looking for a cleaner sounding bass too.
I to got HD650, only with removed foam at the rear and a little bit of dynamat with a Valhalla 2.
I was thinking maybe PM-3 but I dont know

 

Lyr 2 gets brighter with Schiit's solid-state LISST tubes. In reality, they make the amp pure solid-state. I've very much enjoyed the clarity and clean-ness they bring for about a year now (with HD600 & esp LCD-2). BTW, I've only had the stock tubes and these.

LCD-2's can be a great update for HD650-ish smooth sound with better bass, if you can find a good version/pair. With my limited experience with the different LCD-2's, I'd look for non-Fazor, aka the older versions. I found the LCD-X's too bright and somewhat wonky in the highs.

 

To all the people asking about the HD650 definitely pair it with a good Bottlehead Crack setup. Gives the exact sound you guys are looking for. On to my question now.


IS there a name for these earbuds? They are similar to the original apple earbuds or the crappy ones that they give you when you go on an airplane? Are there any decent ones out there? A friend of mine is looking for a pair that aren't shitty but none of the IEMs fit well in his ears because he is a disgusting freak of nature. Picture related.

 

That is a stock photo of the earbuds that apple shipped with all ipods, back when ipods demanded attention. I believe they were called "apple earbuds" or in the case of non apple branded, "knock off apple earbuds". They have since been replaced with a version that have a vent port thing that pushes the sound into your ear canal instead of against your ear skin. The new ones are called "apple earpods" and "knock off apple earpods" respectively. You can get them at any apple store, ebay, or any number of shady chinese vendors. The generic term for headphones that resemble this image is "earbuds" and they come in a universe of colors and quality levels.

I am not trying to be flip, but that is the best answer I can offer given the confines of the photo. Apple's 'buds and 'pods are both respectably not shitty. The 'pods are way more comfortable in my opinion. As for other brands that are not shitty, look into yuin pk#. I seem to remember everyone frothing at the mouth for those like 8-10 years ago. They still make them as far as I know.

 

Thanks for the response. These are the answers I was looking for. I'll have my friend pick up a pair of the PK3 since they are within his price range.

 

Thanks for the tips... Probably going to pick up the PMx2 or wait for the Elear...

 

After struggling with universals for years, I'm done. My earholes are two slightly different sizes and it's so frustrating to find something that actually works and is comfortable and doesn't slip out of one ear or the other. Looking to drop a dumb (for me and my budget) amount of money on customs... let's say $500-600ish.

Right now my best in-ears are Aurisonics ASG-1+. They're very good and I like their sound but they are super picky about fit and position which is really frustrating for someone like me. I am also a big fan of the HD6x0. Here's what I'm looking for in terms of sound:

• realistic, natural sound with good decay and good extension in both directions
• neutralish. warm, smooth, or slightly bass boosted are OK too
• each part of the sound spectrum should be well integrated with the rest. the overall sound should be coherent.
• I really enjoy hybrid IEMs when they aren't v-shaped shit, as I am not a fan of v-shaped sigs. I really do enjoy the sound of dynamic drivers in the lows but prefer BA in the highs. dual-dynamic drivers are good too.
• even a little treble grain/etch is a non-starter. I am very picky about treble quality.
• even a little midrange recession, even a little v-shaped or u-shaped or w-shaped sound signature is a non-starter.
• have I mentioned that I hate v-shaped sound signatures? they are so f'ing gross to my ears. I will come to your house and kick you in your baby factory if you recommend me some v-shaped garbage with a recessed midrange.

Any suggestions of stuff to look into? Thanks in advance

 

UE4 ?

 

Great way to win friends.....................................I am sure you will get lots of recommendations

 

LOL, I just get frustrated as someone who likes neutralish IEMs. I feel like 90% of in-ears out there are v-shaped, and it's not a flattering sound signature with my music (prog/psych/alt rock, black/death/doom metal, americana, hip hop, classical). Recessed midrange always sounds terrible to me. That, in addition to the fact that so many people claim that certain IEMs are balanced or neutral when they are nothing even close to that. Shopping for IEMs can be very, very frustrating.

 

Just a bit over your budget, but check out the Alclair RSM. The Reference is a cheaper alternative too.

 

Did we ever find an IEM with the HD650 sound signature or something close to it?

From my research I think I have narrowed it down to 3 different pairs. The Mee Pinnacle P1, Sennheiser IE80 and the Shure SE535.

If anyone has listened to the Modded HD650 and any of these IEMs please give some feedback!

 

I remember people a couple years ago people would recommend Yuin earbuds for those who didn't like IEMs or just couldn't get the fit right. Haven't heard them myself, and I've been out of the loop regarding earbuds and IEMs. I also haven't tried an earbud that fits as well as an IEM, so I'm no help there. I wonder if the earbud market has developed at all.

Ryu, are custom IEMs an option? Or does he have a lower budget and just wants some beaters?

 

Just looking for some beaters for the gym. I think he mentioned a $75 budget or so. I mentioned customs to him but he wasn't ready for the price tag lol.

 

http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...rsion-of-hifiman-re-00-for-35-new-cable.1973/

Gym beaters? https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-He...Compatible/dp/B003EM8008/ref=zg_bs_11974971_1