I don't see the phone having trouble with either.
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The Official Headphone Thread 2.5: We're Making WAVs and Catching FLAC
- Thread starter HiResDes
- Start date
I don't see the phone having trouble with either.
Interesting. I'm content with the E10K for now and like the portability with USB power on a laptop, but good to know it can get even better if I want to go down that road with a desktop solution.
Getting that $20 clearance Brookstone DAC/amp with battery and bluetooth in the mail today, so I'm curious how it holds up with the Fiio. Hopefully well, seems to have a little more versatility with ports and being able to bluetooth with some decent headphones to my TV for watching movies on Plex, Netflix, etc.
If not, I'll just keep it around for the bluetooth stuff. $20 is still what an unamped bluetooth receiver unit would cost, so seems like a neat little toy for the price at the very least.
UPDATE: Returning this thing, not even worth the $20. Worse as an amp than the Fiio and worse as a bluetooth unit than this $30 TROND unit I got (or $20 if you only need a receiver unit).
Low end starts to sound pretty bad at higher volumes, clicky knob is not great at fine-tuning like the Fiio with low/high gain switch. Everything in a song just sounds way more individual and distinct with the Fiio. Now I understand what this amp stuff is all about, haha.
For bluetooth, the unit fades the audio in and out for silence to avoid any hiss. Found this out when I couldn't hear clicking for timing during an audio lag test, because the unit wasn't responsive enough to fade in and out to hear it. Bizarre choice, and no way to disable it.
Would recommend the TROND bluetooth unit if you're looking for a simple solution for wired headphones. Doesn't get crazy loud with HD6XX, but gets the job done and decent sound quality with aptX bluetooth. Surprisingly small, too.
DriftedPlanet
Unconfirmed Member
As a side note, I've observed a worsening in low end and shriller highs which increases as the volume increases from my Fiio E07K when hooked up to my Schiit Magni 2 amp. Changing the volume on the Magni 2 affects it in no way but increasing volume on the E07K makes it more and more pronounced. Unlike the E10K, the E07K doesn't have a line out built in so the internal amp stays active unless you use Fiio's own products. It was designed to dock onto their E09K or separate adapter, the L7, for line out.
I don't think you'll experience this if you buy a separate amp down the line and use your E10K's line out but you might if you connect them via the headphone jack.
Congrats on the great deal btw.
Lashley
Why does he wear the mask!?
Hyper X Cloud 2 - Party chat only coming through one ear?
Got these a few days ago and I love them but they're weird on PS4
Plugged them directly into my controller, no adapter. Chat only comes through left ear?
If I change it to all audio then chat comes through left ear and the game audio etc comes through right as well, is there no way to have chat come through both sides?
Thanks
Got these a few days ago and I love them but they're weird on PS4
Plugged them directly into my controller, no adapter. Chat only comes through left ear?
If I change it to all audio then chat comes through left ear and the game audio etc comes through right as well, is there no way to have chat come through both sides?
Thanks
Funny we've been speaking of the E10K. The second headphone jack of my Geek Out 1000 went bad (fuck), so I had to dig through some drawers to see what else I had working. Boom, there was an E10K that I haven't touched for years.
It's definitely a decent DAC, but the GO is so fresh in my mind that I can clearly see the FiiO's deficiencies. It's not really fair to compare a $75 DAC to one that was $299, but the resolution is nowhere near what I'm used to hearing. Soundstage isn't as wide and it's missing a lot of detail. My Teaks sound really good still, but I'm not getting the full potential out of the FiiO. I imagine that's also the case with the 6XX/650.
Hopefully LH Labs responds to my ticket quickly this time.
I did some searching, and it seems that this headset simply does not work correctly, when plugged directly into the controller.
The official FiiO E17K specs say it's rated up to 300Ohms.
It's definitely a decent DAC, but the GO is so fresh in my mind that I can clearly see the FiiO's deficiencies. It's not really fair to compare a $75 DAC to one that was $299, but the resolution is nowhere near what I'm used to hearing. Soundstage isn't as wide and it's missing a lot of detail. My Teaks sound really good still, but I'm not getting the full potential out of the FiiO. I imagine that's also the case with the 6XX/650.
Hopefully LH Labs responds to my ticket quickly this time.
I did some searching, and it seems that this headset simply does not work correctly, when plugged directly into the controller.
The official FiiO E17K specs say it's rated up to 300Ohms.
chekhonte
Member
I bought a pair of HIFIMAN HE560's a few months ago along with an amp to drive them. I was so incredibly lukewarm on them coming from a pair K702's. I put them away for and got them out and gave them another go and was thoroughly impressed with their speed and subtle but definite forward presentation. I got them because the k702's are poorly suited to reproduce most studio produced music in any enjoyable way.
the act of listening is a fickle thing.
the act of listening is a fickle thing.
EVA UNIT 01
Member
I just received a pair of Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7NC.
thoughts from other users?
about to open them up
thoughts from other users?
about to open them up
Damn those Dekoni pads look great, at first glance I want the Elite Velour badly. I don't consider the stock pads to be bad at all, but any improvement would be excellent.
I hope Massdrop does another run. Only 77 of us requested so far... how many were purchased in the last drop?
Brain burn-in is super real for me, especially when switching between drastically different sound signatures. Lord help me if I'm going from a long period of using IEMs, to full sized cans. I usually have to give a new pair a week of dedicated listening, before I start forming an opinion.
Super bright and mediocre ANC (compared to Bose), seems to be the Google-fu consensus.
I just purchased a pair of HD 650's and am now looking for the right amp to power them. I'm mostly going to be using them with my desktop, which has an Asus Xonar DGX in it, and as I understand it that should do a good-enough job acting as a DAC. I will also use them with my MacBook Pro from time to time, and also at my TV for games and movies.
So what's my best bet for an entry-level amp? I've found a lot of people like to recommend the Objective2 or the Schiit Magni 2, but as these are desktop solutions, they'd be a little bulky for moving from computer to laptop to TV. I've also run across the Fiio E12 Mont Blanc, which seems like a really good portable solution that looks to be able to provide ample power for my 650's.
Would I be better going with a portable solution like the E12? Or are there benefits of something like the Magni 2 or O2 that aren't apparent and would make the hassle of having to move it around worth it in the end? Any help pointing me in the right direction would be appreciated; this is my first foray into the audiophile world, so I'm still very much learning as I go.
So what's my best bet for an entry-level amp? I've found a lot of people like to recommend the Objective2 or the Schiit Magni 2, but as these are desktop solutions, they'd be a little bulky for moving from computer to laptop to TV. I've also run across the Fiio E12 Mont Blanc, which seems like a really good portable solution that looks to be able to provide ample power for my 650's.
Would I be better going with a portable solution like the E12? Or are there benefits of something like the Magni 2 or O2 that aren't apparent and would make the hassle of having to move it around worth it in the end? Any help pointing me in the right direction would be appreciated; this is my first foray into the audiophile world, so I'm still very much learning as I go.
General question about when I would 'need' an external DAC.
If i'm listening to high quality music files (Tidal Hi-Fi) through a Pixel phone with high-end headphones, how much quality would I be missing if not using an external DAC? I'm unclear about how different a Pixel DAC would be from a standalone unit under those conditions. Thanks.
If i'm listening to high quality music files (Tidal Hi-Fi) through a Pixel phone with high-end headphones, how much quality would I be missing if not using an external DAC? I'm unclear about how different a Pixel DAC would be from a standalone unit under those conditions. Thanks.
In general, it is very hard to outdo Schiit Audio products in terms of performance for the price. They have better engineering and (usually) better internal components than the Chinese stuff at similar price points. The Magni 2 (or even Fulla 2) would be my pick for your situation.
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/google-pixel-phone-audio-quality.822143/page-5
Normally flagship phones have great onboard sound quality, but doesn't seem to be the case for the Pixel.
chekhonte
Member
yes, and I also find that just my mood effects how I perceive sound. When I spent you know, 1000 bucks on a whole new amp, dac and headphones I was expecting probably more than what I was getting out of my old setup. I didn't get that. It wasn't a whole new listening experience like when I bought my first pair of grado's after using earbuds. That disappointment had a genuine affect on how I perceived the sounds that my ears where hearing. There I was a month later, coming in with the idea of just wanting to listen to a couple of albums I'd been thinking about for a couple of days just for fun and it turned into a bonafide critical listening session that was ultra enjoyable.
The HE560's are so very good at separating every instrument and it turned the Pavement album Crooked Rain into an interesting lesson about how they make and erode their melodies with a touch of discordant sounds around it's edges.
LQX
Member
Massdrop x Koss Porta Pro X Headphones: Available Thursday. $37.99.
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdr...de=guest_open&referer=7GA828&utm_medium=email
super-famicom
Member
Massdrop x Koss Porta Pro X Headphones: Available Thursday. $37.99.
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdr...de=guest_open&referer=7GA828&utm_medium=email
Interesting. But I prefer the old school aesthetics of the original model.
DriftedPlanet
Unconfirmed Member
Massdrop keeps partnering with companies to drop sets on my wishlists. It's great but really annoying that I have to keep resisting while I save for a better DAC.
Edit: I'm going to break for the Porta Pros if it ships before November. $37 is practically Chi-Fi territory and it's so light it's HALF the weight of my mouse. For a well regarded non-iem I'm fairly certain that the KPPX is crazy light.
So, fingers crossed on a October shipping date. If not, the base model is barely more money.
Edit: I'm going to break for the Porta Pros if it ships before November. $37 is practically Chi-Fi territory and it's so light it's HALF the weight of my mouse. For a well regarded non-iem I'm fairly certain that the KPPX is crazy light.
So, fingers crossed on a October shipping date. If not, the base model is barely more money.
No make one man, or ask here.
So how many people here use software EQ for their headphones?
For example if a headphone has a peak somewhere that could be EQ'd down a bit. Or if someone wanted to bump up the bass frequencies a bit.
Does it depend on the headphone if they would respond and handle EQ without distortion?
For example if a headphone has a peak somewhere that could be EQ'd down a bit. Or if someone wanted to bump up the bass frequencies a bit.
Does it depend on the headphone if they would respond and handle EQ without distortion?
LQX
Member
For those looking for a amp. Massdrop has the Objective 2 (O2) Headphone Amplifier on sale for $80 or $100. There is no DAC on this. Estimated ship date is Aug 22, 2017.
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-o2-amplifier?mode=guest_open
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-o2-amplifier?mode=guest_open
Kickstarter headphones by the name of "kannon" are starting to get shipped this week, finally. I became aware of them more than a year ago through posts in this thread. Their gimmick was including haptic drivers to physically feel the bass. Have no expectations of the product; just satisfaction that I am getting a thing with the money I spent some time ago. Anyone else here made the plunge for these?
SolarMystic
Member
I would just get a Magni 2 for $99. Much better amp.
decided to jump on this. my first proper Wireless Headphones.
hope the hinge doesn't crack (like a number of communities are mentioning)
I'm not sure you need anything more than lossless CD quality really. The jump from 16/44 to higher really isn't worth it. What are you currently using both as a music source/service and as headphones?
DriftedPlanet
Unconfirmed Member
The Koss Porta Pro X drop is live, ship date is December 18 so that is a hard pass from me.
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-x-koss-porta-pro-x-headphones?mode=guest
I think Massdrop just proved you wrong (Edit: I am intentionally misinterpreting your post as a philosophical quote that no company can force you to throw your money at them. It's more fun that way). The LZ A4s you've been fiending for are up for $175. Quick check shows that the drop is about $20 less than normal so that's cool. Ship date is September 6. They're pretty much forcing you to buy now. https://www.massdrop.com/buy/lz-a4-iem?mode=guest
I'm now debating on whether I should stick to the plan of replacing my Fiio with the Schiit Modi 2 Uber or if I would hear a clear benefit from going straight at the Modi Multibit. The impressions that exist note the livelier mids and better/less accentuated highs in comparison to the Modi 2. Otherwise, the Uber has the same input/output. If I'm now strongly considering the Multibit, that puts me squarely in the sub-300 range now.
Any impressions on the Modi Multibit? Anecdotal comparisons with the Uber and other sub-$300 DACs that y'all would recommend over either would also be great.
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-x-koss-porta-pro-x-headphones?mode=guest
I think Massdrop just proved you wrong (Edit: I am intentionally misinterpreting your post as a philosophical quote that no company can force you to throw your money at them. It's more fun that way). The LZ A4s you've been fiending for are up for $175. Quick check shows that the drop is about $20 less than normal so that's cool. Ship date is September 6. They're pretty much forcing you to buy now. https://www.massdrop.com/buy/lz-a4-iem?mode=guest
I'm now debating on whether I should stick to the plan of replacing my Fiio with the Schiit Modi 2 Uber or if I would hear a clear benefit from going straight at the Modi Multibit. The impressions that exist note the livelier mids and better/less accentuated highs in comparison to the Modi 2. Otherwise, the Uber has the same input/output. If I'm now strongly considering the Multibit, that puts me squarely in the sub-300 range now.
Any impressions on the Modi Multibit? Anecdotal comparisons with the Uber and other sub-$300 DACs that y'all would recommend over either would also be great.
SolarMystic
Member
Modi Multibit is a great choice. In the digital dac space, schiit pretty much has a stranglehold on the under $1000 market. Can't go wrong picking up one of their dacs. I had the Modi Multibit for a few months before getting a Gumby and it was the best dac I heard under $500.
Modi Multibit is fantastic at its pricepoint. I upgraded to a Metrum Musette but its better than most everything else at under $500 and really competitive even with stuff above that.
Brainwavz round pads dropped - https://www.brainwavzaudio.com/coll...-29102149&mc_cid=5941768b3a&mc_eid=c68f27c3fb
Do you think it'd be worth upgrading from the Modi 2 Uber?
Unless you can sell the Uber pretty much for it's regular pricepoint, I seriously doubt the upgrade would be worth it.
No.
I don't have experience with the Uber so I'm not too familiar with the differences. What I can tell you is that the Multibit has this uncanny ability to make you feel like you are in a "cloud" of sound / instruments when you have headphones on. It's a very 3D sound experience provided you have a decent amp and decent headphones to do it justice.
It isn't as wide or deep or as refined as some of the pricier multibit / NOS options but at its pricepoint it really has no competition.
I have the wired version. Bright. Light on bass compared ti the m50x.
deletethis123
Banned
Is there a recommended alternative to the portapros? I want something light and easy to carry. Preferably without sound leak. I've tried iems but they hurt my ears quite a bit.
Also, is there a recommended cheap USB sound card? Just something to use rather than my work computer's abysmal sound card.
Also, is there a recommended cheap USB sound card? Just something to use rather than my work computer's abysmal sound card.
Thanks everyone. I'll keep my Modi 2 Uber for now.
I have actually been looking into an iDSD Black Label or Mojo or HA-2SE because I only have X2's and HE-400i's so I would prefer portability around my place. I'm pretty sure all 3 of those are "old" models though so I may wait to see if there are any successors to those in the near future.
DriftedPlanet
Unconfirmed Member
The Fiio e10k is a decent small $76 DAC/AMP combo with a physical dial.
The Schiit Fulla 2 is quite widely recommended for a cheapo DAC/amp that works damn well for $99. Has a physical dial as well.
Haven't personally heard the Fulla 2. E10K is ok but, as an aside, the bass boost makes things sound quite muddy on my buddy's SHP9500S. My 2 cents.
You're gonna have to shell out considerably more money for something closed with minimal leakage and also light and portable...
Sennheiser PX-200 are pretty nice closed light portables. Fold down with hard case.
I was actually thinking of the Jotenhiem
but it doesn't currently have a multibit DAC version.
I was looking at audiogd as well
deletethis123
Banned
The PX200s look like a great option. I'll give those a go.
I can't recommend that you guys buy from LH Labs. The customer service is horrible to non-existent. I put in a support ticket on the 4th, and haven't gotten a response.
I'm about to chalk up my GO1000 as a loss, and replace it with something else to pair with my laptop.
What's currently the best USB DAC, in the $300 USD range? Any opinions on the HA-2SE?
Whatever I buy would see use exclusively with my laptop, at home.
I'm about to chalk up my GO1000 as a loss, and replace it with something else to pair with my laptop.
What's currently the best USB DAC, in the $300 USD range? Any opinions on the HA-2SE?
Whatever I buy would see use exclusively with my laptop, at home.