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The Audiophiles' Lounge

1…1617182022

Comments

  • #952
    gizmo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,405 ✭✭✭gizmo


    Dr.Winston O'Boogie wrote: »
    Been looking to purchase some HIFIMANs, specifically the below:

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07YBWT8PK/?coliid=I3A6KQ4P0T8MRG&colid=2AXOTNN1YGDNZ&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

    Doesn't seem possible to get them in europe? Would there be an equivalent headphone anyone can reccomend? Primarily listening on Spotify, and combining with a Topping E30/L30 as per the below:

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0868J7NRV/?coliid=I3ETQ0493MJFF4&colid=2AXOTNN1YGDNZ&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08DNV2K8C/?coliid=I2NTW660RCPO3A&colid=2AXOTNN1YGDNZ&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
    How do you find the Topping E30/L30 stack?

    Looks like the RCA output on my ZxR somehow died in a power cut today and while the headphone out is still fine, looks like I need to start looking for a replacement.

    Not only are the reviews of the Topping units stellar but it's also one of the only setups with both variable volume RCA outs and front facing input switches - both of which should make life a hell of a lot easier when jumping between my headphones and powered monitors during the day.

    Oh, for what it's worth, I have a pair of the HE-4xx which I got from Massdrop a few years ago. Mentioned it in this post last year.


  • #953
    Gonzovision
    Moderators, Music Moderators Posts: 4,726 Mod ✭✭✭✭Gonzovision


    gizmo wrote: »
    How do you find the Topping E30/L30 stack?

    Looks like the RCA output on my ZxR somehow died in a power cut today and while the headphone out is still fine, looks like I need to start looking for a replacement.

    Not only are the reviews of the Topping units stellar but it's also one of the only setups with both variable volume RCA outs and front facing input switches - both of which should make life a hell of a lot easier when jumping between my headphones and powered monitors during the day.

    Oh, for what it's worth, I have a pair of the HE-4xx which I got from Massdrop a few years ago. Mentioned it in this post last year.


    I have the E30 paired with a Schiit Heresy, find it fine. I had an E10 before that which I moved, but not sure I get tell the difference between the two!

    Sounds very clean to me. The E30/L30 stack looks class and is fantastic value. If I hadn't the Heresy already, I would have gotten the L30.


  • #954
    gizmo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,405 ✭✭✭gizmo


    Gonzovision wrote: »
    I have the E30 paired with a Schiit Heresy, find it fine. I had an E10 before that which I moved, but not sure I get tell the difference between the two!

    Sounds very clean to me. The E30/L30 stack looks class and is fantastic value. If I hadn't the Heresy already, I would have gotten the L30.
    Was there a reason you didn't go for the Modi instead of the E30 by the way?

    After a weekend of reading it looks like my options are one of three stacks: the JDS Atom, Schiit Modi/Heresy and Topping E30/L30. Looks like there's some reviews coming in online for the later in the next week or so so probably going to hold off until then.

    To be fair, there's probably not going to be much between them but on the amp side, it does look like the Schiit and L30 may be a bit more future proof if I was get anything harder to drive.


  • #955
    Gonzovision
    Moderators, Music Moderators Posts: 4,726 Mod ✭✭✭✭Gonzovision


    gizmo wrote: »
    Was there a reason you didn't go for the Modi instead of the E30 by the way?

    After a weekend of reading it looks like my options are one of three stacks: the JDS Atom, Schiit Modi/Heresy and Topping E30/L30. Looks like there's some reviews coming in online for the later in the next week or so so probably going to hold off until then.

    To be fair, there's probably not going to be much between them but on the amp side, it does look like the Schiit and L30 may be a bit more future proof if I was get anything harder to drive.

    Modi was out of stock when I ordered the Heresy. The Hersey/E30 stack isn't the greatest looking of combos in fairness!

    Will be upgrading to a Topping A90 sometime in the near future.


  • #956
    Sheeps
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,762 ✭✭✭Sheeps


    HD6xx arrived today with a €48 charge with them for VAT and duty. Still worth every penny and I've only been listening for about an hour. Noticeably more clarity and separation than the X2HRs, with a similar enough sound profile. I've heard there is a bit of burn in required on these but so far without any I'm fairly impressed.


  • #957
    Gonzovision
    Moderators, Music Moderators Posts: 4,726 Mod ✭✭✭✭Gonzovision


    Ordered a D90/A90 stack, I'm done.


  • #958
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    Gonzovision wrote: »
    Ordered a D90/A90 stack, I'm done.

    Famous last words. :D


  • #959
    Gonzovision
    Moderators, Music Moderators Posts: 4,726 Mod ✭✭✭✭Gonzovision


    Now I'm done, bar the balanced cable I've ordered for the Aryas.....

    hp.jpg


  • #960
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    Lovely.


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  • #961
    hudo
    Registered Users Posts: 23 ✭hudo


    y4m0NERSauKEFdo9YTPCaWBAQwgRg-KYbjKNAUNiGLOq4EDiLPAS2_dMgxsG2GIg4rcdq2C63BYIvujNdcD9QJ-YI5i0uYePEFuq22KhmCryNJSt_Ay-iAzQyJzTmU0qBk1WCVd4zoqhsHwpIvQMzRqY6w_U2mq1NG5Q1SJvwvywAXmv4GUBkdd_vRcTHPlB3HaNFPj1dV8z3mOexqv3JdldA?width=371&height=660&cropmode=none

    Got myself new headphone amp upgrade - xDuoo TA-10. Replaced Audioquest Dragonfly Red, which i used with Hifiman HE400s (now sold), but Audeze needs/deserves much more power.
    Considered Schiit Asgard 3, Burson Soloist, AudioGD r2r 11 and few others, but went with xDuoo since i have bunch of 12AU7 around so fun to do tube rolling and tweak the sound, had decent DAC and enough power for most headphones:) Also looks cool!


  • #962
    Sheeps
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,762 ✭✭✭Sheeps


    hudo wrote: »
    y4m0NERSauKEFdo9YTPCaWBAQwgRg-KYbjKNAUNiGLOq4EDiLPAS2_dMgxsG2GIg4rcdq2C63BYIvujNdcD9QJ-YI5i0uYePEFuq22KhmCryNJSt_Ay-iAzQyJzTmU0qBk1WCVd4zoqhsHwpIvQMzRqY6w_U2mq1NG5Q1SJvwvywAXmv4GUBkdd_vRcTHPlB3HaNFPj1dV8z3mOexqv3JdldA?width=371&height=660&cropmode=none

    Got myself new headphone amp upgrade - xDuoo TA-10. Replaced Audioquest Dragonfly Red, which i used with Hifiman HE400s (now sold), but Audeze needs/deserves much more power.
    Considered Schiit Asgard 3, Burson Soloist, AudioGD r2r 11 and few others, but went with xDuoo since i have bunch of 12AU7 around so fun to do tube rolling and tweak the sound, had decent DAC and enough power for most headphones:) Also looks cool!

    What tubes have you got there?


  • #963
    hudo
    Registered Users Posts: 23 ✭hudo


    Sheeps wrote: »
    What tubes have you got there?


    Mullard, Radiotechnique, RFT, Philips, JJ, RCE, Primaluna Shuguang (not all on the photo). I was rolling them in my Primaluna preamp until i settled down with Philips Miniwat NOS


  • #964
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    hudo wrote: »
    y4m0NERSauKEFdo9YTPCaWBAQwgRg-KYbjKNAUNiGLOq4EDiLPAS2_dMgxsG2GIg4rcdq2C63BYIvujNdcD9QJ-YI5i0uYePEFuq22KhmCryNJSt_Ay-iAzQyJzTmU0qBk1WCVd4zoqhsHwpIvQMzRqY6w_U2mq1NG5Q1SJvwvywAXmv4GUBkdd_vRcTHPlB3HaNFPj1dV8z3mOexqv3JdldA?width=371&height=660&cropmode=none

    Got myself new headphone amp upgrade - xDuoo TA-10. Replaced Audioquest Dragonfly Red, which i used with Hifiman HE400s (now sold), but Audeze needs/deserves much more power.
    Considered Schiit Asgard 3, Burson Soloist, AudioGD r2r 11 and few others, but went with xDuoo since i have bunch of 12AU7 around so fun to do tube rolling and tweak the sound, had decent DAC and enough power for most headphones:) Also looks cool!

    Got myself a set of those Audioengine's the other day for my work/gaming station. Very impressed with them. Nice setup there btw.


  • #965
    hudo
    Registered Users Posts: 23 ✭hudo


    Deleted User wrote: »
    Got myself a set of those Audioengine's the other day for my work/gaming station. Very impressed with them. Nice setup there btw.


    Yes I love that small speaker! Specially if you apply some EQ (download from link at the end of http://noaudiophile.com/AudioEngine_A2_Plus/) with Equalizer APO. I also use EQ profile for LCD2f from https://github.com/jaakkopasanen/AutoEq


  • #966
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    Thinking of going for the Topping L30/E30 stack as my next purchase.


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  • #967
    Gonzovision
    Moderators, Music Moderators Posts: 4,726 Mod ✭✭✭✭Gonzovision


    Deleted User wrote: »
    Thinking of going for the Topping L30/E30 stack as my next purchase.

    Have the E30 upstairs now running off a battery back, connected to the Schiit Heresy for my K712pros. The E30/L30 stack looks really nice.


  • #968
    gizmo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,405 ✭✭✭gizmo


    My Topping stack arrived over the weekend. No pics as it felt a little inadequate after Gonzovision posted his big boy stack but loving it so far. :pac:

    Connected to my PC via optical out, units linked together with a pair of JDS Stack RCA Cables and happily powering my HE4xx and iLoud Micro Monitor speakers.

    I don't have much to compare it to really, the L30 with no gain is definitely delivering more power than the ZxR I was using previously and the E30 is maybe a tad more neutral/clean/precise. It's not a huge jump but it's definitely noticeable. I have a Massdrop O2 + SDAC unit powering a pair of MrSpeakers Mad Dogs in the office and I'm quite looking forward to getting them home to compare them more.

    Long story short, I'd happily recommend it and the reviews I read beforehand are quite accurate. On a more personal note, there's not a hope in absolute hell I would ever replace this setup with a unit that didn't have an output switcher and power button on the front, that **** should be standard.


  • #969
    Sheeps
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,762 ✭✭✭Sheeps


    thx789.jpg

    I'm done for the rest of the year.


  • #970
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    gizmo wrote: »
    My Topping stack arrived over the weekend. No pics as it felt a little inadequate after Gonzovision posted his big boy stack but loving it so far. :pac:

    Connected to my PC via optical out, units linked together with a pair of JDS Stack RCA Cables and happily powering my HE4xx and iLoud Micro Monitor speakers.

    I don't have much to compare it to really, the L30 with no gain is definitely delivering more power than the ZxR I was using previously and the E30 is maybe a tad more neutral/clean/precise. It's not a huge jump but it's definitely noticeable. I have a Massdrop O2 + SDAC unit powering a pair of MrSpeakers Mad Dogs in the office and I'm quite looking forward to getting them home to compare them more.

    Long story short, I'd happily recommend it and the reviews I read beforehand are quite accurate. On a more personal note, there's not a hope in absolute hell I would ever replace this setup with a unit that didn't have an output switcher and power button on the front, that **** should be standard.

    Can i ask where you purchased?


  • #971
    Gonzovision
    Moderators, Music Moderators Posts: 4,726 Mod ✭✭✭✭Gonzovision


    Deleted User wrote: »
    Can i ask where you purchased?

    Audiophonics
    Electromod UK

    I've bought topping from both of the above, really quick delivery.
    I also made the mistake previously of ordering on Amazon through Shenzen Audio, which may ship from China, so you may have to wait a while and pay customs.


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  • #972
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    That's good to know. I was going to get on Amazon from Shenzen. Didn't think you'd have to pay customs through Amazon.


  • #973
    gizmo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,405 ✭✭✭gizmo


    Deleted User wrote: »
    Can i ask where you purchased?
    Sure, I got both units through Amazon, waiting until the stock from the HIFI College Store and Shenzen Audio stores was available via Fulfilled by Amazon. That way I had the delivery benefits of Prime but also knew if I had a issue caused by quality control, it'd be super quick and easy to send back for a refund/replacement.

    If you're just buying from their store with the regular inventory then yes, it'll be dispatched from China so you'll have to eat the longer shipping time but you shouldn't have to pay VAT and import duty due to the manner in which they label the package. The few cases I could find where people did have to pay, ended up contacting the seller and getting reimbursed. All that being said, if I didn't have the FBA option, I'd go with the sellers Gonzovision listed above.


  • #974
    _CreeD_
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,151 ✭✭✭_CreeD_


    My Headstack, not the most efficient use of space :o

    528656.jpg


  • #975
    Gonzovision
    Moderators, Music Moderators Posts: 4,726 Mod ✭✭✭✭Gonzovision


    Is that a Raspberri Pi?


  • #976
    _CreeD_
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,151 ✭✭✭_CreeD_


    Nope, a NUC running Roon/Rock. It's the heart of music through the entire house, great little piece of kit. The DAC above it is connected via USB, and a lot of Roon people would cry at that but it has a quality PSU and great isolation so I'm not too worried. Everything else in the house gets audio from it over the network.


  • #977
    Gonzovision
    Moderators, Music Moderators Posts: 4,726 Mod ✭✭✭✭Gonzovision


    _CreeD_ wrote: »
    Nope, a NUC running Roon/Rock. It's the heart of music through the entire house, great little piece of kit. The DAC above it is connected via USB, and a lot of Roon people would cry at that but it has a quality PSU and great isolation so I'm not too worried. Everything else in the house gets audio from it over the network.

    Ah got ye....I've the core running on my PC connected to a Pi running RoPieee via ethernet, then USB to DAC. Tbh honest, Roon to DAC via USB sounds just as good to me....


  • #978
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    All stacked up.

    529413.jpg

    A big step up from the K5 Pro i was using. The sound is so clear and detailed. Love it.


  • #979
    marko93
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,013 ✭✭✭marko93


    Fantastic looking setup!

    That's the Topping L30/E30 right ? How do you find going between the Headphone setup and the A2+ ?


  • #980
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    marko93 wrote: »
    Fantastic looking setup!

    That's the Topping L30/E30 right ? How do you find going between the Headphone setup and the A2+ ?

    It is yea. I've not hooked them together yet. Searching for a cable for them. You'd think i'd have one here somewhere. :D


  • #981
    46 Long
    Closed Accounts Posts: 355 ✭✭46 Long


    Not sure if I should start a new thread for this, but any suggestions for in-ear headphones to replace a pair of OneMore Quad drivers? Nothing wrong with the OneMores as such, just wanted to see what else is out there. Listen to a lot of jazz and folk and generally prefer warm, laid back sounding headphones with a nice bass response.


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  • #982
    _CreeD_
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,151 ✭✭✭_CreeD_


    Deleted User wrote: »
    All stacked up.

    529413.jpg

    A big step up from the K5 Pro i was using. The sound is so clear and detailed. Love it.

    Respect, looks great. And plus points for the play bars in there too :).


  • #983
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    Yea. One on the other side and Hue light strip too. Expensive but adds to a desk setup.


  • #984
    cnocbui
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,110 ✭✭✭✭cnocbui


    46 Long wrote: »
    Not sure if I should start a new thread for this, but any suggestions for in-ear headphones to replace a pair of OneMore Quad drivers? Nothing wrong with the OneMores as such, just wanted to see what else is out there. Listen to a lot of jazz and folk and generally prefer warm, laid back sounding headphones with a nice bass response.

    There is a pair of Radius HP-TWF31 earphones on ebay in the US I would be all over if I wasn't already sorted with the next model up. 10-40,000 hz.
    https://www.radius.co.jp/en_product/hp-twf31/

    I have had the model below and above those and the difference was marginal so I have no hesitation saying I think those would be a good fit with what you are after.

    Radius is a brand not well known outside of Japan. The ones I have acquired I had to get directly from there.


  • #985
    gizmo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,405 ✭✭✭gizmo


    Has anyone around here tried a Minirig or even the Mini model by any chance?

    Looking at picking up either one of those or a new Echo for my bedroom and I'm not entirely sure which one to go for. Use case is wake up, turn off alarm on phone, turn on Spotify and hit play before getting up to grab a shower and get started for the day. It only needs to provide sound to the bedroom and ensuite, the other rooms in the place are covered, so it doesn't need to be particularly powerful, just sound good and have a relatively small footprint.

    I'm asking here rather than Gadgets because it's the sound quality I'm really interested in, even if I did go with the Echo the Alexa functionality would be a bonus.

    Any ideas?


  • #986
    Scubadevils
    Subscribers Posts: 8,322 ✭✭✭Scubadevils


    Good deal for the Final E5000 on Amazon at the moment... I've a set on the way and really look forward to trying them. A very highly regarded set of IEMs but apparently need decent power to drive them. These are typically £219 and £159 at the moment, worked out at €180.

    https://tinyurl.com/yxsgkq4q


  • #987
    cnocbui
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,110 ✭✭✭✭cnocbui


    Scubadevils wrote: »
    Good deal for the Final E5000 on Amazon at the moment... I've a set on the way and really look forward to trying them. A very highly regarded set of IEMs but apparently need decent power to drive them. These are typically £219 and £159 at the moment, worked out at €180.

    https://tinyurl.com/yxsgkq4q

    I wouldn't get an IEM with such a small driver (6.5mm) as I quite like my lower frequencies. That's probably why it is so inefficient. At 93db/mw efficiency, they would require a bit over 30 times as much power to achieve the same sound pressure level as an IEM an efficiency rating of 108 db/mw.


  • #988
    Scubadevils
    Subscribers Posts: 8,322 ✭✭✭Scubadevils


    cnocbui wrote: »
    I wouldn't get an IEM with such a small driver (6.5mm) as I quite like my lower frequencies. That's probably why it is so inefficient. At 93db/mw efficiency, they would require a bit over 30 times as much power to achieve the same sound pressure level as an IEM an efficiency rating of 108 db/mw.

    Interestingly, it's their bass that is mentioned in lots of the reviews - how amazing it is for their size. Ability to drive is definitely flagged by lots and it sounds like a decent DAP required for sure. I have the Sony ZX300 (uncapped in the last few days) and it can easily now drive the likes of HD650 without any problem so I know it will be fine with these. What really sold me on these ultimately was so many comments around comfort and the relaxed nature of the sound. Anyway, I'll find out soon enough...

    Some reviews on head-fi:

    https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/final-e5000.23161/reviews

    A couple of others around the web, there are lots - I spent a lot of time researching before I went for them! I was torn between these and the Sony XBA-N3AP which were working out about €50 or so more.

    https://www.audiophile-heaven.com/2018/11/final-e5000-thick-sound-delight.html

    https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/11/18639387/final-e5000-earphones-review-price-release-date


  • #989
    cnocbui
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,110 ✭✭✭✭cnocbui


    Scubadevils wrote: »
    Interestingly, it's their bass that is mentioned in lots of the reviews - how amazing it is for their size. Ability to drive is definitely flagged by lots and it sounds like a decent DAP required for sure. I have the Sony ZX300 (uncapped in the last few days) and it can easily now drive the likes of HD650 without any problem so I know it will be fine with these. What really sold me on these ultimately was so many comments around comfort and the relaxed nature of the sound. Anyway, I'll find out soon enough...

    Some reviews on head-fi:

    https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/final-e5000.23161/reviews

    A couple of others around the web, there are lots - I spent a lot of time researching before I went for them! I was torn between these and the Sony XBA-N3AP which were working out about €50 or so more.

    https://www.audiophile-heaven.com/2018/11/final-e5000-thick-sound-delight.html

    https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/11/18639387/final-e5000-earphones-review-price-release-date


    I sincerely hope I am wrong and thet they are everything you want and are expecting.

    I bought some well reviewed IEMs with 5.8mm drivers (JVC HA-FXD80) and was dissapointed in the bass balance compared with what the reviews said. I have ended up with IEMs with 13mm drivers and am now happy. The diaphragms of the current ones have 5 times the surface are of the old ones so it's not really surprising. Physics won.


  • #990
    Scubadevils
    Subscribers Posts: 8,322 ✭✭✭Scubadevils


    cnocbui wrote: »
    I sincerely hope I am wrong and thet they are everything you want and are expecting.

    I bought some well reviewed IEMs with 5.8mm drivers (JVC HA-FXD80) and was dissapointed in the bass balance compared with what the reviews said. I have ended up with IEMs with 13mm drivers and am now happy. The diaphragms of the current ones have 5 times the surface are of the old ones so it's not really surprising. Physics won.

    They arrived today and I'm happy to report they are wonderful - I love my bass too and these have plenty but very nicely balanced... an incredibly impressive IEM, immediately prefer to my previous go-to Sennheiser IE8. I do need to crank the volume up on the ZX300 to about 80/120 where as would have been around 65 or so on the IE8s, these definitely would not suit a smartphone.


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  • #991
    py2006
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,844 ✭✭✭py2006


    Hi all,

    I'm looking for a decent sound system for my new pc. Movies, music and may be gaming in future.

    I don't fully understand amps and DACs etc and would love advice.

    My current aged pc has logitech z-2300 2.1 system with a sound blasterx g6 external soundcard for my generic steel series headset. All very cringy for you audiophiles.

    Anyways, I was looking at speakers from Audioengine A5+, Presonus 4.5, Kanto Yu4 etc among many others

    I've my eyes on decent headphones like Sennheiser HD599, Sony MDR-7506 among many others.

    Obviously more research needed but I'd love a good quality system that will allow me to alternate between listening via headphones and speakers using a pc.

    Any advice on DACs etc to compliment above?

    Thanks


  • #992
    hudo
    Registered Users Posts: 23 ✭hudo


    Audioengine and other models you mentioned are active speakers with built-in DAC. You wouldn't get much benefit in having external DAC probably.
    If its for PC, gaming and movies, stick with Audioengine, Edifier and similar brands, and active models with amps/dacs included.
    For headphones, I recommend something like Audioquest Dragonfly USB DAC/amp.


  • #993
    gizmo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,405 ✭✭✭gizmo


    I can tell you what I have from the perspective of a former Logitech z-2300 owner at least?

    Topping L30 Amp and E30 DAC combo powering a set of iLoud Micro Monitor speakers and headphone wise, a pair of HiFiMAN HE4xx from Massdrop.

    There's a few folk here who have gotten the Topping combo above and without spending twice as much I think you'd be hard pressed to get anything better. There are alternatives - the JDL Labs Atom stack and the Schiit Magni & Heresy Stack for instance - and while I can't comment on how they sound, I can say that for my purposes, namely switching with ease between speakers and headphones depending on what I'm doing, work or play, I'm glad I went with the Toppings.

    Speakers wise, because I run a triple monitor setup, I wanted something that could sit comfortably under my screens but still sound great. The iLouds fit that bill and outside of something considerably more expensive such as a set from Genelec, I don't think I could get better. If I had more space to play with, however, I would have been considering something along the lines of the Swan M200MkIII or a set of powered nearfield monitors such as the JBL LSR 305, Adam T5V or Tannoy Reveal 502.

    I don't watch movies or TV at my computer anymore so I didn't miss the subwoofer when I upgraded from the Logitech set. Gaming wise the iLoud still sound great but I split my time between using those and headphones, depending on what I'm playing.


  • #994
    Sheeps
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,762 ✭✭✭Sheeps


    I see apple are entering the headphones market with their Airpods Max. (€618.75)

    https://www.apple.com/ie/airpods-max/

    They've some pretty bold claims coming out already about their product, in particular about the soundstage of these things which I'm reluctant to believe. I've no doubt Apple will make a really beautiful well built feature rich product and I'm sure their new headphones will give Sony and Bose for their money for ANC, but there something about apple making the claims on audio fidelity given the limitations of bluetooth etc. I'm half hoping these things get absolutely crucified in the audiophile reviews.


  • #995
    hudo
    Registered Users Posts: 23 ✭hudo


    Don't think its going to get much traction in the audiphile world. For a similar price you get Hifiman planar magnetic or some massdrop Sennheiser hd6xx with the external amp/dac which will for certain sound much better, but of course without ANC, BT, ...
    Its a different market that Apple is aiming at, mostly premium wireless headphone where it has to charge that Apple tax, but will offer a decent quality product that will people locked in Apple ecosystem buy because "it just works with iDevice"
    The rest of us will live happily with Sony XM3/4 for travel, and proper listening headphones at home.


  • #996
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdfSrJvqY_E

    Marques Brownlee's first impressions.


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  • #997
    py2006
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,844 ✭✭✭py2006


    gizmo wrote: »
    I can tell you what I have from the perspective of a former Logitech z-2300 owner at least?

    Topping L30 Amp and E30 DAC combo powering a set of iLoud Micro Monitor speakers and headphone wise, a pair of HiFiMAN HE4xx from Massdrop.

    Thanks for the input. Do you have both speakers and headphones connected to these allowing you to switch between both?


  • #998
    rednik
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,159 ✭✭✭rednik


    Scubadevils wrote: »
    Interestingly, it's their bass that is mentioned in lots of the reviews - how amazing it is for their size. Ability to drive is definitely flagged by lots and it sounds like a decent DAP required for sure. I have the Sony ZX300 (uncapped in the last few days) and it can easily now drive the likes of HD650 without any problem so I know it will be fine with these. What really sold me on these ultimately was so many comments around comfort and the relaxed nature of the sound. Anyway, I'll find out soon enough...

    Some reviews on head-fi:

    https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/final-e5000.23161/reviews

    A couple of others around the web, there are lots - I spent a lot of time researching before I went for them! I was torn between these and the Sony XBA-N3AP which were working out about €50 or so more.

    https://www.audiophile-heaven.com/2018/11/final-e5000-thick-sound-delight.html

    https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/11/18639387/final-e5000-earphones-review-price-release-date

    I have the ZX300 myself, just wondering did you do the uncapping yourself or did someone else do it for you?


  • #999
    gizmo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,405 ✭✭✭gizmo


    py2006 wrote: »
    Thanks for the input. Do you have both speakers and headphones connected to these allowing you to switch between both?
    Yes, both are connected at all times. Grahamer72 posted a pic of his setup above but this'll be easier to reference with some other screenshots...

    Here's the DAC. I have this optical cable going from my PC into it with the power cable going into the wall.

    Here's the amp. I use a pair of these guys to connect the RCA Out on the DAC to the RCA In on the amp. I then use the RCA cables which came with the iLouds to connect them to the RCA Out on the amp.

    On the front of the amp, I have my headphones connected with a 1/4" adapter.

    Again on the amp, on the left hand side you can see a switch with Pre/HPA/Off. First option, the preamp, just sends the unamplified signal to the self-powered iLouds. HPA is the headphone amp, which switches output to the headphones.

    So, in practice, I can be listening to music through the speakers during the day, suddenly get a Zoom call and then all I need to do is put my headphones on, flick the switch and I'm good to go.

    As I said above, this was ultimately the deciding factor for me as all of the other options I mentioned will disable the pre-out to the speakers if headphones are connected and personally, I didn't want to be faffing about with cables every time the above happened.


  • #1000
    py2006
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,844 ✭✭✭py2006


    gizmo wrote: »
    Yes, both are connected at all times. Grahamer72 posted a pic of his setup above but this'll be easier to reference with some other screenshots...

    Here's the DAC. I have this optical cable going from my PC into it with the power cable going into the wall.

    Here's the amp. I use a pair of these guys to connect the RCA Out on the DAC to the RCA In on the amp. I then use the RCA cables which came with the iLouds to connect them to the RCA Out on the amp.

    On the front of the amp, I have my headphones connected with a 1/4" adapter.

    Again on the amp, on the left hand side you can see a switch with Pre/HPA/Off. First option, the preamp, just sends the unamplified signal to the self-powered iLouds. HPA is the headphone amp, which switches output to the headphones.

    So, in practice, I can be listening to music through the speakers during the day, suddenly get a Zoom call and then all I need to do is put my headphones on, flick the switch and I'm good to go.

    As I said above, this was ultimately the deciding factor for me as all of the other options I mentioned will disable the pre-out to the speakers if headphones are connected and personally, I didn't want to be faffing about with cables every time the above happened.

    Brilliant, thanks so much for that. For some reason I was making things far more complicated in my head. I'm not familiar with amps and dacs so that is part of the reason.

    I may copy your set up except for the speakers. Do you notice a noticeable improvement in audio coming from speakers now?


  • #1001
    gizmo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,405 ✭✭✭gizmo


    py2006 wrote: »
    Brilliant, thanks so much for that. For some reason I was making things far more complicated in my head. I'm not familiar with amps and dacs so that is part of the reason.

    I may copy your set up except for the speakers. Do you notice a noticeable improvement in audio coming from speakers now?
    Absolutely. The Logitech set was great as PC speakers went back in the early 2000s but the iLouds, and indeed any of those monitors I mentioned, will leave them in the dust in terms of quality of sound.


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