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The Audiophiles' Lounge

11617181921

Comments

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


    Anyone order the new Hifiman HE400i 2020 version, they look an absolute steal.


  • Registered Users Posts: 510 ✭✭✭serjical_strike


    Hey All, anyone know where I can get a JDS Labs Atom or JDS Labs EL Amp II in Ireland or Europe? (I know the EL AMp II is basically the Atom sound wise but that big sexy volume knob is so nice)

    I can order from the US, directly from JDS but shipping and possible import tax will kill me on top of it.

    Any ideas would be appreciated.

    It will be used for my record player with in-built pre-amp to allow the use of headphones with it.

    I have the Audioengine powered speakers also.

    Cheeeeers


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,596 ✭✭✭smilerf


    Any advice on an entry level portable dac
    Thanks


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,477 ✭✭✭AllForIt


    smilerf wrote: »
    Any advice on an entry level portable dac
    Thanks

    I am completely happy with my LG phone as a portable high quality solution. If you didn't know LG have a dedicated chip dac on most of their high end models, some not even that expensive relatively speaking to high end portable daps. The advantages of having it combined on a smartphone are obvious.

    Frankly, I think potable high quality daps are a waste of money these days whereas some years ago I would have desired one but no longer. They are obsolete to my mind for the average high quality audio enthusiast. As a toy they are still desirable but I'm just offering an alternative.

    I think the argument that one might like a dedicated media device doesn't hold. You can still use a phone as a dedicated audio device alongside your main phone, and also I don't think high resolution media formats are worth the increased file sizes, or 'quality' wise either. What makes the biggest difference is the quality of your headphones and that's where you should spend the money.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,026 ✭✭✭✭Snake Plisken


    smilerf wrote: »
    Any advice on an entry level portable dac
    Thanks

    Bought this recently and find it very good.
    https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B085XT3V3X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_kJ4-FbN1HXH2H?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,596 ✭✭✭smilerf




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,397 ✭✭✭xtal191




  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Been quiet in here of late. Have a set of K712 Pro's on the way to me. Looking forward to some listening this wekend.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 250 ✭✭thurlesdrunk


    Been quiet in here of late. Have a set of K712 Pro's on the way to me. Looking forward to some listening this wekend.

    Awesome set of cans. Best soundstage I've heard.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,763 ✭✭✭Sheeps


    Just bought some Sundaras.


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


    Been quiet in here of late. Have a set of K712 Pro's on the way to me. Looking forward to some listening this wekend.

    Did you get them? Be interested in your opinion. Still love mine.

    Tempted to pick up some Meze 99 classics if anyone has any opinions?


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


    Sheeps wrote: »
    Just bought some Sundaras.

    Also interested to hear opinions on these!


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Did you get them? Be interested in your opinion. Still love mine.

    Tempted to pick up some Meze 99 classics if anyone has any opinions?

    Well, i have never heard a better soundstage before. It's like some sort of Black Magic. Really really like them. So comfortable too.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,014 ✭✭✭marko93


    Been quiet in here of late. Have a set of K712 Pro's on the way to me. Looking forward to some listening this wekend.

    Essentially inherited a pair of HD700s , a little dot and a schiit modi while my friend moved country and my god live has never been so good.


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


    I picked up a Dragonfly Cobalt recently. I've had high quality DAPs for decades, the last being a Fiio X7 MkII and while the audio quality has always been worth it I've gotten tired of outdated OS versions causing app issues (especially now with a reliance on streaming apps like Roon/Tidal etc.). I've wanted to see how far I could go with a phone add on DAC like this for a while and am very happy with the result. The device is unobtrusive, extra power draw minimal (I'd say about 10-15% extra) and the sound quality is absolutely superb. Using USB Audio Player Pro for it's high-res/MQA driver on a Pixel3a, it's a pity Android native, Tidal native and Roon don't have similar though. I don't see myself going back to a DAP again. I do miss the extra local storage options so when shopping for my next phone an SD slot will be a big factor but even if not possible the convenience of being back to one device to keep up with and not worrying about ancient OS issues is well worth it imho.


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


    _CreeD_ wrote: »
    I picked up a Dragonfly Cobalt recently.

    Knowing very little about DAC's etc I was advised to get one of these. Do you use it primarily for music?


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


    Just for music so far, there would be some improvement for audio accompanying video but the vast majority of that will be from lossy audio codecs so the difference won't be as noticable imho. That said it also includes an excellent headphone amp stage so it can help there too regardless of the source.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,763 ✭✭✭Sheeps


    Also interested to hear opinions on these!

    Just arrived this morning and I've been listening with them for most of the working day and comparing them to the 6XX that I've been using daily for the last couple of months.

    First impressions is that the build quality is quite nice. Definitely feels like an upgrade when compared to the plastic of the 6XX. They feel good in my hands and most importantly they're comfortable. I've had a little issue with the connections into either ear and I'm not sure if it's the wire or the soldering of the socket to the drivers. Seems to have disappeared for now though.

    Voice sounds subtly but noticeably different, not bad, but certainly not great. I had a skype call earlier and there was a bit of adjustment to it. I also watched the Formula 1 testing earlier which sounded quite different. The commentators usually have their mics to add a bit more bass and give them that smooth radio DJ voice sound which was probably the biggest difference in sound. I could imagine watching a film or something with these on. Certainly for sport the soundstage was a lot wider than the 6XX (very obvious when cars were passing stationary microphones at high speed)

    Clarity and resolution is all there with these headphones and there is no noticeable distortion or artefacts. There's definitely a bit more width in the separation between instruments that I've noticed so far. In terms of music, I've really only been listening to classical music with them and I've been impressed. There are subtle lifts in clarity and separation in particular with some of the higher tones (Swan Lake Act 1: No. 8 Danse des coups: the triangles really really stand out in clarity over the HD6XX). The mid tones are slightly less pronounced when compared to the 6XX. On something like Ravel's Daphnis et Chloe: Lever du Jour the flute melds a bit more into the other pieces where as it stood out a bit more on the HD6XX. It sounds a small bit lighter.

    First impressions are a thumbs up. I've a lot more listening to do.


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


    Sheeps wrote: »
    Just arrived this morning and I've been listening with them for most of the working day and comparing them to the 6XX that I've been using daily for the last couple of months.

    First impressions is that the build quality is quite nice. Definitely feels like an upgrade when compared to the plastic of the 6XX. They feel good in my hands and most importantly they're comfortable. I've had a little issue with the connections into either ear and I'm not sure if it's the wire or the soldering of the socket to the drivers. Seems to have disappeared for now though.

    Voice sounds subtly but noticeably different, not bad, but certainly not great. I had a skype call earlier and there was a bit of adjustment to it. I also watched the Formula 1 testing earlier which sounded quite different. The commentators usually have their mics to add a bit more bass and give them that smooth radio DJ voice sound which was probably the biggest difference in sound. I could imagine watching a film or something with these on. Certainly for sport the soundstage was a lot wider than the 6XX (very obvious when cars were passing stationary microphones at high speed)

    Clarity and resolution is all there with these headphones and there is no noticeable distortion or artefacts. There's definitely a bit more width in the separation between instruments that I've noticed so far. In terms of music, I've really only been listening to classical music with them and I've been impressed. There are subtle lifts in clarity and separation in particular with some of the higher tones (Swan Lake Act 1: No. 8 Danse des coups: the triangles really really stand out in clarity over the HD6XX). The mid tones are slightly less pronounced when compared to the 6XX. On something like Ravel's Daphnis et Chloe: Lever du Jour the flute melds a bit more into the other pieces where as it stood out a bit more on the HD6XX. It sounds a small bit lighter.

    First impressions are a thumbs up. I've a lot more listening to do.


    Nice! How do you find the planar bass compared to the dynamic 6xx? I haven't heard any of the 6 series, but do love the sub bass on planars. From what I've heard the mids on the 6xx are mint though, so might be hard to top.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,477 ✭✭✭AllForIt


    I am going to sell on my HD6xx if anyone here is interested. I've done some mods to them you might or might not like. PM me and I'll explain. Ill stick them up on Adverts if anyone is interested, otherwise I might go Eb**.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,397 ✭✭✭xtal191


    AllForIt wrote: »
    I am going to sell on my HD6xx if anyone here is interested. I've done some mods to them you might or might not like. PM me and I'll explain. Ill stick them up on Adverts if anyone is interested, otherwise I might go Eb**.

    What mods did you do?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,397 ✭✭✭xtal191


    Anyone here have the 58X from drop? What kinda customs etc did you have to pay?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,763 ✭✭✭Sheeps


    Nice! How do you find the planar bass compared to the dynamic 6xx? I haven't heard any of the 6 series, but do love the sub bass on planars. From what I've heard the mids on the 6xx are mint though, so might be hard to top.

    The sub bass is the thing that's missing on the planars. It really lacks that hit in the bass from the sub bass, despite being really quite detailed in the lower tones. If you're listening to stuff with a lot of lows the Sundaras may not be your cup of tea.

    That being said the 6XX don't have a whole lot of bass either, but they certainly have more than the Sundaras.


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


    Sheeps wrote: »
    The sub bass is the thing that's missing on the planars. It really lacks that hit in the bass from the sub bass, despite being really quite detailed in the lower tones. If you're listening to stuff with a lot of lows the Sundaras may not be your cup of tea.

    That being said the 6XX don't have a whole lot of bass either, but they certainly have more than the Sundaras.

    Interesting, I could see them lacking the slam and maybe dynamics of a dynamic headphone. But in my experience with the Aryas there is plenty in the sub bass region, but again they do lack the slam, however they have a lovely rumble in the sub bass.

    When things start opening back up I might look for a good closed back with plenty of slam and dynamics to compliment them, that I can use in the office.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 250 ✭✭thurlesdrunk


    Been trying to source a fiio k5 pro but can't seem to find stock anywhere at the moment except the states or China. Anyone seen stock of then online? Cheers


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  • Registered Users Posts: 392 ✭✭Romero


    Been trying to source a fiio k5 pro but can't seem to find stock anywhere at the moment except the states or China. Anyone seen stock of then online? Cheers
    Amazon Spain seem to be selling it
    FiiO K5 Pro Amplificador DAC de Auriculares https://www.amazon.es/dp/B07WT7TYWY/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_VPQQP30EMSCYX6HRQJX9


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,246 ✭✭✭✭Dyr


    Been trying to source a fiio k5 pro but can't seem to find stock anywhere at the moment except the states or China. Anyone seen stock of then online? Cheers

    Had a Fiio M5, wouldnt touch the brand again. The software is dire and their support is nonexistent. Also randomly bricked itself less than a year after it was bought.


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Been trying to source a fiio k5 pro but can't seem to find stock anywhere at the moment except the states or China. Anyone seen stock of then online? Cheers

    I've some audio stuff i'll be throwing up on Adverts once restrictions ease a bit.
    A K5 Pro will be one of them.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 250 ✭✭thurlesdrunk


    I've some audio stuff i'll be throwing up on Adverts once restrictions ease a bit.
    A K5 Pro will be one of them.

    Cheers, sent you a PM


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,466 ✭✭✭Ryath


    Any advice for my post here guys! Would like to order something before weekend is out.
    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/show...p?t=2058187852

    Forum is gone quite these days! Wonder would there be a case for the Audio Hifi and Separate's, Audio Amplifiers and Speakers and this forum to be rolled into one Audiophile/ Hi Fi forum? Combined traffic might at least make one active forum.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,018 ✭✭✭✭adox


    Picked up a pair of Sandaras and a dragonfly cobalt today. Still in the boxes.

    Gonna try them out with my phone first with Tidal HiFi. I don’t need any other software or apps to get lossless from Tidal out of the phone right?


  • Registered Users Posts: 65 ✭✭ebjarrell


    @adox, no, you don't need any other software to get 'lossless'. Furthermore, with a HiFi subscription, you also get access to MQA recordings which the Cobalt unfolds for you. Enjoy!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,018 ✭✭✭✭adox


    Ok so I have them set up and playing but the light on the cobalt is blue no matter what source is fed?

    Edit: Bought the USB Audio Player Pro and that seems to have sorted it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,018 ✭✭✭✭adox


    Already considering a set of IEMs to compliment my new additions and add external portability to the dragonfly.

    Any recommendations for a budget or around €200?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,016 ✭✭✭✭The Nal


    adox wrote: »
    Picked up a pair of Sandaras and a dragonfly cobalt today. Still in the boxes.

    Gonna try them out with my phone first with Tidal HiFi. I don’t need any other software or apps to get lossless from Tidal out of the phone right?

    No. And the Masters are exceptional. But will only cast in HiFi to Chromecast etc.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,018 ✭✭✭✭adox


    The Nal wrote: »
    No. And the Masters are exceptional. But will only cast in HiFi to Chromecast etc.

    Thanks. I did end up buying the USB Audio Pro app to get the higher sample rate out of the phone.

    I use the Tidal app on my Android tv wired into my home Cinema set up which seems to get full signal.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,016 ✭✭✭✭The Nal


    adox wrote: »
    Thanks. I did end up buying the USB Audio Pro app to get the higher sample rate out of the phone.

    I use the Tidal app on my Android tv wired into my home Cinema set up which seems to get full signal.

    Oh cool. Yeah Ive to wire my PC up to the amp. Just have the turntable and a chromcast attached at the moment.

    Does the USB audio Pro app mean I can cast the Masters to Chromecast from my phone?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,018 ✭✭✭✭adox


    The Nal wrote: »
    Oh cool. Yeah Ive to wire my PC up to the amp. Just have the turntable and a chromcast attached at the moment.

    Does the USB audio Pro app mean I can cast the Masters to Chromecast from my phone?

    I’m not sure tbh but it was the only way I could get the masters playing at higher res from my phone with the dragonfly amp/dac.

    Was €7.50 plus a €4.50 in app purchase for full unpacking of the MQA files on Tidal.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,018 ✭✭✭✭adox


    Some info here on the app and what it does:

    https://www.extreamsd.com/index.php/products/usb-audio-player-pro


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,018 ✭✭✭✭adox


    adox wrote: »
    Thanks. I did end up buying the USB Audio Pro app to get the higher sample rate out of the phone.

    I use the Tidal app on my Android tv wired into my home Cinema set up which seems to get full signal.

    Actually reading more about this and looking at the output on my receiver I am limited by Android as well so not outputting the masters at their true rate.

    Must see if the app is available for Android tv or if Apple TV can output the higher rates. I stopped using the ATV for Tidal as it didn’t have any marking on songs or albums for masters.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,596 ✭✭✭smilerf


    Hi all I'm looking for a pair of wired earphones
    I will be using them with my ztella and phone
    Not more than 60
    But here's the thing I'm disabled so I find earphones that go over the ear hard to put in so it will just need to be straight in ear

    Any recommendations

    Thanks


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,763 ✭✭✭Sheeps


    Switched back to my Sundaras for a while there after an extended period on my 6XX (mostly due to comfort and convenience) and I'm reminded of what an amazing headphones the Sundaras actually are. They seem to get more and more pleasing as time goes on.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,018 ✭✭✭✭adox


    Sheeps wrote: »
    Switched back to my Sundaras for a while there after an extended period on my 6XX (mostly due to comfort and convenience) and I'm reminded of what an amazing headphones the Sundaras actually are. They seem to get more and more pleasing as time goes on.

    Yeah Im really enjoying mine. Took a little while to get used to the headband which I find a little uncomfortable with the weight of them.

    I have a cheap(ish) pair of IEMs on the way too. Final A4000, Should have them tomorrow so looking forward to trying those out also.

    I really wish Tidal connect was available for my amp or TV so I could stream the high def lossless on them. Everyway I try at the moment is capped at CD quality.

    I have a Dragonfly DAC which I suppose I could try and connect up to it but Im using that for headphones.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,638 ✭✭✭✭Arghus


    Got a pair of AKG K712's.

    Really love them so far, incredibly light and comfortable and a great airy spacious sound.

    Bought them as a contrast to the HD650's - my only other "fancy" headphones - and I'm very pleased.


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


    Howdy,

    How are the Sennheiser HD 599 for Tv/movies etc??


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,477 ✭✭✭AllForIt


    Arghus wrote: »
    Got a pair of AKG K712's.

    Really love them so far, incredibly light and comfortable and a great airy spacious sound.

    Bought them as a contrast to the HD650's - my only other "fancy" headphones - and I'm very pleased.

    I sold my HD650 (massdrop version) and now on Superlux H681B. I prefer them precicely because they also are airy and spacioius, exactly what the HD650 isn't. I've modded the Superlux to get rid of the treble spike so will do me for now, while I decide on the which high-end can to buy. Either the new version of the Hifiman 400i or the AKG K712 Pro. I can't decide because I'd love to try a Hifiman planar but my instinct is telling me the AKG is what I'm looking for. I don't like one sided cables though and the Hifiman dual cable system is what I prefer.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,638 ✭✭✭✭Arghus


    AllForIt wrote: »
    I sold my HD650 (massdrop version) and now on Superlux H681B. I prefer them precicely because they also are airy and spacioius, exactly what the HD650 isn't. I've modded the Superlux to get rid of the treble spike so will do me for now, while I decide on the which high-end can to buy. Either the new version of the Hifiman 400i or the AKG K712 Pro. I can't decide because I'd love to try a Hifiman planar but my instinct is telling me the AKG is what I'm looking for. I don't like one sided cables though and the Hifiman dual cable system is what I prefer.

    I've been really impressed by them. For just over 200 quid they seem a steal.

    White Rabbit came on at random in a playlist I was listening to the last day and I don't know how many times I've heard that song over the years, a hell of a lot, for sure, but I never was blown away by the force of the vocals like that before.Their effectiveness at separating the layers like that was pretty remarkable. Totally made the song sound new again.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,477 ✭✭✭AllForIt


    Arghus wrote: »
    I've been really impressed by them. For just over 200 quid they seem a steal.

    White Rabbit came on at random in a playlist I was listening to the last day and I don't know how many times I've heard that song over the years, a hell of a lot, for sure, but I never was blown away by the force of the vocals like that before.Their effectiveness at separating the layers like that was pretty remarkable. Totally made the song sound new again.

    Did you get them on Amazon for 200 and did you pay customs on top of that?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,016 ✭✭✭✭The Nal


    Are there any USB DACs that dont top out at 24-bit / 96kHz? Dragonflys seems to. Just want to run something through my amp so I can play Tidal MQA from my phone app.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,638 ✭✭✭✭Arghus


    AllForIt wrote: »
    Did you get them on Amazon for 200 and did you pay customs on top of that?

    I got them for 222 on thomann and that was all I paid.

    Okay, tbf, slightly above 200. But still a steal IMO.


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