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Audiophile GAF

digital_ghost

digital_ghost

Member
I tried to be an audiophile. Bought 2 expensive ass soundbars. Worked great at first. Now they are shit and can't hear voices, music and sound effects are way louder than the voice now. If i turn it up to hear the voices then my parents complain its too loud.

Spent hours setting up a receiver and that didn't work. Had to get a refund.

After spending $2,000 it was a massive waste of money.

Im glad being an audiophile works for some people.
 
ForAcademicPurposes

ForAcademicPurposes

Member
digital_ghost said:
I tried to be an audiophile. Bought 2 expensive ass soundbars. Worked great at first. Now they are shit and can't hear voices, music and sound effects are way louder than the voice now. If i turn it up to hear the voices then my parents complain its too loud.

Spent hours setting up a receiver and that didn't work. Had to get a refund.

After spending $2,000 it was a massive waste of money.

Im glad being an audiophile works for some people.
Click to expand...
Yeah, sound bars are a big no no. I've only heard good things about the Sennheiser (There's only one).

Since nobody has told you, two channel stereo is where it's at. Even for home cinema.

This hobby is all about making mistakes. Sometimes expensive mistakes. Keep on trucking until you get a home run.
 
Last edited:
Maiden Voyage

Maiden Voyage

Gold™ Member
digital_ghost said:
I tried to be an audiophile. Bought 2 expensive ass soundbars. Worked great at first. Now they are shit and can't hear voices, music and sound effects are way louder than the voice now. If i turn it up to hear the voices then my parents complain its too loud.

Spent hours setting up a receiver and that didn't work. Had to get a refund.

After spending $2,000 it was a massive waste of money.

Im glad being an audiophile works for some people.
Click to expand...
Soundbars aren't audiophile
 
amigastar

amigastar

Member
Currently running a Schiit Modi Multibit with a Project Ember Tube amp with AKG K701 headphones.
I love the sound coming from that combination. I have also a Chord Mojo 2 but i'm so satisfied with the Modi Multibit i don't see the need to run the Mojo 2 right now.
 
Con_Z_ǝdʇ

Con_Z_ǝdʇ

Live from NeoGAF, it's Friday Night!
ForAcademicPurposes said:
I'm going to delve in to Audeze land this weekend. This will be my first brush with the brand. Meaning this will be the first time that I'm going to put a pair of them on my nogging.

I've always admired them from afar since I've heard of them 20 years ago.

Man, time flies.
Click to expand...

I would be very thankful for some insight and comparisons after your experience.
 
ForAcademicPurposes

ForAcademicPurposes

Member
Con_Z_ǝdʇ said:
I would be very thankful for some insight and comparisons after your experience.
Click to expand...
I'd be more than happy to report my impressions in this thread.

My criteria is basically: Does it give you the fizz or not? Regardless of price.

I will be comparing it to offerings from STAX as well. I think that everyone wants to make the most informed decision when it comes to spending their money. Including myself.
 
Last edited:
I_D

I_D

Member
Well folks, I've gotten myself into a world I do not fully understand.


I just got these headphones: SENNHEISER HMD 300 PRO-XQ-2
And I have no idea how to hook them up to my PC.

I got these adapters:
1/4 to 1/8 (headphone)
XLR to USB

TL-DR - I assume I don't have enough power, so I need an audio interface with a separate power connection? If so, what do I get?





Long version:

When I use the 1/4th to 1/8th adapter/port, Windows asks me whether it's a headset or a mic. I can only choose one.
If I plug the 1/4th to 1/8th into my line-in port on my mobo, I can get the microphone to work, but just barely. It's hella quiet.
If I plug the 1/4th to 1/8th into my line-out port on my mobo, the audio works perfectly.
If I plug the 1/4th to 1/8th into my case's audio jack, the audio works perfectly.

When I use the XLR to USB adapter/port, Windows doesn't ask shit.
If I plug the XLR to USB adapter/port into USB ports on my mobo, some of them work, but not others. Seems like USB A works, but not USB 3.
The case's USB ports seem to be work as well as the mobo's working ports.
When it's plugged in, I can see both mic and headphones, but only access the mic, and it's even weaker than the other options.

When I use both the 1/4 to 1/8 port/adapter AND the XLR to USB port/adapter (tested out mobo and case combinations, doesn't seem to matter, other than the above-mentioned stuff), I can access both the headphones and the mic at the same time and Windows will let me choose which is which, but both are hella-weak.



So, I assume I need both the 1/4th and XLR plugged in at the same time (with or without adapters), but I also need more power; which requires an audio-interface with a separate power source.
I can't find anything at all which has both a 1/4th and XLR interface at the same time, unless they're huge and expensive.

But I can find DACs with RCA output and XLR input.
Could I use a 1/4 to RCA adapter for my output, and then just the regular XLR port for my input?
I'm looking at this one in particular, unless somebody else has a better idea: Schiit - Modius
Any ideas? Do I need to do something else, entirely?

The ironic twist of all of this is that I was hoping to reduce my number of wires. :messenger_tears_of_joy:
 
Maiden Voyage

Maiden Voyage

Gold™ Member
I_D said:
Well folks, I've gotten myself into a world I do not fully understand.


I just got these headphones: SENNHEISER HMD 300 PRO-XQ-2
And I have no idea how to hook them up to my PC.

I got these adapters:
1/4 to 1/8 (headphone)
XLR to USB

TL-DR - I assume I don't have enough power, so I need an audio interface with a separate power connection? If so, what do I get?





Long version:

When I use the 1/4th to 1/8th adapter/port, Windows asks me whether it's a headset or a mic. I can only choose one.
If I plug the 1/4th to 1/8th into my line-in port on my mobo, I can get the microphone to work, but just barely. It's hella quiet.
If I plug the 1/4th to 1/8th into my line-out port on my mobo, the audio works perfectly.
If I plug the 1/4th to 1/8th into my case's audio jack, the audio works perfectly.

When I use the XLR to USB adapter/port, Windows doesn't ask shit.
If I plug the XLR to USB adapter/port into USB ports on my mobo, some of them work, but not others. Seems like USB A works, but not USB 3.
The case's USB ports seem to be work as well as the mobo's working ports.
When it's plugged in, I can see both mic and headphones, but only access the mic, and it's even weaker than the other options.

When I use both the 1/4 to 1/8 port/adapter AND the XLR to USB port/adapter (tested out mobo and case combinations, doesn't seem to matter, other than the above-mentioned stuff), I can access both the headphones and the mic at the same time and Windows will let me choose which is which, but both are hella-weak.



So, I assume I need both the 1/4th and XLR plugged in at the same time (with or without adapters), but I also need more power; which requires an audio-interface with a separate power source.
I can't find anything at all which has both a 1/4th and XLR interface at the same time, unless they're huge and expensive.

But I can find DACs with RCA output and XLR input.
Could I use a 1/4 to RCA adapter for my output, and then just the regular XLR port for my input?
I'm looking at this one in particular, unless somebody else has a better idea: Schiit - Modius
Any ideas? Do I need to do something else, entirely?

The ironic twist of all of this is that I was hoping to reduce my number of wires. :messenger_tears_of_joy:
Click to expand...

Something like this should work (it splits both inputs so you can plug each into their appropriate ports):
 
I_D

I_D

Member
Maiden Voyage said:
Something like this should work (it splits both inputs so you can plug each into their appropriate ports):
Click to expand...

I don't need two inputs, as far as I understand.
I think I need one input and one output: One for the mic, and one for the headphones.


But if this worked, it would mean I'd plug my 1/4 into the 1/8 adapter, then the 1/8 into this adapter that you've linked, then that one into the line-in and line-out ports on the back of my mobo, yes?
 
Maiden Voyage

Maiden Voyage

Gold™ Member
I_D said:
I don't need two inputs, as far as I understand.
I think I need one input and one output: One for the mic, and one for the headphones.


But if this worked, it would mean I'd plug my 1/4 into the 1/8 adapter, then the 1/8 into this adapter that you've linked, then that one into the line-in and line-out ports on the back of my mobo, yes?
Click to expand...
Ahh, I assumed the connector on the headset itself was XLR.

Something like this could help. I'm sure there's more audiophile grade gear out there but it won't really matter if you're just using it for gaming.

You might be better off returning those and getting something intended for home use vs professional broadcasting. XLR is useful for long cable runs. Unless your source is a good distance away, XLR won't add any benefit. It looks like it's just adding unnecessary cost to your setup.
 
Ulysses 31

Ulysses 31

Member
I_D said:
Well folks, I've gotten myself into a world I do not fully understand.


I just got these headphones: SENNHEISER HMD 300 PRO-XQ-2
And I have no idea how to hook them up to my PC.

I got these adapters:
1/4 to 1/8 (headphone)
XLR to USB

TL-DR - I assume I don't have enough power, so I need an audio interface with a separate power connection? If so, what do I get?





Long version:

When I use the 1/4th to 1/8th adapter/port, Windows asks me whether it's a headset or a mic. I can only choose one.
If I plug the 1/4th to 1/8th into my line-in port on my mobo, I can get the microphone to work, but just barely. It's hella quiet.
If I plug the 1/4th to 1/8th into my line-out port on my mobo, the audio works perfectly.
If I plug the 1/4th to 1/8th into my case's audio jack, the audio works perfectly.

When I use the XLR to USB adapter/port, Windows doesn't ask shit.
If I plug the XLR to USB adapter/port into USB ports on my mobo, some of them work, but not others. Seems like USB A works, but not USB 3.
The case's USB ports seem to be work as well as the mobo's working ports.
When it's plugged in, I can see both mic and headphones, but only access the mic, and it's even weaker than the other options.

When I use both the 1/4 to 1/8 port/adapter AND the XLR to USB port/adapter (tested out mobo and case combinations, doesn't seem to matter, other than the above-mentioned stuff), I can access both the headphones and the mic at the same time and Windows will let me choose which is which, but both are hella-weak.



So, I assume I need both the 1/4th and XLR plugged in at the same time (with or without adapters), but I also need more power; which requires an audio-interface with a separate power source.
I can't find anything at all which has both a 1/4th and XLR interface at the same time, unless they're huge and expensive.

But I can find DACs with RCA output and XLR input.
Could I use a 1/4 to RCA adapter for my output, and then just the regular XLR port for my input?
I'm looking at this one in particular, unless somebody else has a better idea: Schiit - Modius
Any ideas? Do I need to do something else, entirely?

The ironic twist of all of this is that I was hoping to reduce my number of wires. :messenger_tears_of_joy:
Click to expand...
Sounds like you could use a Sound Blaster AE-9.

hero.png


As you can see, it has XLR for mics and 3.5mm and 6.35mm output jacks. I got my Utopia hooked up to one.
 
Tomeru

Tomeru

Member
Im upgrading from sennheiser game one. I love this set overall, but its time to get serious.

I love sennheiser's neutral sound and have been with this brsnd for years, and every set of them I tried was super comfortable to wear for hours upon hours.

So: HD 600/650? (Im open to try other brands too).
 
Ulysses 31

Ulysses 31

Member
Tomeru said:
What do you recommend?
Click to expand...
I had them for a while before I replaced them with Denon Ah-D9200(4 years ago) and them seemed fine but I preferred the frequency response of the D9200.

I mainly used it on PC but not with a high-end (pre)amp/DAC back then so I never experienced the best sound quality they could give. When I got the Sound Blaster AE-9 it was a big step up from my onboard sound card I used before but by then I had already replaced them with the D9200.
 
NeoIkaruGAF

NeoIkaruGAF

Gold Member
Tomeru said:
Im upgrading from sennheiser game one. I love this set overall, but its time to get serious.

I love sennheiser's neutral sound and have been with this brsnd for years, and every set of them I tried was super comfortable to wear for hours upon hours.

So: HD 600/650? (Im open to try other brands too).
Click to expand...
I have a 600 and it’s absolute perfection for me. Nothing I’ve thrown at it sounds bad. The only way you can not be satisfied with it is if you’re into the deepest / loudest bass.

In contrast, the 650 sounded slow, thick and syrupy to me. Unimaginably boring.
 
I_D

I_D

Member
Maiden Voyage said:
Ahh, I assumed the connector on the headset itself was XLR.

Something like this could help. I'm sure there's more audiophile grade gear out there but it won't really matter if you're just using it for gaming.

You might be better off returning those and getting something intended for home use vs professional broadcasting. XLR is useful for long cable runs. Unless your source is a good distance away, XLR won't add any benefit. It looks like it's just adding unnecessary cost to your setup.
Click to expand...

The connectors on the headset are both XLR and 1/4th.
It's a single cord (roughly 1/4'' thick) which ends in a Y-split, and the ends are the connectors.

I've thought about returning the headset, but I just can't imagine a situation where somebody would need a medium/high-quality headphone with a medium/high-quality mic, all built into one, without there being some sort of easy-access platform available for users. Especially since both the 1/4 and XLR seem to allow mic or audio, instead of being dedicated to one or the other.
This isn't a music-and-recording-level headset, so then what the heck is it for if not PC users? I feel like I'm missing something obvious.

That Elgato looks like it might be the obvious thing, so this is definitely something I'm going to check out.
It seems like it's only powered via USB, though? I don't think that'll be strong enough, based on my tests.


Ulysses 31 said:
Sounds like you could use a Sound Blaster AE-9.


As you can see, it has XLR for mics and 3.5mm and 6.35mm output jacks. I got my Utopia hooked up to one.
Click to expand...

This also looks extremely promising. Many thanks.
Sidenote: Creative's Zen Xtra was the greatest mp3 player of all time.


Tomeru said:
Im upgrading from sennheiser game one. I love this set overall, but its time to get serious.
Click to expand...

Hah, I would suggest maybe not the HMD 300's, unless you really know what you're doing.






EDIT:
So, I feel like we agree that I need some sort of DAC, at the very least?

The Soundblaster seems to be a bit more than what I was hoping for, but still a viable option (or something similar). The Elgato might not have enough power, but I'm happy to be corrected.

As such, my thoughts are to buy this RCA male to 1/4th female adapter, then this DAC.
From my understanding, this will allow me to use the XLR for the mic-input, then the 1/4th (& RCA adapter) as the audio-output.

Again, many thanks for any input.
 
Last edited:
ThatPolishGuy

ThatPolishGuy

Member


New Grundig loudspeakers. Those are mine. A tier higher than lowest model from 1981.

Total cost around $70 paired with Kenny. Nice stuff 👀.

A tad gentler soft dome tweeter and mid soft dome, silky smooth. More tight and fast bass, and lots of it woofer has like 17.5cm tops, if not 16cm. And its doesn't have that weird bump in woofer frequency like in the earlier model, just warm analog sound. Really surprised by this small woofer. No subwoofer obviously. Only this set is playing.
 
Last edited:
s_mirage

s_mirage

Member
NeoIkaruGAF said:
I have a 600 and it’s absolute perfection for me. Nothing I’ve thrown at it sounds bad. The only way you can not be satisfied with it is if you’re into the deepest / loudest bass.

In contrast, the 650 sounded slow, thick and syrupy to me. Unimaginably boring.
Click to expand...

I had a similar experience with the 600 and 660S. The 660S sounded generally muddier to me without EQ. With EQ it was fine.

The 660S2, on the other hand, is probably my favourite of the bunch.
 
ÆMNE22A!C

ÆMNE22A!C

NO PAIN TRANCE CONTINUE
Hello all. 😊

I've got a question to ask.

My Headphone jack is acting up hence I want to order a new one.

For reference (lol)

69CkHjG.jpeg


I use it to connect my Headphone to my Phone and Controllers.

Is there any real/big difference in quality regarding various brands etc is my question.

And if there is does anyone want to chime in regarding suggestions perhaps?

Higher quality (?) and robustness are my main focus.

I'm using a Sony WH - ULT900N.

Thanks in advance 👊🏽
 
Maiden Voyage

Maiden Voyage

Gold™ Member
22:22:22 said:
Hello all. 😊

I've got a question to ask.

My Headphone jack is acting up hence I want to order a new one.

For reference (lol)

69CkHjG.jpeg


I use it to connect my Headphone to my Phone and Controllers.

Is there any real/big difference in quality regarding various brands etc is my question.

And if there is does anyone want to chime in regarding suggestions perhaps?

Higher quality (?) and robustness are my main focus.

I'm using a Sony WH - ULT900N.

Thanks in advance 👊🏽
Click to expand...
Cables are the least important part in that audio chain so don’t fret too much.
 
DetectiveBananas

DetectiveBananas

Member
Question for those in the U.K. …. Do you notice a difference in sound between records pressed in your country vs something pressed in the U.S., Japan, Germany?
For example if I were to buy a copy of Joy Division (Unknown Pleasures) in London, would there be a noticeable difference?
Or would I have to own certain gear/setup to notice?
 
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