The Audiophiles' Lounge

limnam

tuxy wrote: »

I actually think that it is probably just my imagination about the sound quality problem I have with spotify, I don't see many people making the same complaint.

I'd say it might be in your head

Most people would struggle over 128 some would struggle at 96

Do you use a DAC?

tuxy

limnam wrote: »

I'd say it might be in your head

Most people would struggle over 128 some would struggle at 96

Do you use a DAC?

I'm almost sure of it and it's not even a lossless vs compressed issue.
I've done the tests and I can't tell the difference. Like I said for some weird reason Amazon music with a lower bitrate sounds better to me than spotify.

There is no doubt spotify has the best features.
Tidal does have most the music I want but there are a few tracks missing.

Yes I use a DAC/AMP (FIIO K5 Pro) that I'm very happy with.

My hearing ain't what it used to be (Tinnitus in my right ear) and i'm not young either so it would harder for me to tell too much of a difference in bitrate's. Also on a side note, i have a pair of AKG K371's arriving tomorrow. Another pair of headphones to add to my collection as if i didn't have enough. :pac:

tuxy

tuxy wrote: »

I actually think that it is probably just my imagination about the sound quality problem I have with spotify, I don't see many people making the same complaint.
There's just something I find harsh about it and it's fatiguing over time.
It's only a problem when using my k712 pro.

Speaking of the K712 pro, I tried some YAXI earpads for it and didn't like them at all. They changed the sound but not in a good way, I found the treble worse without improving the bass.
If anyone wants to try them I have them on ebay and it does not look like anyone will bid so you can pick them up cheap.
https://www.ebay.ie/itm/114118125996?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

I do love the K712 pro but I'm already thinking of what secondary set of headphones I could get. I've considered the H6XX but since this is also a reference headset it may be too similar.

Is the K712 not a bright headphone anyway?. That might be where the problem lies though if it doesn't happen with Amazon Music then i'm not sure.

I have a pair of HD650's and they are dark enough sound wise so they might be better suited to you.

limnam

Deleted User wrote: »

I have a pair of HD650's and they are dark enough sound wise so they might be better suited to you.

He would need something much better to drive them though.

tuxy

Deleted User wrote: »

Is the K712 not a bright headphone anyway?. That might be where the problem lies though if it doesn't happen with Amazon Music then i'm not sure.

I have a pair of HD650's and they are dark enough sound wise so they might be better suited to you.

Correct, they are bright which I actually like for the most part.
Maybe I'm overthinking it, I have a tidal subscription, it has most the music I listen to and sounds great so I should probably just stick with what works for me.

I had an order for the HD6XX with drop.com but cancelled it thinking it might be too similar to the K712 pro.

I'd like to have a second set of headphones that are very different from the k712 but still good in their own way.
Perhaps a pair of planar magnetics headphone would be fun.

tuxy

limnam wrote: »

He would need something much better to drive them though.

Really? I've head that K5 Pro should drive them just fine.

limnam

HD6x

Very neutral and difficult to drive. You would need to spend double the cost of the phones on a new amp.

I also have the K5 Pro. Drives them just fine. 11 o' clock on High gain and they're loud enough for me. Anything louder and i'd have tinnitus in the other ear. :pac:

I know loudness isn't everything but i don't think you'd need anything more for them.

tuxy

limnam wrote: »

HD6x

Very neutral and difficult to drive. You would need to spend double the cost of the phones on a new amp.

I know they are low impedance headphones but many have the k5 Pro and H6x combo with no complaints

limnam

tuxy wrote: »

Really? I've head that K5 Pro should drive them just fine.

Well I don't know a huge amount about Fiio gear. But HD's are notoriously difficult to pair with and difficult to drive.

I was always under whelmed until I got some tubes

tuxy

limnam wrote: »

Well I don't know a huge amount about Fiio gear. But HD's are notoriously difficult to pair with and difficult to drive.

I was always under whelmed until I got some tubes

The reviews say the K5 pro punches well above its weight but I can't confirm that as it's my first real DAC/AMP.

It's a pity that the Drop EU store is gone. I managed to nab a pair of the HE4XX's off them. I like them even more than the HD650's.
Such an amazing headphone.

tuxy

Deleted User wrote: »

It's a pity that the Drop EU store is gone. I managed to nab a pair of the HE4XX's off them. I like them even more than the HD650's.
Such an amazing headphone.

Prices still look fine even with some duty and 23% VAT added.
Shipping times could be long though.

The HE4XX could be an interesting one for me to consider getting at some point.

Next on my list is a pair of DT 1990 Pro's. Going to hold out until Prime Day to see if i can get a good discount.

tuxy

limnam wrote: »

HD6x

Very neutral and difficult to drive. You would need to spend double the cost of the phones on a new amp.

I've just read a few comparisons of the K712 pro vs HD650 and apparently the K712 pro is harder to drive even though the impedance is much lower due to the low sensitivity. k712(96.45 dB/V SPL) HD650 (105.10 dB/V)
But there's not much difference in what's needed to drive both of them.

limnam

tuxy wrote: »

I've just read a few comparisons of the K712 pro vs HD650 and apparently the K712 pro is harder to drive even though the impedance is much lower due to the low sensitivity. k712(96.45 dB/V SPL) HD650 (105.10 dB/V)
But there's not much difference in what's needed to drive both of them.

If you're considering 600/650

Have a look at https://www.schiit.com/

I'm using https://www.schiit.com/products/valhalla-1

Others on this tread IIRC have used it with the bitfrost DAC

https://www.schiit.com/products/bifrost-1

Like I said I don't know much about FIO. It could be it's fine

The Fiio K5 Pro is more than enough. Trust me.

tuxy

Deleted User wrote: »

The Fiio K5 Pro is more than enough. Trust me.

Yes it would be very strange if it can drive the k712 pro I have but not the HD650 when the HD650 is easier to drive.

Or is a tube amp required to get the best sound from a HD650?

limnam

tuxy wrote: »

Yes it would be very strange if it can drive the k712 pro I have but not the HD650 when the HD650 is easier to drive.

Or is a tube amp required to get the best sound from a HD650?

been capable of driving something and driving it well with good synergy is totally different.

It's a bit like saying ipod ear buds, you can listen to music on them they're grand.

Well they're grand but you can get so much better

But I have to keep saying I know _nothing_ of fio.

Is there somewhere near you can go to test hd 6/50's ?

As i said earlier. I have HD650's and the K5 Pro is more than enough for them. No need to get anything more expensive. Rabbit hole territory.

Gonzovision

On the whole streaming service debate, I use Spotify Premium and Tidal. For 99% I can't tell the difference between the 2. The only reason I keep Tidal is I use Roon at home for listening on the PC or multi room with Sonos. It also supports casting which is pretty cool, as I cast to my Nvidia Shield in the living room and it displays lyrics etc...

I've been going through a bit of an iem phase at the moment, started with the KZ Zs10 pros, which didn't live up to all they hype online for me. They just didn't have the clarity I was looking for.

After a bit of research I picked up Shuoer Tapes 'electrostatic' iems.

Shuoer Tape

I have to say I was blown away by the detail and clarity, really good bass, but the mids were a little bit thin......anyway they lasted a week....the right ear driver failed, volume dropped off completely.

A bit disappointed, but seems not an uncommon issue.

For replacement I've ordered a set of Dunu DK 2001

Dunu DK 2001

They're getting great reviews, for a nice balanced sound with great clarity.....hopefully last a bit longer than the tapes.

cnocbui

Gonzovision wrote: »

On the whole streaming service debate, I use Spotify Premium and Tidal. For 99% I can't tell the difference between the 2. The only reason I keep Tidal is I use Roon at home for listening on the PC or multi room with Sonos. It also supports casting which is pretty cool, as I cast to my Nvidia Shield in the living room and it displays lyrics etc...

I've been going through a bit of an iem phase at the moment, started with the KZ Zs10 pros, which didn't live up to all they hype online for me. They just didn't have the clarity I was looking for.

After a bit of research I picked up Shuoer Tapes 'electrostatic' iems.

Shuoer Tape

I have to say I was blown away by the detail and clarity, really good bass, but the mids were a little bit thin......anyway they lasted a week....the right ear driver failed, volume dropped off completely.

A bit disappointed, but seems not an uncommon issue.

For replacement I've ordered a set of Dunu DK 2001

Dunu DK 2001

They're getting great reviews, for a nice balanced sound with great clarity.....hopefully last a bit longer than the tapes.

Surely you could return them under warranty?

Interesting about the Dunu DK 2001. I recently got a pair of Radius Wn°41 earphones and I won't be looking any further. I'm done. They also have a 13mm beryllium coated driver but also have a piezoelectric high frequency transducer in a co-axial arrangement. The bass is just astonishing, tight and clean and their transient response and detail is phenomenal.

Gonzovision

cnocbui wrote: »

Surely you could return them under warranty?

Interesting about the Dunu DK 2001. I recently got a pair of Radius Wn°41 earphones and I won't be looking any further. I'm done. They also have a 13mm beryllium coated driver but also have a piezoelectric high frequency transducer in a co-axial arrangement. The bass is just astonishing, tight and clean and their transient response and detail is phenomenal.

Ye I took the option of a refund. I did like them, for the 7 days they worked, but I'd say the Dunus should be a step up.

Just had a quick look at the Radius on Headfonia there, not too dissimilar looking to the Dunus.

Jaccan

Hi looking for recommendations on bluetooth, noise cancelling headphones that are at a budget of €100-€110.

Saw the Sony WH-CH700N come in at around €100 but thought I'd check in here first.

Thanks!

Jaccan

Jaccan wrote: »

Hi looking for recommendations on bluetooth, noise cancelling headphones that are at a budget of €100-€110.

Saw the Sony WH-CH700N come in at around €100 but thought I'd check in here first.

Thanks!

Anyone i've recommended them to has been very impressed with them for the price.

I'd go with them over any of the cheap bluetooth headphone's that you can find on Amazon.

fafy

There is a new DAC from Fiio coming, looks impressive: the K7

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/fiio-k7-desktop-dac-headphone-amp-discussion-xlr-balance-dual-thx-aaa-xmos.927171/

https://majorhifi.com/fiio-unveils-plans-for-new-k7-dac-amp/[url][/url]

cnocbui

I personally don't believe there is an audible difference between DAC's, as unpopular as I suspect that idea is.

Dyr

Are there any decent portable devices out there that will run spotify and have an audio jack?

Reason I ask is the I tend to buy mid range mobiles and i'm sick of trawling around looking for one with a decent audio chip and 3.5mm jack everytime I buy a phone.

I know the mighty is out there but that seems a bit of a flaky device

cnocbui

Bambi wrote: »

Are there any decent portable devices out there that will run spotify and have an audio jack?

Reason I ask is the I tend to buy mid range mobiles and i'm sick of trawling around looking for one with a decent audio chip and 3.5mm jack everytime I buy a phone.

I know the mighty is out there but that seems a bit of a flaky device

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/best-smartphone-for-audiophile-part-ii-updated-jan-2020.853115/

LG phones mostly all have 32 bit DACs and headphone jacks.

I might have misunderstood your question: https://darko.audio/2018/08/filling-the-void-5-daps-that-do-streaming/

fafy

cnocbui wrote: »

I personally don't believe there is an audible difference between DAC's, as unpopular as I suspect that idea is.

Think its a combination of all the variables, and when you have those right, it certainly does make a big difference : source file, dac, and amp, speakers/headphones. First two are essential ingredients.

Neil Young - "Archives volume 1", on Bluray, is in 192/24, (the right Source ticked)and through a decent Bluray player, amp and speakers, is pretty incredible, and my old amp only goes up to 96/24.

Only getting into this fairly recently, but looking at upgrading, and getting a decent dac, the Fiio K5 pro, is one on my radar. Looked at Schiit as well, but their uk site is out of stock on most items in current crisis.

Bambi

Bambi wrote: »

Are there any decent portable devices out there that will run spotify and have an audio jack?

Reason I ask is the I tend to buy mid range mobiles and i'm sick of trawling around looking for one with a decent audio chip and 3.5mm jack everytime I buy a phone.

I know the mighty is out there but that seems a bit of a flaky device

Fiio M9.

Dyr

Deleted User wrote: »

Fiio M9.

Yeah I think this might be the option, I still have my old cowon S9 but back when commuting was a thing I'd mostly listen to spotify via my phone.

That said I recently cancelled my spotify premium because their security is seriously compromised IMO so might move over to Tidal.

fafy

Any thoughts on these two offers:

Sennheiser HD 660 S + Apogee Grove € €549
https://en-ie.sennheiser.com/headphones-audiophile-high-end-hd-660-s-apogee

Versus- on UK site:(HD 650 offer not on.ie site)

Sennheiser HD 650 + Apogee Groove £ 399
(About € 460)
https://en-uk.sennheiser.com/sennheiser-hd-650-apogee-groove

I've not heard the 660's but have a pair of 650's. They're good and all but i have other headphone's that i prefer soundwise over them.

It's all subjective really.

fafy

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I've not heard the 660's but have a pair of 650's. They're good and all but i have other headphone's that i prefer soundwise over them.

It's all subjective really.

Fair enough it is subjective alright, the groove is portable, and reviews are broadly positive, having said that, one has to think about where one would be using a 650, and with their leakage, as they are open back, it won’t be on public transport, or on a plane, but more for home listening

Definitely for home listening.

Arghus

I have the 650's myself. They are excellent headphones, but not practical for on the go.

They were my first serious investment in headphones.

I've been using the jds 02 amp for the past couple of years, it's a great starting point, provides loads of power, but I've reached the point where maybe I should do a trade up in order to get more out of the music.

Any recommendations for a amp/dac combo anyone? Budget is probably within the 500 quid region. I knock so much use out of the headphones that it's worth the investment.

Have a look at a nice Schiit stack. Would love to myself but have other priorities at the moment.

Sheeps

There seems to be supply issues at the moment. Was looking at getting a Schiit headphone amp and a schiit dac.

uncle_sam_ie

Sheeps wrote: »

There seems to be supply issues at the moment. Was looking at getting a Schiit headphone amp and a schiit dac.

Dacs are all gone but they have amps, https://www.schiit.co.uk/headphone-amps/Magni_3_plus

You could always buy a cheap dac until they are back in stock.

Arghus

Is there much of a difference in the end of the day between one Dac and another?

cnocbui

Not to my ears, after conducting some careful listening tests most people wouldn't bother with or have the equipment for.

xtal191

Anyone here have the Fiio BTR5? How is it? Good enough to run 250ohm 770 or 990?

uncle_sam_ie

Massdrop in the US have the Xgrace standard DAC availible for $80. It won't last long.
https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-x-grace-design-standard-dac?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=reve_v1a_mixed_%5B%5Burl%5D%5D&referer=EYAKFD&mode=guest_open&iterableCampaignId=1224894&iterableTemplateId=1708735

Here is the review,
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-massdrop-x-grace-design-sdac.2495/

Gonzovision

xtal191 wrote: »

Anyone here have the Fiio BTR5? How is it? Good enough to run 250ohm 770 or 990?

I have it, great little device but I am using it mainly for IEMs. I have used it with my AKG K712 pros, and didn't notice it lacking any volume.

If you can get a balanced cable I'd say it would give it an extra boost.

fafy

Did a lot of research on dacs & headphones, but not quite ready, to invest a lot in a desktop dac, so went with a Beyerdynamic Bundle, the Amiron Home + impacto Universal - mini dac, for €620 all in, delivered to Parcel Motel, as they won’t ship to Ireland. The DT 1990 is probably a better buy, but this bundle will give me access to Amazon Ultra HD, without additional equipment.

As the above, will only sort out my digital needs,
If anyone has any recommendations for a good headphone amp for vinyl playing, i’d appreciate any thoughts on this.

https://europe.beyerdynamic.com/brad.html

tedpan

So my one year old cockapoo just ate my trusty Sennheiser IE8's, they were old but worked well until yesterday.. Could somebody recommend a replacement, I'm looking for a decent wired iem.

TIA.

Sheeps

tedpan wrote: »

So my one year old cockapoo just ate my trusty Sennheiser IE8's, they were old but worked well until yesterday.. Could somebody recommend a replacement, I'm looking for a decent wired iem.

TIA.

I recently got myself a pair of KZ ZS10 Pro's a few weeks ago. For the price they sound pretty good.

tedpan

Sheeps wrote:

I recently got myself a pair of KZ ZS10 Pro's a few weeks ago. For the price they sound pretty good.

Cheers, I'll have a look now.