Audio Equipment

[Stereodude]

Do you need an amp or a receiver? You mention an amp, but the Yamaha piece you referenced is a receiver. You linked to the Emotiva X-series gear which does not include a receiver. It has pre-amps and amplifiers.

[CougTek]

I need something that will receive the audio signal from a source (TV, computer, USB stick, whatever) and push it to a pair of Paradigm speakers. Ideally not too expensive but still capable of sending high-quality audio to the speaker towers.

If I'm not clear enough, then I guess I just need to include a link to a reply forum page, pretending it's meant to show something completly different.

[Handruin]

I've been very happy with my XPA5 (Gen 1) and felt like for the money it does a nice job. I'm assuming you're looking for a 2-channel amp? If you're going straight from a PC into an amp you'll want something in-between for a more-discrete volume management.

[CougTek]

I've been very happy with my XPA5 (Gen 1) and felt like for the money it does a nice job. I'm assuming you're looking for a 2-channel amp? If you're going straight from a PC into an amp you'll want something in-between for a more-discrete volume management.

I might opt for their 3-channel model. Reading back the beginning of the thread, Mercutio wrote that a center speaker significantly improves the listening experience. I'd like to have the option.

So it would be better to get a receiver, plug the receiver to the amp and then plug the speakers to the amp? Any suggestion for a good receiver model, ideally less than 600$?

[Handruin]

You may need to experiment to see what you like but like most things that are audio related you'll get a lot of opinions. Speaking of more opinions, I find that the center channel detracts from the listening experience instead of helping it when listening to music. A nice pair of front speakers with good imaging will negate the need for a center channel. You may be better of investing in room treatments and experimenting with speaker placement in your room to improve the audio quality than to add the center channel. That said, I know nothing about the speakers you have, so it's possible they may benefit from a center channel more than other front speakers.

It sounds like you would want a DAC without amplifiers if you plan to use an Emotiva amp. This depends on how many use cases you want to support in terms of the source input. You mentioned a computer, TV, etc, but each of those may offer different output sources. For example on the PC, you could use HDMI, SPDIF, or even the line out as a source. If you're using a TV, you'd likely be using SPDIF out or possible HDMI ARC if your TV supports either of those. My point being, if you need a flexible amount of source types, you may need to consider a receiver or a DAC that has multiple input types but also has preamp outputs if you want to use a specific dedicated amp like the X series sold by Emotiva. In my specific setup, I use a Marantz AV7005 Preamp/Processor to manage the various input sources. This device then outputs the preamps to the amplifiers as it has no amplifiers built into it. This does the DAC of the various source formats and does bass management for my subwoofer in a 2.1 setup.

The Yamaha RX-A670 you listed has no pre-amp output (except for the sub) so you wouldn't be able to utilize any of the Emotive amps or any amp for that matter (at least not cleanly). You would need to rely entirely on their built-in amplification for your speakers.

[Stereodude]

I'd suggest a receiver. One with pre-amp outputs to allow outboard amps later if desired.

[DrunkenBastard]

I might opt for their 3-channel model. Reading back the beginning of the thread, Mercutio wrote that a center speaker significantly improves the listening experience. I'd like to have the option.

So it would be better to get a receiver, plug the receiver to the amp and then plug the speakers to the amp? Any suggestion for a good receiver model, ideally less than 600$?

At the $600 pricepoint I would suggest something like the Denon X3300W:

It has pre outs so you can hook up outboard amps if needed. Down from $999 because this is last years model (no major changes)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HL8KYAY

Of course $200 more will get you to the X4300W which can decode 11.1 channels and amplify 9 - this will let you run up to 7 base channels and four heights with an additional two channel amp.

https://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVRX430...dp/B01KZRPNIQ/

[CougTek]

Thank you all for the suggestions. I'll see what I can get locally* and at what price.

* More often than not, Amazon.com doesn't ship to Québec and selection from Amazon.ca is more limited than the U$ version. Prices on the Canayan site are also higher, even after figuring out currency convertion.

[DrunkenBastard]

Thank you all for the suggestions. I'll see what I can get locally* and at what price.

* More often than not, Amazon.com doesn't ship to Québec and selection from Amazon.ca is more limited than the U$ version. Prices on the Canayan site are also higher, even after figuring out currency convertion.

Sorry Coug yes doesnt look like Amazon.com will ship over there, and these aren't tremendous value at full retail. Considered delivery to someone close to the border and then a daytrip over to pick it up?

[DrunkenBastard]

Actually that was for the 4300, looks like the 3300 model is available from US shipping to Canada,
I used an adress in Quebec City: SmartSelectImage_2017-09-11-01-27-00.png

[Lena]

Actually that was for the 4300, looks like the 3300 model is available from US shipping to Canada,
I used an adress in Quebec City: SmartSelectImage_2017-09-11-01-27-00.png

The screenshot is from Amazon right? i could have sworn it sought of looks like Aliexpress and i always say that anything with wires shouldn't be bought from Aliexpress. Lol

[DrunkenBastard]

Correct, that's Amazon.com

[Stereodude]

I didn't realize these weren't going to ship for almost 6 months when I joined. It's not a big deal to me as I have plenty of headphones to listen to in the mean time, but that is a LONG wait.

So my HD6XX headphone arrived on Friday. I gave them a quick listen yesterday just to make sure they worked. They seem to be working okay. Nothing immediately objectionable about the sound. As I expected they're a little different in sound from some of the other headphones I have (which don't all sound the same either). I'll give them a better listen in the near future.

[Handruin]

Do you have any other headphones from Sennheiser? I use my HD6XX at work every day and enjoy them.

[Stereodude]

Do you have any other headphones from Sennheiser? I use my HD6XX at work every day and enjoy them.

I had a pair of noise cancelling headphones from them many years ago that I no longer use, but that hardly counts. My office is too noisy for open headphones, so I use closed back headphones.

[ddrueding]

On a pair of HD650 right now, and I'm quite happy with them. Lighter and slimmer than others I have of the same sound quality.

[Stereodude]

I'll give them a better listen in the near future.

So I've listened to them much closer and longer this morning from my Sony NW-A35 Walkman. They image very nicely and have good clarity and transparency without being overly bright or glaring. I do wish they had a little more low end thump at the very bottom though.

On a pair of HD650 right now, and I'm quite happy with them. Lighter and slimmer than others I have of the same sound quality.

According to all accounts the HD6XX are the HD650's with a shorter cord and slightly different cosmetics.

[ddrueding]

...and earlier reports of poor quality on HiFiMan equipment....totally on-point. The foam ear-cup on my 400i has separated completely. I'm sure I can just glue it back on, but c'mon....

[snowhiker]

...and earlier reports of poor quality on HiFiMan equipment....totally on-point. The foam ear-cup on my 400i has separated completely. I'm sure I can just glue it back on, but c'mon....

Make sure you use $699/ounce audiophile glue and allow them to cure in an oxygen free environment.

[LunarMist]

Evacuate the air to a high vacuum (0.05 Torr), then purge with a pure inert gas (5.0 helium or nitrogen) and repeat a few times to be sure.

[ddrueding]

The trick is it needs to work with the metal mesh, foam inner, and leather(ish) outer at the same time. No CA because of the foam. Hot glue? Epoxy of some kind?

[LunarMist]

Can you dissolve some polyurethane and add a binder for the foam?

[Stereodude]

Hot glue may melt the foam depending on the type of foam. What about a double sided tape or contact cement?

[ddrueding]

The metal mesh might have a hard time with the tape, not a lot of surface area available. Contact cement is an interesting idea; is there a foam-melting concern there as well?

[LunarMist]

Ideally you want to dissolve the surface of the foam, not melt it.

[Stereodude]

Contact cement is an interesting idea; is there a foam-melting concern there as well?

That depends on the type. A water based one I would expect not. An oil based one, maybe.

[LunarMist]

That depends on the type. A water based one I would expect not. An oil based one, maybe.

I seriously doubt there would be enough energy to melt the foam.

[Stereodude]

I seriously doubt there would be enough energy to melt the foam.

I highly doubt that's the melting he needs to be concerned about.

[LunarMist]

I highly doubt that's the melting he needs to be concerned about.

It may be an RMA or circular file situation.

[Stereodude]

The HiFiman Sundara headphones sound amazing! They're quite comfortable too. I think a pair is in my future.

[Handruin]

In the not too distant past I've read of more and more complaints against HiFiman quality and how they treat customers when they need warranty work. Have you noticed any of this in your internet travels?

[Handruin]

The impedance of 37Ω makes them appear appear on paper to be easy to drive. The price is certainly better than the new HD820 from Sennheiser...not that these are directly comparable.

[Stereodude]

In the not too distant past I've read of more and more complaints against HiFiman quality and how they treat customers when they need warranty work. Have you noticed any of this in your internet travels?

Yes, I've seen the same complaining that they won't sell parts and that they're not so friendly with warranty claims. It wouldn't stop me from buying, but I would give it some consideration.

The products from them I do have held up well and still work.

[Stereodude]

So I ordered up the HE-560 instead of the Sundara despite having not heard them. I saw a few people on HeadFi indicate they thought the HE-560 sounded better than the Sundara. I had been eyeballing the HE-560's for many months as an upgrade to my HE-500s when they first dropped to $499. Supposedly they're on their way to being discontinued with production already stopped and they are quite a bit cheaper than when they first came out. On the other hand, the Sundara is brand new and still at the opening price.

Does the older originally $899, now $499 model sound better than the new $499 model? I guess I will find out.

[ddrueding]

The quality on my HE400i did dissapoint. The cables developed static when moving within a month and the foam earcup came off within 6 months of daily use. The sound is great, but I'll be going back to Sennheiser next time I buy.

[LunarMist]

The quality on my HE400i did dissapoint. The cables developed static when moving within a month and the foam earcup came off within 6 months of daily use. The sound is great, but I'll be going back to Sennheiser next time I buy.

German vs. Chinese, hmm.

[ddrueding]

But only $80 more ($220 vs $300) and IMO the Sennheiser sounds better.

[Stereodude]

Which Sennheisers?

[Handruin]

The quality issues and the perceived poor customer relations from HiFiMan keep me from being more interested in their products.

[Stereodude]

... and the perceived poor customer relations from HiFiMan keep me from being more interested in their products.

I'm not sure it's just perceived. This thread I read on Head-Fi is a total trainwreck.

[Handruin]

I worded it that way because I've never owned any of their products and I'm only going based on angry comments online. I'm not surprised you were able to easily reference another example. If their products cost less I might gamble but if I'm going to spend $500+ for that risk.

[ddrueding]

Which Sennheisers?

HD650

[Handruin]

HD650

Or the Massdrop Sennheiser HD6XX for $199 makes your argument even stronger given that it's the same as the HD650.

[Stereodude]

HD650

The HD6XX sounds pretty good, but pale in comparison to the HE-500s I have. They are more comfortable though. Of course they were less than half the price.

I'm not sure what's going on with my HE-560 order. I guess buying from the cheapest place has its disadvantages as they haven't shipped and it's sitting pending.

Edit: I now have a tracking number.

[Handruin]

Not only are the HD6XX less than half the price, you also need less expensive supporting audio gear like amp/DAC to drive them reasonably well. I imagine that for you to get what you paid for out of the HE-500's you would want to purchase a decent amp/DAC to drive those. I carry my HD6xx in my computer bag and use them all day long without fatigue.

[ddrueding]

At the moment I'm driving the HD650 with a Zoom UAC-2.

[Handruin]

That's a neat device. I wasn't aware they made devices like that. I have one of their audio recorders.

[Stereodude]

I have the worst luck with USB DACs. The nice Grace m9XX unit I got from Massdrop doesn't play nice with my work PC (Lenovo T470s running Windows 7). In both the Class 1 mode (driverless) and the Class 2 mode (requires drivers) there are regular periodic glitches in the audio. The Audio-Gd DACs I have played nice with XP, but the chipset in them doesn't play nice with 7 or newer. I should just get my CM6631A USB to SPDIF board and feed the Grace M9XX that way. That's what I did with the Audio-Gd unit I had at my last job. It should be in the box of stuff I brought home...

[Handruin]

I've had some weird quirks with my XDuoo XD-05 DAC/Amp which is similar to the luck you've described. It's quirky enough that I don't really use it any more.

[Stereodude]

I've had some weird quirks with my XDuoo XD-05 DAC/Amp which is similar to the luck you've described. It's quirky enough that I don't really use it any more.

I mostly just use it to listen to a few podcasts while at work where the glitches aren't noticeable. I'm going to bring my CM6631A board and optical cable in though and see if it behaves any better that way. I expect it will be flawless.

I should also take the Grace m9XX unit home and confirm it doesn't glitch on other PCs. I didn't listen long enough when I first got it to say one way or another.