++ FULL-SIZE HEADPHONE RECOMMENDATIONS THREAD++ CLOSED: Please post a thread in the... - Page 1416  

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pual 

Do I need one if im using a cd player and vinyl player as my sources? I thought you only needed a DAC for computers from audio (i do have a fiio E7/e9 combo though for my computer setup)
 

Right. CD players have their own internal DACs with analog output. Turntables are already analog. But you might need a phono stage to connect your turntable to your amp. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by cel4145 

 

Right. CD players have their own internal DACs with analog output. Turntables are already analog. But you might need a phono stage to connect your turntable to your amp. 

Ok good! I was worried for a second, haha.

I have a turntable with a usb out and analog out, how can i see if it needs a phono stage (and what is that, a pre-amp for turntables?)

Apologize for newb questions - because I am one!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pual 

Quote:

Originally Posted by cel4145 

 

Right. CD players have their own internal DACs with analog output. Turntables are already analog. But you might need a phono stage to connect your turntable to your amp. 

Ok good! I was worried for a second, haha.

 

I have a turntable with a usb out and analog out, how can i see if it needs a phono stage (and what is that, a pre-amp for turntables?)

The "phono stage" is for the analog output: RIAA Equalization.

USB-out is digital. No external phono stage is possible or necessary.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HamilcarBarca 

 

The "phono stage" is for the analog output: RIAA Equalization.

 

USB-out is digital. No external phono stage is possible or necessary.

So, I would need something (not sure?) between my turntable and my MKIII to use it? I do (and most likely use) is to USB-out a vinyl and import it at lossless, then burn it to a cd, but still.

Here's the challenge: List me some better headphones then the Denon D2000

Amp: limited to FiiO E10 so that should take out high ohm expensive cans off the list...

Don't want: HE-400, any Sennheiser

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pual 

Quote:

Originally Posted by HamilcarBarca 

The "phono stage" is for the analog output: RIAA Equalization.

 

USB-out is digital. No external phono stage is possible or necessary.

So, I would need something (not sure?) between my turntable and my MKIII to use it? I do (and most likely use) is to USB-out a vinyl and import it at lossless, then burn it to a cd, but still.

I wouldn't purchase another turntable myself and I wouldn't recommend one to somebody who doesn't already own enough LP's to make it worthwhile. Records produce 11 bits of useful resolution and CD's 15 or so. A given CD is almost certain to sound better than its LP equivalent. People who like the "vinyl sound", a term I just invented, don't agree with my assessment of sound quality.

But you didn't ask about any of that.

To use the USB-out on the turntable (or computer or DAP/PMP or whatever) and the analog inputs of the MKIII (is that a LittleDot?), you need a digital-to-analog converter which accepts digitized audio over USB. In plainer English, you're looking for a USB DAC.

Two inexpensive but surprisingly good USB DAC's are Behringer's UCA-202 and UCA-222. They should retail at US$20-$30. A better model, but significantly more expensive is JDS Labs' Standalone ODAC at US$149. Functionally identical models, with different trade names, are available from Audio Poutine (CA) and Ephipany Acoustics (UK.)

Of course there are many other USB DAC's. These are just the two with which I have personal experience. I recommend them ... as if my recommendation is worth anything.

Hey y'all,

Would love it if I could get some help on this:

Want a portable supra-aural closed headphone for ~$200. Preferably with a mid-centric sound with sound quality similar to that of a Westone UM3x. Probably used mainly for indie rock. Biggest two requirements would probably be mid-centric and fast. Would prefer no V-shape. I currently have a pair of HD25s, but they really don't get used that much since I don't like the circumaural feel. Thinking maybe the K550 could be the answer, but it might be too big for transport? What I might be looking for would be a faster version of the ESW9.

I'll be playing it out of an Audioquest Dragonfly, source is mainly 320kbps mp3.

I'd actually like it better if you told me that such a headphone didn't exist so I can just go back to using IEMs all the time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HamilcarBarca 

 

I wouldn't purchase another turntable myself and I wouldn't recommend one to somebody who doesn't already own enough LP's to make it worthwhile. Records produce 11 bits of useful resolution and CD's 15 or so. A given CD is almost certain to sound better than its LP equivalent. People who like the "vinyl sound", a term I just invented, don't agree with my assessment of sound quality.

 

But you didn't ask about any of that.

 

To use the USB-out on the turntable (or computer or DAP/PMP or whatever) and the analog inputs of the MKIII (is that a LittleDot?), you need a digital-to-analog converter which accepts digitized audio over USB. In plainer English, you're looking for a USB DAC.

 

Two inexpensive but surprisingly good USB DAC's are Behringer's UCA-202 and UCA-222. They should retail at US$20-$30. A better model, but significantly more expensive is JDS Labs' Standalone ODAC at US$149. Functionally identical models, with different trade names, are available from Audio Poutine (CA) and Ephipany Acoustics (UK.)

 

Of course there are many other USB DAC's. These are just the two with which I have personal experience. I recommend them ... as if my recommendation is worth anything.

I understand that I'd need a DAC for the USB out, my question was.. it also has analog out - the two RCA cables.. could I plug that straight into my MKIII?

I also have my Fiio E7 - Im pretty sure I could use the USB out and DAC with that if needed?

as for "vinyl" sound - i use it purely for records which I can only find on vinyl, usually at weird local import/hard to find music stores, im not using it as a primary source.

Edit: Thanks for the help by the way. Im an exercise physiologist - I get how the body works, but when it comes to electronics - I have a basic understanding, but im not fantastic. Hah.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeroicPenguin 

Hey y'all,

 

Would love it if I could get some help on this:

 

Want a portable supra-aural closed headphone for ~$200. Preferably with a mid-centric sound with sound quality similar to that of a Westone UM3x. Probably used mainly for indie rock. Biggest two requirements would probably be mid-centric and fast. Would prefer no V-shape. I currently have a pair of HD25s, but they really don't get used that much since I don't like the circumaural feel. Thinking maybe the K550 could be the answer, but it might be too big for transport? What I might be looking for would be a faster version of the ESW9.

 

I'll be playing it out of an Audioquest Dragonfly, source is mainly 320kbps mp3.

 

I'd actually like it better if you told me that such a headphone didn't exist so I can just go back to using IEMs all the time.

I never liked UM3x, but I don't know why.

You can try the Grados, which excels in rock, is fast and is mid-centric. But they are not good for transport due to huge sound leakage, no isolation and long wires.

Or you can try the Shure SRH440. Its fast and near neutral, but have emphasis on mid, not as much as Grados though, but still good for rock. Its better for transport.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mods12 

I have an e10 amp and I narrowed down to the dt990(250) and the senn 598s. Used for gaming and I prefer the one with the best vocala

HD598's have far better vocals and mids in general, its not even comparable. They sound much fuller and more realistic. They also have better imaging and soundstage. DT990's will have slightly more bass and sharper highs. IMHO I'd take the 598's any day. For any purpose.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pual 

I understand that I'd need a DAC for the USB out, my question was.. it also has analog out - the two RCA cables.. could I plug that straight into my MKIII?

Yes, you can try it. It won't hurt.

Phono equalization boosts (and EQ's) the output of a turntable, because turntables produce a relatively weak signal compared to components such as tape drives.  Listen to the result and see if you like it.

Looking for headphones for home use, 100 euro budget. I listen to hard rock/metal. They need to be comfortable. I don't care about bass. I've read good things about the AKG K240 MKII, are they good? I don't want anything from Grado because i'll be using my headphones for gaming too. 80% music, 20% games.