The JVC HA-S500.. Appreciation, fan thread. - Page 304

The problem with the EQ settings on the iphone is that there are already pre-made (you can't adjust the specific range), so it's just like Electronic EQ, Jazz EQ etc... And worst of all, it doesn't apply to every app, it only applies to itunes/music app. So if you want to go on spotify or pandora on your iphone, it will have no effect. That's why I am planning on getting a nexus 4 (If i'm not broke from tons of different purchases by then).

Quote:

Originally Posted by shockdoc 

Does the Muse have USB in or just S/PDIF? Is this it?

 

http://www.amazon.com/Converter-Decoder-PCM2704-Black-Cable/dp/B008YD36J2/ref=pd_sim_sbs_e_2

 

Edit: D'oh! Sorry, stupid question. A little too much ETOH this evening.

No problem.  Yes, that's the one.  Actually, since I've unplugged my Modi and started using the Muse, I haven't had the inclination to switch the cables back.  Does that mean one is significantly better than the other?  Not necessarily.  But, it does prove that for about $30.00, one can get a pretty good DAC.

Quote:

Originally Posted by YodobashiCamera 

The problem with the EQ settings on the iphone is that there are already pre-made (you can't adjust the specific range), so it's just like Electronic EQ, Jazz EQ etc... And worst of all, it doesn't apply to every app, it only applies to itunes/music app. So if you want to go on spotify or pandora on your iphone, it will have no effect. That's why I am planning on getting a nexus 4 (If i'm not broke from tons of different purchases by then).

In regards to the EQ what you've indicated is correct.  If one  has a desire to adjust a specific frequency, they have to do it in iTunes, then re-save the song so the EQ setting is embedded in the song - or, that's how I've understood it to work and have tried it a few times myself.  The older iPod "Classic" at 30gb, was the one with the Wolfson DAC. The software also included a "Loudness" setting with the pre-set EQ.  It was probably the only setting that I found useful at all.

Hey wje, would you mind contrasting the Muse and the ELE for us once you get some more time with them? TIA

so i just bought these and am currently playing the waiting game to get them and havent gotten a chance obviously to hear them. but forgive me as I am a scrub when it comes to this new wide world of headphones, all my friends have beats which i've always groaned at just because of how overpriced you are paying for a name. but how the HA s500s compare?

Quote:

Originally Posted by YodobashiCamera 

The problem with the EQ settings on the iphone is that there are already pre-made (you can't adjust the specific range), so it's just like Electronic EQ, Jazz EQ etc... And worst of all, it doesn't apply to every app, it only applies to itunes/music app. So if you want to go on spotify or pandora on your iphone, it will have no effect. That's why I am planning on getting a nexus 4 (If i'm not broke from tons of different purchases by then).

OK this settled it for me! I'm going for an amp! I think I'll go for the Fiio E07K. I love how my own Fiio E17 pairs with the s500's and from what I've read, the E07K won't be far off. That's a good 30th b-day present right? JVC HA-s500-Z + Fiio E07K + Fiio LOD?

Quote:

Originally Posted by gopanthersgo1 


Quite favorably, no price on the name, in fact, the are probably the one of the best sounding portables, some people even compare them favorably to the Vmoda M100s (Which are $300)! These give you great bang for buck, the only downside is comfort, wich can be greatly improved by just swapping pads!

Awesome :D I'll have to figure out how to swap those eventually if its not managable. I just upgraded from sony mdr g45s. all my friends have looked down (only in fun because otherswise I probably wouldln't be friends with them) at me because i don't have "Good headphones". I'm looking forward to the experience!

Quote:

Originally Posted by shockdoc 

Hey wje, would you mind contrasting the Muse and the ELE for us once you get some more time with them? TIA

Yes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gopanthersgo1 


Also both those to the Modi please.

And, yes, I can do that too.  I also want to finish my micro-velour ear pads this weekend, too.  Just about 30 minutes more work for some ultimate comfort improvements, without changes to the bass.

Quote:

Originally Posted by esmBOS 

OK this settled it for me! I'm going for an amp! I think I'll go for the Fiio E07K. I love how my own Fiio E17 pairs with the s500's and from what I've read, the E07K won't be far off. That's a good 30th b-day present right? JVC HA-s500-Z + Fiio E07K + Fiio LOD?

I've had the E17 and was reconsidering the E07K.  I'm not sure how pricing is where you're located.  But, where I am in the U.S., the price difference is only about $20 if you look carefully.  Some may still feel that the E17 is slightly better.  I've been trying to read up on the differences, but still am not sure if I'll get a portable amp.  The included DAC on the FiiO is essentially useless if you pair it with Apple devices, since the Apple still uses its own internal DAC, so then you're still down to just using the FiiO for the amp and tone controls while using it as a portable.  However, when connected to a computer as your music source, that is where you will get your benefit in using the Wolfson DAC within the amp / DAC itself.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leo888 
 

Hi wje, mind sharing your thoughts in regards to using a AC powered USB hub. From one of your post, you mentioned that a usb hub doesn't help with SQ but was wondering if a AC powered USB hub makes a difference. Thanks in advance.

.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leo888 

Hi wje, mind sharing your thoughts in regards to using a AC powered USB hub. From one of your post, you mentioned that a usb hub doesn't help with SQ but was wondering if a AC powered USB hub makes a difference. Thanks in advance.

.

 Hmm ... I don't recall making a comment on a powered USB hub specifically.  However, I've had issues with non-powered hubs in the past.  For example, I have a non-powered hub on the back of my keyboard at work.  When I plug in my Sandisk USB memory stick, with secure software on it, the power that gets supplied via the hub isn't sufficient to even let me run my memory stick.  Based on that experience alone, I'd be quite hesitant on using a hon-powered USB hub.  Powered USB hubs could be completely different, and act as a sufficient extension from your computer.

I did comment though on the front panel USB jacks, which are essentially behaving like a hub, or an extended USB port.  What I've noticed with those connections, is that the wires used between the motherboard and the front panel are quite horribly insulated and may not be up to the task. My case is an Antec, too.  Probably slightly better than many of the cheapest imported cases, too.  For now, I just use the front USB ports to connect our memory card reader, my daughter's and wifes iPods, and ironically, my Sandisk memory stick also works without issue.  I'd be hesitant to use an audio source out of that jack, though.  I did briefly have the Asus Xonar USB card, too, and tried it briefly on the front panel.  The Xonar had some issues, but those didn't improve when connected to my back USB ports either.  I'd pick up a lot of feedback when clicking applications on my screen through the Xonar.  Some people have indicated that the use of wireless keyboards and mice, such as I have, can frequently be the culprits for such noise from the RF being distributed in the air.

I do have a non-powered hub, from Belkin, I believe.  I could connect it and test it out to see if the stream is sufficient and if the DACs would have any issues running off it, though.  But, if given the choice, I'd certainly try and go for the USB port on the back of the computer which is hard wired to the motherboard.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wje 

 Hmm ... I don't recall making a comment on a powered USB hub specifically.  However, I've had issues with non-powered hubs in the past.  For example, I have a non-powered hub on the back of my keyboard at work.  When I plug in my Sandisk USB memory stick, with secure software on it, the power that gets supplied via the hub isn't sufficient to even let me run my memory stick.  Based on that experience alone, I'd be quite hesitant on using a hon-powered USB hub.  Powered USB hubs could be completely different, and act as a sufficient extension from your computer.

 

I did comment though on the front panel USB jacks, which are essentially behaving like a hub, or an extended USB port.  What I've noticed with those connections, is that the wires used between the motherboard and the front panel are quite horribly insulated and may not be up to the task. My case is an Antec, too.  Probably slightly better than many of the cheapest imported cases, too.  For now, I just use the front USB ports to connect our memory card reader, my daughter's and wifes iPods, and ironically, my Sandisk memory stick also works without issue.  I'd be hesitant to use an audio source out of that jack, though.  I did briefly have the Asus Xonar USB card, too, and tried it briefly on the front panel.  The Xonar had some issues, but those didn't improve when connected to my back USB ports either.  I'd pick up a lot of feedback when clicking applications on my screen through the Xonar.  Some people have indicated that the use of wireless keyboards and mice, such as I have, can frequently be the culprits for such noise from the RF being distributed in the air.

 

I do have a non-powered hub, from Belkin, I believe.  I could connect it and test it out to see if the stream is sufficient and if the DACs would have any issues running off it, though.  But, if given the choice, I'd certainly try and go for the USB port on the back of the computer which is hard wired to the motherboard.

Hi wje, thanks for the detail description of your experience and my bad that I should have phrase my question more correctly. I mean to ask a non AC powered hub as compared to a AC powered hub. Anyway, thank you so much for offering to test out the hub and looks forward to your update. I'm actually looking to add a hub and move all usb connections which includes the dac to the back/lower shelf of where my laptop is placed and clear up the clutters of cables around it. Your opinion would be greatly appreciated.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leo888 

Hi wje, mind sharing your thoughts in regards to using a AC powered USB hub. From one of your post, you mentioned that a usb hub doesn't help with SQ but was wondering if a AC powered USB hub makes a difference. Thanks in advance.

.

My front panel USB ports receive the exact same power as the ones in the back, so sq-wise there's no difference in my case (no pun intended). I do have one non-powered and one powered usb hub, so I'll test their performance later today.