Some recommendations for Audio Interface/Amp/Dac

[Exoriya]

Hey guys, been about a year since I posted. Long story short, I was in an accident and now I'm free. I made a post about a few upgrades I would like to do a year ago, and now that I am able to pursue this again, a few things has been changed, mainly the options.

I currently have a Sennheiser HD599 headphones, I enjoy the sound and comfort as I mentioned. However, I do plan on upgrading them down the line to the HD650's or so. My current DAC/AMP is a Schiit Fulla, (old gen) I purchased a few years back and so far it has been great. Although, I would like to upgrade. Anything that'll make the current HD599's sound just as good, or better, and even powerful/good enough for future upgrade such as the 650's. I have a few I am considering, so if anyone can let me know if they will work it'll be appreciated!

Before I list, I'd like to mention I was planning on getting the Rodecaster Duo with the microphone SM7B. The Rodecaster Duo is around $500 usd. Which, is fine. I want to upgrade to a setup where I won't have to upgrade for a long time. I know, SM7B and Rodecaster Duo is probably endgame for most casuals. I also might stream/youtube in future which is why I'd like to go down this route. Mainly for friends, but who knows. Anyway~ for the Rodecaster Duo, I had some feedback in regards to it being lackluster in it being in itself a Dac/Amp. So, once I do buy a separate device, can I plug it in and control the volume or controls via Rodecaster Duo?

DAC/AMP: -> Something that will power a HD650's, and make headphones sound nicer.

• FiiO K7
• Newer Schiit Fulla

Audio Interface: -> A Interface that'll have enough gain for SM7B, pref: Mute button.

• Rodecaster Duo (Future stream/youtubes, also like the built-in screen & presets for SM7B. Mute Button.)
• Focusrite 2i2 4th gen (Cheaper alternative, still enough gain for SM7B, no mute)
• Apollo Devices? (Haven't researched much into it, but expensive as Rodecaster Duo but good reviews)

Any info/suggestions are also appreciated. So far, what I have planned is buying the FiiO K7 for the headphones and the Rodecaster Duo for sm7b. I hope I can add the FiiO K7 into the Rodecaster so I can use the other knob, so it won't be unused.

Thanks in advance <3

 

[WILLJS]

So far, what I have planned is buying the FiiO K7 for the headphones and the Rodecaster Duo for sm7b. I hope I can add the FiiO K7 into the Rodecaster so I can use the other knob, so it won't be unused.

Thanks in advance <3

that sounds like a good plan, both are good brands which will continue to provide updates and support etc for a while.

 

[Exoriya]

that sounds like a good plan, both are good brands which will continue to provide updates and support etc for a while.

Thank you for the feedback~

 

[WILLJS]

Thank you for the feedback~

It wasn't extremely helpful, I wish I could offer more advice but I havent used the K7, just rodecaster stuff. i will say that in general fiio divides people, some people love them (like me), some people can't stand them. just a matter of opinion.

 

[Exoriya]

It wasn't extremely helpful, I wish I could offer more advice but I havent used the K7, just rodecaster stuff. i will say that in general fiio divides people, some people love them (like me), some people can't stand them. just a matter of opinion.

It's alright. I think anything will be better than the Schiit Fulla I have. Its a very old model, I know they released a newer one as well but I feel like getting something else. I remember also playing a video game and the audio driver is called "I'm Fulla Schiit" and the apostrophe in "I'm" screwed up the game lol. I had to go into Regedit and edit it out for it to work.

Do you recommend any other DAC/AMP's I can look into? Also, you say Rodecaster stuff. I assume you have the Duo or Pro 2? You think it will go well with the sm7b?

 

[pbui44]

just wanted to throw out some other options:

https://www.sweetwater.com/c265--Digital_Mixers?highlight=MixCast4&sb=low2high&pn=11

https://www.amazon.com/PodMic-Dynamic-Microphone-StreamEye-Polishing/dp/B0B8DWX64Z/

https://drop.com/buy/smsl-sh-8s-amplifier

https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-sennheiser-hd6xx

(For podcasters/guests n game streaming backup)
https://drop.com/buy/drop-hifiman-he-r7dx-closed-back-headphones

Hope this helps.

 

[WILLJS]

Do you recommend any other DAC/AMP's I can look into? Also, you say Rodecaster stuff. I assume you have the Duo or Pro 2? You think it will go well with the sm7b?

i don't have Rodecaster Products, but i've used them before at different places, and they were quite good for the price.
you need to be careful with the sm7B, otherwise it can be a bit unruly with feedback etc.
i'd recommend any ifi products for an alternative, but the newer ones for neutral sound, the older models are generally Burr Brown and that will tend to colour the sound.

 

[Exoriya]

just wanted to throw out some other options:

https://www.sweetwater.com/c265--Digital_Mixers?highlight=MixCast4&sb=low2high&pn=11

https://www.amazon.com/PodMic-Dynamic-Microphone-StreamEye-Polishing/dp/B0B8DWX64Z/

https://drop.com/buy/smsl-sh-8s-amplifier

https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-sennheiser-hd6xx

(For podcasters/guests n game streaming backup)
https://drop.com/buy/drop-hifiman-he-r7dx-closed-back-headphones

Hope this helps.

Thanks, will look into them and do a bit of research. I don't plan on purchasing now, but I'm getting a list first and making sure I get what I need etc.

Do you know if those HD6xx sound similar to the HD599? I love the sound of it. I don't mind testing a higher quality mic like the 6xx but hope the sound isn't too drastic.

i don't have Rodecaster Products, but i've used them before at different places, and they were quite good for the price.
you need to be careful with the sm7B, otherwise it can be a bit unruly with feedback etc.
i'd recommend any ifi products for an alternative, but the newer ones for neutral sound, the older models are generally Burr Brown and that will tend to colour the sound.

I see. I understand, sm7b i've read a lot of negative and positive about it. If the microphone doesn't attune to my voice, or perhaps I can't make my voice sound good or at least better than my Blue Yeti, I'll just replace it with another microphone. But I am hoping the sm7b works out, because it is indeed a very beautiful microphone. With it, I won't have to upgrade to any other for a looooong time. ~~ I plan on doing a lot of research once I actually get the Duo and sm7b and configure some settings within the duo to make my voice stand out and more clean. At least, I will attempt too. XD

Lastly, I have one more question, perhaps you might know or anyone else. Between the Rodecaster Pro 2 and the Rodecaster Duo. The internal specs and such are the same right? Both has the same audio specs, only difference is Duo being a smaller form? Sorry for the dumb question.

Thanks again <3

 

[WILLJS]

Lastly, I have one more question, perhaps you might know or anyone else. Between the Rodecaster Pro 2 and the Rodecaster Duo. The internal specs and such are the same right? Both has the same audio specs, only difference is Duo being a smaller form? Sorry for the dumb question.

Thanks again <3

pretty much, the duo is a bit like a beginner version of the Pro 2, a bit easier to use.

 

[Exoriya]

pretty much, the duo is a bit like a beginner version of the Pro 2, a bit easier to use.

Yeah, beginner / smaller is what I'd prefer. Not as if i'm gonna be some big time person lol. Plus, the pro2 has way too many knobs. The Duo seems more perfect as I can use a knob for Mic, pc, headphones. etc.

Thanks for the help. I might just go for the Duo, good reviews and after some videos it seems nice to have. Plus, it being a more smaller compact is a plus, and mute button. Also a favorite streamer "Shroud" has the pro 2, which I assume makes his sm7b sound amazing, unless its just how he attuned his voice to it. No idea.

Just hope when I receive the Duo and sm7b, it'll work out. I don't usually like returning things, but as long as it sounds better than the Blue Yeti I have then it'll work out.

 

[WILLJS]

Just hope when I receive the Duo and sm7b, it'll work out. I don't usually like returning things, but as long as it sounds better than the Blue Yeti I have then it'll work out.

it'll definitely sound better than the Blue Yeti, the sm7B is an industry standard microphone (and 3x the price).

 

[pbui44]

Thanks, will look into them and do a bit of research. I don't plan on purchasing now, but I'm getting a list first and making sure I get what I need etc.

Do you know if those HD6xx sound similar to the HD599? I love the sound of it. I don't mind testing a higher quality mic like the 6xx but hope the sound isn't too drastic.

I have not heard the HD599, but I have heard the HD558 and HD598, and based on those models, the HD6XX is warmer with more overall detail and there is more airiness between instruments, leaving more spatial details between them as well. For specific monitoring purposes, the HD6XX has its drivers flat to the ear, which will allow less auditory inflections around the ear to occur. I assume that the HD599 has the angled drivers, as it is typical for Sennheisers with that particular driver housing and frame, so that is important to emphasize upon when monitoring.

Those particular product suggestions that I listed above are geared for versatility from interviews/multi-person-podcasts to sit-down-instrumentals. Basically anything that can be done at desks or tables will be picked up very well by this particular setup, even multiple instruments (up to 8 in this use case), provided that you can setup the desks/tables and mics correctly. However, if you have an empty recording area that will allow lots of air to travel around, then the Shure SM7B will be a better overall option. However, this is also a great option that will work in an empty recording area and give the SM7B a run for its money:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KCN83VI

If you have extra money for it and need to monitor empty recording areas that will allow a lot of space between instruments (up to 20 instruments), then you can sub the HD6XX for this:

https://www.shure.com/en-US/products/headphones/srh1840?variant=SRH1840-BK

 

[vir2l]

Hey guys, been about a year since I posted. Long story short, I was in an accident and now I'm free. I made a post about a few upgrades I would like to do a year ago, and now that I am able to pursue this again, a few things has been changed, mainly the options.

I currently have a Sennheiser HD599 headphones, I enjoy the sound and comfort as I mentioned. However, I do plan on upgrading them down the line to the HD650's or so. My current DAC/AMP is a Schiit Fulla, (old gen) I purchased a few years back and so far it has been great. Although, I would like to upgrade. Anything that'll make the current HD599's sound just as good, or better, and even powerful/good enough for future upgrade such as the 650's. I have a few I am considering, so if anyone can let me know if they will work it'll be appreciated!

Before I list, I'd like to mention I was planning on getting the Rodecaster Duo with the microphone SM7B. The Rodecaster Duo is around $500 usd. Which, is fine. I want to upgrade to a setup where I won't have to upgrade for a long time. I know, SM7B and Rodecaster Duo is probably endgame for most casuals. I also might stream/youtube in future which is why I'd like to go down this route. Mainly for friends, but who knows. Anyway~ for the Rodecaster Duo, I had some feedback in regards to it being lackluster in it being in itself a Dac/Amp. So, once I do buy a separate device, can I plug it in and control the volume or controls via Rodecaster Duo?

DAC/AMP: -> Something that will power a HD650's, and make headphones sound nicer.

• FiiO K7
• Newer Schiit Fulla

Audio Interface: -> A Interface that'll have enough gain for SM7B, pref: Mute button.

• Rodecaster Duo (Future stream/youtubes, also like the built-in screen & presets for SM7B. Mute Button.)
• Focusrite 2i2 4th gen (Cheaper alternative, still enough gain for SM7B, no mute)
• Apollo Devices? (Haven't researched much into it, but expensive as Rodecaster Duo but good reviews)

Any info/suggestions are also appreciated. So far, what I have planned is buying the FiiO K7 for the headphones and the Rodecaster Duo for sm7b. I hope I can add the FiiO K7 into the Rodecaster so I can use the other knob, so it won't be unused.

Thanks in advance <3

hello there.

I've been using the sennheiser hd 650s for a long time now coupled with a meier-audio daccord DAC (which is a steal nowadays, and the crossfeed works wonders with the hd650s too) and the first gen legendary tube amp woo audio wa6 (with a mullard gz34 metal base from the 50s rectifier, but the hd650s sound very nice with an affordable sophia princess tube too). this combination makes a completely different headphone out of the hd 650. the dac is very transparent, clean and neutral but lifts the famous veil off of the hd 650s. the tube amp coupled with a good rectifier tube then elevates the high quality neutral dac sound into musical heaven. of course this combo is roughly 2000 usd without the headphone but it's so worthwhile and will last you 20-30 years easily. I've been running this system with other headphones for like 8+ years now and never regretted it.