Total First Time Set-Up

[Viktor]

Quote:

Originally Posted by theirishjoey /img/forum/go_quote.gif I was looking at those but have heard from a lot of people that Bose is over rated. Have you got any experience with these 'phones? EDIT:Oh, and they're over my budget. I'm in the UK btw and I meant £200, but put $400 because I thought it was an American forum. But I might be able to scrape together the funds, so thanks for the suggestion.

Well, I know many people here would never give bose a thumb. But when talking about the choice of noice canelling headphones, you can't just overlook bose.

I've tried BOSE QC2 before and QC3 recently at Apple Certre on Regent Street in central London. Both of them are really impressive. If you are short in budget, you may consider QC2.

Another good choice might be Sennheiser PXC 450. They are availble at amazon.co.uk for £179.95. I've never tried them, but you can read the reviews on amazon's webpage.

 

[theirishjoey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbd2884 /img/forum/go_quote.gif But Bose noise cancelling and portable audio is not even Mid Fi I'm solidly Mid-Fi and loving it.

Just wondering what your equipment is and how much it all cost?

 

[mbd2884]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vvanrij /img/forum/go_quote.gif Audiophile -- Audiophile - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

True, but with a community based on consumer buying headphones and equipment was what I based my previous post on.

Anyways, if you have 400 USD to spend, I think going with a computer setup is the best bang for the buck. Whether you have mac or pc doesn't matter. SACD and other transports can be very expensive.

First your files, keep em 192 VBR or 256 CBR, or better yet lossless

Look up Bit Perfect output. Even if you don't have a dedicated DAC, Amp, ASIO4All will improve the sound of even your on board soundcard.

Get an external DAC/Amp combo. I think this is best route to save yourself some money, for a headphone also.
- A portable option, sub $200, iBasso D2, good USB BB PCM 2707 DAC with a Woflson D/A
- For desktop, Audio-gd Compass. Its promotional price is $258, at that price I can pretty much guarantee you won't find a better deal, for now while the promotion lasts.
- For cheap desktop, look at Ebay. I would avoid Zero if possible to avoid quality control headaches and receiving bricks from Ebay vendors. Look at stuff from HotAudio, he has good feedback here.
- Firestone Fubar series with a Cute Amp.

For headphones
- Well there are just so many
- My recommendation based on what I have heard and what I like: AT AD500, AT AD700, AT A500, AT A700, Denon D1000, JVC RXseries (didn't have em, but had JVC in the past),

Quote:

Originally Posted by theirishjoey /img/forum/go_quote.gif Just wondering what your equipment is and how much it all cost?

Its in my signature. I either use Foobar2000 or Media Monkey player both using ASIO4all wrapper, ASIO output. Foobar2000 uses default decoder, Media Monkey currently using MAD .15 b2 plugin.

My Laptop is an Asus which I just use a USB port to my Compass.

Compass if from Audio-gd. Its a prototype model. Its DAC is same as the DAC-100 which Audio-gd also sells for 249. The Amp is fully discrete and from reviews seems could sell for around $250 alone also, or more. I bought this for the promotional price of $258.

I have an aftermarket power plug, costing $60 from Audio-gd, normally $75. Can read about power plugs and how they affect audio equipment, I describe it all as being bizarre, but I can hear audible differences and confident its not placebo.

Audio Technica AD900. My favorite headphones so far. Only headphone I will give these up for are the AD2000, which will come later. The AD900 are still Mid-Fi but they are selling for around $300 USD now, as they have to be imported from Japan. Not sold in US stores, at least I haven't seen any. If you call Audio Technica US offices, they will ask, say that again, what's AD900?
- I bought these end of 2006, beginning of 2007 from Audiocubes for $219 and $245 shipped including the duty charges.
- Recently re-terminated with a Furutech plug which costed only about $13, 6 dollar shipping.

Denon D2000, very comfy closed headphones I use for work. Don't care about em to be honest, just not a closed headphone bass head. If I had more money I'd take a look at the more expensive Audio Technica or JVC closed.

But please remember this is my setup, its what sounds awesome to my ears. For you maybe different. HD555 with a Little MK 1+ Amplifier driven out of a decent soundcard. All of it costing less than the price of my AD900s... just up to you.

 

[theirishjoey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viktor /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well, I know many people here would never give bose a thumb. But when talking about the choice of noice canelling headphones, you can't just overlook bose. I've tried BOSE QC2 before and QC3 recently at Apple Certre on Regent Street in central London. Both of them are really impressive. If you are short in budget, you may consider QC2. Another good choice might be Sennheiser PXC 450. They are availble at amazon.co.uk for £179.95. I've never tried them, but you can read the reviews on amazon's webpage.

Will have a look at them for definite. I think I'm going to see someone who has a pair of the Bose QC3 soon so I may be able test them out.

Thanks for all your help!

 

[theirishjoey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbd2884 /img/forum/go_quote.gif True, but with a community based on consumer buying headphones and equipment was what I based my previous post on. Anyways, if you have 400 USD to spend, I think going with a computer setup is the best bang for the buck. Whether you have mac or pc doesn't matter. SACD and other transports can be very expensive. First your files, keep em 192 VBR or 256 CBR, or better yet lossless Look up Bit Perfect output. Even if you don't have a dedicated DAC, Amp, ASIO4All will improve the sound of even your on board soundcard. Get an external DAC/Amp combo. I think this is best route to save yourself some money, for a headphone also. - A portable option, sub $200, iBasso D2, good USB BB PCM 2707 DAC with a Woflson D/A - For desktop, Audio-gd Compass. Its promotional price is $258, at that price I can pretty much guarantee you won't find a better deal, for now while the promotion lasts. - For cheap desktop, look at Ebay. I would avoid Zero if possible to avoid quality control headaches and receiving bricks from Ebay vendors. Look at stuff from HotAudio, he has good feedback here. - Firestone Fubar series with a Cute Amp. For headphones - Well there are just so many - My recommendation based on what I have heard and what I like: AT AD500, AT AD700, AT A500, AT A700, Denon D1000, JVC RXseries (didn't have em, but had JVC in the past),

I don't have a desktop so that goes out the window.

OK, slow down there Hose. I know nothing about all this so your going to explain somethings please.

What's a DAC and what does an Amp do?

What's a D/A?

Basically explain everything you just said, as if you were talking to a baby, because I don't understand it.

Sorry

 

[mbd2884]

You don't need a desktop computer, just a Laptop is fine. I would not use a portable like a iPod or another mp3 player as the music will already be processed by its internal DAC, amp, whatever.

If desperate, you can look at the iPod. iPod has a decent Wolfson DAC. You can get an iMod that will send the music straight from the Wolfson through a line out to an Amp. You can DIY this or pay lots for the service. And then have buy a line out adapter from iMod to your Amp.

But better yet, just use a transport. A good CD player, DVD player or if you are into vinyls... its still better than an iPod and better than your computer. Just computer is the easiest setup is all, most convenient.

Quote:

Originally Posted by theirishjoey /img/forum/go_quote.gif I don't have a desktop so that goes out the window. OK, slow down there Hose. I know nothing about all this so your going to explain somethings please. What's a DAC and what does an Amp do? What's a D/A? Basically explain everything you just said, as if you were talking to a baby, because I don't understand it. Sorry

DAC is Digital Analog Converter. MP3, CD with .wav files are digital Headphones and Speakers are analog, those zeros and ones need to be converted to analog signal.

D/A is short for a Digital Analog chip, like the AD1852 from Analog Digital.

 

[lucky]

Keep in mind he's not going to have much for a DAC/Amp after buying the AD900.

 

[mbd2884]

Yeah I didn't recommend the AD900s for his budget.

Either way, said there are too many choices, that's too tough to recommend unless he does some of his own research first.

 

[theirishjoey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbd2884 /img/forum/go_quote.gif You don't need a desktop computer, just a Laptop is fine. I would not use a portable like a iPod or another mp3 player as the music will already be processed by its internal DAC, amp, whatever. If desperate, you can look at the iPod. iPod has a decent Wolfson DAC. You can get an iMod that will send the music straight from the Wolfson through a line out to an Amp. You can DIY this or pay lots for the service. And then have buy a line out adapter from iMod to your Amp. But better yet, just use a transport. A good CD player, DVD player or if you are into vinyls... its still better than an iPod. DAC is Digital Analog Converter. MP3, CD with .wav files are digital Headphones and Speakers are analog, those zeros and ones need to be converted to analog signal. D/A is short for a Digital Analog chip, like the AD1852 from Analog Digital.

Ahh, Now I am starting to understand.

So basicall I plug the iBasso thing into a USB slot on my computer then plug a Wolfson D/A into that and then my headphones into that?

Sorry if I am starting to annoy you guys

 

[theirishjoey]

I'm starting to just think I'll buy a pair of QC3 and be done with it

 

[lucky]

Quote:

Originally Posted by theirishjoey /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm starting to just think I'll buy a pair of QC3 and be done with it

Here's what I'd do in your situation;

For outdoor use: Amazon.com: Etymotic Research ER6i Isolator In-Ear Earphones (Black): Electronics

For indoor use: Amazon.com: Audio Technica ATH-AD700 Open-air Dynamic Headphones: Electronics

You don't need an amp, a DAC, or any special equipment to enjoy these. They're great phones,
and may satisfy you for the rest of your life if you care for them.

It doesn't have to be as complicated as so many on this site would have you believe.

 

[mbd2884]

Quote:

Originally Posted by theirishjoey /img/forum/go_quote.gif Ahh, Now I am starting to understand. So basicall I plug the iBasso thing into a USB slot on my computer then plug a Wolfson D/A into that and then my headphones into that? Sorry if I am starting to annoy you guys

Almost. The entire equipment that processes your music is called a DAC. Inside a DAC is the D/A. It takes more than a D/A to get it done, that's just the chip.

The iBasso is a combo, so you plug into your computer via USB. Plug your headphones into the iBasso. New plug not needed as its a 1/8" jack.

Mine is the same way. But with mine, I can make it a dedicated DAC. So then I can buy another Amp. I would connect my Compass via DAC RCA outputs into an Amp via RCA inputs. This makes my DAC a dedicated DAC, and plug my headphones into the new Amp.

Hehe, most hardcore people will have something like this.

SACD player of sort connected to a a dedicated DAC like the DacMagic or DAC1, conncected to an Amp look a Woo Audio 5LE or a HeadAmp GS-1.
- This setting costs err, about $3500, and that is being nice. Not counting upgrades that a lot of Head-Fiers get.

Then to connect all this, some Head-Fiers will spend $500 to over a thousand in calbes, interconnects. Which is not necessary, well shielded cable should be fine.

Hehe, have fun. I think you should just sit back and take your time. Read the Headphones and the Amp forums. Have fun doing the research and make your decision slowly.

My current setup is about 3 years of roaming of this forum. And I'm still here for when I upgrade again in a few years... hehe, more fun then.

 

[mbd2884]

You can take it slow, get a good Headphone first, enjoy that.

Then get a good Amp, enjoy that.

Then get yourself a good DAC, enjoy that.

This may all take years, don't have to do it all at once.

 

[theirishjoey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucky /img/forum/go_quote.gif Here's what I'd do in your situation; For outdoor use: Amazon.com: Etymotic Research ER6i Isolator In-Ear Earphones (Black): Electronics For indoor use: Amazon.com: Audio Technica ATH-AD700 Open-air Dynamic Headphones: Electronics You don't need an amp, a DAC, or any special equipment to enjoy these. They're great phones, and may satisfy you for the rest of your life if you care for them. It doesn't have to be as complicated as so many on this site would have you believe.

Thank you! Looks good. Are they comfortable? I still learnt a lot anyway

 

[theirishjoey]

Thanks for everyone's reply's I guess I'll start out with a nice pair of noise cancelling headphones and go from there afterwards!