http://www.overclock.net/ For discussion about high-fidelity gear, and pursuit of the best audio experience possible en Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:30:13 GMT vBulletin 1 http://static.overclock.net/images/oc/misc/rss.jpg http://www.overclock.net/ http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/613550-2-1-awesome-setup.html Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:02:32 GMT So I've saved up a good chunk of money for some awesome speakers and a great sub. My budget is 600-1k. I'm not sure how to make this work though.

I have a asus xonar essence stx sound card which has RCA stereo outputs, and S/PDIF output for speaker's. I dunno if i would need a DAC or AMP for the speakers. But yeah how would i hook up the two speakers and a sub to those connections?

I was looking at AV123 at some of the speakers and subs and they looked nice. I'm not really sure where to get started on this honestly. So if you could give me some good information it would be much appreciated. Thanks! ]]> Hi-Fi Gear Bizong http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/613550-2-1-awesome-setup.html http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/613546-sennheiser-428-s-any-good.html Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:57:49 GMT really looking for something decent. and i can get these locally for 79.99.. im ready to walk out the door right now, are these worth it? oh, off onboard sound, powered by a headphone amp (homemade) possibly sound card in the near future. really looking for something decent. and i can get these locally for 79.99..

im ready to walk out the door right now, are these worth it?

oh, off onboard sound, powered by a headphone amp (homemade)

possibly sound card in the near future. ]]> Hi-Fi Gear l4n b0y http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/613546-sennheiser-428-s-any-good.html http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/612985-i-just-had-eargasm.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:16:47 GMT I went to my friends house and fixed his internet issue, found out a faulty wireless card but anyways..

I was running some FLAC on Winamp w/ Enhancer and Audio Burst FX with his brand new Asus Xonar D2X and his dad's Sennheiser HD600(sadface I want) and well, my ears jizzed when I heard FLAC on those HD600, I don't want my AD-700's anymore now lol ]]> Hi-Fi Gear savagebunny http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/612985-i-just-had-eargasm.html http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/612895-home-theater-7-1-buying-help.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:15:13 GMT Hi all,

I have been looking all over for a good 7.1 system but have failed to make decisions on each part like, receivers, center/surround/rear speakers, subs, or a HTiB.
I know HTiB's are a basic package but i do want better quality.

This is what i wanna do. I will use my PS3 for mostly Fifa 10, then maybe some movies from PSN, movies mostly from Comcast. I want very nice surround speakers.

This will be my setup. TV with left, right and center speakers. Dual sub, one at the front and one behind the sofa. Distance from TV to sofa is about 10 feet. Two left right surround with stands(will buy the stands later), two rear surround will be placed behind the sofa on the. window.
Im looking for a LPCM along with all the other audio formats but mostly LPCM as I will be using PS3 for musics too.
About my budget, I can spend about $600 now forva very good HTiB for my needs but from what I have been reading, BTiB isnt a best buy, buying individual parts and hooking them down the road is much smarter.
So, I might buy a HTiB with LPCM and good speakers or buy each part slowly.
So can you please help me choose a very nice HTiB or list parts indivisually. I have found a sub from BIC(havent bought it though but is highly recommended) so now i need is a:
1. Receiver about $350
2. Center speaker. Around $150
3. Left right and rear speakers. 2 for front, 2 sides, 2 behind sofa. $450 for all 6 speakers
4. Stands for rear speakers?

Heard Polk audio makes great speakers. Or for my need, should I stick with a HTiB, remember i dont mind it as long as the surround speakers are clear and heard. If you guys recommend buying individual parts then I will get a receiver and 2 speakers to start with then every 2nd week add what I need.

R+ for your help.
Thank u ]]> Hi-Fi Gear Nepalese http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/612895-home-theater-7-1-buying-help.html http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/611643-calling-all-headset-pros.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:19:33 GMT hey i recently have broken my headset (my fault) and i am looking to buy a new one,

will this xbox360 headset be compatible with pc or not?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/SkullCandy-G...567754&sr=1-41

if you have suggestions of other great headsets at a similar price then please post... ]]> Hi-Fi Gear elliott_94 http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/611643-calling-all-headset-pros.html http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/611332-its-time-another-pair-cans.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:13:54 GMT ok well christmas is coming up, and I got a $200 limit from my grandma(aunt power of attorney) well anyways, I already got a pair of Audio Technica AD-700's but just for the hell of it, what would your recommend for these sub-requirements

-some what mobile, not super retarded in public
-able to be powered by some mobile device
-good highs/lows, good bass, good mids also

NOW just note, I may not even get these, I'm just trying to get ideas put together and see what I want. Any recommendations will be gratefully appreciated. ]]> Hi-Fi Gear savagebunny http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/611332-its-time-another-pair-cans.html http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/610967-recommend-me-subwoofer.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:09:34 GMT So the next thing on my list for my (eventual) 5.1 surround system is the .1 (the sub) to accompany my Polk Audio Monitor 60's.

I'm looking at these two subs from Polk Audio:

• PSW10
• PSW505

That is about the price range I'm going for ($150 - $250) for some nice solid bass.

I'm coming from the Logitech Z-5500 system so I'm quite accustomed to decent bass.

Please let me know if anyone has personal experience with Polk Audio subs or if you have anything else to recommend, let me know!

+Rep as always for helpful responses! ]]> Hi-Fi Gear Microsis http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/610967-recommend-me-subwoofer.html http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/610877-audiophile-level-headphones-trance-music.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:05:17 GMT Hello all, I am "still" in search of the "perfect" audiophile level headphones for Trance music, at first I was looking at the AKG K 701/702 and the AKG 601.

But now, I am not too sure about those cans, because I was reading about how there are not "good" with bass, which is what I need. Can anyone give me more detail about this?

Also, how is the HeadRoom Micro Amp?: http://www.headphone.com/headphone-a...-micro-amp.php

For example, the HeadRoom Micro Amp with the AKG K 701/702, good combination? Will this eliminate the "problem" with the bass?

I know that in this thread, I have been talking about bass quite often, but that's because listening to trance/hardstyle music without bass is awkward :o

Thanks in advance :thumb: ]]> Hi-Fi Gear Chilly http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/610877-audiophile-level-headphones-trance-music.html http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/610625-home-pc-music-htpc-audio-possibilities.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:40:05 GMT I'm at a bit of an impasse at what to do for my home audio. About 6 months ago, I took in a 550w JVC shelf stereo system to get fixed only to get a call last week saying they gave up. Too bad, I was able to run my PC audio through the giant speakers via a usb cable.

I was thinking about finding a similar shelf stereo system that I could hook up to my PC or my HTPC, but for whatever reason, stereo's of that size and that function are hard to find. I spotted this Sony 530w system at a store in my area, but the sound would have to run from my x-fi xtrememusic through to a 3.5mm aux port. I started thinking about the piecing together a receiver, speaker, etc kit - etc. because I am a noob when it comes to audio equipment and I'm not sure what I'd need to get a setup to work in the most efficient way possible.

I'd like to get an audio setup that I could hook up to my rig at the moment, make use of my Sennheiser HD595's and give me the option of using it as HDMI capable home theater audio setup (if that's at all feasible). Like I said I'm running off an XtremeMusic, but I'm open to picking up a new sound card, if necessary.

I don't want this setup to bankrupt me though. I'm willing to buy it piece by piece.

So, I guess I'm looking for advice in setup configurations, equipment (receivers, speakers, amps, dac, soundcards). Also, if you know of any reading I could do to de-noob myself in this field of home audio I'd be grateful. ]]> Hi-Fi Gear Iconoclast http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/610625-home-pc-music-htpc-audio-possibilities.html http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/610584-ipod-dock-speaker-system.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:29:01 GMT Hi there, I posted a question in the wrong section earlier today so i'll just post a link to it, as I don't know how to move posts. Thank you.

http://www.overclock.net/off-topic/6...ng-things.html

Thanks again. ]]> Hi-Fi Gear seb_allen http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/610584-ipod-dock-speaker-system.html http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/610510-suggestions-good-speakers.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:32:12 GMT Hey, Ive noticed that soundquality had become more and more important to me. It has gotten to a point where I even force myself to BUY cd's

To please my ears ive decided to upgrade my gear a bit, but since im newbie in this area ill let the pros advice me about the options I have.

Currently i have a JVC RX6042 receiver which is fine. The speakers attached to it a are 100 watt SP-XS100 (5x) And a 100watt active woofer.. Your almost basic Home Theater system.

When im listening to music I rarely set my receiver to all channel stereo.. I leave it at 2.1. I get the feeling that im missing out some sound. Im looking for deeper and cleaner sound.

What speakers do you guys recommend me, im not a bass junk, but a decent amount of it would be preferable. And id also like to watch movies with those speakers. Should cost me max 50 euros per speaker

So im looking for 2 or 3 nice speakers to add to my system. Any sugestions? ]]> Hi-Fi Gear hamocidal http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/610510-suggestions-good-speakers.html http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/609981-denon-5000-vs-akg-k702-vs.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:42:56 GMT I have a hard time to decide which headphone i should get for my Hi-fi system. My current setup: CPU: Q6600 Audio card: Asus Xonar HDAV 1.3 deluxe (going to replace by ASUS Xonar Essence STX Virtual 7.1) - no need for Dolby True-HD or DTS-HD Video card: Asus ATI Radeon 5870 I have a hard time to decide which headphone i should get for my Hi-fi system.

My current setup:

CPU: Q6600

Audio card: Asus Xonar HDAV 1.3 deluxe (going to replace by ASUS Xonar
Essence STX Virtual 7.1) - no need for Dolby True-HD or DTS-HD

Video card: Asus ATI Radeon 5870

Receiver: Onkyo TX-NR 1007 9.2 channel receivers as my HTPC. ]]> Hi-Fi Gear kasuza http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/609981-denon-5000-vs-akg-k702-vs.html http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/609137-speaker-oriented-equivilant-head-fi-org.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:55:47 GMT I'm looking at buying a new set of speakers on a college student's budget. So, in a fashion similar to when I bought a pair of headphones not too long ago, does anyone have any suggestions as to the best budget speakers are?

The stereo I would be using is a 2 channel Sony I received as a birthday gift about 6 or 7 years ago. I don't recall the model number at the moment and don't have it at my disposal since it's back home. ]]> Hi-Fi Gear adoit90 http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/609137-speaker-oriented-equivilant-head-fi-org.html http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/609097-free-turntable-but-needs-cart.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:26:54 GMT Well i got ahold of a free Garrard model 770 turntable today! Its in kinda rough shape but it spins! I am in need of a cartridge b/c it is lacking one. Should I be able to use any cart I wish? Or will it require some sort of adapter? Im having trouble finding any info on this turntable at all. ... Well i got ahold of a free Garrard model 770 turntable today! Its in kinda rough shape but it spins! I am in need of a cartridge b/c it is lacking one.
Should I be able to use any cart I wish? Or will it require some sort of adapter?
Im having trouble finding any info on this turntable at all.
Ill get pics in the morning.

If i can use a regular cart what do you guys recommend? I would like to keep it under $100. I was looking at the Grado carts b/c i figure they would go well with my headphones.

Thanks for the help, i can truly say I am a vinyl Noob! ]]> Hi-Fi Gear lozanoa11 http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/609097-free-turntable-but-needs-cart.html http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/607573-travelling-headphones-recommendation.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:03:45 GMT Ok so i recently purchased a pair of beyerdynamics for my hi-fi setup but sadly they can't be used for more than two house with my iPod and headphone amp without the battery going flat (supposed to run for 24 hours at the very least). So i need some relatively low-range cans. Looking to spend around £60 on a pair.

They need to be quite low impeadance, and preferably a closed back design. In an ideal world they would also be foldable. Also no sennheisers unless you can really recommend them, i'm not a fan :\

Hit me with what ya got. Rep + will be dispensed for any real insight. ]]> Hi-Fi Gear boydyboyd http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/607573-travelling-headphones-recommendation.html http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/606388-looking-new-headphones.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:58:56 GMT Hi, I'm new to the higher-end headphones and I'm looking for a good pair similar to my friend's Grado SR125i's but with better bass response that doesn't overdo the rest of the sound produced by the headphones. My price range is anything under $250.

Bands I Enjoy:
Disturbed, Killswitch Engage, A Day to Remember, Daft Punk, Chevelle, Trapt, 10 Years, Tantric, A Static Lullaby. ]]> Hi-Fi Gear Blargdude http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/606388-looking-new-headphones.html http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/605984-i-miss-my-xonar-dx.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:22:41 GMT Its been gone only 2 days (for RMA) and I've been using onboard Audio. I threw up a little in my mouth when I tried to play a song :eek:

Asus says there is a 10 day turn around from the day they receive the card :( ]]> Hi-Fi Gear SilverPotato http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/605984-i-miss-my-xonar-dx.html http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/605474-head-fi-meet-manchester-7-nov.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:39:06 GMT Wow, what a day!

I went out this morning only ever heard HD555, HD600, Beresford DAC and Millet MiniMAX.

I've heard so much great gear today that it's going to be hard to remember everything (I didn't bother with a notepad ).

I was really keen to listen to some Grados as I'd read so much about them - all in all I think it's fair to say that I fall into the "hate" category for them, they are way too bright for my tastes, I did like the amount of detail in the mid range though. I tried the SR222, RS-1, Alessandro MS-2, GS-1000 and the HF-2 - the only ones I liked were the HF-2 as they were not as bright. I was really dissapointed by the GS-1000's, I expected better from a £900+ headphone.

The next thing I was excited about was the HD800, there were 2 pairs at the meet, one balanced and one single ended. The balanced pair were used with a Woo Audio 22 which had only been bought by the owner last week - the sound wasn't really that great if I'm honest but everyone there was convinced it was because it's so new. I couldn't make my mind up on the HD800 for most of the day, the first thing I noticed was how silky smooth the sound was but there was something that really bugged me - I'm still not 100% sure what it was but I think it may have been the presentation, everything seemed a bit too distant. I prefered the sound of the single ended pair out of my MiniMAX to the sound of the balanced out of the WA22 but when we compared both pairs on the WA22 they sounded pretty much the same (most likely due to lack of hours on the Woo).

A pair of headphones caught me by suprise - the Audio Techina AD2000, they have a really wide soundstage which put my HD600 to shame, they have great instrument seperation, detail and a nice open, airy sound. I think they may have been modded but I'm not sure, I'll try and ask the owner.

I compared a pair of HD650 with my own HD600 and I find the 650's too be too bass heavy although the treble is slightly more refined which I liked. The bass seemed a little bit muddy on the 650's too.

I'd used the 650's with a Darkvoice 337SE which was also a little bass heavy. I think this was because it was paired with a Monarchy Audio Tube DAC. Each component was a little bass heavy which added up to overwhelming bass in the final sound.

I listened to quite a few pairs of closed headphone too, Denon D5000 Markl modded, Denon D7000, Ultrasone HFI-780, Pro 750 and Edition 9's - there were also a pair of DT770 Darth Beyers.

The ultrasone HFI-780 were the worst of the 3 pairs of Ultrasone cans, they had quite muddy bass and really bright treble, the Pro 750 were alot better, the bass was alot tighter but they were still a bit too bright for me - the Edition 9's were great, they had more bass than the 750's but it was also nice and tight, they had a nice refined higher end too.

The DT770 Darth Beyer's were awful - they have obscene amounts of (flappy/farty) bass and not much else really. I didn't get a chance to listen to the stock DT770 though :(

The Denon D5000 Markl modded cans sounded fantastic with my amp, they had a really great (IMO) warm sound and were very entertaining. They had great dynamics, a really sweet high end - smooth mids and tight, fast bass. They were definatley the best pair of closed cans I heard today. They sounded better on my setup than with the owners rig which was a Benchmark DAC1 with a Heed Canamp, I think it was the amp that didn't provide enough power - they sounded quite flat.

The D7000 were very similar but I found them to have a slightly brighter high end, the rest seemed much the same. I do recall that they had a slightly more open sound, I think this was because of the thicker earpads.

I tried the DT990 and the Shure SRH840, both left me unimpressed - they both had a flat, lifeless sound. Both were new out of the box though which may account for this.

Another headphone that didn't meet my expectations was the STAX Omega 2, they did have really good detail and soundstaging but they didn't really "click" with me, they seemed a little flat sounding and not very dynamic - I actually prefered the HD600 with a Cardas cable with my MiniMAX. Some people said the STAX 02 are alot better with a different amp, the ones today were hooked up to a SRM717.

There was a Clarity Headmaster at the meet too, it was one of the first things I listened to, I used it with my HD600 first and was impressed at the sound, it was really neutral and crisp. I tried it later on with the HD800 and had pretty much the same thoughts - it wasn't the best at the meet but it was quite a good amp. I wanted to try some closed cans with it but didn't get time.

One objective I had in mind while at the meet was to compare my CDP with a DAC to try and decide if I want to split with my money, I did a direct comparison of the DACMagic with my CDP using my headphones and amp and I couldn't really hear much of an improvement, I think that the soundstage was a little bigger when using the DACMAgic but I'm not convinced I could tell the difference in a blind test. I heard a much bigger difference in sound when using a Cardas cable with my HD600, the difference between that cable and my Oehlbach cable really suprised me as I was a cable sceptic. With the Cardas cable the sound was much more energetic and involving - I'm trying to resist upgrading. There were several others who noticed the cable difference immediately too.

My MiniMAX seemed to go down really well, there were plenty of positive comments about it - many were suprised how much power it supplied to headphones, the guy who owns the WA22 had to get his own pair of HD600 to test as he said he'd never heard so much bass in them. There were a good few people who commented on the synergy with some of the closed cans such as the D5000 MarkL mod.

Another headphone I've just remembered about is the AKG K701. I was a little dissapointed with them when I heard them on the Heed Canamp but they transformed when I used them with my MiniMAX, they really opened up and the bass improved dramatically.

That's all I can think of for now - I'll add more if I remember it.

There were a few things that I didnt get a chance to hear that I'm a bit dissapointed about, the B22 amp with balanced HD600 (the left connector broke before I got to listen) and the Millet MAX which I never got chance to listen to as there was always other people at that table.

Sorry if my format seems a little off - I was just writing as I thought!

I really recommend a meet to everyone, it's really good to meet people with all kinds of gear and it's nice to be able to scope out potential future purchases - I've learnt alot about what I don't want to buy aswell as what I'd like to.

I didn't take my camera as I knew there would be plenty of people taking theirs, I'll add links to pics as they appear.

There is one set here

The Head-Fi Meet Impression thread is here

Tudj.
]]> Hi-Fi Gear tUDJ http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/605474-head-fi-meet-manchester-7-nov.html http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/605129-new-hd650s-next-step-better-sound.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:39:09 GMT So, I bought the Sennheiser HD 650's:cool: :confused: :D :eek: .I was going to buy the 555's but then decided what the hell I'll start my collection with the 650's.

So far coming from a pair of $20 headphones, I'm not blown away. they sound nice but the power handling seems to be lower then my cheap ones and I thought the 650 bass was supposed to be special?, although it's getting better as I break them in.

my current setup:
PC onboard sound card/FLAC/winamp/windows media >>>> Optical cable> to older sony home theater receiver > ( To HD650's;) )


what is my next best investment?
my first obvious thought is replacing the receiver I would like to get something in the 3 figure range that I can move to my bedroom??? I haven't really started looking yet but i'm ready to buy something.

My next idea is, now that I have something decent to play with I would like to upgrade the cables and then modify upgrade the cans themselves.
the cables I was thinking of doing myself and spending about as much or less then I bought them for (+/- $320). but I'm not sure of the value of cables; if $300 will even make a difference if I should spend more or put it all towards amp/preamp setup?


I don't know if I could have bought something better for the money. it was an impulse buy. but I'm not worried about that I'll try a different brand when I have my other components upgraded.

Thanks for the advice! ]]> Hi-Fi Gear sonenelson http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/605129-new-hd650s-next-step-better-sound.html http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/604393-magnat-symbol-pro-130-a.html Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:26:50 GMT So I'm looking for some cheapo rear speakers for in my room if I watch movies.

I came across some Magnat Symbol Pro 130 speakers and they same pretty decent. But I couldn't find a single review on them.


Does anyone here have experience with these speakers or something alike? ]]> Hi-Fi Gear Zippit http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/604393-magnat-symbol-pro-130-a.html http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/603363-home-theater-surround-system.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:46:25 GMT Its time to upgrade my living room. I've got an excellent stereo system, but that's just the thing - it's still only a stereo. I just ordered an HDTV (finally!) so now I need a receiver that can take all the newer inputs, and some surround speakers to go along with it.

For the receiver, what I'm going to connect is:
- Cable Box (optical, S/PDIF, or HDMI)
- HTPC (optical or HDMI)
- Either PS3 or Xbox360 (not sure yet)
- A/V switcher with some older systems (RCA)
- And of course, it needs an RCA out for the front speakers' amplifier

I'm starting with $500 to buy a nice receiver/amp and some dinky surround speakers. The fronts and sub are already taken care of, and the center channel can go through the TV for now. Then later down the line I'll upgrade the rear and center speakers to good ones.

And I don't think I need to say this, but sound quality > anything else. :D

+rep where it's deserved, as always :) ]]> Hi-Fi Gear Manyak http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/603363-home-theater-surround-system.html http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/601819-computer-stereo-receiver.html Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:03:48 GMT Hello all. My parents have an old Yamaha rx500u stereo receiver, and I was wondering if I could use that and the speakers as an output from my computer.

sorry if this sounds noobish. :)

also, I'm considering getting Audioengine A5s. I've heard good things, do you recommend them? ]]> Hi-Fi Gear ele1122 http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/601819-computer-stereo-receiver.html http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/601752-thinking-upgrading-audio-need-some-opinions.html Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:05:34 GMT thinking of upgrading audio. need some opinions i currently have a vintage onkyo 4ohm amp with custom made towers. sounds good, but i know i can get better. i had some questions about the speakers. i was looking at cerwin vegas. the frequency response is 26hz-20khz . i see other... thinking of upgrading audio. need some opinions
i currently have a vintage onkyo 4ohm amp with custom made towers. sounds good, but i know i can get better.


i had some questions about the speakers. i was looking at cerwin vegas.

the frequency response is 26hz-20khz . i see other speakers going up to 40khz. would i be loosing out on a lot of audio with the cerwin vegas?

i listen to mostly blues and rock. hendrix, clapton, stevie ray vaughan, pink floyd etc.....

receiver http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=...s=Receiver&p=i

speakers http://www.cerwinvega.com/VE15F.php


i already have a cd player. also i dont want to hear people tell me to get a surround receiver. im not buying surround, i want quality STEREO.

im also looking into Polk and JBL for speakers ]]> Hi-Fi Gear charbs152 http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/601752-thinking-upgrading-audio-need-some-opinions.html http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/601484-new-source-my-headphones.html Sun, 01 Nov 2009 01:36:08 GMT Hello folks, I've been reading threads here and on Head-Fi for quite a while now and have heard many headphones. I myself own a small collection of headphones. However, the one thing that hasn't changed since I started earlier this year has been my Creative X-Fi XtremeMusic with the LM4562 opamp. My primary headphones now include a JVC HA-DX3 and a Sennheiser HD595. The HA-DX3 is my closed, cold-weather headphone and my HD595 is obviously my open-back. I like to switch it up every once in a while or when I don't feel like falling asleep from listening to HD595. So now I approach you with potentially two questions.

My HA-DX3 is very harsh (huge emphasis on treble) and gets distorted way too easily coming straight out of my X-Fi if the music starts to get busy (regardless of volume). From what I've read on Head-Fi from ourfpshero, it requires an amplifier to really shine. At the moment, I'm finding it to be worse than a non-modded RX900, not in the way that it doesn't have a full spectrum, but there's too much treble I can't stand putting it on my head for more than 15 minutes. I feel like I'm grinding my music against a piece of sheet-metal. However, I know the X-Fi is generally junk so what I need is a source upgrade.

I've found two that particularly spark my interest: the Hifiman EF2 and the Asus Xonar Essence STX. I realize that the two choices are pretty far removed from each other but both will stay stationary with just this computer. The EF2 obviously has better amplification than the Essence STX (read something about the STX having a $2.50 transistor for the amp section). I'm not entirely sure what to make of the DAC differences because the PCM2702 is 16-bit while the PCM1792 is 24-bit. The signal to noise ratio of the PCM1792 on the STX is clearly much higher but further downstream, it will not retain the same SNR. I've looked at the specification sheets, especially the amplitude vs frequency plots and have concluded that it looks like the PCM1792 recovers more of the low-end of the spectrum and has less of a dip nearing the end of the spectrum. I'm not sure what that really translates to in terms of what I hear but it seems like I would get a more "colored" response from the PCM1792. Which do I pick or do I pick none at all? If I get an STX, should I get an amp (e.g. Little Dot I+) to compensate for the lack of proper amping?

I still intend on gaming some and don't want to keep myself plugged into a tube-amp and/or DAC/amp combo the whole time. I don't know how much good a DAC will do me when I'm trying to hunt down people in games because the sound positioning of the X-Fi has been a lifesaver. I'm not sure how good the Asus cards are at positioning in games having never used one with any of my headphones (just heard the D2X through someone's speakers). I may just keep the X-Fi for my HD595 because it doesn't seem to have a problem driving 50 ohms. Do I just get an Essence STX and do it all or do I consider getting a combo DAC amp setup and run an RCA from the X-Fi into the amp section?

I apologize for the wall of text but I have been trying to assess this situation for a while now.

Cliff Notes: I game and listen to music and have a headphone that is severely underpowered which means I need a new source. Tube amps seem to work well with DX3 and HD595 but I'd prefer to not use a DAC+amp for gaming unless I have to because sound positioning is most definitely wanted. HD595 will likely take on gaming duty (and will also be music cans) but it is preferable to have both the DX3 and HD595 be available for either task. +REP to all help given.

Budget: I'd like to keep it under 300 USD when it's all said and done but if I can get it done for less, I'd go for that. ]]> Hi-Fi Gear RallyMaster http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/601484-new-source-my-headphones.html http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/601282-recommend-soundcard-hd555.html Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:16:14 GMT I'll be buying a pair of HD555's soon, but I have onboard audio, and that's obviously no good. My budget for a sound card is around $100, but every cent above $50 is going to be hurting my wallet a lot, so the less expensive the better.

Over at Head-Fi, they recommended this one, but it doesn't work with Vista 64 bit, and I'll probably be moving to Win7 early next year so I don't want even more driver issues. I know absolutely nothing about sound card specs, so any help here is appreciated...

Also, I'm considering just buying a cheap USB soundcard for $15 or so and putting off the "real" upgrade for a few months--thoughts on that? It would probably be better than what I have right now anyway...

Thanks! ]]> Hi-Fi Gear AOwpr http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/601282-recommend-soundcard-hd555.html http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/600387-sound-leakage-hd555s-alternate-cans.html Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:22:08 GMT I have really bad headphones, (5.1 surround sound, enough said). I don't have a sound card, but I'll be buying one--probably won't get an amp, though.

Anyway, I'm really interested in the HD555's... just recently online gaming has started to work for dorms in my school again, so my priorities from last time I was looking for headphones has changed (and also Amazon canceled my Denon D1000 order because they were discontinued... :mad:). I listen to a lot of music, varies drastically, from techno and rock to jazz and classical. While I really like that they're open-backed (better for gaming and orchestral music), I sometimes study with my door open and the nearest person sits about 16-20 feet away on the other side of the hallway (door open too). I usually listen with pretty low volume, so would that be okay? Also, if I want to play a game or something, will closing the door be enough to prevent noise pollution?

Should also note that next year I might have a roommate... and if it's who I think it is, he has really loud 5.1 Logitech speakers. :p Oh well, can't do anything about that one, but what about normal conversation in the hallway or whatnot? Would the HD555's be okay to block them out? ]]> Hi-Fi Gear AOwpr http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/600387-sound-leakage-hd555s-alternate-cans.html http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/600354-need-some-help-picking-headphones-friend.html Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:07:54 GMT My friend is looking for some new headphones after his SK pros died. He has listed to my Grado SR125 and liked them just wanted some more base. I dont have any other headphones to compare them to so i was looking for some more input. His budget it about 200 or less. My friend is looking for some new headphones after his SK pros died. He has listed to my Grado SR125 and liked them just wanted some more base. I dont have any other headphones to compare them to so i was looking for some more input. His budget it about 200 or less. ]]> Hi-Fi Gear rancor http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/600354-need-some-help-picking-headphones-friend.html http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/600285-grado-sr325.html Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:09:49 GMT I can get a pair of the sr325's for a good price. They are not the newer 'i' version.
What are your guys thoughts on this pair? I know the new ones run about $300 and i can get this for under $200 and was looking to spend about that.
I listen to mostly classic rock and some newer rock.
I don't have an amp right now besides my a/v receiver, but plan to get one later.

Also how well do the grado's sit on your head? They always look so small to me. ]]> Hi-Fi Gear lozanoa11 http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/600285-grado-sr325.html http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/598897-akg-k701.html Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:37:33 GMT hey guys i just picked up a pair of these headphones. do you guys think i should get an amp or something? hey guys i just picked up a pair of these headphones.

do you guys think i should get an amp or something? ]]> Hi-Fi Gear the3lement http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/598897-akg-k701.html http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/597973-dac-mic.html Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:30:10 GMT I just searched through the few other DAC topics in here, and didn't see quite what I'm looking for. I would like to upgrade from my E-MU 0202 DAC, but I would like to also have a Microphone input. All the ones I've been looking at don't seem to have any Mic inputs.

Also I'll be using Windows 7, so it needs to work with that if thats an issue. Anything good in the $200-300 range that has a mic? I don't need a headphone amp built in, as I already have one. ]]> Hi-Fi Gear Crazy9000 http://www.overclock.net/hi-fi-gear/597973-dac-mic.html