Audio Equipment Thread (Headphones/Microphones/Speakers, etc.) • Page 10

See my edit.

But really, I just want to know that I'm getting the best out of my headphones. I'm not unsatisfied with the Zen DAC at all, but everything I've seen suggests that the Element would be an upgrade even considering the lack of balanced output. Sometimes when I listen to certain music I wonder if the Zen is too warm, but I have nothing to compare it to. To be clear, I'd still use my Zen DAC - it would just move to another location instead of my primary listening spot.

I doubt I'll actually do it because it's an extremely indulgent and unnecessary expense; the aesthetic really is what's most appealing, and also it's just hard to not be tempted to throw money at audio equipment from time to time just to see what a slightly different setup can do!

 

At this point in the hobby, aesthetics can definitely affect enjoyment. I like the idea of keeping something balanced around but I do see the Zen described as more "musical" and not as "detail-oriented" as other DAC/amps.

 

Just a general question for my own education, but what is the benefit of using those? I won't really be able to use that (I wear hearing aids and it's uncomfortable to wear OTE headphones after a while). I'm curious to know if there will be better tech for Bluetooth headphone users, and quality of hearing aid "speakers"

 

Headphones that have low sensitivity need more power than what a source device headphone jack (think laptop, desktop, phones when they had jacks) can provide, so external amps can provide the power necessary to get the headphones to loud enough listening levels.

There are discussions around whether an amp does more than just amplify the sound, or if a good amp can change the sound signature of a headphone in a good way.

DAC (digital to analog converter) is also a similar story. Before sending a digital signal to speakers or headphones, it is getting transferred through a DAC. Usually, that's the one built into your source device - every device with a headphone jack has a DAC, but whether it is good or not is debatable. I find a good DAC definitely makes a difference when listening with high quality streaming sources as well as good headphones/speakers.

I think a lot of it boils down to people wanting to make sure they have no weaknesses in their signal chain, whether it is audible or not. Having a lossless audio file or a streaming service that does lossless, combined with a well measured DAC and amp (headphone or loudspeaker) provides peace of mind that you are receiving the highest quality audio possible, and leaves little doubt that your setup is doing something to color the music incorrectly. After that, it's finding the headphone/speakers that provide the sound signature you are looking for.

You could also delve into the balanced/unbalanced discussion, but for the most part that seems to just provide more power when we're discussing it for home audio purposes.

 

Hell yeah, just preordered the $250 Samsung Buds3 Pros for $93 after some discounts!

 

Since this time, I returned the Sundara (couldn't get the treble sounding right) tried the Sennheiser HD 600, then returned those (not enough bass, accurate but not really fun), and am now using a new headphone from a new company called Aune, the headphone is called the AR5000 (5% off coupon for Prime Day, so currently $285). It feels like a really good midpoint between the two previously mentioned headphones, and honestly the more I listen to them, the more I fall in love. Sound is perfect (using oratory1990's EQ settings on SoundSource on my Mac), and comfort is truly top notch.

 

Just started messing with the EQ settings in the Sony Headphones app for my WH-1000XM3 and wow, "Excited" mode sounds way better than the default haha

 

I have been spending more time in audio, specifically headphones, forums lately, and @wisdomfordebris, I'm about to join you in the Meze 109 Pro club, if you are still using them. I've tried most sub-$500 headphone that gets recommended, and found a good deal on those and hope it leads to less buy/sell/trading from me (who am I kidding, this is in my blood). I still have my Aune AR5000 which I love, and I don't think I want to sell them since they're a great baseline.

 

Awesome, I think that’s a great choice! I still really like mine. Lately I’ve been alternating between them and my old Oppo PM-3s, which I actually like far more than I used to now that I’ve swapped the ear pads with just cheap replacements I found on Amazon. Not sure what that says about my ears/audio standards. My 109 Pros reign supreme though.

 

Got my 109 Pros in yesterday, what a premium product. Super comfortable and well made. Best bass I've ever heard in an open back out of the box. Do you apply any EQ. I found a subreddit where a guy measures headphones then creates EQ based on the Harman curve. Stock, I find the treble a little too elevated, but after adding his EQ, it's probably the best headphone experience I've ever had.

 

Hell yeah! Yeah, over a year later and I’m still in awe whenever I take them out of the case.

Aren’t they technically open backs? In any case, I agree they sound amazing.

Are you referring to Oratory’s EQs? Sometimes I use it, sometimes I don’t - for me I find it’s very genre dependent with the 109 Pros. Not sure if you’re on a Mac, but if so, I highly recommend buying SoundSource. It has all the Oratory EQs built in.

 

Lol yeah I meant open back, oops. Yes, I am talking about Oratory and I also use SoundSource for EQ, we must have a very similar listening experience, haha.

 

and use LosslessSwitcher if you use Apple Music!

What cable are you using? Just the stock one that came with the 109s?

 

I actually got an OpenHeart 16 core 4.4mm balanced cable a while back as a throw in item when I was placing an AliExpress order. It was about $20. I didn't get it for this headphone, but it does fit (barely) the 109s. Currently using Qobuz but I did trial Apple Music for a few months and used the Lossless Switcher for sure.