Overhauling My Audio

[azreal99]

So I've recently finished (for now) my main rig and I'm starting to look into my audio options. I've got HK Sound Sticks so I'm set for speakers (opinions vary, but I love them), but with various things like DACs and Amps that I've never really looked into, I thought I'd ask here as to what I need for a full audio set-up for a premium sound experience.

 

I'm interested in a general overview (a link to a well-regarded guide would do - I could Google it, but I'd not know good from bad reviews on a lot of it) as well as a heads-up of what to look for and even specific recommendations.

 

Anyway, any help appreciated on this one, as it's really not my field. Thanks i advance.

 

Money isn't an issue, though I value bang-for-buck very often.

[Enderman]

What kind of audio setup? Computer speakers? Studio monitors? Home theatre surround sound?

[azreal99]

Computer audio - headphones, mic, dac/sound card, amp and possibly a home theatre later once I've sorted my PC sound experience the way I want it.

[BoltActionWaffle]

What do you consider "premium" and what's your budget? Because sometimes when people say money isn't an issue, we end up asking and they say something like $150.  <_<

[azreal99]

Depends on how much I need to spend. Like I say, it's not really my area. Let's say maybe $1000 as a max for now, depending on what that gets you and whether I then fall in love with something and decide to spend more.

[BoltActionWaffle]

Depends on how much I need to spend. Like I say, it's not really my area. Let's say maybe $1000 as a max for now, depending on what that gets you and whether I then fall in love with something and decide to spend more.

Please quote us in the future, we won't get notifications if you do not. 

 

You really don't need to spend $1000 on a Headphone setup at first. Alot of people may not hear a difference from a $500 pair of headphones for example.  You could spend $300 and be very happy with the audio quality, the K612 Pros with an E10K amp/dac combo for example. 

[azreal99]

Please quote us in the future, we won't get notifications if you do not. 

 

You really don't need to spend $1000 on a Headphone setup at first. Alot of people may not hear a difference from a $500 pair of headphones for example.  You could spend $300 and be very happy with the audio quality, the K612 Pros with an E10K amp/dac combo for example. 

 

 

Well this is the thing. I'm happy to spend money for quality, but I'd rather spend wisely and get a good experience. I suppose what I could use is an idea of what to look for in terms of specs as a general guide. I can usually test everything before I buy.

[BoltActionWaffle]

Well this is the thing. I'm happy to spend money for quality, but I'd rather spend wisely and get a good experience. I suppose what I could use is an idea of what to look for in terms of specs as a general guide. I can usually test everything before I buy.

When spending a  $1000, you really need to have products in mind, and know what you're getting yourself into. You could purchase a pair of $600 headphones and end up dislike the sound signature, may not be comfortable for yourself etc. 

Check out the HD600/650 Headphones and the O2+ODAC Amp/DAC combo. It's a very nice combo, though a much cheaper E10k will suffice. 

[creatip123]

Well this is the thing. I'm happy to spend money for quality, but I'd rather spend wisely and get a good experience. I suppose what I could use is an idea of what to look for in terms of specs as a general guide. I can usually test everything before I buy.

 

Dunno much about speakers, but as headphones go, that'd be the best choice, to test out various headphones in store before buying. Bring your own media player, so you can test with your familiar/favorite songs.

 

Most of my friends, although they don't know much about audio, can hear differences between a dynamic driver headphone and a planar one, even if it's not a high end planar (mine is the HE400). 

 

You could test the HE-500. It's a middle end planar. Alternatively, go for LCD-2. It goes for around $1000 new, but you can get mint used if you're patient enough in searching for good deals. I think @dark_wizzie got an LCD-X, and looking to sell it?

 

For dac/amp, maybe get the O2/ODAC. It's $300, but comparable to thousand dollars dac/amp.Some people also like tube amps to power their planar (me included) for warmer tones. 

[Krishtrinity]

Here is my setup

ATH M40X-FIIO E11(to be upgraded)+Schiit MODI+RCA TO 3.5 MM

M AUDIO BX5 D2-SCHIIT MODI+HOSA QUARTER INCH CABLE

This setup has finaly ended my 5 year long audio search.

[azreal99]

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Hey guys. I didn't want you to think I didn't appreciate the feedback, but also didn't want to reply until I'd tried some stuff out and got a feel for what I may want.

 

I'm considering going for Sennheiser Momentums, they seem very crisp to my uncultured ear and seem to produce the full range in the music I tested them with. The alternative is a set of G4me Zeros, which have the benefit of a solid mic with them, but I'm yet to get a chance to properly test a pair.

I felt the ODAC was a good suggestion, as I've sampled a Mayflower one before, and there's a company in the UK that makes them to order. 

 

If you have any suggestions for things to try out that you feel would be better options, let me know. I think I'll stick to a budget of £300 for the headphones/set for know, not sure on the AMP/DAC but probably the same sort of range for the time being.

[Lays]

For amp dac, the o2 + odac is good.

 

I want to recommend the LCD-2 because I love them so much and they're some of the best measuring headphones in the world, but they're not for everyone.

They're a tad bit heavy for some people, but I haven't really ever seen anyone complain about the sound, not sure how much theyd cost in UK, only problem is you wouldn't be able to get an amp+DAC most likely for awhile since it'd be your entire budget.

 

Do you know what type of use they'll have?  Will they just be used in your room to sit back and enjoy games + music + movies? Or will they be for portable use, or is your PC + gaming setup in a room where others will be frequently?

 

What types of music do you like most?