Audio setup suggestion sticky?

[Lyons]

Having a little trouble with editing but hopefully this works... the very controversial sticky proposal has been overhauled.

Headphone list with specs (updates will be ongoing):

http://www16.zippyshare.com/v/13657104/file.html

Headphone guide including choosing your headphones, amps and DACs, headphone style and info on impedance (very much a work in progress at the moment):

http://www50.zippyshare.com/v/93038406/file.html

I'm yet to find a better way of presenting the data and info, but for now file hosting will have to do the job. Lists and guides on soundcards, amps, DACs and speakers will be coming soon.

Hope this all helps. Feel free to chip in your 2c, reviews, recommendations, experiences etc. especially regarding mics.

[Guest]

Your comment on if it doesn't have a woofer and tweeter than it is a bad speaker nearly had me in hysterics. Coaxial source speakers are one of the best things invented for audio.

I have a feeling there is a lot of bias behind this post..

[t0wer]

sensitivity plays a bigger role than impedance for determining if headphones are easy to drive.

lower impedance need more current

higher impedance need more voltage

portable devices usually have a very limited power source, and can deliver a greater current than voltage; so 600ohm headphones won't get the voltage it needs, while a 32ohm headphone can get the current it needs.

Home systems typically don't run into any power restrictions so they can deliver the higher voltage needed for higher impedance headphones and have plenty of current for the lower impedance headphones.

[Lyons]

Generally single driver speakers in the sub $300 range generally don't match their 2-way counterparts, at least to my knowledge. I also didn't say they were 'bad'. 'Avoid' means it is an option, but there are better substitutes. If you know of any that would match the speakers I listed, then please add them. This guide is just that - a guide. It is for people who aren't yet knowledgeable in this area. Additionally I've said your research doesn't end here, it can never be 100% complete.

Thanks for your input t0wer. In layman's terms lower impedance = easier to drive. I only mentioned it because beyerdynamic offers different impedance options on a lot of their models.

[iarejesus]

You missed out loads of great brands.

[Lyons]

This thread is a guide and relys on your input. If you know 'loads' of great brands then actually give some examples and I will add them to the post.

[Lyons]

Mods?

(10 characters)

[Administrator]

In no way will this get sticky, this post reeks of bias. While i agree with some of the information, all of that is massively overshadowed by personal opinion of yourself, Lyons, you are aloud to post threads with opinions in them of course, but something like this will never be, and should never be a sticky

[Lyons]

Given that everything is based in objectivity, it is unbiased. On top of that, stickies don't become stickies in one hit; they need to be built upon, which is a pretty clear point I made and it is only a starting point. I never said what I've put together would be THE sticky. There should be a sticky is some form regardless, because there are about 5 unique threads in the whole of the audio section, and the rest are just reworded copies of the same. As well as that, pretty much everything said in the threads reflect what I've said. Sometimes 'opinions' can be true. Oh well, I guess the audio forum will be forever, [should I get a soundcard], [should I buy this headset], [should I get these headphones], [should I get these speakers], and [what should I get on a budget], all of which lacking enough info to give a solid answer anyway.... I'm not doing this in an effort to eliminate discussion - that's not the point of a forum. I'm doing this to eliminate repetition.

[Guest]

Given that everything is based in objectivity' date=' it is unbiased. On top of that, stickies don't become stickies in one hit; they need to be built upon, which is a pretty clear point I made and it is only a starting point. I never said what I've put together would be THE sticky. There should be a sticky is some form regardless, because there are about 5 unique threads in the whole of the audio section, and the rest are just reworded copies of the same. As well as that, pretty much everything said in the threads reflect what I've said. Sometimes 'opinions' can be true. Oh well, I guess the audio forum will be forever, [should I get a soundcard'], [should I buy this headset], [should I get these headphones], [should I get these speakers], and [what should I get on a budget], all of which lacking enough info to give a solid answer anyway....

Avoid:

• Razer
  
• Astro
  
• Corsair
  
• Steelseries
  
• Turtle Beach
  
• Logitech
  
• Coolermaster
  
• Asus
  
• Anything 'gaming'
  
• Anything 'noise cancelling'
  
• Anything 'surround'
  
• Anything 'DJ'
  

Look for:

• AKG (K601, K550, K701, K702, Q701, 240 MK II) ............. K/Q70Xs are my number one recommendation
  
• Sennheiser (HD 555, 558, 595, 598, 600, 650)
  
• Beyerdynamic (DT 770, 880, 990, lower impedance models = easier to drive)
  
• Grado (SR 80, SR 125 SR 225)
  
• Audio Technica (ATH-M50, ATH-AD700, AD900)
  
• Shure (SRH 840)
  
• Denon (D1000, D1100, D2000)
  

I don't think I've seen anything more biased other than someone turning around and saying buy X just because Those brands all make a product tailored to a specific market, it doesn't mean they're crap. Some of your statements such as

The headphones you get that are good for gaming and music will not be good for wearing on the bus

- based on what? I take my Sennheiser HD 25's and Dennon AH-D 2000's everywhere with me. I don't suddenly step on a bus and have them fail miserably.

No 2.1 and 5.1 'computer' speakers are not very good

Based on?

You get what you pay for

Nope. Look at the pricetag on Beats.

(active = good for computer set ups, so that's all I will list):

Says who? What is wrong with a passive setup?

I'm not trying to be a dick about it, just playing devils advocate. These types of threads, while written with the best intentions are never a good idea. The questions they set out to answer have way to many variables to be of any actual value to anyone. You've basically turned around and told someone that if they don't get X, Y or Z their audio will suck.

[Lyons]

It seems you've intentionally missed certain points I made that are critical to the intentions of the thread and to the growth of the thread, and you are doing literally nothing to help it. You almost make me feel as if I should apologize for starting something that could eventually contribute positively to the forum, but instead is being shot down due to the lack willingness to contribute. I'm not the bad guy here. If no one wants to help the thread grow into something truly useful then why bother condemning it? That is hypocritical. Do you have points to add and things to suggest? then give them. Don't try to invalidate my points - correct them. If you don't, then you are self righteously posting for the sake of posting. Everything I originally stated and listed is based on my own personal experience, first hand experience of my friends, straight up objectivity, and countless reviews and forum posts I've read in the last 3 years. I have nothing more to give than that, and I hardly see how any more should be expected of me.

[gasho]

Ive had two pairs of logitech 2.1 systems one I don't remember the model number and the second one was Z-523, some 140 euro Altec Lansing 2.1s , then I had the monsters of 5.1 the logitech Z-5500, later on a yamaha active system and now I have a Onkyo Amp 9155 with Polestar Vanguard V-R1 speakers thru a Pro-Ject USB box.

And I can only say this "passive combo" is the best sound I ever had. Such a clear and nice sound is just amazing. None of the speaker systems before can come near what sound quality goes, nice bass, clear middles....

what do you think? since you refered to active speakers as the better option ?

[Guest]

It seems you've intentionally missed certain points I made that are critical to the intentions of the thread and to the growth of the thread' date=' and you are doing literally nothing to help it. You almost make me feel as if I should apologize for starting something that could eventually contribute positively to the forum, but instead is being shot down due to the lack willingness to contribute. I'm not the bad guy here. If no one wants to help the thread grow into something truly useful then why bother condemning it? That is hypocritical. Do you have points to add and things to suggest? then give them. Don't try to invalidate my points - correct them. If you don't, then you are self righteously posting for the sake of posting. Everything I originally stated and listed is based on my own personal experience, first hand experience of my friends, straight up objectivity, and countless reviews and forum posts I've read in the last 3 years. I have nothing more to give than that, and I hardly see how any more should be expected of me. [/quote']

I was merely demonstrating that you've drawn conclusions without actually giving any proof of those statements. If you had listed factual information that backed up your statements then we wouldn't be having this discussion.

[Lyons]

Ive had two pairs of logitech 2.1 systems one I don't remember the model number and the second one was Z-523' date=' some 140 euro Altec Lansing 2.1s , then I had the monsters of 5.1 the logitech Z-5500, later on a yamaha active system and now I have a Onkyo Amp 9155 with Polestar Vanguard V-R1 speakers thru a Pro-Ject USB box. And I can only say this "passive combo" is the best sound I ever had. Such a clear and nice sound is just amazing. None of the speaker systems before can come near what sound quality goes, nice bass, clear middles.... what do you think? since you refered to active speakers as the better option ?[/quote']

I absolutely agree that a passive setup is good, I've had numerous different combinations in the past with plenty of success. The reason I personally prefer an active system is that it takes up less desk space and can still perform at the same level. I've also had Z-5300 and have tried the Z-5500, neither of which being nearly as good as an proper active or passive setup like you've said. Thanks for the input.

[Lyons]

It seems you've intentionally missed certain points I made that are critical to the intentions of the thread and to the growth of the thread' date=' and you are doing literally nothing to help it. You almost make me feel as if I should apologize for starting something that could eventually contribute positively to the forum, but instead is being shot down due to the lack willingness to contribute. I'm not the bad guy here. If no one wants to help the thread grow into something truly useful then why bother condemning it? That is hypocritical. Do you have points to add and things to suggest? then give them. Don't try to invalidate my points - correct them. If you don't, then you are self righteously posting for the sake of posting. Everything I originally stated and listed is based on my own personal experience, first hand experience of my friends, straight up objectivity, and countless reviews and forum posts I've read in the last 3 years. I have nothing more to give than that, and I hardly see how any more should be expected of me. [/quote'] I was merely demonstrating that you've drawn conclusions without actually giving any proof of those statements. If you had listed factual information that backed up your statements then we wouldn't be having this discussion.

The problem here is that you are outright ignoring the fact that what I've put together is a starting point, not the final product. You're free to do what you're doing, but without giving substitution for my points, your comment is useless. Until you give some solid input you won't truly be helping the thread, which I *think* you intend to do....

[iarejesus]

Boston acoustic, Krk, cambridge audio, mission, wharfedale, swan, b&w, tannoy, behringer, acoustic energy, dali, monitor audio, q acoustics, kef, mordaunt and jbl to name a few.

[Lyons]

Boston acoustic' date=' Krk, cambridge audio, mission, wharfedale, swan, b&w, tannoy, behringer, acoustic energy, dali, monitor audio, q acoustics, kef, mordaunt and jbl to name a few.[/quote']

AND SOMEONE GETS IT. Thank you.

(at least some models would be appreciated though)

[Guest]

Boston acoustic' date=' Krk, cambridge audio, mission, wharfedale, swan, b&w, tannoy, behringer and acoustic energy to name a few.[/quote']

I wouldn't be too quick to jump on Behringer as a good brand. Some of their Truth monitors are okayish for their price however as a brand they have had issues with quality control as well as out right plagiarism- Just look at 'their' EP amplifiers then look at QSC RMX. Since MusicGroup have started their takeover of Midas, KT and TurboSound, Behringers customer support - especially their warranties are getting better however they still produce a budget product with mediocre sound.

[Lyons]

Some editing in progress...

[Aphexx]

I believe a sticky should not be based on opinions like *rawr* brand X bad *rawr* brand Y good. it should be about arming the reader with the proper information so that they will be able to make their own informed decisions.

I'd start with saying something about there not being a perfect headphone for all situations. economies of price and fidelity.economies of bass vs mids vs highs

describe the sound signatures that fps games then the virtues of open and closed cans. neutral and colored sound

then list an open list of headphones separated by open/closed and another list of bassy cans.

introduction to ohms and soundcards.

[Lyons]

Thanks, I'll write something up tonight.

[cxz]

Yeah I just recently started looking into this stuff and it blew my mind about how expensive and expansive the set ups are and at least having a basic guide on how to pick what I should even look for, so I don't blow my money. If you wanted to you just make it strictly headphones since you basically eliminated any headset for sounding good.

[Lyons]

In all honesty, every headset I've every tried just hasn't been able to match a good set of headphones at a similar price point. Headphones are generally designed to reproduce a more complex sound and are in turn more detailed, making them great for gaming. The directional sound you can get from headphones is awesome. Good set ups can certainly get reatrictively expensive but the advantage is that you can put together a system gradually. I'll also start to include pricing. A spreadsheet may be in order...

[MercedesBenzene]

I own the Asus Essence STX, which while it has very high quality components, the software is very difficult to set up. However, once it is set up with the appropriate mods etc it is an outstanding card. I also own the AKG K550 which are great closed headphones. They have good passive noise cancelling and good bass with large drivers. They can also be driven by a mobile device.

[cxz]

In all honesty' date=' every headset I've every tried just hasn't been able to match a good set of headphones at a similar price point. Headphones are generally designed to reproduce a more complex sound and are in turn more detailed, making them great for gaming. The directional sound you can get from headphones is awesome. Good set ups can certainly get reatrictively expensive but the advantage is that you can put together a system gradually. I'll also start to include pricing. A spreadsheet may be in order...[/quote']

Yeah I know thats what I heard and like I listed in my topic on this subforum I am looking for some headphones, because that what I always hear and I shocked by the quality and price of a clip on mic to any headsets I've heard. lol