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SsButerbal
Ringing in PC38X's
I recently got this headset, and wow is it good. My only issue is when certain people talk on discord, I can hear a really high pitched ringing. I fiddled with a bunch of settings, computer audio and discord, and nothing seems to solve the issue. It is primarily if not all in my right ear only. Is there something wrong with my headset, or was that ringing always there I can just hear it cause the headset is THAT good? I haven't had any issues with any other application, though I have yet to test if I can hear the ringing on a different version of discord, say on my xbox instead of my pc. Only other issue I've had is occasional static, but I can't tell if it's from the headset or the show/game/etc.
Apr 24, 2024
itsamepe
Sennheiser PC37X randomly goes bad after disconnecting the cable ?
Greetings, Yesterday I was using my headset like normal with my macbook, just listening to music and on a call with people like usual, and the headset was perfectly fine. The stock wire that came with the headset is extremely long and yesterday it annoyed me very much that it kept getting tangled with itself, so I decided to see if the cable is replaceable. I pulled out the cable from the headset and saw the adapter, and looked online for a replacement. Upon plugging it back in, the audio sounded extremely muffled and washed out. Im not sure what I did wrong to make it mess up like that as I've always taken good care of it, ive had it for about 2 years and its always just been chilling on my desk, but anywho I thought the cable just went bad and ordered a replacement. The replacement came, and the issue is still persistant, so I am not sure what the issue is I've tried multiple different headsets and the issue is not with the port, and I also tried it with my windows laptop and...
Apr 23, 2024
MrChiSox
Big changes coming to my tiny little music room, I've recently purchased a new stack. Currently figuring out where to locate it all and ordering up the necessary cables, it won't be too long before I'm up and running. I am now the proud owner of a brand new stack. It's a European brand called Earmen. Amp, DAC, Streamer & Linear Power Supply. It won't be long!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MB15yM4UptQ
Apr 23, 2024
Briankan
Recommendation for my next headphone set? I have Koss 95x
Hey all, What would you recommend I get next and why? I have Koss ESP-95x electrostatic massdrop headphones. These are my first and only audiophile set. I love them. I think my only real requirements is $500 or less for the headphones and that they have a little more low end. I don’t need thump but these are really light on lows…but the experience is still awesome. Also any recommendations on an amp? I only have my electrostatic thingy. I am using the Topping D50 DAC. thx!!
Apr 22, 2024
Simthaniel
Rigs
Modded headphones with qudelix at the core
When I received the Qudelix 5K, I had already modified a pair of Superlux HD-681 headphones. I previously soldered my own balanced connections to the drivers, providing multiple ways to connect and...
Apr 14, 2024
brothamike
A decent set of IEMs
I am in the midst of a 300 hour burn-in but, I will say I am enjoying how this set sounds so far. Before I received these which was btw late by a few weeks, I purchased a Sony/Kimber Kable MMCX...
Apr 12, 2024
merrick97
Should I exchange the PC38X for better headphones?
I bought the PC38X headphones FOR GAMING and they are great, but I have NO use for a Microphone since I don't do competitive gaming and I was wondering if there were better headphone options at a similar price without a headphone, where (presumably) more of the cost was put into making it sound better. I also find that my PC38X don't get quite as loud as I would like and I was wondering if a cheap amp like the iFi Go link would draw a little more volume out of my phones. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN6MM822?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details I went with the PC38X since it was considered the best bang for buck headphones. I care most about using spatial apps like DOlby Atmos and DTS Headphone:X. Suggestions are welcome.
Apr 11, 2024
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Headphones: Audeze LCD-X, LCD2C, Sennheiser HD800S, HD660S, HD6XX, HD58X Jubilee, PC363D Sony MDR Z7, MDR-XB950B1, WH-1000XM3 Fostex RP-X00 Ebony, Argon Mk3, T-60PR Beyerdynamic DT-1990Pro, Amrion Wireless AKG Q701 black, K7XX Monoprice Monolith M1060C, 560, 560 modded Phillips Fidelio X2
I like Planars. Probably Audeze LCDX. But headphones look like nice food. If you eat nice same food every day, you gonna bored. So, found the solution. I have got all collection from cheap to expensive. When next time I take any headphone from my collection, I will be excited again. Like, everything as the fist time.
Cheers, Kim BTW, some of my headphone picture in this post with comment "in addition to below"
Regards, Kim
Cheers Kim
Based on your experience, what amp would you recommend for the HD800S? I'm currently enjoying them with my Cavalli's CTH but would like to know if there would be another amp that would bring the most out of them without breaking the bank! :)
I've been reading very good reviews coming from the Emotiva Basx A-100, which is between my budget and I see you also own.
So any input or recommendation will be much appreciated!
Regards, Kim
Will be proud to be helpful. The Cavalli CTH, especially massdrop version is very good companion to HD800S in term of price and quality.
There is opinion floating in the net, that High impedance Sennheiser (HD600,650,700,800,800S) slightly more beneficial from valve amplifiers. Brings "buttery smoothness","liquidity", "warmness" ets. It is totally depends of personal preferences, in fact that valves do the reduction of trebles and give more warm coloration in mids. Which smoothes the Sennheiser analytical headphone characters. But the price for this is less resolution in details and higher distortion, compare with solid states. Plus valve maintenance. I had thoughts to buy WooAudio WA22, but after 100 hours of listening in demoshop with HD800S, decided that valves are not my type of amplifiers. I will stay with solid state amps (this is my choice now)
I terms to amp for HD800S. I know that even HD800S ( and mostly HD800) has sibilance in treble, thats why a lot of people try to find matching amplifier for them. I wound not look in this prospective as "amplifier for special headphone". I prefer more power (power never enough:)), with listening at 30-50% of volume.
After 80% volume, usually you can hear distortion (if you put music on Pause and crank Volume on Max), very noticeable with low impedance headphones. Second important factor for amp is ability for direct output (not volume regulated) and audio inputs (XLR is preferable). In this case you can connect them in chain from one source, with independent volume control for each headphone. Also I have found that integrated USB DAC components sometimes produce high frequency noise, which may affect analog signal circuit inside the amplifier box. So, prefer separate them now.
Class A is no doubt for sure, probably toroidal transformer as less humming noise option. Colour and design is subjective. If you have enough skills, look the quality of electronic components used (that is why not a big fun of Schiit brand for their price)
Try to play with pads and cables for HD800s to maximise headphone ability first and after try with different amplifiers. Everything is subjective and only personal listening will give you full picture, Currently I am playing with Dekony Leather, Fenestrated and Hybrid pads for HD800S (have removed Dekony's mesh and used original HD800S foam on driver). Leather one gives more comfort and increase bass with details.
Changing the cable for ALO Audio Reference 16 balanced, reduce the sibilance in highs (at least on my HD800S). From experimenting with different headphone cables, have found that braided multicore cables usually give you less trebles (warming effect). Combination copper with silver in multicore gives warm but at the same time more detailed sound.
Emotiva A-100BasX. Highly recommended. Have direct output. Enormous power. Class A. Currently using without direct output jumpers, because even on 50% volume my Argon MK3 is super loud. Very good with 200 Ohms or more Ohms headphones (LCD2C, HD600,6XX, 800S) and some hissing noise with low impedance cans when music on Pause with Max Volume (X58, HD660S, Audeze LCDX) BTW I have got my A-100BasX for 170USD (brand new)
Regards Kim Some better picture of my setup.
Oppo has XLR and RCA- In and OUT. And real direct OUT. Plus balanced 4 pin XLR . Plus remote control can navigate songs on your PC. Burson has more power. My DAC Output is not 100% direct output, still depends of volume knob. But as preamplifier it is more cleaner in sound (may be because of DACs differences?). In other worlds: the Oppo has more electronics features, settings, UV meter, which you will pleased to play with. And more important for me -with 100% direct output. At the same time, when you just want to plug and play your Audeze 4 and immerse in music -Burson is good alternative (its powerful enough even without 4 pin XLR), and it connected as preamp to my Linnenberg monoblocks to KEF LS50 (for monitoring) It is more like Windows vs Mac (Customized option vs Plug&Play) Sonically: Burson is slightly warmer than Oppo. Both are very detailised. Burson is slightly louder.
Cheers. Kim
I do have the Massdrop version from Cavalli's CTH, and I agree with you that it's a very good amp, I have no complaints about it. I've been enjoying it with my HD800S, 6XX and MDR-Z7.
I did consider the option to get a Tube Amplifier as I've read the HD800S would benefit from them and add a little bit of warmth to the sound, but then again based on my budget the options that I could afford at this moment would be the Vallhala 2 or the DarkVoice 336. (This is without considering the tube-rolling that some claim to be needed in order to push these amps to their best).
So because of that, I also thought in staying with either a very good solid state amp or the Massdrop CTH, which although it's a hybrid, it delivers just fine to my ears and tube maintance is not incredibly expensive. If it helps, the other option I had in mind was the Massdrop's LCX to benefit from the balanced output.
I will definitely keep an eye on the Dekoni Leather pads here in Massdrop, but so far I've been very pleased with sound and comfort I got with stock pad. Still I thank you so much for suggesting other alternatives that may help tweaking the sound to find the one you like the most.
I'm really happy to know that you recommend the Emotiva BasX A-100 as it's not only an amp that it's in my budget but also one that I have read many good things about! My only "concern" is how good the synergy would be with the HD800S, as I'm really sure that for the 6XX and the Z7 this amp would make them sing! So if it's not much to ask, would you be able to provide your impressions on how this pairing sounds to you?
Then again, thank you so much for your time and for all your help!