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Post by timjthomas on Mar 12, 2016 16:24:15 GMT
Great responses!! Thank you so much.
I have a Kameleon with K701 filter coming. From the sample MP3 Frans sent, it appears to be a huge improvement. The K701 with small classical (piano & violin or string quartet) with the filter should be wonderful.
I listen at low levels - as low as I can so the K701 doesn't bother my tinnitus too much. For the most part, my tinnitus is always present. It's closed headphones that makes it worse.
The endgame for me sounds like the HD800/HD800s with filter. I am hoping Jeremy or Frans will soon have the capability to use the filter in conjunction with the Ember.
I believe that is in the works. Any timing??
Now to decide between the HD800 or HD800s. The HD800 used will likely be the way to go as the filter will address any issues, and I expect to see several used soon with the HD800s now out.
Thoughts / comments?
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Mar 12, 2016 17:12:44 GMT
That's how I feel about the hd800. Second hand ones might fly once everyone decides they want the warmth of the hd800S so there might be some good deals around.
I think if you are ok with spending on a new one, I'd go for an Ether which in the UK is available at the moment around £1200.
Trouble is that kind of money for a headphone is pretty serious money in spite of all the enthusiasts raving about them or the Senns. There always seems to be something that they want changed, even at that level of headphone.
Shame that there's no such thing as a headphone library, where you can borrow headphones for three weeks on a ticket!! With no real way of testing their suitability for the longer term, it's quite a risk. That stops me buying them at those kinds of prices.
I bought a th900 which wasn't cheap, but I still use everything else that I have around the house as well and to be honest, I really don't mind. In fact, even the th900 can be quite piercing on some recordings and it can be more comfortable with something more relaxed sounding like the Senn hd650.
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solderdude
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Post by solderdude on Mar 12, 2016 17:33:56 GMT
Great responses!! Thank you so much. I have a Kameleon with K701 filter coming. From the sample MP3 Frans sent, it appears to be a huge improvement. The K701 with small classical (piano & violin or string quartet) with the filter should be wonderful. I listen at low levels - as low as I can so the K701 doesn't bother my tinnitus too much. For the most part, my tinnitus is always present. It's closed headphones that makes it worse. The endgame for me sounds like the HD800/HD800s with filter. I am hoping Jeremy or Frans will soon have the capability to use the filter in conjunction with the Ember. I believe that is in the works. Any timing?? Now to decide between the HD800 or HD800s. The HD800 used will likely be the way to go as the filter will address any issues, and I expect to see several used soon with the HD800s now out. Thoughts / comments? For the G1217 filter there is no time schedule. It all depends how busy life is around him. In any case... if he hasn't started on it by July this year I will design the external filter myself. If you like the all black and an extra set of cables the S version would be the logical pick. Even the HD800S remains the HD800 with a tad 'warmer' bass and slightly less sibilance. Personally (given the distortion figures) I would go for a second hand HD800, maybe slap some new pads on it and use Sonarworks or the Kameleon.
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Post by timjthomas on Mar 12, 2016 17:53:11 GMT
Sounds like I have a pathforward and some time to save for the HD800 as I need to wait for the external filter module to use with the Ember.
Juat have to put my Paradox up for sale now.
Thanks again!!
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Post by timjthomas on Mar 13, 2016 1:25:51 GMT
Frans,
I see you recommended the Fiio X3. Any reason not to use a Fiio X1?
-Tim
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Post by noobhead on Mar 13, 2016 12:02:56 GMT
the X1 sounded more congested/truncated/grainy/flat and bandwidth limited to me compared to either versions of the x3 and seem to lack details. ymmv as I listened to them unamped (using hd650, M50x and an oppo pm3).
x5s are more neutral but also a tad hyper detailed. x3s seem to be the goldilocks of the bunch.
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solderdude
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Post by solderdude on Mar 13, 2016 19:06:49 GMT
Frans, I see you recommended the Fiio X3. Any reason not to use a Fiio X1? -Tim I only have the X3 (old one) which has a good DAC in it. I use it from line-out (into Kameleon) or HP out (HD662-EVO/Philips uptown). Haven't tried the X1, X3-II nor X5. M3 seems to be the Sansa clip sport in another jacket, not nearly as good. The X7 is a bit too expensive (as is the X5). I like how the X3 sounds (or does not sound) and with custom rom how it looks. Don't like the button layout nor the the operation system/menu. In the end it is all about the sound and doesn't disappoint me. I am sure the X5 and X7 are technically 'better' but my brain won't be able to detect that (not even on HD800). Maybe when it stops working I might buy an X5 or whatever model is available by then. The X1 doesn't go as loud, doesn't have a separate line-out/headphone out (which can be used simultaniously which is very handy). At work I use my old Sansa Fuze which also is 'nice' but not of the same quality. I don't hear the 'warm' sound it is supposed to have. It sounds 'flat' and detailed to me. Technically it does have some roll-off (-0.2dB at 20kHz) but as long as it doesn't exceed -0.5dB at 20kHz I am unable to hear that)
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Mar 13, 2016 19:23:31 GMT
I'd say the biggest advantage of an x5 is dsd playback and having two slots for cards. Mine has a ridiculous 256gb on it!! It is quite a bit heavier than the other two though, although I must admit that I like it a lot.
The X3 sounds much the same to me though and I agree that for the price, it's a good deal having digital and line out and being able to use it as a dac. One card slot so it'll do 128gb.
The X1 is a good budget type player. Really doesn't sound at all bad from line out, but no digital out on it and one card slot.
Differences in sound via headphone out are pretty small.
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Post by timjthomas on Mar 13, 2016 20:28:24 GMT
Thanks for the replies!!! When would you use a line-out and headphone out at the same time?
My iPod classic is on it's last legs, so I'll need to replace it. The question is, what functions in the X3 or X5 do I need over the X1. I plan to use it with the Kameleon.
Thanks again!
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Mar 13, 2016 20:41:25 GMT
if you're wanting to just use line out, the X1 is fine.
Sound on x3 or x5 is perhaps alittle more refined, but we're talking gnat's whiskers.
The menu system on all of them is more clumsy than the Classic.
As far as headphones go, a bit more power from x3 and 5.
I have to say, I was surprised just how many types of file and quality the x1 actually deals with.
As someone said earlier, the x3 is probably the 'sweet spot' as far as sound and cost goes.
I have all three and go from one to the other with no concerns about sound at all, although my favourite is the x5. More solid and plays dsd. I think the new x3 plays dsd as well though.
X1 wheel is very clumsy compared to the ipod classic as well. Godd value though.
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Post by timjthomas on Mar 13, 2016 20:53:34 GMT
Thanks Ian! You're not interested in selling one of yours are you?
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Mar 13, 2016 21:21:09 GMT
No. I use them all!!
The x1 goes out with me.... It's cheap.
X3 and 5 is used digitally. Upstairs and downstairs!! X5 downstairs for dsd into idsd.
X5 for when I'm away because it has 256gb!!
They're all great players.
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Post by timjthomas on Mar 13, 2016 21:55:40 GMT
Lol - sounds like I just need to move in with you I have no real use for DSD, so it sounds like the X1 or perhaps X3 might be the best bet. If anyone hears of any good sales, let me know.
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Mar 13, 2016 22:04:06 GMT
I'd buy the new x3. It's been updated and I think it will play dsd now as well. You never know, you might get converted. I did!!!
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jello
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Post by jello on Mar 13, 2016 22:06:19 GMT
Re. good sales - whereabouts are you based Tim? If in the UK I'll let you know if I see anything
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