My understanding about bit-perfect is that it’s a perfect digital copy of another file (unless you’re talking about a bitstream). Computers have long used CRC and other methods to insure perfect copies. CD rippers use “verify” features to make sure a CD is ripped perfectly.
But a DAC changes bits to analog, and there the concept of bit perfect is nebulous. The main thing I understand about DACs is that they don’t want to lose any bits, and they want the bits perfectly sync’d (i.e., no jitter).
Hi, I’d like an opinion on your part. I have SHURE se846, amp ALO CDM, player AK300 and Focal Elear. I would to change everything with the following devices but for that I need your opinion. Are better the HIFI RE2000/AKT8iE MKII than my SHURE se846? How plays the headset Bayerdynamic Xelento and the UNIQUE MELODY ME1? Are better Chord Mojo than my CDM? How play the new VORZÜGE DUOII? Is good the player Sony NW-WM1A? I love music with deep bass, long and with details. I like also mids warm. Excuse me if I don’t write well. Thanks in advance.
Paolo from VENICE (Italy)
Dear all,
I’m about to acquire NW WM1A ! Is it possible (and how) to connect it to my HiFi system as s source/DAC ?
Amp – Vitus Audio
Speakers – Neeper Perfection One
Do you have any recommendation for an IEM that has at least 40ohm impedance and a price tag of less then 150$?
I’m yet to find such creature (exept from maybe the good old VSonic GR07) and my shanling m2s really struggles with the sensitive ones (yes, even those with a dynamic driver).
I did notice the sudden comeback of these little bastards, but I’m kind of afraid by the fit of those (although, as most people i guess, the last earbuds i wore were from dumbphone crappy kind).
Hi.
I have an integrated amp with analog and digital inputs with a great built in DAC. The Hegel H80. There is no audio out from the Hegel. I want to add a headphone amp to my stereo (one of the the bottlehead diy). I need to get some sort of switch or preamp that has 2 line outputs so I wouldn’t have to keep plugging unplugging between the amps. Any recommendations?
Hello Headfonia, Greetings…!
Hope you are well…! Your reviews are really awesome. I would like to get few of my doubts clarified from you. I’m planning to buy Beyerdynamic Amiron Home or HD650. I’m already have Chord Mojo. Do we need additional amplifier to drive these headphone along with chord mojo? Or mojo will be fair enough to handle this headphones…if we need additional amplifier please suggest few…
For most music you should be OK, but if some of your music does not seem to have the proper bass impact, then more power may be needed. Especially with the HD650.
Hi…
I Plan to buy DAP. I like jazz, audiophile, pop and instrumental.
I have 3 choices, Sony NW-A45 & Fiio X3 Mark III or Cayin N3.
Please help which one is better and recommendation?
Hi….
I have 3 choices: Sony NW-A45, Fiio X3 Mark III or Cayin N3
Please help which one is better?
FYI genre that I like jazz, audiophile, pop & instrumental
Hello,
In Mike’s informative item on OSX Audio players from 2012 which I have just read, the top three for SQ appear to be Sonic Studio followed by Audirvana and Pure Music.
Is this still your recommendation?
(I play local files and Spotify Premium through a Macbook Pro with HRT Microstreamer.)
Audirvana Plus is the one I see that’s recommended most, and as for other software, a lot has changed in 6 years. Audirvana looks like a one-time fee from what I see, whereas other music players require constant repayment every month or year.
Audirvana requires an Internet connection, so that means they want to register your actual computer. It might be difficult when changing computers to transfer the ‘license’ to another computer. It also has implications for DRM for purchased files, but that would not apply to streaming.
Hello Nick, I do have both Audirvana and Amarra (Sonic Studio). In my opinion (which of course is subjective) Audirvana has a more “analogue” or so you wish “natural sound” sound and I’m a very satisfied user for years now.
Audirvana is indeed a one time buy with from time to time an affordable upgrade.
I love this site-a ton of great information! I am in search of a good “all around” IEM. One that will perform as a stage IEM but also something I can use to sit back and listen to music with on my iphone 7 and possibly a DAP in the near future. My budget is about $1k. Among a bunch of various headphones (AT ATH-M50X, 1More Triple, UE900S Reshells, Bose QC35, Beats PowerBeats 3 all for different uses-airplane travel, gym, etc) I currently use Westone UM 20 Pros that were reshelled by InEarz as my stage monitor and at home IEM. A few years on I’m not getting the seal I’d really like and would like to “upgrade” the drivers anyway. I play acoustic guitar and use a wireless pack from a dedicated monitor mix channel. I listen to acoustic, blues, rock and folk music. A lot of guitars. I am leaning more towards a Universal IEM rather than the custom route and am focusing in on the Shure SE846, UM Pro 50, Campfire Andromeda and the A&K/JH Angie SE. Any input on a good all arounder that will work well with these different input sources? Sorry for the long post.
petersanantonio@aol.com i wonder if anyone with pxc 450 by sennheiser has ever experienced the headphones actually amplifying ambient noise rather than canceling it? does this occur when they get old? what can i do?
Can you check the microphone inputs and see if they are clean and free of dirt? When the noise increases, the NC circuit might be compensating for something. Cords can cause problems too.
Hi Lieven, do you know how the Hiby R3 and the Onkyo DP-S1 and Cowon Plenue D compare?
I prefer a balanced sound that is versatile to cover genres like classical orchestra, jazz, to rock and pop so detail retrieval and extension are important. Warm or cold doesn’t matter although between both I prefer a warmer sound.
I noticed they were all reviewed at some point so hope you can help 🙂
Hi, another reviewer found that the R3:
“”R3 sounds comparable to Fiio X7II: which means balanced sound just a bit less stage (width maybe) than X7II”
“R6 is slightly bassier than R3 and better 3D”
Is this similar to what you found, as I think you mentioned the R3 is a bit warmer and forward.
First of all you need to know what AM module the X7II had, only then could one compare. But in general I wouldn’t say the 7ii and R3 are alike, au contraire.
Hi Lieven, you mentioned that R3 is similar in sound to X5iii – could you elaborate a little? Also, Marcus mentioned he found the R3 to be without the treble glare that some older SABRE 9018 DAPs (R3 is 9028) used to have. Did you pick this up too when listening?
Hello! Been a long follower of your page and always loved your reviews so thanks for that! 😉 ( Facebook like is already placed 🙂 )
So I have a dac/ amp question and would love your advice!
I currently have an Aune S16 and Colorfly C4.
I’m trying to build a pre endgame setup for around 2k and I think about getting either the Hugo 2, the rme adi2, the Sony TA-ZH1EL or the Beyerdynamic A2 ( I excluded some like the wa7 because of availability in Germany) .
Maybe you could help me because I’m rather lost and want the best I can get for the money. My main cans are the lovely T1 and LCD2C.
Kind regards
Zeus Bower
Hi,
I would like to know what you guys would recommend more. I generally listen to all genres of music, on my phone, laptop and turntable with audiophiles. I have maximum 700Euros to spend, and id like to know what you guys recommend.
I have been thinking of either getting the -Noble Sage or the -RHA CL1 + RHA DACAMP L1.
I know that it is a weird comparison, but I can get the RHA combo for 650 euros, which is why I am considering it.
I am fairly open top any other suggestions and recommendations.
Hey! A bit of an unusual question in that its premise is decidedly non-audiophile: without the time necessary to re-rip my CD collection to lossless, I now listen almost elusively to Spotify. My PC setups are good-enough for this (Schiit Jotunheim DAC/Amp -> HD650s, or Schiit Bifrost -> Schiit Magni3 -> Audio Technica M50), but I am interested in one-upping my IEM game.
I got a DragonFly Red (upgraded from the Black after reading your review, in fact!) to use with my phone. Spotify streams and downloads are always set to the highest-possible quality.
Here’s the issue: I’ve weird ears and often struggle with IEMs to get a good seal. Additionally (gross detail incoming): my ears react to their intrusion by doing what they do best, protecting themselves. You get what I mean.
I was wondering if going with a low-end Custom IEM would fix my issue:
* Better fit
* Less volume needed = less ear reactions
* Less high-end = less risk of focusing on source defects
I understand that CIEMs come in all form and shape… and typically both form and shape are expensive.
You’ve reviewed some interesting ones for much cheaper: some from SE Asia, and even the US offers some ‘budget’ CIEMs (InEarz P350s for example).
I AM attempting to not go deeper in this rabbit hole; not have to scrounge the world for hi-res files or re-rip my hundreds of CDs. But I AM also attempting to find THE best solution here, and it may involve thinking a bit outside the proverbial box, and into the literal mold.
Asking this to you, Headfonia; based on your experience(s), does this even sound useful?
Would even low-end CIEMs be too detailed? (note: the same file on Spotify Extreme or FLAC yielded no discernable differences through my HD650s. I consider myself rather blessed for this!)
Lieven
Waw this is being used a lot!
dale thorn
Now there’s two!
Sridhar
to get the true potential of bit perfect output ifi usb dacs we have to use bit perfect sources right..
dale thorn
My understanding about bit-perfect is that it’s a perfect digital copy of another file (unless you’re talking about a bitstream). Computers have long used CRC and other methods to insure perfect copies. CD rippers use “verify” features to make sure a CD is ripped perfectly.
But a DAC changes bits to analog, and there the concept of bit perfect is nebulous. The main thing I understand about DACs is that they don’t want to lose any bits, and they want the bits perfectly sync’d (i.e., no jitter).
bayu
Kapan TFZ 1S re-stock lagi om? Udah ngidam lama nih, mohon infonya. thanks om.
Lieven
English only please
Paolo Zucchetto
Hi, I’d like an opinion on your part. I have SHURE se846, amp ALO CDM, player AK300 and Focal Elear. I would to change everything with the following devices but for that I need your opinion. Are better the HIFI RE2000/AKT8iE MKII than my SHURE se846? How plays the headset Bayerdynamic Xelento and the UNIQUE MELODY ME1? Are better Chord Mojo than my CDM? How play the new VORZÜGE DUOII? Is good the player Sony NW-WM1A? I love music with deep bass, long and with details. I like also mids warm. Excuse me if I don’t write well. Thanks in advance.
Paolo from VENICE (Italy)
Paolo Zucchetto
Hi,
Kindly, could you give me an answer?
Thanks
Paolo Zucchetto
dale thorn
To be honest sir, you don’t need an answer per se, you need a professional consultation that takes time and might cost some money.
Here’s one money-saving idea for you: Ask one question at a time and wait for the answer. That way, someone may be able to answer.
Paolo Zucchetto
ok. VORZÜGE DUOII is better than ALO CDM?
Grazie
Lieven
It’s different.
Paolo Zucchetto
Last question, Sony NW-WZ A1 is better than AK 300?
Lieven
It’s different 😉
Paolo Zucchetto
Of both questions can you tell me at least which devices has a warm sound, mor bass. Grazie
Lieven
Sony is warmer
Paolo Zucchetto
Thanks
Nikola
Dear all,
I’m about to acquire NW WM1A ! Is it possible (and how) to connect it to my HiFi system as s source/DAC ?
Amp – Vitus Audio
Speakers – Neeper Perfection One
Cheers,
Nikola
Omer
Do you have any recommendation for an IEM that has at least 40ohm impedance and a price tag of less then 150$?
I’m yet to find such creature (exept from maybe the good old VSonic GR07) and my shanling m2s really struggles with the sensitive ones (yes, even those with a dynamic driver).
Thanks!
Lieven
how about an earbud?
Omer
I did notice the sudden comeback of these little bastards, but I’m kind of afraid by the fit of those (although, as most people i guess, the last earbuds i wore were from dumbphone crappy kind).
Any suggestions though?
dale thorn
For earbuds, the Monk Plus. No contest. For a more normal bass, Apple’s Earpods or Airpods.
Akilan
Hi.
I have an integrated amp with analog and digital inputs with a great built in DAC. The Hegel H80. There is no audio out from the Hegel. I want to add a headphone amp to my stereo (one of the the bottlehead diy). I need to get some sort of switch or preamp that has 2 line outputs so I wouldn’t have to keep plugging unplugging between the amps. Any recommendations?
Thanks
Siva
Hello Headfonia, Greetings…!
Hope you are well…! Your reviews are really awesome. I would like to get few of my doubts clarified from you. I’m planning to buy Beyerdynamic Amiron Home or HD650. I’m already have Chord Mojo. Do we need additional amplifier to drive these headphone along with chord mojo? Or mojo will be fair enough to handle this headphones…if we need additional amplifier please suggest few…
dale thorn
For most music you should be OK, but if some of your music does not seem to have the proper bass impact, then more power may be needed. Especially with the HD650.
Paolo Zucchetto
Between the SHURE 846se and the Noble Audio Encore what do you advise me?
The Encore at good bass?
Thanks
Vincent
Hi…
I Plan to buy DAP. I like jazz, audiophile, pop and instrumental.
I have 3 choices, Sony NW-A45 & Fiio X3 Mark III or Cayin N3.
Please help which one is better and recommendation?
Thanks.
Lieven
Fio X5ii, Cayin N3, Hiby R3
Vincent
Hi….
I have 3 choices: Sony NW-A45, Fiio X3 Mark III or Cayin N3
Please help which one is better?
FYI genre that I like jazz, audiophile, pop & instrumental
Thanks.
Paolo Zucchetto
Hi, JH audio LOLA has a good bass? Is it full bodied and extended?
Thanks
Paolo
Lieven
Try the LOLA review: https://www.headfonia.com/review-jh-audio-lola-unorthodox-hybrid/
Please do try to read up before asking question that have an answer, if not they might rest unaswered. Thank you.
Nick M Jones
Hello,
In Mike’s informative item on OSX Audio players from 2012 which I have just read, the top three for SQ appear to be Sonic Studio followed by Audirvana and Pure Music.
Is this still your recommendation?
(I play local files and Spotify Premium through a Macbook Pro with HRT Microstreamer.)
Thanks in advance,
Nick M Jones
dale thorn
Audirvana Plus is the one I see that’s recommended most, and as for other software, a lot has changed in 6 years. Audirvana looks like a one-time fee from what I see, whereas other music players require constant repayment every month or year.
Audirvana requires an Internet connection, so that means they want to register your actual computer. It might be difficult when changing computers to transfer the ‘license’ to another computer. It also has implications for DRM for purchased files, but that would not apply to streaming.
Ulco Wesselink
For Nick
Hello Nick, I do have both Audirvana and Amarra (Sonic Studio). In my opinion (which of course is subjective) Audirvana has a more “analogue” or so you wish “natural sound” sound and I’m a very satisfied user for years now.
Audirvana is indeed a one time buy with from time to time an affordable upgrade.
Matt
I love this site-a ton of great information! I am in search of a good “all around” IEM. One that will perform as a stage IEM but also something I can use to sit back and listen to music with on my iphone 7 and possibly a DAP in the near future. My budget is about $1k. Among a bunch of various headphones (AT ATH-M50X, 1More Triple, UE900S Reshells, Bose QC35, Beats PowerBeats 3 all for different uses-airplane travel, gym, etc) I currently use Westone UM 20 Pros that were reshelled by InEarz as my stage monitor and at home IEM. A few years on I’m not getting the seal I’d really like and would like to “upgrade” the drivers anyway. I play acoustic guitar and use a wireless pack from a dedicated monitor mix channel. I listen to acoustic, blues, rock and folk music. A lot of guitars. I am leaning more towards a Universal IEM rather than the custom route and am focusing in on the Shure SE846, UM Pro 50, Campfire Andromeda and the A&K/JH Angie SE. Any input on a good all arounder that will work well with these different input sources? Sorry for the long post.
peter
petersanantonio@aol.com i wonder if anyone with pxc 450 by sennheiser has ever experienced the headphones actually amplifying ambient noise rather than canceling it? does this occur when they get old? what can i do?
dale thorn
Can you check the microphone inputs and see if they are clean and free of dirt? When the noise increases, the NC circuit might be compensating for something. Cords can cause problems too.
Hans
Hi Lieven, do you know how the Hiby R3 and the Onkyo DP-S1 and Cowon Plenue D compare?
I prefer a balanced sound that is versatile to cover genres like classical orchestra, jazz, to rock and pop so detail retrieval and extension are important. Warm or cold doesn’t matter although between both I prefer a warmer sound.
I noticed they were all reviewed at some point so hope you can help 🙂
Lieven
That’s tough as it are all other reviewers, sorry man.
Hans
Hi, another reviewer found that the R3:
“”R3 sounds comparable to Fiio X7II: which means balanced sound just a bit less stage (width maybe) than X7II”
“R6 is slightly bassier than R3 and better 3D”
Is this similar to what you found, as I think you mentioned the R3 is a bit warmer and forward.
Thanks!
Lieven
First of all you need to know what AM module the X7II had, only then could one compare. But in general I wouldn’t say the 7ii and R3 are alike, au contraire.
Hans
Thanks Lieven. Looks like the Headfonia review of the DP-S1 is more promising at least for sound then?
Hans
Hi Lieven, you mentioned that R3 is similar in sound to X5iii – could you elaborate a little? Also, Marcus mentioned he found the R3 to be without the treble glare that some older SABRE 9018 DAPs (R3 is 9028) used to have. Did you pick this up too when listening?
Lieven
warmer, slower, thicker. that’s it really. but the X5iii is more noisy.
I’m not really one to complain about the Sabre treble, me likes 🙂
Hans
Thanks for sharing!!
Jonathan
Hi, am getting a Shanling M3s but would also like to play the music through my Mission bookshelf speakers, so would I just get a little amp like this (https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Amplifier-Receiver-Integrated-Speakers/dp/B06XZL2PQD/ref=sr_1_12_sspa?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1524128965&sr=1-12-spons&keywords=amp+fosi&psc=1) and then connect the M3s with these (https://www.amazon.com/Braided-Headphone-iXCC-Shielded-Gold-Plated/dp/B075DZT27V/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1524128798&sr=1-5&keywords=3.5mm+headphone+to+RCA+cable) or this? (https://www.amazon.com/Cerrxian-Stereo-Splitter-Adapter-Devices/dp/B074GRFPYV/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1524129024&sr=1-3&keywords=usb+c+to+rca) thanks Jonathan
Zeus Bower
Hello! Been a long follower of your page and always loved your reviews so thanks for that! 😉 ( Facebook like is already placed 🙂 )
So I have a dac/ amp question and would love your advice!
I currently have an Aune S16 and Colorfly C4.
I’m trying to build a pre endgame setup for around 2k and I think about getting either the Hugo 2, the rme adi2, the Sony TA-ZH1EL or the Beyerdynamic A2 ( I excluded some like the wa7 because of availability in Germany) .
Maybe you could help me because I’m rather lost and want the best I can get for the money. My main cans are the lovely T1 and LCD2C.
Kind regards
Zeus Bower
Bradley
Hi,
I would like to know what you guys would recommend more. I generally listen to all genres of music, on my phone, laptop and turntable with audiophiles. I have maximum 700Euros to spend, and id like to know what you guys recommend.
I have been thinking of either getting the -Noble Sage or the -RHA CL1 + RHA DACAMP L1.
I know that it is a weird comparison, but I can get the RHA combo for 650 euros, which is why I am considering it.
I am fairly open top any other suggestions and recommendations.
Thank you.
Pierre
Hey! A bit of an unusual question in that its premise is decidedly non-audiophile: without the time necessary to re-rip my CD collection to lossless, I now listen almost elusively to Spotify. My PC setups are good-enough for this (Schiit Jotunheim DAC/Amp -> HD650s, or Schiit Bifrost -> Schiit Magni3 -> Audio Technica M50), but I am interested in one-upping my IEM game.
I got a DragonFly Red (upgraded from the Black after reading your review, in fact!) to use with my phone. Spotify streams and downloads are always set to the highest-possible quality.
Here’s the issue: I’ve weird ears and often struggle with IEMs to get a good seal. Additionally (gross detail incoming): my ears react to their intrusion by doing what they do best, protecting themselves. You get what I mean.
I was wondering if going with a low-end Custom IEM would fix my issue:
* Better fit
* Less volume needed = less ear reactions
* Less high-end = less risk of focusing on source defects
I understand that CIEMs come in all form and shape… and typically both form and shape are expensive.
You’ve reviewed some interesting ones for much cheaper: some from SE Asia, and even the US offers some ‘budget’ CIEMs (InEarz P350s for example).
I AM attempting to not go deeper in this rabbit hole; not have to scrounge the world for hi-res files or re-rip my hundreds of CDs. But I AM also attempting to find THE best solution here, and it may involve thinking a bit outside the proverbial box, and into the literal mold.
Asking this to you, Headfonia; based on your experience(s), does this even sound useful?
Would even low-end CIEMs be too detailed? (note: the same file on Spotify Extreme or FLAC yielded no discernable differences through my HD650s. I consider myself rather blessed for this!)
Thanks!