Killer combo. Is the 64 Audio U12t an endgame IEM for you? Lately I’ve been really into IEM’s as they’re more practical for my usecase, and in this summer heat they definitely play into the comfort factor.
I currently have an Android phone that uses the LDAC codec, is there an audible difference between a higher resolution codec, or is AAC perfectly fine?
I'm hesitant to call anything endgame, lest upgraditis bite me in the ass. But the U12t has definitely earned it's place on my "keep forever" list and it's the IEM I've been using the most. It is as I've seen others describe it: Excellent at almost everything but not exactly the "best" at anything. I think it has the least compromises of any IEM I've used thus far.
As for LDAC vs AAC on the 5K, I actually haven't tested that yet but I plan to. I have an Android DAP that can do LDAP but I've been pretty happy with AAC off my phone, which is much more easily pocketable than my DAP. When I do get around to doing a side by side comparison I'll definitely post about it here.
The hype around it is definitely deserved. It's one of the few gadgets I've bought recently where the enthusiasm of the people that made is glaringly obvious.
Awesome, I’m thinking of moving from Windows to Mac in the future, is installing and using an external dac/amp just a plug and play situation, or should I read up on how audio works on MacOS?
I'm going to sound dumb asking this, but i promise i'm just bad with lingo. What do you mean by dac/amp? Like your interface?
If so, yes, it's completely plug n play. NONE of the nonsense with audio drivers you get in Windows. The only thing you have to think about is 32 v 64 bit right now. The M1, M2 macs have made that something you have to think about. For example, i'm on an outdated version of OSX because all my plugins and my interface are old (all still very functional). If i updated to an M1 Mac, i'd not be able to use any of it.
Headphones:
Beyer Dynamics DT1990 Pro (home use)
Bang & Olufsen H95, Sony WH-XM5 (outside)
Looking to get a nice pair of wireless in ears too but unsure what to go for
Interface: Topping DX3 Pro+ (DAC+AMP)
I have a pair of Edifier speakers that I got 7 years ago that are super budget but sounds pretty nice for the price for my desktop. That's probably the next bigger upgrade to the entire setup!
HD6XX by Senny, AKG K271mkII, AKG K712 PRO, Fiio K3 DAC. I've got an old mbox 2 and 002 rack that is currently gathering dust as I don't have space for them and I don't have a pc with FireWire.
Currently subscribed to Deezer and really happy with it. I Live on finding more music.
While i EQ the He400se to be perfect, the KSC75 is still something that can make me feverish about the music. The KSC75 has ruined many headphones for me.
When I'm on my PC:
Beyerdynamic DT-990 Pros plugged into an Audioengine N22 Integrated Amplifier which is receiving audio from an Audient Evo 4 interface. Pretty basic, but it all gets the job done. When I'm not using the headphones, the N22 powers a pair of vintage Infinity Infinitesimal bookshelf speakers.
When I'm on the go:
A pair of Sony WF-1000XM4 buds. Love em.
I originally bought the headphone because I heard the same thing and can confirm it's true if you're using the BE2 perforated suede pads. My only complaints with the frequency response is that it lacks sub-bass and some energy in the upper mids. I've EQ'd those things in and it's been a perfect HD 6XX replacement.
I've been using a pair of Sennheiser HD 800 for probably 13 years now. I'd rave about them all day if I could, but they have such a great soundstage and also have let me dabble into a lot of different random creator hobbies because they are a great reference for mixing. Comfortable to wear for hours and no phyiscal / listening fatigue.
There is a decent aftermarket available for replacement ear pads, cables, etc. as well and I was able to refresh various bits from constant daily wear over the years at a low cost. I've seen the newer variants and just can't seem to justify moving away from these yet. If you can get a used pair in good condition then I think the price point is incredible.
Unpopular opinion - I think there's almost no audible difference between DACs once they are shielded properly. I used to route through a Schiit Bifrost Multibit into a Valhalla 2 with some rolled tubes but now I basically do everything through one Scarlett Focusrite 18i20. There is a difference in the initial volume the amp would push out and the distortion from the tubes, but there's no way I could describe any difference between the two DACs at the same volume and it is way more convenient to have it all in one place. Yes, I have the Thriller SACD ; ).
Offtopic. Why does both of the posts here have one extra comment counted that is not visible/does not exist?
This thread has currently 13 comments, the top says 14.
Superlux HD 660 Pro for home and Soundcore Liberty 4 NC for outsides, quick listens/chats and defending snorers. Might get a Beyer DT 880 with a DAC that handles these Ohms but I'm happy with what I got. :)
When I'm out and about I like to be able to hear what's going on around me, so I use my Bose Frames Tempo. It helps that they sound about a million times better than one would expect given that they're sunglasses.
I'm keeping old. I use the Sony MDR-v6. These were for the time a really solid $50 pair. I recommended them to someone at work only to find out they are selling for over $100.
I run them with older schitt audio gear to drive them.
For me these are daily all day long wear. They feel light enough on my head and fit comfortable on the ear. The sound is pretty neutral it doesn't really seem to have a strong or a weak point. I'm not listening to great sources, so they feel a bit 'veiled.' I don't often get a clear sense of space like I can with near field speakers. Still everything resolve quickly, so nothing is muddy but it's absolutely not that transcendent sound.
When I need a wireless headset I use the Sony WH-1000XM3 It's a bit more bass and midrange forward than then mdr-v6