Audiophile Thread

[Unsomnambulist]

Sennheiser releases a closed-back flagship for $2400.

https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/8/16858130/sennheiser-hd-820-headphones-price-release-date-ces-2018

 

[patrikc325]

The new incarnation is called the JBL L100 Classic and the retro-looking speakers share a lot of similarities with the original model, from their 12in three-way design to the Quadrex foam grilles available in black, blue or orange.

https://www.whathifi.com/news/jbl-revives-its-retro-l100-loudspeakers

 

[axolotl]

I have not revealed a great deal about my hearing aids. I do not know whether I have a lot to say.

1) I have already mentioned that the hearing aids are not part of the audio chain. My brain has adapted and adjusted to them.

2) While they may enhance the sound, I find that they certainly do not degrade it.

3) I was listening to one of my old favorites this evening. I tend not to do that; I tend to listen to new-to-me stuff. Well, while listening, I heard some low-level information that had heretofore alluded me.

4) While listening, I sometimes wonder what it would be like to hear with my old ears. So, I remove them momentarily. I quickly put them back in. There is no comparison.

 

[Nickyboy]

I heard some low-level information that had heretofore alluded me.

Don't be so down on yourself. You're not low-level in my eyes.

 

[Unsomnambulist]

I have not revealed a great deal about my hearing aids. I do not know whether I have a lot to say.

1) I have already mentioned that the hearing aids are not part of the audio chain. My brain has adapted and adjusted to them.

2) While they may enhance the sound, I find that they certainly do not degrade it.

3) I was listening to one of my old favorites this evening. I tend not to do that; I tend to listen to new-to-me stuff. Well, while listening, I heard some low-level information that had heretofore alluded me.

4) While listening, I sometimes wonder what it would be like to hear with my old ears. So, I remove them momentarily. I quickly put them back in. There is no comparison.

It's interesting that Leo Laporte on his podcast TWiT has stated that his hearing aids are tuned to make the human voice as intelligible as possible and do not enhance the sound quality of music. And he's get some expensive $8,000 hearing aids, too.

 

[axolotl]

It's interesting that Leo Laporte on his podcast TwIT has stated that his hearing aids are tuned to make the human voice as intelligible as possible and do not enhance the sound quality of music. And he's get some expensive $8,000 hearing aids, too.

I may have neglected to mention that there are a total of four settings on my hearing aids. They are Universal, Music, Zen, and Zen 2.

Universal is the the better choice for human voice, overall. Music is akin to an open tuning, without restriction.

I can immediately discern, say, when I am starting to play a CD or vinyl, and I remember to click over from Universal to Music. There is an openness, or air, if you will, and it is akin to listening to speakers that are omni-directional. I can virtually hear things from all directions. Higher frequencies come into range. This is what I heard last night, for example. It was enough to make me break out in a big, ol', stupid grin.

Cornball as it might sound, Zen is a sequence of computer (or, prepared electric piano or electric harp) notes that are lilting and unobtrusive. Zen 2 is similar, but the difference is the notes are lower, maybe more of a minor key.

 

[Unsomnambulist]

I've switched back to my Vali 2 hybrid tube amp... just for a change of pace. I'm using a different tube than the one that was giving me noticeable distortion the last time. This one is brighter, punchier, but has good synergy with the laid back, mellow HD650.

 

[patrikc325]

I guess 7 channel surround just won't cut it anymore!

Since the day Dolby Atmos was introduced, one of the most common requests among home theater enthusiasts has been the inclusion of front-wide speakers in a 3D immersive audio speaker configuration. Another common request? Allow for six overhead channels. At CES 2018, not only did Denon answer these wishes, it did so with an AV receiver that is fully capable of running the entire show—the AVR-X8500H ($3999).

This beast of an AVR packs a lot inside a single box. For movie lovers, it offers Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D. It supports 7.1.6 and 9.1.4 Dolby Atmos speaker configurations – including front-wide speakers in 9.1.4 mode. Denon says power output is 150 watts per channel (2 channels driven, 0.05% THD).

 

[axolotl]

I guess 7 channel surround just won't cut it anymore!

Since the day Dolby Atmos was introduced, one of the most common requests among home theater enthusiasts has been the inclusion of front-wide speakers in a 3D immersive audio speaker configuration. Another common request? Allow for six overhead channels. At CES 2018, not only did Denon answer these wishes, it did so with an AV receiver that is fully capable of running the entire show—the AVR-X8500H ($3999).

This beast of an AVR packs a lot inside a single box. For movie lovers, it offers Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D. It supports 7.1.6 and 9.1.4 Dolby Atmos speaker configurations – including front-wide speakers in 9.1.4 mode. Denon says power output is 150 watts per channel (2 channels driven, 0.05% THD).

I think I'm going back to Walden Pond, if y'all don't mind.

 

[Mattafett]

I guess 7 channel surround just won't cut it anymore!

Since the day Dolby Atmos was introduced, one of the most common requests among home theater enthusiasts has been the inclusion of front-wide speakers in a 3D immersive audio speaker configuration. Another common request? Allow for six overhead channels. At CES 2018, not only did Denon answer these wishes, it did so with an AV receiver that is fully capable of running the entire show—the AVR-X8500H ($3999).

This beast of an AVR packs a lot inside a single box. For movie lovers, it offers Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D. It supports 7.1.6 and 9.1.4 Dolby Atmos speaker configurations – including front-wide speakers in 9.1.4 mode. Denon says power output is 150 watts per channel (2 channels driven, 0.05% THD).

What's the point?? Most dvd's or blue rays don't even come in 6.1

 

[Old Uncle Toe]

I think I'm going back to Walden Pond, if y'all don't mind.

I'm with you brother. I hate to admit the sound system I have in front of this learned group. Whenever I think I want new speakers I find my ears are bigger than my wallet.

 

[axolotl]

I'm with you brother. I hate to admit the sound system I have in front of this learned group. Whenever I think I want new speakers I find my ears are bigger than my wallet.

There be no scoffers, here. Honestly. I'm not even part of that industry.

While my system is slightly upscale from yours, the component described above is simply ridiculous, at least from my vantage.

Spoiler

I am so ashamed of myself. I said I would not scoff, and here I have said bad things about the product, above.

O cruel Fates; why do you taunt me so?

 

[Unsomnambulist]

Pono is Officially Dead

https://www.computeraudiophile.com/ca/bits-and-bytes/pono-is-officially-dead-r695/

 

[Zeeba Neighba]

Pono is Officially Dead

https://www.computeraudiophile.com/ca/bits-and-bytes/pono-is-officially-dead-r695/

Not Ponyo!!!

 

[patrikc325]

At ISE 2018 in Amsterdam, Canadian AV electronics manufacturer NAD has unveiled a “new and improved” AV pre/pro, the Masters M17 V2 ($5999 U.S.). This update of the Masters M17 supports NAD’s MDC (modular design construction) architecture that allows owners to customize their unit and keep it up-to-date with the latest technology. The company also announced imminent availability of two new MDC modules, the MDC AM 17 ($699 U.S.) that adds support for Dolby Atmos and the MDC AM 230 ($549 U.S.).

http://www.avsforum.com/nad-unveils...ontent-unsold&utm_source=AVSForum.com20180206

 

[Unsomnambulist]

Steve Jobs' stereo system.

https://www.wired.com/2014/04/steve-jobs-stereo-system/

 

[Unsomnambulist]

Reddit audiophiles test HomePod, say it sounds better than $1,000 speaker.

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/201...mepod-say-it-sounds-better-than-1000-speaker/

 

[Unsomnambulist]

Computer Audiophile to Apple: get off my fucking lawn.

https://www.computeraudiophile.com/ca/reviews/apple-homepod-review-an-audiophile-perspective-r697/

 

[axolotl]

Steve Jobs' stereo system.

https://www.wired.com/2014/04/steve-jobs-stereo-system/

Maybe I just read a snippet, since I'm not a subscriber, but I still have no idea what components he had.

That's hardly a piecing together of a system. It's more like clickbait for Jobs-nerds.

 

[Unsomnambulist]

Maybe I just read a snippet, since I'm not a subscriber, but I still have no idea what components he had.

That's hardly a piecing together of a system. It's more like clickbait for Jobs-nerds.

My adblocker (Ublock Origin) seems to get past paywalls without me noticing.

From the slideshow:

MK1 GyroDec turntable
Acoustat Monitor 3s electrostatic speakers
Threshold FET-One preamp
Stasis-1 200W monoblocks
Denon TU-750 digital tuner

It wasn't that high-end for the amount of money he had. Maybe he had a discerning ear and bought what sounded good to him.