BudgetAudiophile

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A place for AUDIO enthusiast to share, discuss and listen to others people setups

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1
 
 

I am looking for speakers, decent quality and nice looking that doesn't stand out too much. I want it on a bookshelf in the kitchen and another in the sitting room.

I want it to connect to a home server but also Spotify/streaming. And I'd like them to link together.

Basically I want the house listening experience to be seamless when going between different rooms, 2-4 speakers. Audiobooks and some music would be stored on a Nas and most music and podcasts would be Spotify.

I'd prefer to interact with it through my phone, Android if possible but not completely necessary.

In my head I imagine walking into a new room and tapping the speaker with my phone to switch to that speaker.

Is this a real thing?

2
 
 

Took around three or four hours. With a thicker thread it would be a lot faster. It's just for looks but it may theoretically strengthen it a bit, since the plastic is pretty thin. The earpads are the Brainwavz 100mm Round Sheepskin. Wouldn't buy them on my own since I don't necessarily think they're worth their price (since they're only marginally more comfortable than the stock earpads) but I got them as a gift from family. I also used to have some rubber kitty ears on top, but I got worried that the constant pressure would eventually damage those flimsy plastic tubes so I took them off.

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submitted 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
 
 

Hello everyone,

unfortunately I have to replace my audio-technica ATH-CKX9 InEars with a new pair.

I was hoping you could help me find new ones:

  • Wired InEar
  • 3.5mm jack
  • Use at home (Music/Gaming: 50/50)
  • Homogeneous sound (if possible)
  • Up to 120€/$

Thanks in advance, help is much appreciated!

4
 
 

I am way out of my depths even looking for one. If anyone has any pointers, it would be a huge help!

For info: I use 2 Edifier R1280s and normally on relatively low volume, so it doesn't need to be anything crazy, but I will slowly build my sound system over the next 4-5 years and would like to not need replace a new record player (which will be a central piece) in the coming years. Willing to spend €350 depending on quality.

Many thanks BAs!

5
 
 

I decided to upgrade my car's front speakers and everything worked okay in the beginning but the stereo stopped producing sound after a while. After a lot of tinkering I found out that the amp wasn't working properly so I decided to buy a new stereo.

This time I installed my stereo and tested everything was working properly before I put everything back together, and it was. However, when I put all the panels back and turned on the car, there was no sound. After removing everything once again and testing each individual connection I found out that the speakers were not working when inside the doors but worked fine outside. I decided to rotate them inside the door and they are now working fine.

My question is, what could have actually happened? My theory has something to do with the magnetic field that the speaker produces, but then again I have no idea.

6
 
 

Looking for headphones for use at my computer. Primarily for gaming but also music. Lots of people online recommend the Sennheiser HD 560s but I figured I'd ask to see if there's anything else worth looking at. I think I want open backs since I'll primarily use them at my desk by myself.

My criteria are: -Decent price (around $200 or less) -Option for microphone attachment (also looking for recommendations there)

If I were to go with the HD560s, would I need an amp to take full advantage of them? If so, I would also like recommendations for that too, as I don't really know anything about them. Any other advice you could give me would be very beneficial. I'm new to the audiophile scene and don't have a ton to spend on the best of the best in gear. Thanks!

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I might not be in the correct community, but maybe someone can help me anyways.

I'm planning to buy over-ears that have a nice design and the best possible transparency and ANC. Sound quality doesn't matter that much and I only wanna listen over AAC and Bluetooth. I don't want the headphones to crunch and feel cheap. My budget is 200€. Does anyone know a pair of headphones that fulfill these requirements?

9
 
 

I'm looking for a budget (< 100 euros) USB sound card. I was told several times that I should look for a DAC instead but I honestly don´t know the difference. All I want is to plugin my existing headset (headphones + microphone), listen to music and chat on Discord.

Not sure if it matters but I have the Beyerdynamic Custom Studio headphones and the Beyerdynamic Custom headset Gear microphone (it plugs directly into the headphones, making them an headset). The headset has 1x 3.5mm jack with a splitter into 2x 3.5mm jack.

I was recommended the Focusrite Scarlett Solo but I don´t think it has a "normal" microphone input? I don´t mind getting 1/4 inch adapters but doesn´t seem like it would work. I don´t play any instrument so it really doesn´t feel like the right tool for the job.

Thanks!

10
 
 

Just switched from liberty soundcore 3 to the Linkbuds. Never had issue with crowds with the l3p, but the Linkbuds get interference from just a couple of people near me and really bad in big crowds

11
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submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
 
 

I'm a complete newbie in regards to Audio Hardware, so I would like a guidance with the setup that I want to build. I'm planning on having an Audio Interface plugged into my computer where I can connect some headphones and a mic into it. I want the ability to use my headphones as a monitor to the mic connected to the audio interface at the same time that I can hear my computer audio. In the future I'm also planning on buying an electric guitar and connect it to this Audio Interface and use the Headphones as a monitor for the guitar as well. So, I would have the headphones playing audio from multiple sources: the computer, the mic and the guitar all at the same time. What do I need to buy to achieve this? Some recommendations to a good budget Audio Interface, Mic and Headphone would be greatly appreciated. The only thing I currently have is a cheap JBL headphone with a green/pink connector that I'm not sure would fit this new setup that I'm planning to do, so I'm willing to ditch it if necessary.

12
 
 

I'm fed up of trying to make a echo dot permanently muted work as a Spotify streaming device for my powered speakers. The account management for a multi user household and linking specific Amazon accounts is broken. I want a device that allows basically any user on my home wifi nw to pick a device to stream to like a Chromecast.

I've been still shocked about the cost of a raspberry pi these days, but is 100 dollars for a bundle of components really the best option out there for a straight forward streaming receiver to connect to some powered book shelf speakers? Are there any other options under 100 bucks?

13
 
 

Hi all.

I’ve been looking for a pretty idiosyncratic Bluetooth speaker. Something that sounds good, isn’t in any way smart, and is just mains-powered.

Basically, I want something small for my small bedroom. No batteries to die, no unnecessary “smart” nonsense, just a fairly decent sound to listen to music/radio or podcasts from my laptop or phone.

Any suggestions?

14
 
 

About a year ago I aquired a pair of these speakers and a diy sub for free. According to a few searches, they are supposed to be paired with a cd receiver. Does the cd receiver matter if I already have a home theater receiver? Are these any good for music and home theater?

15
 
 

So idk where else I’d ask this.. I have very limited space in my vehicle and have been deciding on how to get the most out of my space/equipment/money. I bought a 4 channel amp and two new front speakers.

Since there’s no factory rear speakers, I’m torn between adding in the two rear channels or bridging the amp output to run a single sub.

Maybe eventually I’ll do both but for the time being, what would you do? I know the sub would bring back the lows that I need but I also think that two rear fill speakers would help considerably as well. Curious on your thoughts!

16
 
 

I have a JBL Professional IRX108 Powered Portable Speaker with Bluetooth. Last night for a block party I played music through the Bluetooth and it sounded great. I tried to run it through CH1 using a headphone jack. The headphone jack was connected to a USB DAC connected to a raspberry pi. The music sounded good, but the audio was quiet and kind if tinny.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

17
 
 

I'd been looking for a while. Found B-stock for a little more than half the USA price at Thomann. They're so good!

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submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
 
 

Just bought one with a mic and 3.5mm for work because my new office has no meeting rooms and gave us a crappy headset.

I'm used to Soundcore liberty pro 3, self tuned the EQ and the Etymotic MK5, no tuning.

The Zeros sound ok, but not mind blowing like others mentioned. The vocals are a little recessed and sometimes guitars and muddy.

  1. Is this an issue with laptop output? I tried using the apple dongle and it didn't seem to make a difference
  2. Am I too used to the very neutral Etymotics and not used to the more bassy mainstream?
  3. Burn in time?
  4. Not sure if it's fatiguing, but I have tried it for an hour and feels like I don't really feel like keeping on
  5. Does it make sense to EQ the iems?
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Since I discovered binaural audio... I dont want to listen to anything else.

I got really nice headphones, maybe the best "budget" ones for spacial hearing, and I want to record my own stuff.

Idea

  • Silocone ears from Ebay (Acupuncture, Acoustics, Jewelry) left+right!
  • a head that is heavy, hair simulated with carpet, hollow inside for cables and all, mount at the bottom
  • lavalier mics, Røde or something good but cheap? (high dynamic range, omnidirectional, low inherent noise, neutral sound capturing)
  • some recording solution

Now there are many questions:

  • what lavalier mics are best but dont cost a ton?
  • what material to use for the head, how to do the cast/crafting?
  • what recording device?

Microphones

(Placeholder once I decided)

Material of head

Version 1

Baloon, paper mâché, smaller baloon, concrete

Somehow keep the vertical cylinder for the ears and cables

Pro

  • natural head dampening
  • keeps tech secure

Con

  • heavy
  • kinda hard to do
  • needs soft outer shell

Version 2

Light, styrofoam with some harder shell

Pro

  • light
  • easy to do
  • easy to cut holes and all

Con

  • doesnt dampen sound as much
  • may get damaged

Version 3

Wood, carved from 2 pieces

Pro

  • looks nice
  • I like woodwork
  • dampens okay
  • good intermediate weight

Con

  • hard to do
  • needs soft outer shell

Recording

I dont really want to use an expensive recording device and use it with external mics only. It should do:

  • stereo mic input, best analog
  • lossless codec
  • high samplerate and bitrate, customizable
  • maybe some light adaption like volume regulation
  • no distortion
  • under 50€?

Idea 1: Phone

Using this Audio recorder from F-Droid sounds good.

Problem: no stereo audio input as far as I know. Two phones are kind of annoying, even though totally possible.

I would either need some intense modding to:

  • turn around the AUX port and have stereo input (likely impossible)
  • hack the phone to have two seperate inputs, dongle and AUX input
  • make the recording app work with that

When using a dongle, what AUX-USBC dongle supports stereo input?? And unsure if that works with my Pixel 4a.


To be continued...

Meanwhile, here is a nice collection of binaural / surround / hifi music.

21
 
 

Probably not the most secure thing in the world, I am not a knot master, but the rope is really thick and the speakers are very light. The placement they are in now really fills the room much better than before, they were lower on a short little table.

22
 
 

Hi there,

First of all, a little backstory. Three to four years ago I got into Hi-Fi audio because of Reddit advice from people. I bought the HD6XX with the JDS Labs Atom stack. And I am still in love with them to this day. I have been working in the summer holiday as a software developer at the company I did my internship at, which left me with some spare money. My mother’s birthday was coming up so I wanted to surprise her with a speaker setup for the living room. Did quite some research in the past couple of weeks, and discussed the idea with her on her birthday. I showed her some different speakers and asked her what her preferences were. She liked the Q350, LS50 Metas and the Klipsch RP 6000F purely based on design.

Forward to today, I saw a great second hand deal pop up, which allowed me to get a pair of metas, in near brand new condition, for €850. So after checking the history of the seller, I bought them.

I want to pair them with a nice amplifier/receiver that doesn’t color the sound too much (or at all). I’ve done some research and found some options that might be suitable. Based on what others use and specifications. (Min. of 2.1 channels, for a subwoofer in the future, min. 50W output per channel, etc.)

  • Yamaha A-S501
  • Yamaha A-S301
  • Fosi Audio V3

But I was wondering if people here could help me make a decision, or suggest some other suitable Amps/Receivers that I haven’t listed, preferably under €500.

23
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submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
 
 

Hello guys!
Edit: (I know there is a big mess behind!)
I wanted for quite some time to start, but didn't have the money or the space until 2 years ago.
Two years ago, I found a turntable at work and a month later the sony dvd/cd player. A friend helped me with the setup and also gave me the yamaha HTR-6250 and the Panasonic speakers.

I had no budget and everything came to me almost free, except the remote controllers which I had to buy,

My final setup has: HTR-6250, Sony dvd/cd player, Technics SL-D303 and Panasonic speakers

I would like to see your recommendations on improving the setup, of course I would like to change the speakers with budget of 100$, and probably the dvd/cd player.

24
 
 

Ive been searching for one, but someone, I am entirely unable to find one. I dont understrand WHY its so difficult, i feel like its super straightforward ?

I have a set of 5.1 speakers. logitech z506. It has an in for 3.5 audio, the green / orange / black trio.

My computer and and TV are near each other, so i want to be able to use the speakers for either of them. Not at the same time, but be able to switch from TV input to PC input, without having to plug/unplug cables.

My computer does have the 3 3.5mm cable output, as well as a optical audio output. I believe my TV only has RCA out for stereo, but it does also have an optical audio output port.

So, Im looking for something that has 2 input, either 2 optical or 1 optical + 3x3.5mm(green/orange/black) to 1 output, the green/orange/black 3.5mm

But i absolutely cannot find anything. Closest ive seen are AV reveiver, which is just massively overkill and too expensive to just use it as an audio switch

Anyone know how i can find those ? It cant possibly not exist right?

If you have any solution or products i could buy that be great. ( Especially if its available in Canada )

25
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submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
 
 

Hey fellow Lemmyranians, thought I'd share my favorite of each kinda headphone I got. Forgive me when I don't share links. I'm just telling what I paid in EUR to give you a idea whether you should wait for a sale , and leave the where to buy research to you. :)

Over Ear Monitor:

39€ - Superlux HD 660 Pro - Closed - This is a obvious Beyer clone, but it gives me all of the neutrality and comfy I seek. It only(?) sells in Germany at Thomann, which leaves a alternative I highly regard as well:

40€ - Samson SR850 - Open - The same as above, except these are open and let you hear some of the environment. I lean towards open because i prefer to hear what i say but closed is fine too because i would just flick microphone monitoring on.

Over Ear Headset:

50€ - HyperX Cloud Alpha - These are super sturdy for the price and feel premium. A bit bassy, but surprisingly neutral enough you otherwise won't experience with gaming headsets. Mic quality depends on your soundcard, which in my case is fine. 4-pin for Phone/Laptop/Controller and a 3/2-pin splitter for Tower PCs. I swapped the pleather cups for velours, keep that in mind if you hate pleather as well.

In Ear TWS:

21€ - Soundcore Life P2 mini - What I expected to be just a toy, they're damn good for the price and the mic is useable too.

In Ear ANC TWS:

66€ - Soundcore Liberty 4 NC - Incredible sound, incredible noise cancelling, just great for TWS margins. Not really surprising since it cost 3 times more than the above.

In Ear wired:

15€ - Earpods - Old but gold, this is argueable the sanest Apple product there is. Incredible mic quality compared to TWS but the sound is just fine for 15€. Sometimes I plug these into my USB mic to cosplay as Moistcritical.

And that's it. I've been window shopping for a Bluetooth Over Ear with ANC and all, like the Edifier WH950NB. But I found 150€ a little steep which I actually want to spend into Beyerdynamic first. Anyway, feel free to share your favorites and have a nice day.

Addendum 8.8.23:

IEM:

26€ - Kiwi Ears Dolce - I didn't think i would go for another in ear wired or IEM as a whole and I'm glad i did. Great, not overwhelming bass, overall dynamic mids and highs. Fun little buds for when I need compact and 0 latency. I might go for a IEM to TWS adapter such as the KZ AZ15 eventually.

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