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Showing 1 of 18 conversations about:
arik100
30
Feb 6, 2019
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price is just so high for this thing
Feb 6, 2019
TheRequiem
249
Feb 6, 2019
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arik100I know, especially since its portable. You can get Creative's new Super X-Fi for less than this.
Feb 6, 2019
arik100
30
Feb 6, 2019
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TheRequiemwhen you think how much revenue they make from this thing... wowowow
Feb 6, 2019
steveraf9922
8
Feb 6, 2019
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TheRequiemdon't compare apples to oranges..test drive the groove for yourself
Feb 6, 2019
TheRequiem
249
Feb 6, 2019
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steveraf9922At $200, I’ll happily let others test it first.
Feb 6, 2019
VMILL
9
Feb 9, 2019
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TheRequiemIts $200. Not $2000. If that's too much for you I don't know what to tell ya but for a high quality(Apogee) headphone amp/dac you can't beat the price.
Feb 9, 2019
TheRequiem
249
Feb 9, 2019
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VMILLAs I said, I will wait for reviews, I already have 100 portable and external professional amps, I don't really need one. I was simply pointing out for $200, there are many alternatives.
Feb 9, 2019
VMILL
9
Feb 9, 2019
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TheRequiemWell no chit Sherlock. For $200 there may be many alternatives but none are Apogee. I've been around the block enough to know anything Apogee makes is top notch stuff.
Feb 9, 2019
TheRequiem
249
Feb 9, 2019
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VMILLThey do make good stuff and work beyond their price. I would like to just see it priced a bit lower. This massdrop deal isn't bad, but I just picked up Creative Super X-Fi which has an AKM dac and proprietary DSP chip and its sound quality is mindblowing.
Feb 9, 2019
VMILL
9
Feb 10, 2019
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TheRequiemInteresting. Just looked it up. Seems to be a bit colored for my purposes. Im looking for neutral sound for mixing/mastering. Seen some people say it's not as good as the Red Dragon, and a lot of people say the Groove is better than the Dragon..so...seems like a good amp for gaming and movies though.
Feb 10, 2019
TheRequiem
249
Feb 10, 2019
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VMILLI wouldn’t say it really colors it, but it does change the soundscape quite a bit.... not unnaturally like a lot of other dsp’s, but it can be used for movies or gaming lovely or just a decent dac/ amp. I probably wouldn’t use is for mastering. I have a Toping DX4 that is primarily for mobile and I love it.
(Edited)
Feb 10, 2019
VMILL
9
Feb 10, 2019
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TheRequiemThis will be my first amp. I have the Duet which doesn't do much for my headphones. I figure I get this Groove that way I know I'll be set for a while(Apogee doesn't disappoint). I have DT880's, might get DT1990's eventually, Im hoping this Groove will be the only thing I need to drive them.
Feb 10, 2019
TheRequiem
249
Feb 10, 2019
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VMILLYou’re going to need a lot more power for the dt1990 because I own it. I would seriously give the topping dx4 a hard look if you’re looking for a powerful portable amp with an awesome dac. It even support iOS devices and comes with all the cables you need.
Feb 10, 2019
VMILL
9
Feb 10, 2019
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TheRequiemReally.. you have the Dt1990? What do you think about them? I figure they are my best bet for what Im looking for(studio/mixing edm/trap)..I've never tried them on though. You don't think this Groove will be enough? Aren't they made for 250ohms stuff?
Feb 10, 2019
TheRequiem
249
Feb 10, 2019
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VMILLGroove will definitely not be enough, the dt1990 really needs a 2 watt amp to run them well. For portability I recommend the NX4 and to a lesser degree the Fiio q5, but I think topping is better. Monoprice also has a powerful Mobile THX Akm dac/amp that’s ok, but still think the NX4 is better. My thoughts on the dt1990 is that they are excellent headphones for their price. However you have some pretty strong competition near that price. You the LCD2C’s and Focal Elex. The Dt1990’s will play anything you throw at them well, but other headphones in their price range will do some things better. You can’t go wrong with them, you won’t regret your purchase. Try to get them for $500 though and if you can get another $100 or so up there’s the Hifiman HE5 series and LCD2 series, which are planars and honestly feel those will be a little better for the performance and value. Some find the dt1990s to be a bit harsh on some music in upper range and I’d tend to agree with that, you’ll also hear the bad mixing on imperfect tracks, they’re suited for mastering and recording which is why you’ll hear that stuff, but if you want wow or fun at that price get lcd2c or he5 series.
(Edited)
Feb 10, 2019
VMILL
9
Feb 10, 2019
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TheRequiemThat's the thing I hate with the DT880's..the harsh highs. If the 90's have that then that might be a deal breaker..but theres really nothing else I see better for edm stuff and at that price. I might have to get them anyways. I don't know anything about this amp stuff. If the Groove at $300 isn't enough for the 90's then wtf? Just another dilemma for me.
Feb 10, 2019
TheRequiem
249
Feb 10, 2019
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VMILLOh if you like edm, then absolutely no doubt get the LCD2C’s or the Fostex Purple Hearts here in massdrop. The LCD2C’s would be amazing for you and they’re not as hard to drive. They will SLAM and rumble your jaw with edm. Absolutely go with planar, you’ll be blown away.
(Edited)
Feb 10, 2019
VMILL
9
Feb 10, 2019
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TheRequiemDoes are not studio headphones. By edm I mean I make music that has a lot of low end. Im looking for that headphone that I can mix a beat and it will translate well on every other system. As of right now I don't see much other options for neutral sound like DT1990. Now if only I can figure this amp stuff out.
Feb 10, 2019
VMILL
9
Feb 10, 2019
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VMILLJust a day ago I thought I would get a HD6xx and a Groove here and for $400 I would have a great set up for a great deal. Now after doing more research the HD6xx aren't exactly studio headphones and the Groove isn't powerful enough for DT1990's so now im probably looking at $1000 for what I want. Damn it lol.
Feb 10, 2019
VMILL
9
Feb 10, 2019
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VMILLLol I spelled those "does". Yea Im lit.
Feb 10, 2019
TheRequiem
249
Feb 10, 2019
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VMILLYou have a solid option besides the dt1999 and that’s the he-560 from hifiman. They are a very good neutral headphone that have been in studios for awhile now. They won’t match the build quality of the dt1990, but they’ll outperform them for what you’re trying to fairly easily. If you could possibly make it to the $1k mark, which is a magical number for a far better and more accurate sound stage, I would recommend the Ananada or the LCD-X
Feb 10, 2019
TheRequiem
249
Feb 10, 2019
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VMILLAlso I say the hifiman he560’s because their bass will outclass pretty much any dynamic beadphone bass in volume and accuracy so if you’re doing edm, these would be perfect for you and you can find them for under $500 easy.
(Edited)
Feb 10, 2019
VMILL
9
Feb 10, 2019
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TheRequiemThose things are ugly man. If Im going to spend 1k on headphones I would just say screw it and get the Focal Clears. What Im looking for (studio reference) I need them to be open back and comfortable(may be most important) so I really don't see anything better than 90's for the price(I can get them for $500). I guess what I have to do now if find out what kind of amp to buy, since you say this Groove is not adequate enough. Any neutral amps on this site you know of? I see a bunch so I don't know where to begin.
Feb 10, 2019
VMILL
9
Feb 10, 2019
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TheRequiemHifimans dont seem to be studio reference headphone either.
Feb 10, 2019
TheRequiem
249
Feb 10, 2019
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VMILLThe topping NX4 is probably the best portable amp/dac IMO and massdrop has them on here regularly for like $140, they have a built in battery so they should be sufficient with most headphones. I know the HE-560’s aren’t the prettiest headphones, but they will be far more accurate in extension than the dt1990’s, I know that for sure, I’ve heard them both. However, with that being said you will not go wrong with the dt1990’s they’ll be great headphones. It’s just most edm people I know use planars, because planar bass is simply unmatched by dynamic headphones, not even the clear can match good planar bass, I own the clears too. Lol
(Edited)
Feb 10, 2019
TheRequiem
249
Feb 10, 2019
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VMILLMost are not, but if you read the reviews on the he560’s those are the exception. They’re very accurate in sound signature.
(Edited)
Feb 10, 2019
TheRequiem
249
Feb 10, 2019
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VMILLbut you’re talking to a guy that’s thinks the LCD-3’s are the best headphones in the world. I even like them over $10,000 electrostats because estats have nonexistent bass, I don’t care how distortion free they are.
Feb 10, 2019
VMILL
9
Feb 10, 2019
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TheRequiemI don't even know what most these hp's are. I googled dx4 not a lot of info on them(or where to buy). If he560s are what you say they are I will take a look. They seem to break easily according to Amazon reviews.
Feb 10, 2019
VMILL
9
Feb 10, 2019
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TheRequiemWhat are planars?
Feb 10, 2019
TheRequiem
249
Feb 10, 2019
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VMILLI mean, look, I have three hifiman headphones. They’re not the most durable headphones, not like beyerdynamics, but as long as you’re not throwing them around dropping them constantly or sitting on them, they’ll last years. They aren’t that breakable in my opinion and they do have warranties.
Feb 10, 2019
TheRequiem
249
Feb 10, 2019
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VMILLPlanar magnetic are not a typical stereo driver like regular headphones, they are thin pieces of nano metal surrounded by magnets that produce a cleaner, egenerally more accurate sound with deport bass and clearer highs.
Feb 10, 2019
VMILL
9
Feb 10, 2019
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TheRequiemSo im hearing some good things about the HE560(besides the fragile part). Some say they are better for EDM as the panars are apparently superior for low end. I figure the reason they are $300 now is because of the fragile part, which I can live with if the drivers are really good. Thing is they require more amp power than the 90's, so once again Im stuck there.
Feb 10, 2019
TheRequiem
249
Feb 10, 2019
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VMILLI would say for your needs the he560 is 100% the way to go. You could always get both and make sure where you buy it from a place that has a buyers remorse policy l, but honestly they’re not THAT fragile, I mean, the headbands are metal and the housings are aluminum or metal so they aren’t that easy to break in reality. If you can score a pair under $400 that’s the way to go. You will not regret your choice, they will be superior for EDM. I just asked my cousin 20 mins ago what he uses and he has three headphones the he560 and lcd-x and just got a pair of the he6se’s. All planars. However, I disagree, the 1990s require probably realistically double the power of the he560’s trust me I’ve been in this business for 25 years. I attend the canjam events and Ces shows being from Vegas. The he560s will work well with a decent portable amp, the 1990s will definitely struggle. You need at least 1000mw at 32 ohms for the 1990s, you’ll nee about only 300-600 for the he560’s.
Feb 10, 2019
TheRequiem
249
Feb 10, 2019
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VMILLCorrection, my bad I’m thinking of the he5’s, yeah the 560s require about 1000mw at least to drive effectively. So you will need a good portable amp. However the topping nx4 should be sufficient. Even shciit Fula 2 would be good enough.
Feb 10, 2019
VMILL
9
Feb 11, 2019
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TheRequiemBut how do those amps sound? Are you saying the Groove will do then? The reason I always go Apogee is I already know it's going to sound great. And the 90's are 250ohms not 32. The 560 are 45. Idk, I'll have to do more research when it comes to the amp.
(Edited)
Feb 11, 2019
TheRequiem
249
Feb 11, 2019
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VMILLGet the nx4 ad he560 and yous work will change
Feb 11, 2019
VMILL
9
Feb 16, 2019
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TheRequiemHey man so I just received a nx4 and it doesn't work on my MacBook? I plug it into a Windows and it works. You know why?
Feb 16, 2019
TheRequiem
249
Feb 16, 2019
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VMILLAccording to Toppings website it doesn’t need a driver, it says it’s compatible plug and play. It works with my iPhone and Mac just fine. Might be a settings issue with your Mac, not really sure. I just plug mine in through usb, turn it on and channels the audio to the device instead of the speakers. http://en.tpdz.net/wdzn_detail/newsId=56.html
Feb 16, 2019
VMILL
9
Feb 16, 2019
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TheRequiemWtf! Mine is not working? What osx version are you using? I decided to upgrade to Mojave last night. Always hesitant cuz of the many plugins I have. I wonder if it matters(it shouldn't).
Feb 16, 2019
TheRequiem
249
Feb 16, 2019
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VMILLI always update to latest version the day it releases. I would say we should visit the nx4 thread and see if anyone else is having the problem and ask some people there. You’ll get a better repose. Maybe play around with the settings or email topping themselves. They’re usually helpful. I had an issue with my dx3 and they helped me right away.
Feb 16, 2019
VMILL
9
Feb 16, 2019
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TheRequiemWell, if it ain't working it ain't working. I love the size of it but I doubt it would drive the HE560 anyways so I'll probably just go with the JDS Atom since it's the most raved about amp right now and only $100.
Feb 16, 2019
TheRequiem
249
Feb 16, 2019
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VMILLThe atom is a good amp, but I’d say for $99 the schiit fulla 2 is better. That thing powered my Hifimans with ease, it also includes a dac. The topping should be working for you, id email then and find out for sure. They’re support is good.
Feb 16, 2019
VMILL
9
Feb 16, 2019
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TheRequiemOut of all reviews I read online and people I've talked to you're the only person I've come across that thinks any Shiit at all sounds better than the Atom. In fact I've heard the Atom far and away shits on Shiits. You must have an odd sense of hearing lol.
Feb 16, 2019
VMILL
9
Feb 16, 2019
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TheRequiemListening to the nx4 makes me realize how good my headphones sound on the Apogee Duet. Realized how super neutral they are. Nx4 is very bright...add that to the very bright DT880 and the high frequencies are screeching. I think the Atom plugged into my Duet will be fire.
Feb 16, 2019
TheRequiem
249
Feb 16, 2019
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VMILLYeah apogee is right up there with Hugo in terms of quality... they’re in a whole different league. I keep the nx4 at work and mainly use them with IEMs, but I have tried them on high impedance headphones and they will play them. Not as good as a desktop amp, but they’ll still be good.
Feb 16, 2019
VMILL
9
Feb 16, 2019
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TheRequiemI needed to hear something different to realize the quality of sound in the Duet is outworldly. I can't imagine anything sounding more neutral and better. So basically now I know what I need. I need my Duets to be louder..and thats what amps are for right? I need an amp to make my duet go louder without altering the Duets sound. So I guess Im looking for the most neutral sounding amp..and from I hear the Atom is that. Im glad to have finally figured this out. Appreciate your help.
Feb 16, 2019
TheRequiem
249
Feb 16, 2019
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VMILLThe best amp I have right now is the Monolith Alex Cabello Liquid Platinum Amp and the massdrop THX amp is pretty amazing too, for the price. I’ve been pairing those with my Meze Empyrean and my LCD-4z.
Feb 16, 2019
VMILL
9
Feb 16, 2019
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TheRequiemI heard that THX is the best amp around..what they call the "end game" amp. Im not interested in spending $400 for an amp though. Im not an audiophile. For $99 I guess the Atom can't be beat though. What do you think is the best way to hook it up with my Duet? Through the XLR cables or just plug it into the headphone jack?
Feb 16, 2019
VMILL
9
Mar 17, 2019
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TheRequiemDude how are you an audiophile and you liked the Topping Dx4? I returned that junk. Sounded like crap. The high frequencies where unbearable. I also returned the JDS Atom(as good as it is its nothing compared to my Duet). I was looking for amps not knowing the Apogee duet blows them all out the water. It took me too much time and money to realize I don't need anything but my Duet for my monitors AND my headphones.
Mar 17, 2019
TheRequiem
249
Mar 17, 2019
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VMILLI have over $80,000 of headphone gear and Amps, the NX4, for its price, especially with iPhone support is a good portable amp. Most reviews on the internet follow my perspective. Sounding like junk is a matter of perspective. It is obviously not the only portable amp I use... my go to is iFi iDXD, but for the money the nx4 is hard to beat.
Mar 17, 2019
VMILL
9
Mar 17, 2019
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TheRequiemThose that are not use to high quality amps might like the NX4 but its just way too bright and thin canny sounding. The Atom is powerful but also a bit too bright for referencing. The Duet is just a perfect neutral sound. Im sticking to high quality companies from now on.
Mar 17, 2019
TheRequiem
249
Mar 17, 2019
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VMILLI disagree, my measurement and listening experience was that it was fairly neautral. Some iEMS can feel slight distortion and and mane reviews and measurements agree, the noise flow is pretty low for a portable amp and the price is unbeatable. It’s a perfect companion, especially for closer backs and non iEMS. But everyone has different ears, I’ve been doing this 25 years so I know how to pick every nuance of a sound and I just don’t think these are bright. They sound very resolving and neautral to me. If you have the cash and need to the best portable you can buy, look into iFis iDXD
(Edited)
Mar 17, 2019
VMILL
9
Mar 17, 2019
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TheRequiemI think you are use to cheap shit dude. Either that or you can't tell sound. Thats the only possible explanation if you think those are "very resolving and neutral". I mean theres no way a credible person would say that. That makes me laugh. You need to try some quality gear. If you think those are neutral wait till you try some some quality shit like Apogees or UA. Then again, if you think those are neutral you might just not know what neutral is. Thats probably what it is. You're just so use to low quality that your realism of neutral changed. Anyways, you will be in for a threat when you try some good shit.
(Edited)
Mar 17, 2019
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