Audiophile 101: Essential Gear Overview
Image credit @zhugunic https://drop.com/talk/67372/gl-2-k Do I need an amp? What are these acronyms like DAC, DSP, or DSD? What even are all the components that make up an audio chain? Let’s take a beginner’s look at the core, essential building blocks of a digital audio chain, and lay it plain what each piece does. We can cover the major pieces separately, but I’ll still include a few tips to optimize playback here. Please hit the little bookmark button and feel free to check and share this guide whenever you need a reference! For people who need a visual and audible explanation, or are worried it would take too long to get a working knowledge of the audio chain, here is my YouTube video on this subject that is just 7 minutes long! I like writing though, so let’s get started with an overview, then break it down into what each piece does and how an upgrade would benefit the final sound quality. Signal Path Image credit @SpeleoFool https://drop...
Mar 22, 2023
- will not 'break the bank' - preferable under $200...
- I would prefer it to have mic input but it is not a 'must' requirement.
- I would prefer it to be 'external' device. Not a must though. Need controls on the desk though.
- I would prefer it to work 'driverless'. So... hardware-based.
- I would like it to have some kind of hardware equalizer.
- I would like to be able to connect (computer) speakers and headphones the same time
- it does not need to be 5.1/7.1 etc. I prefer good stereo over these systems.
Does anything like this exist? Closest to all checkmarks is Sennheiser GSX1000... i guess... not the newest technology though (unit is pretty old?)... Next one is Schiit Hel (no equalizer though). Looked at Schiit Magni + Modi (no mic, equalizer is another $100) Looked at Soundblaster G6 - it is dependable on drivers/software. Anything else out there? Help? Which one would you chose? Oh... and current headphones: 6XX, maybe I am going to upgrade in future...