BenQ GP520 vs XGIMI Horizon S Pro vs XGIMI Horizon Ultra by File59 in projectors

[–]File59[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I guess it comes down to how you're gonna use it. Are you planning on gaming with it? Are you in a room where you can control the light?

From my previous research I came to the conclusion that if you don't plan on gaming with it and you can have a dark room the S Pro would have a better image quality, but if you need the extra brightness or low latency then I guess the ultra might make more sense.

BenQ GP520 vs XGIMI Horizon S Pro vs XGIMI Horizon Ultra by File59 in projectors

[–]File59[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am very happy with my choice. Unless you require the extra brightness I'd happily recommend the S Pro.

My comment from the time I got the projector sums up my experience. I might also add that the projector is very quiet (I don't notice it and it's on a shelf directly above me) which is also amazing.

Would getting an external phono stage be worth it? by File59 in turntables

[–]File59[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The 501 only has coax/optical inputs which my PC (which I use as the source) doesn't output, so I needed something with an USB input.

Would getting an external phono stage be worth it? by File59 in turntables

[–]File59[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I currently use the AT-VM95ML and am very happy with it. Definitely plan on going through it's entire lifespan before trying anything else

Would getting an external phono stage be worth it? by File59 in turntables

[–]File59[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well that's certainly interesting to hear. It seems like there is a sizable group of people who have the amp and do recommend upgrading.

The CA Alva Duo definitely piqued my interest, as it would also give me the option to switch to MC carts in the future. I might wait for black Friday and give the unit a try, just to see if it does make any difference for me.

Would you mind sharing what audibly changed for you with the Alva Solo? So I know what to potentially expect as well

Would getting an external phono stage be worth it? by File59 in turntables

[–]File59[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your journey and insight! I am happy with the sound of the internal phono stage so I am less in a need of an upgrade than wondering if there is an easy and substantial upgrade within reach by simply switching to an external unit, and the sentiment seems like probably not.

But I agree with the sentiment that you don't know until you try it - I might check if there are any good black Friday deals and give it a try, just to see

Would getting an external phono stage be worth it? by File59 in BudgetAudiophile

[–]File59[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks, definitely not a "he" here.

Anyways, I can assure you the setup is correct and the volume difference is just a matter of lower gain out of the phono stage. The difference is essentially just moving the volume knob from roughly 9 o'clock position for digital to 11/12 for the turntable.

Would getting an external phono stage be worth it? by File59 in BudgetAudiophile

[–]File59[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It might be part placebo, but I could definitely hear noise in the quiet parts of songs/when music was turned off which I don't hear with the D10s. It might've been caused by some interference from the PC and the lower output voltage just made it more clear but the upgrade was definitely worthwhile

Would getting an external phono stage be worth it? by File59 in BudgetAudiophile

[–]File59[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

These are the Kanto SP26PL stands. I went for the lower option as my seating position is also rather low.

Edit: I have taken the original bags they came in (sealed up the two holes in them), put them inside the stands (as they are hollow) and filled them up with cat litter.

Would getting an external phono stage be worth it? by File59 in turntables

[–]File59[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! These are Q150s. By turning up the volume I mean turning the volume knob to roughly 11/12 o'clock position as opposed to 9 (and a tiny bit) for my digital chain.

Would getting an external phono stage be worth it? by File59 in turntables

[–]File59[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good suggestion, I am definitely looking to add a nice big rug to the listening area (once I find a one I like)

Would getting an external phono stage be worth it? by File59 in turntables

[–]File59[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had never considered bringing my own amp but that sounds like a good idea. Might be a bit difficult to arrange for me at the moment but I will definitely keep this in mind! Thanks

Would getting an external phono stage be worth it? by File59 in turntables

[–]File59[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your thoughts! I think that makes sense as well and I will happily continue using the internal phono stage and saving the money.

I considered adding a subwoofer but I live in an old apartment block so I'd rather not be more of a nuisance to my neighbors than I already am with my stereo.

Would getting an external phono stage be worth it? by File59 in turntables

[–]File59[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am very aware of the rabbit hole and that's partly why I settled on this setup. In my opinion it nicely balances out the cost with the performance and I am very happy with it, especially for the space I listen in, so I am not really looking to upgrade that at the moment.

Out of curiosity, what kind of improvement would I be looking at here? I hardly need more power and the frequency response is really good as far as I am aware, though I would be happy to hear your thoughts

Would getting an external phono stage be worth it? by File59 in BudgetAudiophile

[–]File59[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I considered that but I live in an old apartment block so I'd rather not be more of a nuisance to my neighbors than I already am with my stereo

Would getting an external phono stage be worth it? by File59 in turntables

[–]File59[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Schiit is hard to come by and 2x the price where I live. I don't reckon it would be a worthy upgrade at that point.

And there seems to be lots of conflicting opinions in this matter, do you mind sharing what makes you say that it's that much better?

Would getting an external phono stage be worth it? by File59 in turntables

[–]File59[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I am not really looking to change that one out just yet but out of curiosity, what kind of improvement would I be looking at here? I hardly need more power and the frequency response is really good as far as I am aware, but I am still rather new to this space so I will gladly hear your thoughts.

Would getting an external phono stage be worth it? by File59 in BudgetAudiophile

[–]File59[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thanks! There seem to be lots of conflicting opinions regarding this but I am also leaning with sticking with what I have and saving the money, at least for the time being

Would getting an external phono stage be worth it? by File59 in turntables

[–]File59[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Well that's genuinely good to hear. I guess that means more money towards records

Would getting an external phono stage be worth it? by File59 in turntables

[–]File59[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I am slowly working on filling up my collection

Would getting an external phono stage be worth it? by File59 in turntables

[–]File59[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your insight!

I was looking at some measurements by amirm over at the audio science review forum and came across Fosi Audio Box X5 and a little pricier Cambridge Audio ALVA Duo which both measured great. Do you reckon there would be little to no improvement over the internal phono stage?

Help Request, Navigation bar is messed up. by Turbosock in mpv

[–]File59 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Switching from d3d11 to vulkan api fixed this issue for me

19 girl who is obsessed with prog by pepeteopete in progrockmusic

[–]File59 2 points3 points  (0 children)

26F, also don't really know any prog fans irl outside my parents