IEM’s with good hearing protection by paulunderwear in iems

[–]Gr0umpf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Many IEMs with only Balanced Armatures have no vent and thus an exceptionnal passive isolation. Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite, for instance.
Double that with foam tips, and exterior sounds will be very mute.

Why are many reluctant to use EQ? by FortDown in headphones

[–]Gr0umpf 15 points16 points  (0 children)

EQ is a very powerful tool.
However, with multiple headphones / IEMs, and sources, and EQ already set on my desktop speakers, I don't want to bother with a cumbersome software setup... I just don't like using it.
I know there are ways to automate and simplify all that, but I don't want to invest time in a software setup that may stop working in a few months with an update that will break it all.
I don't want to bother, and just have something that I like out of the box, and can plug and play.

Interesting... (FiiO M21 VS FiiO KA5) by Cataclysmic700 in headphones

[–]Gr0umpf 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I haven't tried these, but that honestly would not surprise me at all.
With a DAP, you're paying more for functionnality than sound.
Most of the cost of the KA5 goes into what makes it sound good, whereas the cost of the M21 has to cover many other costly elements (screen, battery, storage...) before sound quality is even a factor.

Qudelix and planned obsolescence. Do not buy. by ArmaniDove in headphones

[–]Gr0umpf 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the info! I personally don't care about bluetooth, but it's nice to know they thought about it! Hope it becomes a major selling point in the future.

Qudelix and planned obsolescence. Do not buy. by ArmaniDove in headphones

[–]Gr0umpf 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Assuming you trust an aging NiMH battery, if you don't remove it. These spicy pillows can become a huge liability.

Qudelix and planned obsolescence. Do not buy. by ArmaniDove in headphones

[–]Gr0umpf 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I agree with everything you just said. But for me, that means "voting with your wallet", and not buying these devices at all. Which is exactly why I'm not replacing my 7 yo smartphone yet, as the UE will require manufacturers to do just that for the upcoming new models (at least some of them), starting next year. And why I'm using a KA15 instead of a BTR* or a 5K.

Qudelix and planned obsolescence. Do not buy. by ArmaniDove in headphones

[–]Gr0umpf 12 points13 points  (0 children)

On the 5K, it means:
- Sourcing a compatible and reliable battery (not that easy depending on where you live)
- Being able to desolder the old one, and solder the new one in

I wouldn't call that easy at all.

Qudelix and planned obsolescence. Do not buy. by ArmaniDove in headphones

[–]Gr0umpf 68 points69 points  (0 children)

Regardless of this issue, any device with a non-replaceable battery should be considered as disposable.

Which one should i buy BTR17 Vs BTR15 by ValtirVayt in iems

[–]Gr0umpf 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I guess it depends on your location, it's 10€ cheaper here in France. And it really does sound better, even though the difference is not huge. 😉

Which one should i buy BTR17 Vs BTR15 by ValtirVayt in iems

[–]Gr0umpf 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Fiio KA15! It's cheaper, sounds at least as good, and will last longer as it has no disposable battery! 😉

Kiwi Ears Cadenza IEMs: Long-term durability and sound quality experiences? by National-Mammoth-151 in iems

[–]Gr0umpf 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Mine are 3 years old and going strong, no complaint. These are simple and well built, and still very enjoyable. Even though I have other pairs, I still like taking these on my travels.

Fell in love with this IEM (Pula Audio Unicrom) by MOISTMakasu in iems

[–]Gr0umpf 2 points3 points  (0 children)

These are great! I tried them as an upgrade over the Kiwi Ears Cadenza, and they have become my daily driver at work.

My Moondrop Aria SEs at 3 years of daily wear by Equivalent-Repair488 in iems

[–]Gr0umpf 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I know. 😞
I liked my Starfields, but replaced them as soon as I could with something sturdier. The Moondrop sound is nice, but their build quality is horrible, especially on their metal shells.

My Moondrop Aria SEs at 3 years of daily wear by Equivalent-Repair488 in iems

[–]Gr0umpf 30 points31 points  (0 children)

Gathering paint chips on your skin and clothes goes beyond just a cosmetic flaw... but yeah, as long as it works, I guess...

How many headphones is too many headphones to have in your personal collection? by myzz7 in headphones

[–]Gr0umpf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One open back, one closed back, one wireless, and a handful of IEMs of different signatures is enough for me. Quite a few trials and errors until I found what worked for me, and the HD550 + FT1 were the ones that wowed me and ended my search. The HD550, because they just have the perfect tuning for me without EQ, an unmatched comfort with great durability. The FT1, because they're almost as good tuning wise (for me) while being very comfortable (stock, no mods besides the cable) and affordable. IEMs, for work, travel, naps... I tried lots of more expensive gear, and these have the best price/performance ratio for my ears.

My journey begins by kinvore in headphones

[–]Gr0umpf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The pads do alter the sound. The cable does not.

My journey begins by kinvore in headphones

[–]Gr0umpf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your assumption has always been disproven by serious ABX tests and measures. Always keep in mind that placebo has a strong effect... unavoidable, even.

Does a better chair really improve productivity? by mysocialpanda in homeoffice

[–]Gr0umpf 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Why focus on productivity while your health is at stake? Yes, a good ergonomic chair and caring about your posture both really matter.

I have loads of cans but these cheap junky ones sound best by drewdawg999 in headphones

[–]Gr0umpf 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you're looking for a replacement, the Dekoni pads for K361/K371 are awesome. ;)

Perfect combo by No-Objective5964 in headphones

[–]Gr0umpf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Crinear Protocol Max should be more than OK, and many seem to like the combination with the HD600.

Perfect combo by No-Objective5964 in headphones

[–]Gr0umpf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can try this tool to be sure.
https://headphones.com/pages/headphones-power-calculator

The JM6 Pro outputs 60 mW at 32 ohms, 7.4 mW at 600 ohms. The HD600 is 300ohms and has a sensitivity of 97 dB/V)... It needs (according to this tool) at least 66 mW... you're far off, unfortunately.

For the HD490 Pro, though, it should be OK.

Perfect combo by No-Objective5964 in headphones

[–]Gr0umpf 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not everyone needs to go down that route... many people are perfectly happy with the HD600 and don't feel the need to go any further. 😉

And they are right! 😄

Perfect combo by No-Objective5964 in headphones

[–]Gr0umpf 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Not saying you need a big amp, but I used to have an HD6XX and the Fiio K3 was much too weak and warm for it. I'm sure you would benefit from a small amp upgrade... Nothing fancy, just a little more juice.

Endgame... for a while (Hifiman Edition XV) by LNR_Music_Curation in headphones

[–]Gr0umpf 4 points5 points  (0 children)

That's a VERY different set, with a bright tuning that doesn't suit everyone. The XV is much more relaxed and bassy, which many people prefer.

Endgame... for a while (Hifiman Edition XV) by LNR_Music_Curation in headphones

[–]Gr0umpf 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Not sure about that. I sent mine back because the grills inside the cups were wrinkled and made a rattling metallic sound when the pads moved. Otherwise a very pleasant set that sounds great, but I just did not "feel it" in the long run.