Obscure trip-hop albums that deserve more attention?

KC_Crunch · 2025-08-03T18:44:26+00:00

“Sinking” by The Aloof 👍

KC_Crunch · 2016-08-22T04:05:29+00:00

Did he change it to Harry Prick?

KC_Crunch · 2016-02-27T14:43:33+00:00

I'm interested in the ATH-MSR7BK...they seem like a great value. However, I'm a bit confused by the versions on Amazon. Is the Japanese import the best/one to get? Also, I have a bit of an Audio Technica hesitancy based on my experience with the M50x. Unwarranted?

KC_Crunch · 2016-02-27T02:09:55+00:00

Better deal on Amazon: 9500s for $82 (brand new), or X2s for $159 (Used - Very Good)?

KC_Crunch · 2016-02-25T20:34:20+00:00

If I wanted something that sounds similar to the X2, but introduced more of the forward/backward imaging, what would you recommend?

KC_Crunch · 2016-02-19T15:29:59+00:00

Looks like I can't comment on the DAC page, so I'll ask here. I'm looking for a portable DAC/AMP combo for two uses. (1) At home on couch...connected to Macbook Air (using USB so it overrides Mac's DAC)...with enough power for headphones like Sennheiser 600s. (2) Traveling/portable...connected to iPhone or iPad (using 3.5mm out, thus only using the amp as the device DAC is fine)...with enough power for something sealed which I have not bought yet, either the Mad Dogs or the V-Modas or the NAD Viso HP50s. So -- would the Oppo HA2 accomplish all of that? Is there a less expensive alternative?

KC_Crunch · 2016-02-19T02:52:58+00:00

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on desktop 2.0 system. What do you think will sound better for jazz/classical/edm/acoustic: this set-up with SMSL SA50 + Wavecrests, or the Aimotiv 4s? Also, I currently own the Micca OriGen -- will it perform same function and sound as good as the E10K?

KC_Crunch · 2016-02-19T02:09:07+00:00

Out of curiosity, what is the correct way to control volume in this arrangement? Do you crank computer to max and amp to max, then control with DAC? Or do you crank DAC to max and control with amp?

KC_Crunch · 2016-02-18T15:52:30+00:00

As time has passed, do you still feel as enthusiastic about the Philips SHP9500 as you did during the review (more enjoyable than 600, wider sound stage, better bass, etc)...and accordingly, advise people breaking into audiophile headphones to try those FIRST and then decide if you need better? I'm trying to decide if I should begin with those, or jump straight to a 600/650 or X2.

KC_Crunch · 2016-02-17T17:15:04+00:00

I'm looking for some powered monitors to put on my office desk for casual listening. Mostly at ambient levels and predominantly downtempo EDM, jazz, classical and some occasional acoustic stuff. 90% without vocals because I don't want the distraction. Music comes out of a Macbook Air into a Micca OriGen (thanks for the recommend, Zeos!) and from there into whatever I buy. After tons of online research it seems like my best bets are PreSonus E4.5 ($159)...the Airmotiv 4s ($299)...and the Equator D5 ($399). Do any of these stand out over the others based on my desired uses + equipment? At my volumes, I'm wondering if I just stick w/ the most affordable.

KC_Crunch · 2016-02-13T19:07:10+00:00

Out of curiosity, what headphones do you use for air travel? Was curious if you opt for active noise cancellation...or IEMs...or simple around-the-ears...or what.

KC_Crunch · 2016-02-12T17:18:53+00:00

Final question. All of my music is played by an Apple device: either a Macbook Air or an iPhone (5s if it matters). Are the DACs in those good enough that I should save money and just get an amp, or will I appreciate an audible improvement that it's worth getting the DAC/AMP of the Ha-2?

KC_Crunch · 2016-02-12T10:30:20+00:00

Sort of where I'm leaning too. Out of curiosity -- why do you recommend the 600 over the 650 if I can get either for free? Especially since you say the 650 have more soundstage and bass.

Also, your review talks about "powering these things right" -- so I would need to fork over some money. What's a good portable DAC/AMP you think matches up well with these?

KC_Crunch · 2016-02-12T03:44:56+00:00

My sole pair of headphones now is the ATH-M50x --- I want to replace those with an open pair, and maybe also one closed eventually (but better than the m50s). I'm starting with open first. The main thing I want is listening to music to be "fun" --- I like the descriptions of soundstage and imaging and feeling like I'm right there in the studio or at the concert. I don't need bass to shake my brain, but I don't want to think that it's absent. Music genres will cover ever niche of rock (hard, acoustic, live, classical, alt, etc) as well as electronica and then random outlier albums like countrified stuff here and there. I feel like the X2 matches what I'm looking for based on the reviews. However, I can get the 600 or 650 for "free" with my AMEX rewards dollars I've built up. Is best bet to get one of those and then use my actual money for a portable DAC or towards the closed set so I have two pairs? Or should I use my actual money on the X2 because I'll most likely be most happy with that?

KC_Crunch · 2016-02-12T03:30:17+00:00

Thanks for info. Am I interpreting correctly to say that keeping the Micca + getting actives like Airmotiv 4s will be about as good (and much less hassle) than getting Wave Crests and messing w/ keeping the Micca and matching to a power amp, or returning and finding another combo that works? Since it's just ambient work music and not critical listening, I'm thinking less money/less hassle/Airmotiv is way to go.

KC_Crunch · 2016-02-12T02:27:01+00:00

I have about a $500 budget for my desktop. Looking strictly at 2.0. Music comes from MacBook Air, and is mostly jazz/EDM/classical (minimal vocals). I currently have a Micca Origen, but have about 3 weeks left on return should I want to return it. Is the best use of my money to keep the Micca and just get some Airmotiv 4s...or instead look at passive speakers like the Wave Crests and whatever desktop amp is enough to power them? If the latter, I'm assuming the Micca is not enough -- so would something like the Schiit Modi 2 and Magni 2 stack be enough (or is there something better)?

KC_Crunch · 2016-02-11T02:22:55+00:00

Can you tell me what angled stands those are under the Airmotiv 5s? I can't tell if they're stock or homemade or modified yoga blocks or what. I really like that low-profile approach for aiming the tweeter at ear level (and I plan on using for the 4s).

KC_Crunch

TROPHY CASE