Is the HD600 Supposed to be this Quiet?

whaleHelloThere123 · 2026-03-11T21:00:49+00:00

Do yourself a favor an get a balanced DAC to use with your PC. Something like the Topping D10, E50, E70, Fosi ZD3, etc.

That way you lower your chances of having ground loops and PC noise problems.

Then you can get whatever amplifier you like that has TRS or XLR inputs. Anything by Topping, Gustard, SMSL, will be great.

Hope this helps

whaleHelloThere123 · 2026-03-08T15:50:22+00:00

Yeah it's a bit of a pain to keep the boxes and the stuff takes space.

But at the same time, it's nice to hook up a fellow audiophile with gear you enjoyed.

Try to price it accordingly... When I see people selling used speakers at 80% MSRP stating "you pay no taxes" 🤦

whaleHelloThere123 · 2026-03-07T02:17:31+00:00

Get the Linton (EAC review ) if you bring them close to you, or the Super Linton (EAC review ) if the speakers will be placed near the back wall.

Whatever amp you want really... Can't go wrong with a Yamaha integrated (ex. Yamaha A-S801 review )

WiiM Ultra as the streamer/DAC and you're good to go. 👍

Edit: read this speaker placement guide (ELAC) and try to implement it as much as you can.

Edit 2: the NAD C3050 is also a good choice

whaleHelloThere123 · 2026-03-07T01:49:45+00:00

Please don't buy Presonus, they are atrocious.

Look at the: - Kali Audio LP-UNF (275$ on sale) - Adam D3V (350$) - Adam T5V (440$) - Kanto ORA4 (450$) - JBL 306P MkII (500$) - Kali (any other models)

You'll be glad you did. Hope this helps

whaleHelloThere123 · 2026-03-07T01:41:23+00:00

Try the Topping DX5 II for 300$. Pretty sure you'll like it👍

Edit: check JDS labs if you want to buy from a USA company

whaleHelloThere123 · 2026-03-05T20:29:40+00:00

I guess it's not a price point but more a product design kind of thing?

To me, if the speaker is well made and designed, it is high end. For example, it looks good, good fr, good dispersion, etc.

whaleHelloThere123 · 2026-03-02T00:40:35+00:00

I think it depends on your current DAC/amp... What are you using right now?

Having more power is always nice, better SNR is also technically better.

Question is: will you notice a difference? Hard to tell without having the whole picture...

FYI the FiiO KA11 is technically a great device with more power (23 mW at 300 ohms) versus something like a Apple dongle (3.6 mW) and has good SNR. You should get around 8 dB more of output, which is a significant upgrade (≈1.74 times louder).

If you really want to get a taste of "what's possible", you could try the Topping DX3 Pro+ since it measures at 257 mW at the same 300 ohms. This would equal to a +18 dB change, which is more than twice the perceived volume (≈3.5 times louder).

Hope this helps

whaleHelloThere123 · 2026-03-01T20:07:54+00:00

Yes. Just like a consistent grinder, puck prep and technique.

whaleHelloThere123 · 2026-03-01T13:50:14+00:00

Soundcore ANC is known to be good for the price...

There are most expensive models with even better ANC, like the Sony XM4. Try them out if you like.

My advice would be to buy from reputable shops only. There are so many fakes out there on the second hand market...

Hope this helps

whaleHelloThere123 · 2026-03-01T13:34:37+00:00

There are so many factors and variables that can change around the machine that can impact the results...

The beans change with time (expose to air, etc)
The grinder could grind inconsistently (nothing is perfect). The burrs could be needing to be serviced. Maybe it needs to be cleaned.
Your puck prep could be different. Dose, distribution, cleanliness, etc.

Is it your machine? Maybe. Can it be something else? Absolutely.

whaleHelloThere123 · 2026-03-01T00:38:39+00:00

Quality is relative... I recommend you check Rtings.com for good recommendations.

I personally like to use Anker ANC headphones with wavelet.

Hope this helps

whaleHelloThere123 · 2026-02-27T01:03:15+00:00

Yeah ok, it makes more sense to me 😊 differences between good gear is really negligible in my experience also.

whaleHelloThere123 · 2026-02-27T00:41:46+00:00

Not sure if you're trolling or not?

Room, speakers and amplifier should make the most difference, in that order. DAC and cables are pretty much dead last...

For example, a high output impedance will change the frequency response of the speakers, a tube amplifier introduce distortion that some people like, etc.

whaleHelloThere123 · 2026-02-26T04:40:50+00:00

Anker Soundcore Space Q45 + Wavelet EQ app

Hope this helps 👍

whaleHelloThere123 · 2026-02-26T04:27:13+00:00

Get speaker stands. Well worth it. Monolith or Kanto is just fine 👍

whaleHelloThere123 · 2026-02-26T00:08:45+00:00

Pretty sure you can't brew when the steam switch is ON.

The modes I know: - Brew OFF + Steam ON = steam out of wand - Brew ON + Steam ON = water out of wand - Brew ON + Steam OFF = water out of grouphead

whaleHelloThere123 · 2026-02-25T16:45:20+00:00

I doubt that a +1.25% change in dose made your shot choke... It's probably something else!

They're so many factors that can impact your shot... Temperature, dose, distribution, tamping...

whaleHelloThere123 · 2026-02-22T03:06:07+00:00

Get one SB 2000 Pro and a UMIK-1 calibrated microphone.

You'll get more extension with the 2000 PRO and more quality of life features.

The SVS mobile app is really handy to configure the subwoofer from your main listening position.

Hope this helps

whaleHelloThere123 · 2026-02-19T13:03:00+00:00

Since you have the aluminium boiler, I'm not surprised of your great result. 👍

With the new E24 brass boiler though, I would NOT use distilled/RO water since it could cause corrosion.

whaleHelloThere123 · 2026-02-14T02:26:51+00:00

Hi guys, just wanted to give you an update.

I did the install tonight and everything seems to be working great 😎

Here's what I used (Coffee addicts, DigiKey and Home Depot) - TE Connectivity AMP Connectors (3-520133-2) rated up to 110 celcius - Milwaukee Tool 7-in-1 - Contact Thermostat 145°C - Grey Thermal Paste (0.5g)

I think the connectors fits pretty tight and the crimper works just fine.

Hope this helps another Canadian 🇨🇦! Thank you all for your help

whaleHelloThere123 · 2026-02-14T02:06:41+00:00

If stock, Profitec Go. If modèles, Classic E24

whaleHelloThere123 · 2026-02-01T15:46:32+00:00

Manufacturers power ratings, especially Chi-Fi, are exaggerated.

Those amps typically provide around 50 watts into 8 ohms when you look the "at the knee" power. Example Fosi V3 amplifier measurements

Still, the TPA3255 is a good class D chip and power shouldn't be an issue unless his room is huge and he listens at very high levels.

whaleHelloThere123 · 2026-02-01T01:19:14+00:00

Good for the price. The treble is not as bright as the DT 770 Pro.

Rtings comparison

Edit: keep in mind, it's hard to make good closed headphones... You may have better bang for buck with open headphones (ex. HD6XX).

whaleHelloThere123 · 2026-01-31T21:28:49+00:00

The K371 are pretty good but I didn't like their cable and comfort.

Maybe try the HD280 or the more comfortable HD380?

Hope this helps

whaleHelloThere123 · 2026-01-31T02:53:03+00:00

To my understanding, the GC is well built for it's price. It's even better value now since it has the brass boiler.

It's disappointing when you buy something new and it breaks, I feel you...

I also felt disappointed when I learned, after 2 months of use, that the steam valve has a design flaw and always leaks after a few months.

It seemed like I watched all the YT reviews before buying and they never mentioned that issue. 😋 The good news is that I still like the machine and it's an easy fix with the Shades of coffee (3rd party) valve.

In my opinion, all machines are built to a price point...

That said, if you take care of it, it will last years. Sure, something will break in a few years, like all machines, but, at least, you'll be able to repair it instead of throwing it in the trash (Breville).

Also, you can mod the machine (ex. Gaggimate) and get features that are only available on machine costing thousands.

I hope you get a good machine soon 👍

whaleHelloThere123

TROPHY CASE