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The Zen DAC sounds great with my sennheiser's the detail is incredible with open back headphones. Most of my digital files are 16bit FLAC though I also have subscribed to Tidal and a few other HD sites to test higher audio formats 24bit/DSD etc. I am resisting jumping on the 24bit train as it not cheap, i may buy a few John Barry bond scores as GF and DAF sounded amazing on the samples I listened to on that format.
My Sony wireless headphones when wired offer a good closed back alternative though I wanted a more dedicated closed back pair to listen to the DAC with. I bought the FIIO FT1's which at a reasonable price have got great reviews across the board...
Wise that is the danger with physical media is temperature changes, my game room with all my Neida in hardly ever see's sun light lol, most of my CD's and all my tapes are in storage cases/boxes and keep relatively cool.
Have you thought of any storage solutions for your LKP's?
I must admit I mostly listen to MP3s myself. I have a few soundtrack albums in the FLAC format, but since these files take up much more space, I am happy with just having a selected few releases in the format. If I buy a dedicated DAC and maybe a new pair of headphones at some point, I might reconsider and get a few more releases. Can't remember having listened to 24bit/DSD releases before though. Must check that out!
Really like the lok of those FIIO FT1's – not a bad price point either, by the looks of it! Must say I'm a bit tempted by these myself…
Indeed, the sudden rise in temperature made me worry a bit – and they were stored in carrier bags too, and not storage boxes, so it felt safer to take them downstairs. It's very warm in the flat itself too, but not worryingly so.
I'm still looking for decent storage solutions. I'm in no hurry though and haven't been actively searching lately, but I have an idea of what I need. There's a furniture maker who has a shop with his wife just across the street from my workplace. I've been thinking of drawing some storage solutions and learn what it will cost to make. The biggest issue with storage solutions I've seen online has been either looks, materials, moveability or dimensions. Usually a combination of all four. If I want something that fits "just right", which is also modular or at least easy to move around, I might need to have something custom made.
FT1 just arrived listening to some heavy base tracks using a balanced headphone connection and beating all my other headphones for this particular listening experience, the detail is not as good as my Sennheiser's but its very good for closed back headphones. For the price FTR1 sound premium really impressed. There are a lot of favorable reviews online and YouTube, FIIO have knocked it out of the park with these.
A low base dance track now playing these are brilliant for the price, had to turn my volume down very low on my DAC these don't take much to power on the Balance port, will see what they sound like Unbalance connection..
On my PC and Sony Walkman I have a lot of MP3 files as well as 16bit (CD quality) and higher, you do notice the difference with audio quality in most cases Admittedly some of my MP3 sound average and some MP3 sound very good often depends on the recording itself originally.
Michael Jackson, Queen or YES for example sound incredible compared to most other artists I have compared so far due to the production being first class.
I think modular is the way to go with furniture, as you have started from scratch to re do your place makes sense to spend time selecting something that will be perfect and match up the best with what you already have in place.
Edited: Listening to Hey bulldog by the Beatles (going to have to listen to that again lol), many reviews have commented on a base rumble its very evident with this track, the rumble is almost hypnotic these are really good, at times it feels like I am in the studio listening to the recording as it happens.
Best way I can describe the FTR1 whilst listening to Tales from Topographic Oceans by YES is you get extra base that does not dominate or muddy at all and get great detail and warmth at the same time especially on vocals these headphones are near perfection, insanely good for the price.
Interesting! Looks like they deliver great sound for the price. The headphones I've looked at have been in the same price range and a bit higher, but what I really need from a new pair of headphones is to get something I don't already have sound quality wise. If I need to go for more expensive ones to get that, I don't know. I also don't want to spend crazy amounts of money on small upgrades. There's also what kind of preference you look for in a pair of headphones; some might value clarity more than bass, vice versa. I'm probably more interested in finding a pair of headphones that offer clarity more than bass.
MP3s are fine IMO, especially if you just want to play music, and for everyday use when you might not be too bothered by the sound quality. It also depends on the recording, like you mention. You might not get that much difference from a live album for example, or an older recording.
There's a lot of great modular furniture out there, it seems. But the better options are also the more expensive ones, and even then they might not fit perfectly, which is why I might spend a similar amount on some custom furniture. Unless I don't stumble on some perfect options, of course.
Can't remember The Beatles having a song called, «Hey bulldog», but it's been a while since I've listened to any of their albums!
It's rare I would say this to anyone but these headphones are incredible I would buy them, I paid 139 pounds and to get anything close to these elsewhere I would expect to pay double or triple the price they are that good.
As an alternative the FIIO FT1 PRO open backs may be more suitable for you as I think they may offer more detail?
Hey Bulldog
It is one of my favorite Beatles songs.
As a project custom furniture maybe the way to go, my current set up it a mess i envy you aving the opportunity to build up from scratch.
I previously mentioned the Bowers & Wilkins headphones I have at work, the Px7 S3 I belive, that are also very nice. These can be used both wireless and wired, and they have noise cancelling. I think for my use however that I would prefer a wired pair only. I probably don't really need noise cancelling either.
Makes sense that I didn't recognise that song titles. I don't think I've heard the entire Yellow Submarine album!
The issue with starting from scratch I think, is restricting yourself from making purchases to fill a certain need there and then. I've had this flat for three years now this July, and I haven't even hung any pictures or anything on my walls! Sorting out storage and some key furniture pieces is my priority right now, then I will do everything else when I get around to it. It's no point rushing things.
I did a few weeks research before buying the FT1's, I really did not want to get something too similar to what I already have. Your work headphones sound good especially if you are familiar with them and what they are capable of that always helps.
It is always a risk buying online as you can't test them admittedly you can return items which i find a chore lol
They are very good in a work environment for sure, but for regular home use I don't really need that many functions. A simple but good sounding pair of headphones will do.
Buying online is certainly a risk. I don't have any stores nearby that has headphones of the types we have discussed here, so I just have to do my own research, and trust that I find a pair I will be happy with.
I would guess you see your flat as a long term project, there never has to be a rush when sorting the place out in order to get it exactly as you want it to look like.
My walls used to be covered though packed half of my prints etc. so my place looks half lived in currently lol
I see quite a few people using headphones when running these days. I've only found headphones comfortable to wear when sitting or walking. I usually just use airbuds when doing anything that involves moving about – be it walking or jogging. Less sweaty too!
Indeed. There's a lot of stuff I would like to do with the flat, but it will all cost money, so it will be a long term project anyway. My one big regret purchasing this flat is the work that needs to be done. I've seen a few flats on the market afterwards that were around the same price range that wouldn't have involved as much work, but I had already waited years to find a flat that suited my needs – and an attainable price range – so I just had to take the opportunity when it presented itself.
I hope to hang some artwork on the walls eventually. I just haven't found any prints, artwork or pictures I like yet, but I'm sure something interesting will pop up eventually.
Oh no i use my bone conductor headphones when running, it was just when i got home and put new headphone on it was still warm. lol
I am seriously thinking about buying the walnut version of the FTR1 also , alternating between the two would give them more longevity and they are such good headphones. Though I will wait a month or two lol
Ah, my mistake!
If I end up buying the FTR1, I think I will go for the walnut one. I've always had a preference for darker and warmer coloured wood tones, like teak, walnut, mahogany, smoked oak, etc.
I am already considering softer material ear pads for the FT1's, a YT reviewer mentioned a particular type that will make the headphones more like a half open back pair. The pads I am looking at would not match well with the beech color lol The darker headphones certainly offer better aesthetic customization.
Interesting! The one drawback I find with headphones is breathability. They can get sweaty real fast if you don't have ear pads that gives you some form of breathability. That's something I will keep in mind when choosing my pair as well.
I'm sure there's a lot of "non-brand" air pads in all sorts of colours you can find, that are a better match with the beech wood.
Just bought this pair of Denon passive speakers for £5 from a charity shop in mint condition (20 years old and not a mark on them), absolute bargain. I don't necessarily need them. I have a spare amp or two and could rig them up to a CD player not currently in use. They already have wires connected so just need to attach banana plugs.
@Torgeirtrap did you settle on a new pair of headphones?
They did have that similar wood look though, and a dark grey front cover like the one on the left. Can't remember what happened with these speakers in the end.
No, I haven't settled on a pair of headphones yet. I don't think I will be able to set aside the money needed for a pair until next year, so I will spend that time doing some research to find a pair I really like. It might even be the IIO FT1's!
The wood looks good, similar to the larger bookshelf speakers io have. Not connected them up yet been busy today will do tomorrow, the specs are decent for the size 6ohms 60w - 120w, i will connect one of my 100w amps.
I have held of buying another pair of headphones for now, U should not spend money just for the sake of it when i have good open back headphones already lol
Been putting some other items to one side today so will donate more stuff to charity shop on Monday, i have to keep reminding myself i am trying to be minimalistic..
It's very easy to get tempted by new audio gear! I really shouldn't, but I have an automatic search on one site for a particular tube radio/amp that Tandberg made in the 60's. They aren't uncommon, so new ones regularly pop up. However, the condition of them might vary. I'm just waiting to see if a fully serviced one pops up – maybe with some Bluetooth connectivity that some people like to give these – and if one of these should become available, it will be very hard not to give in to temptation – even though I have enough amps already.
This particular model is one I'm very happy to just wait and see what becomes available. If a perfect one doesn't become available to buy, I'm very happy with what I've got already.
Just tested the Denon speakers on my 35 years old Sony CD player sounds very good, no idea where i am going to set it up, I will re arrange my gym room tomorrow and create some space.
Most of my equipment is black so even the odd difference in colour does not impact the aesthetic too much. Retro stuff looks great so I understand, it is all about the look of your place also.
I am thinking of getting rid of some of my smart speakers i hardly use them. i will keep a few (the good ones), Amazon do buy backs and trade ins on there products so will look into that.
I guess that's why a lot of audio equipment comes in black too, because it's easy to integrate into a living space. I have no black furniture – that is, if you don't count my TV – so black audio gear would stand out a lot in my living space. My Tandberg Fasett speakers (that I likely have mentioned more about in previous pages of this thread too), are black, but since they have this unique 70's retro shape, they can be quite decorative. My pair needs a bit of work though. They are fully serviced and functional, but they need a coat of black spray on the sides. I should have done that ages ago, but I've never found the time.
How many pairs of speakers do you have right now, @Fire_and_Ice_Returns? If you can get a decent amount of money for the ones you don't use anyway, I'm sure that could be used to other things instead.
My speakers see little use these days. Between work being done in my flat last autumn and later this summer (hopefully), and the fact that I still need some furniture, they are mostly just for decor. I do use the Sonos speaker in the kitchen a bit though, but that speaker is always connected and ready to use.
Wow not seen those speakers before they have a retro future space age look to them (I am a fan of Sci fi 50's, 60's, 70's)
i have totally lost count, I place is a bit of a mess at moment packed some more items up, i need to get some order and store everything i am not using which does not resemble a junk shop lol
I know the feeling! I don't know what I would have done if I didn't have an attic, especially now that I've had work done in the flat.
What are the Tandberg's sound quality like do they have a wide range of speakers in that design.
I put things on the outside landing today just to clear one room and my mind lol clutter is driving me mad at the moment. I think I need to look at better storage box options, the bags are great that i got for moving though not good for stacking.
I haven't heard many other speakers of the same era to compare with – nor that many more modern ones, but as far as I've read online over the years, Tandberg made speakers that were good for the price they sold for.
I think that's the case for most of their products really. They weren't high-end high fidelity products, but their range of products were more than good enough for most people. In the era they were around, you had Radionette, which was a cheaper brand, you had Tandberg, and then you had Bang & Olufsen. I believe the higher end stuff Tandberg made was about as good as what B&O made at the time. Of course, B&O is very much more a luxury brand these days, with a greater range of products.
There's a small Bond connection too! Louis Armstrong used Tandberg reel-to-reel tape recorders at his home. Outside Scandinavia, this was probably the product they were best known for making.
I've been moving a few things around lately too, and my flat has become a mess as a result. I think it will look alright when everything is in place though.
That's awesome modern tech lacks that character, I miss my 60's wooden record player why I traded it in for 80's plastic is beyond me.
A record shop i go to regularly has the old style equipment its fun seeing them operate, I am easily pleased I got a kick out of playing my 35 years CD player today because of the orange LD information digits.
I think these things are largely trend based. For many years you hardly saw wooden speakers and audio gear, but I've seen more of it in the last 10-15 years or so. I think there was a renewed interest in mid century modern design around that time as well – which many saw as a reflection of the popularity of shows like Mad Men. Whatever the reason might be, I like my audio gear with wooden details!
My local antiques shop sometimes bring in vintage audio gear too, but it's quickly sold from what I can see. I haven't found anything that is my cup of tea though. It's often clearly in need of a bit of work, or the wrong era (from what I look for).
I have my 30+ year old CD player boxed up right now, but I hope to have it up and running sometime this year. I just got the OHMSS release from La-La Land Records too, and it would be great to play that CD release on the CD player in December. One of my pairs of Tandberg speakers are from around 1969 too!
Much of the vintage shops music items are not cheap i always show around to look for deals and find the odd gem. From my antique days i learnt a lot when it comes to buying second hand and how prices can be bumped up for rare items, i rather do the leg work myself and find bargains.
I have been looking at the La La releases though not bought anything as yet, I have numerous ways of listening to the music I enjoy hearing the difference in sound stage and detail, I get a lot from listening to my various tape players its definitely a nostalgia thing.
Indeed, vintage shops know how to price their items, so it's not necessarily easy to find audio equipment at a reasonable price. I haven't used vintage shop much myself, but at least I know what is reasonable to spend on the items I look for – and that includes other things than audio equipment too, of course.
OHMSS is my first La-La Land release. Some of the other Bond releases would be fun to own too of course, but given the price (as well as shipping and VAT), I can really only afford to get my favourite scores. OHMSS is one of them, and TB and DAF are two of the others I'm willing to spend money on, should they get a LLLR release.
I very much agree that part of the fun with listening to music, is having several ways of enjoying it. For everyday use a smart speaker or playing from my phone or Macbook with airpods is enough for me, but if I really want to listen to what I'm playing, then I'd rather use some of my Tandberg audio equipment. That hasn't been the case a lot lately, unfortunately.
I did check La La Land a few weeks back i was curious if they sold 24bit downloads as well as CD's, I could not find anything when I checked.
Right now my preferred listening experience is my new headphones, its made me want to get a better CD amp/transport lol not good as it really wont match the sound quality.