(Part 3) Top products from r/ZReviews

I would say that the Klipsch is a lot better and worth the extra $216, but then again, you would also need an amp and that would cost you a lot more. You just need to really determine if you want to go the passive route and have the ability to upgrade more down the road or get a simple powered system that will work just fine for what you need and sounds great, but not have the ability to upgrade components.

​

Here a few good options in either category though that would fit your budget:

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Passive Setup:

Speakers:

Fluance Signature - $269 CAD

Polk S20 - $350 CAD

Elac Debut B6.2 - $343 CAD

Elac Uni-Fi UB5 - $522 CAD (Considered to be just as good as the Klipsch RP-150M)

Klipsch RP-150M - $289 US (plus shipping and taxes to Canada [$unknown])

SVS Prime - $629 CAD (Can’t tell if this listing is for a pair)

Amps:

SMSL AD18 - $174 CAD

Yamaha RX-V385 - $279 CAD

Denon AVR-S540BT - $377 CAD

​

Powered Setup:

Fluance Ai40 - $225 CAD

Fluance Ai60 - $403 CAD

Edifier S2000 Pro - $500 CAD

Vanatoo Transparent Zero - $359 US (plus shipping and taxes to Canada [$unknown])

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Studio Monitor Setup:

Monitors:

JBL 305P MKII - $440 CAD

Interfaces:

Behringer UMC202HD - $104 CAD

Focusrite Solo 3rd Gen - $159 CAD

Steinberg UR22MKII - $180 CAD

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The studio monitor setup is one of my favorites. The JBL’s sound amazing on a desktop, but I would not get one without an audio interface with balanced inputs to help reduce noise.

I had this issue previously and; I play Xbox on my secondary monitor and watch Netflix on my main monitor thru PC, or i also play WoW casually, or whatever. but same deal, Xbox and PC both playing sound at same time into my headphones. I found a really cheap solution if you can add a card to your computer, or a slightly more expensive option if you can't do that, or want an all in one solution.
 
you have to buy commercial/prosumer audio mixer equipment to do this, or so I thought. you need multiple inputs, and lots of DACs have that, but none can mix signals. I finally found the Sound Blaster Recon 3D PCIe card, and its replacement the Sound Blaster Z PCIe cards.
 
They are old and starting to dwindle in supply, but I found THIS ONE for ~30$. Its a sound card you add to your computer and it replaces the built in sound. This one is special because it has an optical INPUT, which is not done in any other product that i have found. The software is able to mix the Optical Input sound with the native PC sound, and push it to the speakers/headphone connection OOORRRR.... right back through the optical OUTPUT!
 
So here is my setup. Xbox optical out -> Recon3D Optical In. Sound mixes with PC, then combined sound Optical Out -> DAC of choice. I also put an optical splitter after the PC out, one cable goes to my SMSL Q5 for speakers, and the other goes to my DAC X6 for headphones.
 
Don't want to deal with buying used PC stuff on ebay and installing to your computer? Don't have an open expansion slot? Don't have a DAC/AMP to use after? then buy THIS!
 
The Sound Blaster X7. its a DAC, Speaker Amp, Headphone Amp, all in one. It has optical in, Analog in, and USB in. It also has bluetooth and USB Host for connecting mobile devices. and it can mix them all at the same time and output together to passive or active speakers, headphones, or back out through optical to an AV receiver.
 
EDIT: HERE is the manual for the Sound Blaster X7 if you want to look at it in more detail before considering buying. I don't have one myself because the Recon3D is working fine, but i strongly considered it.

Unfortunately the SHP9500s are £110 here, so not the best value.

In terms of open, how good are these:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Samson-SR850-Professional-Reference-Headphones/dp/B002LBSEQS/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/P-Howard-HD681-Superlux-Headphones/dp/B002GHIPYI/

I've seen graphs that make the 681s look really neutral but loads of people seem to be saying that they have a very strong V shaped curve, which is confusing to me.
SR850s seem to be an update of those, not sure which would be more neutral.


I have found HM5 rebadges for cheaper though - £45 delivered from https://www.studiospares.com/Headphones-and-Speakers/Headphones-Studio/Studiospares-M1000-Studio-Headphones_448760.htm

Are HM5 (M1000 here) a lot better than SR850 / HD668B / HD681 ?

Interestingly, they seem to do an open version called M2000, which i've read are less neutral and don't really sound "open".

Indeed HM5 seem to be a rebrand themselves of these:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/495561/review-fischer-audio-fa-002-and-fa-003-two-to-tango


So, need to decide between those cheap open ones I mentioned or the rebadged HM5 for a tiny bit more. Whichever is better quality really.

Or would Sennheiser HD558 for £60 be better value?

Or can you think of any other open possibilities?

Thanks!

Audioquest Nighthawks. Super comfortable, great sound and the price is down to $350 right now (not sure if it's permanent or just a sale)

https://www.amazon.com/Audioquest-092592008328-AudioQuest-Nighthawk-Headphones/dp/B00TFGW238

Try putting your mic into one of those cheap usb dongles

This is what I posted in another thread discussing this:


Just verified this with a FX-audio X6 plugged into PC with optical cable, and the mic plugged into a USB dongle into a USB hub right next to the DAC/amp.

Planning on writing something up to document these findings, but the key is using a DAC that uses optical input and dedicated AC adapter, while plugging the mic into one of those $5 amazon USB dongles.

You also cannot have the USB cable plugged into the DAC at all, even if it's not connected to anything. The moment you plug it in, the ground loop buzzing comes out loud and clear.

Hope this helps

but take a look at this one
https://www.amazon.com/Aune-X1S-384KHz-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B014FBZCCA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480026504&sr=8-1&keywords=aune+x1

for 80$ dollar more u get confirmed zrevieuw posetive :Xd
i mean if i compare that to the cheeesy usb thing lol i dunno like u said it looks like Realy cheesy u can fit 20 of them usb in 1 aune :P so i dunnno like if its 80+ more dollar for much more bang i would pay what do u think?

I have no experience with either of those, but they are both powered monitors so no need for a separate amp.
A good sub usually starts at about $100 and there is some extra restrictions in your options if you are trying to sub out from powered monitors instead of un-powered speakers/amp
That being said I just looked up the JBL LSR 305 and it looks like it is 22€ more than your budget. These powered monitors are great and I don't feel like I need a sub.

Here's what I picked up based on the Zeos 2.0 recommendation thread.

• Speakers - Fluance SX6
  
• DAC - SMSL SD793-II
  
• Amp - SMSL SA50 50Wx2
  
  Here's what it looks like setup at my desk - LINK
  
  After installing and setting up Equalizer APO on my system and tuning it by ear through a WIDE assortment of music, this setup sounds absolutely amazing. With the amp and Windows at half volume, it's loud enough to be heard throughout my 2-story house with no audible distortion.
  
  Near-field performance at my desk, where my head it at the peak of basically an equilateral triangle based on where I sit in relation to the speakers, is absolutely astonishing.
  
  I use this setup for games, music, and audio editing for video work I do. It's awesome all-around.
  
  Throw a pair of stands in there like these and it's right at your $300 budget.

Audioquest Nighthawks. About as warm as you're going to get as far as high end headphones go. But if possible give them a listen first, as they have quite a subjective sound signature. Some people love them others don't.

Oh and have a look around see if you can get a pair for cheaper as although I quite like them, I don't feel they're worth the 600~700 $ official retail price, but if you can get them for under 400$ they are truly an good buy.

https://www.amazon.com/AudioQuest-092592008328-Nighthawk-Wood-Headphones/dp/B00TFGW238

At 300$ I'd go for it.

Compared to the HD650:

The 650 is classical music, it's the London Symfonic Orchestra performing, it's on point no fooling around full-fledged all-around awesomeness.

The NightHawks are like Jazz, it's Chet Baker making his own sound on the horn, or Ray Charles fooling around on the piano, it's sometimes awesome, sometimes not so much, and sometimes plain weird, but it's unique and always smooth as can be.

Due to the size of the ear pads (huge in a great way) they’re very comfortable, but the headband that rests on the top of your head could be a bit more cushioned, as it is pretty hard. This is easily remedied with extra cushion pads such as this for a cheap option, or this if you want something higher quality for a bit more buck.

One other thing worth mentioning, they do seem to leak a decent amount of noise, so if you plan on using these on public transport, keep the volume low.

This is an awesome response, thank you!

I'm currently using this audio interface. I know they're meant for instruments/mics, but I don't suppose there's a way to use one of the line in's for game console audio? (just to save me buying another unit)

/r/zeos has a headphone guide. I'd say one of these would be good assuming you want open back: (in no particular order)

• Superlux HD 681 needs hm5 velour pad swap
  
  
• Sennheiser HD 559 I don't remember how Zeos said these sound so one of the other 500 series might fit you better but this is the only one under budget. edit: just watched and this will be good for you
  
  
• Sivga sv005 or sv007 which are more open (less bass) and both also have inflated prices on Amazon ca but are zeos's shp9500 replacement
  
  
• Monoprice m560 which are slightly out of budget but are planar headphones
  
  
• Lastly Philips SHP9500 if you could find them since they are discontinued

hey, just noticed that the Aune X1S is down to 199$ on massdrop and remembered your post. Should easily compete with schiit smear and o2+odac.

The Z review for this product. (I'm pretty sure it's pronounced aw-nee)

Edit: words and link, thanks /u/massdropbot

No worries man! JBL>TRS to RCA>Schiit Sys>RCA to 3.5mm>Laptop. Plug the XLR connection into each speaker and then plug the other end of the XLR cable which is an RCA connection into the Sys output. Then plug the rca to the sys's input. Then plug the other end of the RCA input cables which is an AUX aka 3.5mm plug into your laptop. Another note is to make sure you have a long enough power cable for the JBLs as the one it comes with it quite short. Monoprice makes good cheap power cables such as this. Let me know if you have any other questions; I'd be happy to help!

The stock pads aren't terrible for about an hour. After that you will start to feel the pressure of them. I switched them out and it really helped comfort. I got the Brainwavz angled memory foam pads for $30 on amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Brainwavz-Angled-Memory-Foam-Earpad/dp/B00ZY8PGJI/ref=pd_sbs_23_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00ZY8PGJI&pd_rd_r=CNCEMG9B2AX2274ZD69K&pd_rd_w=CDvb0&pd_rd_wg=CT1II&psc=1&refRID=CNCEMG9B2AX2274ZD69K


I wear my m40x for gaming, music, etc. I love em.

Hmm idk about $20, but you can certainly buy a Blue Snowflake:

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowflake-USB-Microphone/dp/B0012AUHXW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467683042&sr=8-1&keywords=blue+snowflake

or something like a Samson Go Mic:

https://www.amazon.com/Samson-Mic-Portable-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B001R76D42/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467683100&sr=8-1&keywords=samson+mic

I use these: Brainwavz Coussinets angulaires pour Casques en mousse à mémoire de forme pour casque audio - (Noir) https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B00ZY8PGJI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_oDTVCb6RX5D6K

Soft and comfortable for hours:)
Cheers

Yeah you have a C/Sub output so you can get a 3.5mm to RCA cable and plug that into a T-amp like the Lepai and wire it to a single speaker. Unfortunately cheap speakers only come in pairs. Cheapest speakers are the CovoS and use one. I won't match the quality of the A2 but is small. If you want a dedicated center channel the cheapest one is the Mb42c the unit with the crossover is more than double the price.

I appreciate the input. This is what I'm probably going to do, but with this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-External-Adapter-Windows-AU-MMSA/dp/B00IRVQ0F8/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1473607715&sr=1-3&keywords=usb+sound+card

Accomplishes the same thing, right?

BIC America F-12 Subwoofer - ~225$ - http://www.amazon.com/BIC-America-F12-475-Watt-Subwoofer/dp/B0015A8Y5M

Enigma Paradox (modded Fostex T50RP by LFF) - ~500$ - http://enigmaticaudio.com/product/paradox/

(very flat, according to measurements... might be worth checking out)

Fostex TH500RP - ~330$ - http://slickdeals.net/f/8523927-fostex-th500rp-premium-rp-stereo-headphones-329-00-fs-se?src=catpagev2

(Yep. 330$ for open, Fostex, planar magnetic headphones.)

Mayflower Electronics ODAC+Objective2 (w/ RCA jacks) - ~330$ - https://www.mayflowerelectronics.com/shop/digital-to-analog-converters/desktop-objective2-with-odac/

Mayflower Electronics T50RP Version 1 Headphone - ~250$ - https://www.mayflowerelectronics.com/shop/headphones/fostex-t50rp-version-1/

(add the headband and version 3 pads)

Samson SR850 - ~50$ - http://www.amazon.com/Samson-SR850-Professional-Reference-Headphones/dp/B002LBSEQS

Samson SR950 - ~30$ - http://www.dealzon.com/deals/samson-sr950-headphones

Shure SRH840 - ~200$ - http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SRH840-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B002DP8IEK

Shure SRH940 - ~230$ - http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SRH940-Professional-Reference-Headphones/dp/B004MTE7EK

Shure SRH1440 - ~260$ - http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SRH1440-Professional-Headphones-Black/dp/B0073P4ESO

___

Thought these would be a good starting point on some new stuff.

Also, maybe consider using Equalizer APO to get the JBL LSR305's to match No Audiophile's settings, and maybe give us your review of those settings.

EDIT: Added prices to make it easier.

Klipsch RP-150M

Z gave them an outstanding review.

SECTION | CONTENT
:--|:--
Title | Z Review - OPPO vs NAD vs PSB vs ATH
Description | OPPO PM-3 [https://www.oppodigital.com/proddetail.asp?prod=PM3] PSB M4U 2 [http://amzn.to/1Pi3rgJ] NAD HP50 [http://amzn.to/1KaKt3D] ATH-MSR7 [http://amzn.to/1NIqeC7] SOUND DEMO's (DELAYED UNTIL RE-EDIT FOR YOUTUBE BECAUSE DMCA BLOCKS) OPPO PM-3 [] PSB M4U 2 [] NAD HP50 [] ATH-MSR7 [] Wallpaper : http://i.imgur.com/iSSUP35.jpg My Reddit Recommendations Guides [http://www.reddit.com/r/zeos] Z Reviews Forums [https://www.reddit.com/r/zreviews] Join The Patreon for Dedicated Give-a-ways [http...
Length | 0:20:19






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Hell yeah! I have the white ones and they look beautiful. Also, for connection, I use a Behringer UMC22, it's basically a Scarlett 2i2 but it's $40 on Amazon right now.

Behringer UMC22

$60, plug and play (no driver fuckery that some people encounter with Scarlett), front 1/4" for headphones and rear L/R 1/4" for use as a preamp with powered speakers.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nobsound-Bluetooth-Amplifier-Wireless-Receiver-black/dp/B0725PJQQV/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=2+channel+mini+amp&qid=1562357324&s=gateway&sr=8-4

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bluetooth-Audio-Amplifier-Receiver-Wireless-4-2/dp/B07C2MC9TK/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?keywords=fosi+amp&qid=1562357697&s=gateway&sr=8-9

https://www.amazon.co.uk/LEPY-2024A-Plus-Amplifier-Silver/dp/B00SATAEEA/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?keywords=mini+amp&qid=1562357780&s=gateway&sr=8-6

https://www.amazon.co.uk/SMSL-SA-36A-Audio-Stereo-Amplifier/dp/B017W13OR0/ref=mp_s_a_1_12?keywords=lepy+mini+amp&qid=1562357854&s=gateway&sr=8-12

you'll need powered speakers if you dont have a amp. maybe theses? https://www.amazon.com/Micca-PB42X-Powered-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B00NXAEPDC

https://www.amazon.com/Creative-X7-High-Resolution-Headphone-Connectivity/dp/B00Q3XLGLU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487156935&sr=8-1&keywords=sound+blaster+x7

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00PEU9CFA/ref=dp_olp_refurbished?ie=UTF8&condition=refurbished

or

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00PEU9CFA/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used

this thing: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00OF71WWO/

https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%83%9F%E3%83%83%E3%82%AB-Micca-PB42X-%E3%83%91%E3%83%AF%E3%83%BC%E3%83%89%E3%83%96%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E3%82%B7%E3%82%A7%E3%83%AB%E3%83%95%E5%9E%8B%E3%82%B9%E3%83%94%E3%83%BC%E3%82%AB%E3%83%BC-1%E7%B5%84/dp/B00NXAEPDC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499148475&sr=8-1&keywords=Micca+pb42x

do i just need this ? : https://www.amazon.de/UGREEN-Splitter-Audiokabel-Klinkenkabel-Metallstecker/dp/B00LM2Y2U4/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_107_bs_lp_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=QG6775VJBSRPBD5GHGZZ

I'd suggest the Vmoda LP2's or Sennheiser Momentum 1.0 (around ear) given your budget.

http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-Momentum-Black-Headphone/dp/B00AZZNXOK

http://www.amazon.com/V-MODA-Crossfade-Over-Ear-Noise-Isolating-Headphone/dp/B00HYH7HXA

How about this amp with 2 sets of these cables

Would I need anything else?

Black too:
http://www.amazon.com/JBL-Professional-LSR305-Studio-Monitor/dp/B00DUKP37C/ref=pd_sim_sbs_267_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=41tH12Bi4tL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR94%2C160_&refRID=16M3P3QYR9S71MQWQC8Z

Just going to throw some stuff. I personally haven't tried any of these so... oh btw sorry this is for US amazon.

Status HD2

Status CB1

Vmoda LP2

Also holy shit I just realized the M50xs cost $100+ I thought they were at most $80.