Audiophiles Unite! (Or, a discussion of listening related hardware)

**Merlin** · 01-20-2008 03:25 AM

The hardware used when listening to music can drastically change the sound and, therefore, the enjoyment. Some people strive for the most realistic sound regardless of the original recording while others try to get the most accurate interpretation of the source that they can. It's all a matter of preference.
But you probably already know that. Let's discuss audio hardware. Preferences, questions, great finds, hyped crap, etc.
Gimmicky audiophile gear will be laughed at.

Anyways:
I use my computer for most listening. Since it's terrible for RF pickup I route everything through an MW10c. I used to use a home-made DAC (alien type) but needed the extra I/O's of a real USB mixer. The Yamaha amps are great for accurate sound but sometimes I just want to listen for fun. Then I use the effects send to route the music through a modified SOHA tube hybrid amp. Yay tubes! You can get all sorts of sound types by rolling the tubes. The Brimar 6067 yellow thorn valves are my favorite so far.

I've settled on using Sony MDR-V6 Monitor headphones for just about all my listening. They are very neutral and have excellent frequency response. I prefer to let the amps add the colour so Monitors work well.

**cog-of-fate** · 04-22-2008 09:51 PM

I use a Creative Labs X-Fi sound card (use to game, but quite in favor of studying and working out...boring), and I use Logitech Z- 2300 speakers. Just a 2.1 setup, but it sounds surprisingly well.

V peace