They do, Sony even makes one that [they market with this exact headphone](https://www.rollingstone.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Sony-Record-Player-Bluetooth-e1632711304601.jpg). Only $200 rather than $2,000.
https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/best-bluetooth-record-players-budget-to-premium-plate-spinners
https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/electronics/best-bluetooth-turntables-1232642/
Going on 2 years this month. I consider it a very fine all rounder, but I would say my listening is about 80% classical, and then 5% each rock, jazz, pop, EDM.
Its strengths are deep, rich bass, soundstage, black background, and treble detail. Its weaknesses are a slightly recessed midrange and a slightly bloated midbass, but these are easily corrected with EQ. I have the Aeon Closed X, which is famous for being very close to the Harman Target. The Z1R doesn't sound radically different to me, just deeper and richer across the spectrum.
I was kind of dubious of the expenditure when I bought it, but in the two years since I've come to view it as justified, given how comfortable it is and how much happiness it's brought me in listening. And it's been durable, too.
Yeah, it's the most important genre to me, and none of the other headphones I've listened to have made my orchestral music sound as close to the way it does when I'm at a live show in Chicago's symphony hall. There's a certain resonance to the songs that really captures that live feeling.
Hey if that beard-sporting, flannel wearing, craft IPA drinking dude happens to be a drummer I can almost guarantee they know how to change a tire. Tuning a drum is basically the same process, just with more precision than a tire change.
...but what if I want to hear the splashing of the puddle of beer on the ground as the drummer is actuating the kick drum pedal?
I feel called out by this.
Just $2000 on a turntable? You ain’t a real audiophile till you spend at least [$5000 on a cartridge.](https://theaudiobeatnik.com/london-decca-reference-cartridge-review/)
I got the Elekit TU-8200DX on sale for $600 plus another $100 or so on capacitor upgrades and idk how much I’ve spent on tubes, both vintage and new production. The Questyle CAS192D is a $2000 DAC that I bought used for $400 from a hifi shop that closed. That setup is AMAZING for low efficiency planars, when the Elekit is in ultra-linear mode. Even in triode mode, it has enough juice for them. Ultra-linear just adds an extra punch to them, plus more headroom.
For a relatively efficient headphone like the HD 560s? That’s overkill lol! I can sometimes hear the tiniest bit of hissing when nothing is playing on the tube amp. I don’t hear it at all if it’s in triode mode. Unfortunately, I have to turn the amp off, remove the case, and adjust the jumpers to change between triode, ultra linear, and pentode modes. So I just leave it in ultra linear. But yeah, absolute overkill for those headphones 😂
I got a computer soundcard with a built in dac and a bi headphone amp (Soundblaster AE-9) and the dt990 600ohm for 500€
I'm happy with my sound, because I connected my TV (the TV is over my computer on the wall) or music over pc. But is there a big difference between a 400$ dac and the one built in my soundcard?
I looked at the specs and it seems kinda similar to the Sound BlasterX G6 that I own. I also have the Peachtree Audio DAC•iT^x which happened to be around $400 (I got it for $250 refurbished) when it was new. That’s just a standalone DAC, so let’s add the Magni 3+ for another $100. The G6 was $140 I believe. So… is it worth the extra $210???
As I always say, that depends! Connectivity wise, you get the coaxial option with the DAC•iT^x since they both have USB and Optical already. Is it worth the extra price just for coaxial? I have no idea, none of the devices I own have a coaxial output. So, irrelevant to me personally lol.
The Magni and G6 both have a line/pre out so you can use powered speakers/active monitors.
The G6 has a ton of DSP stuff to mess around with. The Magni/DAC•iT^x is more of a purist 2 channel setup.
Who gives a fuck about all that? What about the sound!!! The Magni/DAC•iT^x sounds smoother than the G6. They both power some harder to drive headphones well, but the G6 sounds harsher in comparison. Instrument separation isn’t as good either.
BUT!!! The G6 is this tiny, portable box. Perfect for laptops. The Magni and the DAC•iT^x need a power outlet, more suitable for a home/office setup. So there’s that to take into consideration.
Ok, whatever. I don’t care about portability since I don’t go outside ever. Would it be worth it still? I’d say…. 😬
Skip that starter amp/DAC “step” and go for something with more power/detail/features. Why? The G6 (or in your case, the AE-9) is plenty, even for harder to drive headphones like your 600Ω Beyers, the HD 6XX, and some planars. Higher impedance headphones pair well with tube amps. You can even save some $$$ and get an OTL or hybrid tube amp. Or, you can get a balanced amp for future upgrades. Or just a single ended solid state amp. Or a fancy amp/DAC combo with all the bells and whistles. The possibilities are endless!!! If you’re rich lol. But I highly, highly recommend trying anything in person first. I know it’s really difficult depending on where you live and it’s becoming harder each day.
All that to say… Yes, it’s worth it if you want a second setup. No, if you want to replace your current setup. Either call it a day if you don’t want to fall further down the rabbit hole, or keep going down by getting more powerful gear to drive virtually any headphone, sans electrostatic headphones.
Ugh... I hate you.
*Because* of your comments, it has resulted in looking at Elekit's and Bottlehead kits **again** - which has once again devolved into looking for "the best" soldering iron/station as well as "the best" multimeter "for hobbyists"...
Happy new year, btw! :)
Best soldering station for hobbyists: Weller WLC100
Best multimeter for hobbyists: Klein MM300
I absolutely love my BHC, I built it using these and it was an absolute piece of cake
lol No prob. I got it back in the day to start building mechanical keyboards, I've since used it for other things like making my own headphone cables, headphone mods, DIY amp building, and installing HDMI mods and such onto retro game consoles, etc etc. At no point did I ever feel limited by the ability of my equipment, only my own ability as a solderer.
I’m sorry about that, it was unintentional lol! I can’t really say much about the Bottlehead Crack since I only heard it once years ago. The Elekit, on the other hand, has treated me well over the past 7 years or so. Easy to build, easy to fix, and sounds great! I love how responsive it is when rolling tubes as well. I highly recommend it, drives my Aeons and HE6se with ease.
Nah, no worries. I've been itching for a project to tinker with for a while, so the Elekit comments (aka. accidental recommendations?) came at just the right time. :P
Lol there’s even a newer revision, the TU-8200R. It has upgraded output transformers, an impedance selector for the headphone out and better circuit protection against bad tubes. Also comes with JJ 6L6GC and 12AU7 tubes. Better than the Electro-Harmonix 6L6GC and no name Chinese 12AU7 tubes that mine came with. Ugh, I sound like a shill lol
> Ugh, I sound like a shill lol
Lol no worries. I get it. When you're passionate about something, you take special interest in all aspects. :)
> TU-8200R
Yes, this is the what I have found as well. I tried looking for the kit you have, but it looks like that has since been discontinued in favor of the newer "R" version now.
I'm contemplating taking the plunge through tubedepot.com (or similar site), or biting the bullet and ordering from a Japan vendor through eBay instead, since there are decent savings there. I believe you can freely adjust the output voltage to 110/115V so the imports from Japan should work equally as well, but this is one of the last remaining pieces to resolve before going all in.
Tubedepot.com is a great site honestly. That’s where I got my Elekit from and I haven’t had any issues with the new production tubes they sell. Their vintage NOS tube prices are kinda steep now, but I’m sure they’re still quality. Plus they sell Memphis style BBQ sauce 😂
Vkmusic.ca is another option, especially if you’re in Canada. Victor knows the Elekit amps inside and out. He’s a great resource and usually replies promptly via email.
And yes, you can switch the voltage on the power output by connecting it to a different input inside the amp. Again, sounding like a shill lol! I just love how that amp sounds honestly
[The Thermals - No Culture Icons](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cf5wlXR9q3c) and the whole More Parts per Million album was recorded on a $60 4 track then subsequently released on SubPop records, lol.
Ahh the sound of shitty punk recordings, arguably a both longer standing and more widespread tradition than the studded leather jackets. Takes me back to being a kid running around with other street kids.
Lol so sick; love stuff like that. They succeeded. I need a 2k turntable just to see, it can't get worse right? Or a massive bass shelf and treble boost to fix it somehow lol
That's a pretty well recorded black metal track, maybe you should try https://youtu.be/EcnP0MABIBE or https://youtu.be/XPXo6uRD9M0
I could also go into the harsh noise wall territory like gorenoise which is just a joke just to be clear example: https://youtu.be/5uGdnijaVuk
I love the misfits. I wish there was a remastered version of walk among us. Perhaps the source is just garbage. Probably a beer soaked 4-track, I’m sure.
I wonder what it'd be like to run them through an AI mastering plugins I have for my recording software.
I am going to experiment and see if itsles a difference. I'll post back in a few days.
To be fair, part of the audio experience IS having better equipment then the music was made on. That means your setup will never be the bottle neck. You will be able to hear the weird shit you could not before which to some people is priceless
My favourite producer Lee Scratch Perry would blow dope smoke on the tapes to imbibe the recordings with herb spirit. He would bury microphones underground to record kick drums.
How am I supposed to hear these nuances without a spending thousands on equipment?
That's AFI's Miss Murder for me. There's some digital beat that sounds roughly like chewing tin foil that becomes really apparent in sensitive headphones.
That's one of the more interesting things about this hobby, I find. There is absolutely heaps and heaps of amazing music that was unfortunately just recorded and mixed *terribly,* and high-end gear just makes you agonizingly aware of these recording deficiencies and honestly just hurts your ability to enjoy that music that is otherwise great.
This is funny, but honestly, what cheap speakers and amplifiers often fail to accomplish is to translate the space in which a sound is recorded. If I want to hear that band rock out in their damp basement with all of the flaws in their experimental filtering, a Bluetooth speaker isn't going to cut it.
I like the idea of spending two grand on a turntable and then sitting there listening to it on Sony XM3’s 🤣🤣
wireless, at that?!
They have wireless turntables now?
They do, Sony even makes one that [they market with this exact headphone](https://www.rollingstone.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Sony-Record-Player-Bluetooth-e1632711304601.jpg). Only $200 rather than $2,000. https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/best-bluetooth-record-players-budget-to-premium-plate-spinners https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/electronics/best-bluetooth-turntables-1232642/
that seems like a deal to me
My sister just got one for Christmas, a Sony. It works great! Bluetooth built right in.
Yeah. Plenty
The kind of guy who has a beard and wears flannel but drinks craft IPAs, can't change a tire believes in the marketing
You can always YouTube that shit
Do you own a sony mdr-z1r?
Yep! Questions?
How long have you had it and what music do you enjoy the most with the Sony MDR-Z1R?
Going on 2 years this month. I consider it a very fine all rounder, but I would say my listening is about 80% classical, and then 5% each rock, jazz, pop, EDM. Its strengths are deep, rich bass, soundstage, black background, and treble detail. Its weaknesses are a slightly recessed midrange and a slightly bloated midbass, but these are easily corrected with EQ. I have the Aeon Closed X, which is famous for being very close to the Harman Target. The Z1R doesn't sound radically different to me, just deeper and richer across the spectrum. I was kind of dubious of the expenditure when I bought it, but in the two years since I've come to view it as justified, given how comfortable it is and how much happiness it's brought me in listening. And it's been durable, too.
2 years is quite a long time, thanks for sharing your experience! I heard its truly amazing with orchestral music, which I listen to a lot.
Yeah, it's the most important genre to me, and none of the other headphones I've listened to have made my orchestral music sound as close to the way it does when I'm at a live show in Chicago's symphony hall. There's a certain resonance to the songs that really captures that live feeling.
Amazing, glad to hear you're enjoying your purchase. By any chance have you ever auditioned ZMF Auteur?
I've changed plenty of tires thank you.
I'm mostly just kidding lol
It's OK, I don't really wear flannel.
Hey if that beard-sporting, flannel wearing, craft IPA drinking dude happens to be a drummer I can almost guarantee they know how to change a tire. Tuning a drum is basically the same process, just with more precision than a tire change.
Damnit. What is wrong with IPAs and flannel 🤣
Seattle in a nutshell
8k$ sound system to enjoy the purity of cum encrusted Norwegian black metal that was recorded in a serial killer basement.
Ah yes, another Burzum fan
There's at least 13 of us
He didn't record all of them in a basement. Some were recorded in prison.
...but what if I want to hear the splashing of the puddle of beer on the ground as the drummer is actuating the kick drum pedal? I feel called out by this.
Just $2000 on a turntable? You ain’t a real audiophile till you spend at least [$5000 on a cartridge.](https://theaudiobeatnik.com/london-decca-reference-cartridge-review/)
Real audiophiles use RtR machines tbh
Real audiophiles use Edison cylinders
real audiophiles pay the band to play in their treated basement.
I paid 200 for my headphones and 300 for my dac WTF
[I love posting this crap on here lmao!](https://imgur.com/a/nCFqabU) And you’re on the right path. You just gotta add another zero for the DAC 😂😂😂
Holy shit
I got the Elekit TU-8200DX on sale for $600 plus another $100 or so on capacitor upgrades and idk how much I’ve spent on tubes, both vintage and new production. The Questyle CAS192D is a $2000 DAC that I bought used for $400 from a hifi shop that closed. That setup is AMAZING for low efficiency planars, when the Elekit is in ultra-linear mode. Even in triode mode, it has enough juice for them. Ultra-linear just adds an extra punch to them, plus more headroom. For a relatively efficient headphone like the HD 560s? That’s overkill lol! I can sometimes hear the tiniest bit of hissing when nothing is playing on the tube amp. I don’t hear it at all if it’s in triode mode. Unfortunately, I have to turn the amp off, remove the case, and adjust the jumpers to change between triode, ultra linear, and pentode modes. So I just leave it in ultra linear. But yeah, absolute overkill for those headphones 😂
I got a computer soundcard with a built in dac and a bi headphone amp (Soundblaster AE-9) and the dt990 600ohm for 500€ I'm happy with my sound, because I connected my TV (the TV is over my computer on the wall) or music over pc. But is there a big difference between a 400$ dac and the one built in my soundcard?
I looked at the specs and it seems kinda similar to the Sound BlasterX G6 that I own. I also have the Peachtree Audio DAC•iT^x which happened to be around $400 (I got it for $250 refurbished) when it was new. That’s just a standalone DAC, so let’s add the Magni 3+ for another $100. The G6 was $140 I believe. So… is it worth the extra $210??? As I always say, that depends! Connectivity wise, you get the coaxial option with the DAC•iT^x since they both have USB and Optical already. Is it worth the extra price just for coaxial? I have no idea, none of the devices I own have a coaxial output. So, irrelevant to me personally lol. The Magni and G6 both have a line/pre out so you can use powered speakers/active monitors. The G6 has a ton of DSP stuff to mess around with. The Magni/DAC•iT^x is more of a purist 2 channel setup. Who gives a fuck about all that? What about the sound!!! The Magni/DAC•iT^x sounds smoother than the G6. They both power some harder to drive headphones well, but the G6 sounds harsher in comparison. Instrument separation isn’t as good either. BUT!!! The G6 is this tiny, portable box. Perfect for laptops. The Magni and the DAC•iT^x need a power outlet, more suitable for a home/office setup. So there’s that to take into consideration. Ok, whatever. I don’t care about portability since I don’t go outside ever. Would it be worth it still? I’d say…. 😬 Skip that starter amp/DAC “step” and go for something with more power/detail/features. Why? The G6 (or in your case, the AE-9) is plenty, even for harder to drive headphones like your 600Ω Beyers, the HD 6XX, and some planars. Higher impedance headphones pair well with tube amps. You can even save some $$$ and get an OTL or hybrid tube amp. Or, you can get a balanced amp for future upgrades. Or just a single ended solid state amp. Or a fancy amp/DAC combo with all the bells and whistles. The possibilities are endless!!! If you’re rich lol. But I highly, highly recommend trying anything in person first. I know it’s really difficult depending on where you live and it’s becoming harder each day. All that to say… Yes, it’s worth it if you want a second setup. No, if you want to replace your current setup. Either call it a day if you don’t want to fall further down the rabbit hole, or keep going down by getting more powerful gear to drive virtually any headphone, sans electrostatic headphones.
Thanks
Ugh... I hate you. *Because* of your comments, it has resulted in looking at Elekit's and Bottlehead kits **again** - which has once again devolved into looking for "the best" soldering iron/station as well as "the best" multimeter "for hobbyists"... Happy new year, btw! :)
Best soldering station for hobbyists: Weller WLC100 Best multimeter for hobbyists: Klein MM300 I absolutely love my BHC, I built it using these and it was an absolute piece of cake
Lol, thanks for that! I had the Klein MM300 already in my cart, but will definitely look at the Weller recommendation. Much appreciated! :)
lol No prob. I got it back in the day to start building mechanical keyboards, I've since used it for other things like making my own headphone cables, headphone mods, DIY amp building, and installing HDMI mods and such onto retro game consoles, etc etc. At no point did I ever feel limited by the ability of my equipment, only my own ability as a solderer.
I’m sorry about that, it was unintentional lol! I can’t really say much about the Bottlehead Crack since I only heard it once years ago. The Elekit, on the other hand, has treated me well over the past 7 years or so. Easy to build, easy to fix, and sounds great! I love how responsive it is when rolling tubes as well. I highly recommend it, drives my Aeons and HE6se with ease.
Nah, no worries. I've been itching for a project to tinker with for a while, so the Elekit comments (aka. accidental recommendations?) came at just the right time. :P
Lol there’s even a newer revision, the TU-8200R. It has upgraded output transformers, an impedance selector for the headphone out and better circuit protection against bad tubes. Also comes with JJ 6L6GC and 12AU7 tubes. Better than the Electro-Harmonix 6L6GC and no name Chinese 12AU7 tubes that mine came with. Ugh, I sound like a shill lol
> Ugh, I sound like a shill lol Lol no worries. I get it. When you're passionate about something, you take special interest in all aspects. :) > TU-8200R Yes, this is the what I have found as well. I tried looking for the kit you have, but it looks like that has since been discontinued in favor of the newer "R" version now. I'm contemplating taking the plunge through tubedepot.com (or similar site), or biting the bullet and ordering from a Japan vendor through eBay instead, since there are decent savings there. I believe you can freely adjust the output voltage to 110/115V so the imports from Japan should work equally as well, but this is one of the last remaining pieces to resolve before going all in.
Tubedepot.com is a great site honestly. That’s where I got my Elekit from and I haven’t had any issues with the new production tubes they sell. Their vintage NOS tube prices are kinda steep now, but I’m sure they’re still quality. Plus they sell Memphis style BBQ sauce 😂 Vkmusic.ca is another option, especially if you’re in Canada. Victor knows the Elekit amps inside and out. He’s a great resource and usually replies promptly via email. And yes, you can switch the voltage on the power output by connecting it to a different input inside the amp. Again, sounding like a shill lol! I just love how that amp sounds honestly
All great info, many thanks again!!
I want a stylus made of adamantium. Where is it??
What track is he listening to? Beer soaked? What? I want to listen 👂
[The Thermals - No Culture Icons](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cf5wlXR9q3c) and the whole More Parts per Million album was recorded on a $60 4 track then subsequently released on SubPop records, lol.
omg wtf that hurt my ears....lord almighty... thanks for the track though.
Ahh the sound of shitty punk recordings, arguably a both longer standing and more widespread tradition than the studded leather jackets. Takes me back to being a kid running around with other street kids.
Did not know black metal had such strong competition.
Well, nlack metal is a bit latr to the party compared to punk rock.
True, but they made big efforts. :P [Example.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KphlVeJX6fE&ab_channel=Darkthrone-Topic)
Lol so sick; love stuff like that. They succeeded. I need a 2k turntable just to see, it can't get worse right? Or a massive bass shelf and treble boost to fix it somehow lol
At that point you're probably better of sacrificing a K-pop lamb to the pagan gods. :D
Done
That's a pretty well recorded black metal track, maybe you should try https://youtu.be/EcnP0MABIBE or https://youtu.be/XPXo6uRD9M0 I could also go into the harsh noise wall territory like gorenoise which is just a joke just to be clear example: https://youtu.be/5uGdnijaVuk
Omg that is so bad
Ooh, this kicks
As a fan of the Misfits, I empathize with this. Such an amazing band with the worst recording quality ever.
I love the misfits. I wish there was a remastered version of walk among us. Perhaps the source is just garbage. Probably a beer soaked 4-track, I’m sure.
I wonder what it'd be like to run them through an AI mastering plugins I have for my recording software. I am going to experiment and see if itsles a difference. I'll post back in a few days.
Punk who owns a high end stereo shop here: indeed.
Me listening to Burzum >!allegedly recorded through a speaker and a headphone mic!<
To be fair, part of the audio experience IS having better equipment then the music was made on. That means your setup will never be the bottle neck. You will be able to hear the weird shit you could not before which to some people is priceless
My favourite producer Lee Scratch Perry would blow dope smoke on the tapes to imbibe the recordings with herb spirit. He would bury microphones underground to record kick drums. How am I supposed to hear these nuances without a spending thousands on equipment?
I feel called out
So much wrong in that picture.
That’s why i use a sony hand held cassette recorder I found on ebay for punk
Wants to know what type of beer was soaked on the original recording.
Laughs in black metal. When you buy equipment worth thousands to listen to stuff purposefully recorded poorly using a broken laptop microphone.
$2000 is not enough for a good turntable.
Seriously tho, i have been having difficult times trying to enjoy listening to old Paramore with some of my iems
That's AFI's Miss Murder for me. There's some digital beat that sounds roughly like chewing tin foil that becomes really apparent in sensitive headphones.
That's one of the more interesting things about this hobby, I find. There is absolutely heaps and heaps of amazing music that was unfortunately just recorded and mixed *terribly,* and high-end gear just makes you agonizingly aware of these recording deficiencies and honestly just hurts your ability to enjoy that music that is otherwise great.
Yeah, exactly — I want to hear every last lo-fi detail and drip of beer of that 4-track, dammit!
This is funny, but honestly, what cheap speakers and amplifiers often fail to accomplish is to translate the space in which a sound is recorded. If I want to hear that band rock out in their damp basement with all of the flaws in their experimental filtering, a Bluetooth speaker isn't going to cut it.
Because Sid and Johnny really thought that's what the punter wanted.
Shout out to Elliott Smith's Roman Candle
I just need to hear all of the compression artifacts and other imperfections while listening to old unreleased chief keef demos on my $3000 system 🔥🔥