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evil-zen

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Posts posted by evil-zen


  1. M-audio transit has a proven track record in audiophile applications. It is not the best in providing digital out as the best usually comes with a higher price. Besides, using a laptop limits the choices available.

     

    I myself use primarily a computer for my tunes. PCI digital out ->dac -> amp.


  2. Stax 303 = Low level listening cans

    Stax SR-X = Normal level and rock cans

    Etymotics 4 = portable cum noise blocking cans

    Grado HF1 = Waiting to be sold cans

    Beyerdynamic 931 = Wanting-to-be-sold-but-probably-cannot-fetch-a-good-price-cans

    Sennheiser mx500 = falling into pieces cans


  3. Well most phones on the market now are dynamics. If you walk into a shop and see headphones, 99.9% of the time they are dynamics. Electrostatics only appear when you look for them. Dynamics work using the conventional magnetic cones to push air and thus producing sound. The magnets only 'push' the diaphragms. Plugs are the normal 1/4 or 1/8 inch type. Can be connected or adapted to anything as long as there's a single ended output with volume control.

     

    Electrostatics do not use the conventional plugs. I think most of them have 5 to 6 pins. The reason is because 2 pins on each channel are used for 2 electrodes. In between the electrodes is the diaphragm. Only 1-2 microns thick, the mylar diaphragm needs to be biased to gain a positive charge. The bias voltage (230 - 580V depending on age and manufacturer) is provided for by 1 or 2 pins. The electrodes are postive and negative so when a signal is applied, one electrode will push and the other will pull. So it is "push pull". Due to the need for a bias voltage and signal for both electrodes, they require a special amp also known as energisers or drivers. The most common manufacturer of electrostatic headphones is Stax. Sennheiser also had 2 models, Koss several and a few other small companies.

     

    BTW there are differences between electrostatics and electrets. Electrets uses a permanently biased diaphragm that may lose charge over time.

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