Audio Gear

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This is a list of recommended audio equipment that VTLUUG members own or recommend. Feel free to contribute!

Outputs

Headphones

Brand Model Type Isolation Impedance Price Recommended By Recommended Genres Notes
AKG K702 (similar to K701) Over-ear Semi-open 62 Ohm $265 Matt Most electronic stuff, acoustic/layered rock, jazz Very comfortable, long detachable cable, durable metal casing, probably needs an amp
Audio Technica ATH-M50 Over-ear Closed 38 Ohm $159 mutantmonkey House, minimal, techno, trance 1/8" connector is somewhat malleable, recommend keeping 1/4" connector on when not in use
Audio Technica ATH-AD700 Over-ear Open 32 Ohm $99 ackthet Postrock, classical, downtempo, electronic Be wary of malleable 1/8" connector
Grado SR-60i On-ear Open 32 Ohm $79 mutantmonkey Durability may be an issue
Sennheiser HD448 (now HD449) Over-ear Closed 32 Ohm $120 Matt Casing is plastic and somewhat flimsy
Sennheiser HD202 On-ear Open 32 Ohm $26 Matt Great sound for the price, but the cable will eventually break, so you'll need to solder-on a new one
Sennheiser HD280 pro Over-ear Closed 64 ohm $100 Matt Very durable (compared to 202s). Extreme frequencies are not produced well. Recommended for broadcasting but not personal use.
Sony MDR-7506 Professional Over Ear Closed 63 Ohms $130 echarlie Good for audio production; Industry standard. Durable, good dynamic and frequency ranges.
Sony MDR-V6 Over-ear Closed 63 Ohms $90 bgregos Very similar to MDR-7506, slightly different sound signature. Nearly indestructible. Has coiled cord.
V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless Over Ear Closed 32 Ohms $250 toocrazzzzy LoFi Hip Hop, Dub step, Classical, Jazz A great sound quality for the study-ness and robustness of the design. I have drooped mine, kicked them ,and worn them in moist environments without them breaking.

Computer Speakers

Stereo Speakers

Stereo Monitors

Brand Model Max Power Self-powered? Price Recommended By Notes
KRK Rokit 6 Yes May no longer be in production
M-Audio AV-40 20 W Yes $149
M-Audio BX5 D2 40 W Yes mutantmonkey May no longer be in production

Components

Sound Cards

USB DACs

Brand Model Max Sample Rate Inputs Outputs Price Recommended By Notes
Emotiva Stealth DC-1 24/192 AES/EBU, Coax, BNC, Optical, RCA, USB Balanced XLR, RCA $499 mutantmonkey Integrated pre-amp and headphone amp
Schitt Modi 2 24/96 USB RCA $99 mutantmonkey The original Modi did not work with the USB 3.0 controller on Haswell; it is unknown if this is true with the Modi 2 as well
Muse Audio / Texas Instruments PCM 2704 USB DAC 16/48 USB 3.5mm, RCA, Coax, Optical $25 bgregos Great cheap upgrade from onboard audio. Based on TI PCM 2704. The linked model has a fairly high output power, an external volume control is recommended for devices that are low-impedance.

Headphone Amps

Stereo Amps & Receivers

Inputs

Turntables

Recommended Reading