From the Linux and Unix Users Group at Virginia Teck Wiki
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
