More Audiophile Musings

Of course, one could argue that your old laptop was perfectly sufficient for word processing, finance and even portable music management, and any other menial task you have in mind. Essentially, the need for a new laptop was likely driven by a want to play games and edit photographs.

I will stop being a bastard now. I just can't resist when the topic of turntables are brought up! And you needn't justify purchase choices to me. I was actually curious on your response, as it is a subject that comes up in economics, and I wanted to get a consumer's response on that subject.

Do not sell the photo manipulation short. I am astonished how quickly this one gets things done relative to my older laptop, and definitely relative to the aging Voodoo.

But utility counts. That is the line of reasoning that I have used with Eve for most of my major purchases, and she gets it. The Vandersteens were certainly the single most extravagant purchase that I have ever made, but when you weigh how much I use them, the price is easier to justify. And I do use them more than the older speakers; the increase in listening pleasure makes me want to listen to them more. Not too different than the laptop -- I am going to be using this one, whether for gaming or other, much more than I was using my old computers.

And while it is certainly a proven point that you are a bastard, nevertheless the question was a good one.

I recently obtained a previously loved copy of the 1st blue oyster cult album. It is in very nice condition but it has a slight warp in it. Is it worth trying to flatten out? If so what do you guys recommend? It is more of an annoyance then anything else. both sides of the lp still plays great even with the slight warp. The sl-q2 does not have any problem keeping the tone arm on the record.

I'm not sure you can really flatten it out without risk of damage, but Iago might have some tricks for you.

Iago: Well, I appreciate the answer. Actually helped me understand a piece of an economics course I'm taking. So, thank you!

There was a method of putting a record between two sheets of glass and letting the sun heat it, but I am skeptical that it works. Clearaudio made a warp remover called the Vinyl Doctor, but that cost more than you would want to spend. Your best bet may be to find a good vinyl shop, someplace like the Needle Doctor preferably rather than just a place that sells used LPs, and see if they have anything that can help.

I've heard reports of even the Vinyl Doctor distorting grooves. That's the problem with vinyl: heat it up and there's a good chance it'll flow and distort. Mind you, now that I've said that, it seems like the perfect experiment for East.

Well, that is the downside of the glass method as well. But you are right; I think that we have a perfect side project for East!

what do you guys use to clean your vinyl? I have been using the discwasher d3 system but I know that at some point I am going to run out of the fluid. Do they still make discwasher or is there something better on the market?

I have used LAST products for years. Bit of a Ford vs. Chevy argument regarding what is best. Mind you, the absolute best thing to do is go for a Nitty Gritty type cleaning machine, but that is only worth the money if you own a lot of records.

I take it this is the right last?

Indeed.

I just got the logitech g930 and although I am quite pleased with its in game performance the sound sounds flat / 2d when listening to music. Playing with the eq thats built into the software helped a bit but I am still not entirely satisfied, The big plus with these is the wireless connectivity. I can walk out of the room and still use them. Overall its a nice well made headset but I don't recommend it for listening to music. It left me thinking "I expected better from something thats made by logitech"

I would not use any headset for listening to music, but that is me. The Canmaster might be even less forgiving, though.

Surprisingly I was quite satisfied with the sound quality out of my turtle beach x11. The cord was really starting to annoy me though. When tweaking the logitech g930 with the included eq I noticed it was distorting. In order to compensate I had to turn down the preamp power in the software. Construction wise I give it an 8/10 only loosing 2 points for the fact its mostly plastic. Sound quality wise the best I can give it is 4/10.

Time for a real upgrade! I am disappointed, thought, that a discussion of headphones has not changed the Canmanster's current AWOL status.

I agree with Iago, I prefer to run without "phones" on. However, we have kids in the house and there are times that they are either sleeping or can't listen to the language of something so... for those times Astro Gaming headphones. I'm almost a fanboy, well until they were bought by SkullCandy. Now I'll bee a little wary before my next purchase of a "new" product.

We have all three of their headphones in ear, on ear, over ear; and I think all are great in their class.

The last week and a half has been extremely hectic, and continues to be so. Still not a good excuse for being AWOL, I suppose.

I've never played with Astro or Logitech cans, so I can't comment on the quality. However, I'm suspicious of their overall performance. I think I'd be more inclined to lean toward more established can makers, but maybe that's prejudice, bias and a little bit of snobbery speaking.

Speakers do offer a more relaxing and natural experience. However, I find cans great when I'm working or if I need to listen in private. They also allow people the ability to experience high fidelity for relatively little coin. In terms of detail and dynamic range, a $500 set of headphones can hold their own against speakers costing thousands.

NHT has a new set of powered desktop speaker that look quite nice for under $400. And with my new setup I found myself lurking on Xhifi's website again. For the time being, however I am still just using my old Sony headphones. Suckers are over ten years old now and still sound great -- plus, they were designed for comfort.

For those not in the loop, here is an old review on Good Cans (it is the second one down after the Grados):

http://www.goodcans.com/HeadphoneReviews/bigreview.htm

The review is correct that there is a tradeoff with reduced bass response, but I have never been comfortable with excessive bass that close to my eardrums anyway, and the review is also correct that you can wear them forever with no comfort problems.

Skullcandy actually doesn't sound that bad for the price. I found the sound to be clear and immersive (It didn't sound flat like my g930 does) The problem is they are made for crap and will break within 6 months. I had a pair of G.I.s at one point and they kept breaking in different places and I kept gluing them. Finally I got my turtle beach x11's and they went in the garbage.

I am starting to get use to the g930 and overall it really isnt a bad headset for gaming and voice communications but I wouldn't use it for music.

Well, I figure that 10+ years on the Sonys is a pretty good track record.

Ironically, I use the Grados reviewed on that page. The review is also correct that they are not the most comfortable. That said, they, like Iago's Sonys, have lasted me years and given me no trouble.

Have the XDC-1 come down in price? I have only heard good things about those speakers. Depends if you want to spend that kind of money for PC speakers.

No, dammit. Still go for a grand.

Pretty pricey for a desktop setup.

Yeah, and I have spent enough lately. The NHTs might be a more viable option.

I think both have a 30-day trial period, so you could try the NHTs and return them if they don't satisfy.