Korean Job Discussion Forums

ulsanchris · Joined: 19 Jun 2003 Location: take a wild guess

nevermind

geldedgoat · Joined: 05 Mar 2009

I was loving my Sennheiser CX380 IEMs until the jack got ripped out. Now I just gotta find some place to repair it.

IlIlNine · Joined: 15 Jun 2005 Location: Gunpo, Gyonggi, SoKo

I'll bite!

The topic is: Audiophile on a budget.

- looking for 2 speakers and an amp/receiver of some sort. Used is ok. Stuff readily available in Korea... but it's gotta sound good.

Any advice?

Are inkel amps any good? How about locally-made speakers?

eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

JungMin · Joined: 18 May 2005

I picked up my stuff a few years ago at AVPrime. You can go and test out some speakers in the shop. I brought a CD in and sat down for a solid hour listening to different speakers. Went with Dali Concept 6's, Concept center and two Concept 1's for surrounds and a Denon 1908 receiver. My setup does need a sub, but at the moment it would draw too much attention in my building with walls like paper. Pretty happy with it all, though I can see myself getting something dedicated for music only in the coming years.

Bloopity Bloop · Joined: 26 Apr 2009 Location: Seoul yo

I also got the PK3s BECAUSE they aren't IEMs. I am just under the impression IEMs would get irritating after a while, having to hold the foam piece and sticking them in your ears and adjusting them every time you want to use them. Also, they can't be too safe for walking around outside with cars zooming around, no?

FMPJ · Joined: 03 Jun 2008

eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

IEM's rule......they are way way better than any earbuds. Earbuds never go loud enough for me and they let too much external noise in. Nasty......after a good pair of IEM's you'll never go back to earbuds.

Full-sized headphones are too hard to drive for portable players.

IEM's and safety? Well, yeah. You have to keep your eyes open.

IEM's should be a good fit. They usually come with at least three different foam buds so you should get the right fit for your ear.

I'm absolutely kicking myself because I left my Klipsch S4's in Sam Ryan's bar in Itaewon a few weeks ago after a few too many coca-cola's........

.....ah well, means I can go IEM shopping!!

Patrick Bateman · Joined: 21 Apr 2009 Location: Lost in Translation

ulsanchris · Joined: 19 Jun 2003 Location: take a wild guess

I had a set of pK2s and they didn't fit properly so they didn't sound good. WIth IEMs you just change the tips until you get a good seal and bob's your uncle. IEMs are so much better. There are quite a few good IEM's for under a hundred bucks. Klipsch S4s are one of the best for under a hundred. Klipsch S2s are smaller, lighter and not as good SQ wise, but are very light and comfortable. About the most comfortable IEMs i've ever tried.

FMPJ · Joined: 03 Jun 2008

Best cans are open-backed. IEMs and closed cans generate a great deal of pressure that will, over time, damage your hearing.

I recommend Beyer DT880 pros. They're incredibly realistic and a steal at the price point.

harryh · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: south of Seoul

I spend too much time listening to music, love it! I'm not a TV type of person.

At my computer I use a StyleAudio Ruby DAC with a Head-Direct EF1 headphone amp into Kenwood KH-K1000 headphones, sometimes I use Audio Technica ATH-ESW9. I've bought and sold dozens of headphones and feel sure that you have to listen to your ears with regards to what you find enjoyable. I've sold headphones that have been more expensive than the Kenwoods. In the bedroom I use a Creek headphone amp.

For portable usage I enjoy my Ipod with Panasonic HJE900 or the Head-Direct RE0.

In the bedroom my system is computer, StyleAudio DAC, Tannoy Mercury speakers, Ceratec Power Amp, Marantz SR4600 but used as a pre-amp.

In the living room, computer, Stello DAC, Cambridge Audio Azur 540R (used as a pre-amp), Ceratec Power Amp, Quad 22L2, Quad 12L2.

My wife uses Quad 9L series Active monitors with her Ipod.

I'll be moving to a larger apartment with an extra room next year, so will be looking for a new main room system.

I'll be heading to Seoul to audition some gear.

From previous experience, I think you find a point of diminished returns, and think $5000 for speakers may be my sweet spot. I'm interested in listening to some PMC, ATC, Harbeth, Dali Helicons, Wilson Benesch amongst some others on the speaker front.

I've already bought a Stello Ai500, which is stored for my move. Here I think, is an example of diminished returns. I listened to the Stello and Eximus amps and thought the difference in performance was minimal to my ears, but there was a big difference in price. The same goes for speakers in my experience. At hi-fi shows I've heard some stellar very expensive gear, but the step up in quality may not justify the much higher financial outlay. If I was rich maybe I'd push the boat fully out.

I think I'd be happy in the $5000 range for speakers, and set the room up the best I can, and deal with the reflections appropriately. That may be the best bang for my buck.

eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

Wow....Harryh.....you've got some great gear there.

I'm in the market for a new headphone and headphone amp setup for my main computer. Any suggestions for what's available in Korea? It's mostly for movies and music but sometimes gaming.....so I need all-rounders I guess!

Budget is approx 400,000 total. I've no idea of the cost of good headphone amps. Never owned one.

Oh. I should add that I'm using the HT Omega Striker 7.1 sound card....

Nuggets · Joined: 23 Nov 2009

Custom 3's. got em for $100, they kick butt.