Audio Equipment Thread (Headphones/Microphones/Speakers, etc.) • Page 11

Gotcha. I'm just pretty disappointed in the ANC in the XM3s at this point, the microphone is terrible for work calls, no automatic switching between devices, and the audio sounds ever so slightly muffled. Wonder how big an upgrade the 4 would be. The price on those seem good now - 44% off. $194 total.

 

I have the XM4s, and have for 4.5 years. I don't use them for music anymore, mainly work meetings. They work perfect for that though. Noise cancellation is great, and I think the mic is perfectly fine, no one has ever complained or said they couldn't hear me clearly.

 

100% agree with the above sentiments re: XM4s. Considering buying a backup pair before they run out.

 

I have a cheap Phillips micro hifi system from the later 00 that mom gave to me when I moved out in like 07, 08. It sounds solid enough for what it is (I grew up sharing earbuds and listening to 00s rap mixtapes, so I’m not a hardcore audiophile) but the CD player has been making a lot of noise since like 2010, so I hardly ever use it for CDs (I have a lot of CDs). I do sometimes use it to listen to vinyl records, via the record player that is hooked up to it). Anyway, it didn’t really bother me, but now that my car stereo (which was excellent and my main way to listen to CDs) doesn’t work anymore, it has started to bother me because I have now no proper way to play my CDs.

So last week I ordered a Denon RCD-M41 (which apparently is like the best micro system around these days) and matching speakers. I was underwhelmed (it also didn’t property amplify my record player, unlike the cheap Phillips, even though it has a built in preamp), and it was like €460 in total (which for me is meaningful right now), so I sent it all back. I figure I will put together my own system for the same price at some point.

I have now dug up a Sony D-140 discman that still works and ordered a cord to hook it up to my Phillips system. If it sounds solid enough I’m gonna order an RCA Switch so I don’t have to unplug the record player. Maybe a Bluetooth receiver too (though maybe not since my little Bluetooth speaker is fine for that). The cord and the RCA Switch cost me like €30 combined and both can be used in the future. Figured this is a cheap way to kick the can down the road.

Sharing just to share because my wife doesn’t wanna hear it anymore.

EDIT: Got the cord just now. The discman sounds great! So awesome. I like to imagine it must be so hyped to be back in the game.

 

I got a $300 Amazon gift card from work and some rewards cash saved up on my credit card, so I decided "fuck it", and bought the Sony WH1000XM6 headphones after all.

HUGE improvement over the XM3s. Sound is more clear and balanced, they're comfortable, ambient mode and ANC are improved, mic quality is great.. no complaints at all so far. Never would have paid for these out of my own pocket, but I ended up only spending $100 of my own cash on them so I'll take it.

Also just love being able to pair to 2 devices at once. Gets annoying constantly pairing my XM3s all the time

 

Anyone have any knowledge of car sound system installs? I just leased a new Honda CRV, my last few cars have been new and stereos have been more than fine even in lower trims. But I feel they really cheaped out on this one even though I have a higher trim.

I'm curious in upgrading the sound but also don't want to spend a ton of money nor have any kind of equipment showing like a sub in the trunk etc.

Would it still be a worthwhile upgrade if I just replaced the speakers with a good brand and added an amp as well would I be able to keep costs at/under $1k?