Loxjie A10 good to run these on a desktop?
I think it should be fine, but you may want to upgrade in the future. I personally think something like the topping pa3 would be a better choice
I’ve been researching a bit more and settled on getting either the SMSL M300 or M500 DAC and the SMSL SA300 amp.
The M300 has a power issue because it is only powered through the micro-USB port which is also unfortunately where the best audio quality goes in (Audiosciencereviews made data charts that showed USB with less jitter and distortion compared to optical). M500 has an issue w/ an ESS peak according to Audiosciencereviews with needed firmware updates implying bug issues.
Any sharing of experience using any of these components would be greatly appreciated. This is the only thing holding me back from buying the RB42s. Got a timer though, Cyber Monday is coming in three days
Never mind, I bought the Micca Origain DAC+amp. 2-in-1s are awesome because it’s just one electronic tiny and black box (why silver when most computer equipment are in black… what is PS Audio smokin’) to turn on/off and the clean setup was more appealing to me than the slightly better audio quality.
It was between this $99 DAC/amp and the $600 PS Audio Sprout 100 and I assume the 500% price increase was going to translate to a minimal <50% bump in audio quality (according to lots of forums and not reviews, the praises of the PS Audio Sprout 100 were either from snake oil users or new audiophile users like myself). Spending the hefty amount for a decent DAC like the Topping D70 would be worthwhile if it was paired with some sensitive and expensive speakers like the ~$1200 Swan M3as.
Both the Origain and PS Audio Sprout 100 have a subwoofer output and the Sprout has the auto-cutoff of the mid-sub from the speakers, but I’m not sure if the Origain has this also (not mentioned anywhere). The only major con of the Origain is turning on the device by messing with the volume knob. This means having to remember and develop a habit of rotating the knob to the specific volume every time it’s reset from 0/off. This will irk the hell out of me, but overall I feel the Origain is the lesser of two evils.
I was considering the Topping MX3 but holy moly the alleged quality control issues and negative reviews on Amazon, Audio Science Reviews, and even on Z review’s Youtube comment section immediately put this alternative in the dumpster (only game-changing positive is the headphone out but most cheap and mid tier headphones are too uncomfortable for my mid-sized head. I tried the clamping $300 Sennheiser 600s and less uncomfortable $270 AKG 712 pros [bought the AKGs for $499 on 11/7/19 and now $270 on 12/1/19 after Black Friday… oh yeah the seller has to be Amazon.com or you’ll get counterfeit/fake issues from third-party sellers like EverGreenGlobal]).
Off tangent, the Sennheiser doesn’t have a “neutral” sound, it was flat and sad. Genres like hip-hop, pop, electronic, and orchestral all sounded weak in every aspect, not just in volume with the HD 600s. In comparison to the Apple Airpods v2, the Sennheiser was flat and the AKGs were equal with the Apple Airpods v2. I didn’t get an improvement at all in spatial, clarity, sharpness, extra details, lows/mids/highs… I got nothing. Still I wouldn’t take my feedback seriously because I used these with a $120 Sound BlasterX AE-5 computer sound card. But then again, I went to the Sennheiser store, tested even their flagship $2400 HD 820 powered by their weak Sennheiser Amp and then plugged into my iPhone Xs via lightning (volume was medium at max sadly), and still the Sennheiser branded stuff sounded limp. The weak Amps and soundcards are implying that these two components are also factors to pumping great sound through speakers/headphones which is why I will only purchase expensive gear when I can afford an expensive and reliable DAC/amp.
I’ll reply next week with my listening experience with the Micca RB42s ($149.99 on Sunday 12/1/19 thru Amazon.com, same price after Black Friday 11/29/19) paired with the Micca Origain DAC+amp ($99.99 on Saturday 11/30/19 thru Amazon.com). I also ordered the needed accessories like the $16.99 Micca banana plugs, and the $4.99 Amazon Basics optical audio cable. In total, this 2.0 speaker system costs $271.96 before tax, still ridiculously cheaper than the $600 PS Audio Sprout 100 alone.
I hope Micca makes a new version of the Origain (hopefully with a flagship AK/ESS chip while maintaining the same footprint and price), and I hope this new setup is an improvement over my current Logitech Z333 ($49.99 for 2.1).
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I love the Sprout 100, but the selling point for me was the phono input. I don’t keep my turntable by my pc, and didn’t really want to so I was mainly looking for a speaker setup for the turntable without going too nuts. I’ve since replaced it with a vintage Marantz receiver, but it did the job I needed it to for the several months I was using it. If I didn’t need the phono functionality I may have gone a different route and saved money.
I own and love the HD600s, but I am running off of a tube amp. I owned the 6xx previously and it wasn’t until I ran them off a tube before I saw what everyone else seemed to love about them. I liked them so much I got a pair of hd600s and I like them even more than the 6xx off the tubes. It’s a completely different headphone. You do get used to the clamping, but it is a lot of pressure while you are breaking them in
I am saving up for the Sprout 100 as a next year purchase… Unless I find something better for what I want. 
If you don’t own a turntable and never plan on it, you can probably save some money, but it’s a really solid piece of equipment. The bluetooth on it doesn’t get the credit it should. I didn’t use it that often, but when I did it worked very well
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So I convinced my family to keep these instead of a soundbar.
The Micca Origain we got originally was not enough power for our high vaulted ceilings, and it had no digital audio in (optical) for our TV, so we got the SMSL AD18, which actually made a difference in sound imo and had a digital audio out (optical). Sounded way more powerful and better bass. And it has no problems powering them. Plus the EQ and Bluetooth functionalities make it so nice. It also powers headphones really nicely, I could tell a difference in sound playing through my DAP via aux into the amp. I would recommend this amp over the Origain if you can get it. The big selling point for my family was the remote to control everything with.
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Did I ruin my ear for the RB42?
To start I’m not really a speaker person, first set in 15 years since I’ve had 5.1 and 2.1 computer sets (got pulled in via headphones). So I ordered these with the SMSL AD18 and on impulse got the KEF Q150s at the same time on sale which were my potential higher end pick. I’m using them on a desk for now, possible living room use later, but the imaging on the Q150 is nuts, the speakers really fade away with the soundstage and near field the bass doesn’t seem like an issue. Is it just going to be a better speaker (2x price after all) or is it just more forgiving to set up because of the concentric drivers and I can get something similar from the RB42?
If I was being sensible I would stick to the RB42, I prefer the size and styling and the Q150 takes up a lot more room and costs more and if it wont match up in a larger room later it might not be the best upgrade. Any way, I have no background to pull from here, I think I could enjoy either set up, but it would seem like a waste to spend the extra desk space and money if I don’t need it or it won’t keep up in usefulness later.
So personally I think the q150 is the better speaker imo, but the rb42 is good as well. I guess I’m not fully understanding the question, and you would move the q150 to a room and buy the rb42 for your desk? I don’t think it would be as good as the kefs for imaging and soundstage, but I do think the rb42 would be something different and still good
Sorry to change course a little, but need some advice on RB42s for a living room setup. Zeos had mentioned in his review that these speakers, properly driven, would work for a home theater setup. I’m fairly new to the speaker world and want to make sure I do it right.
I’m looking to start with a budget 3.0 (L C R) system for my TV and decided on RB42s and an RB42C. I’m curious if the Denon AVR-X1500H would power these sufficiently for a small to medium size room? Is the 80 wpc the Denon provides enough for them?
Appreciate the help!
Yeah, that should be plenty imo. Should be just fine 
Appreciate the advice! I was hesitant with posts saying 80 wpc is the minimum for a desk setup. Thought i may have to reevaluate my plans.
These, or OoO with a 8-10" ported sub?
I would say the OoO if you also get a sub with them. Depends on the sub tho
Anything sub $200 you’d recommend?
I mean if you want to go big for the price you could get the BIC F12 which is nice
The Sony SACS9 is also pretty good. The Yamaha NS-SW100BL also pretty good
Received my RB42’s today!!! Running them off a Topping MX3. Initial impression is 2 thumbs up. Still need to do more listening to get a full impression…
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Niceeeeeee. Got mine like a week ago and I LOVE em too. Just had to really work on speaker positioning. Anything less than 2 1/2 feet was too cramped
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If my family isn’t around I prefer listening to these than headphones. Something about having it in front of you feels special like you are at a concert.
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