almost a year into my dared mp5 I think I can answer some of MY OWN questions already.
For those lang shempre who have newly discovered the Dared MP5 and had similar questions to what I had.
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1. What's the difference between a Class D amp (ie Trends T-amp) and a Class AB amp (mp5)? In car audio terms we use class D for mostly mono sub amps.
I never got around to trying out the Trends T-amp in a home setup. I tried it out sa SnS when I was doing a side by side comparison between that and the Dared. The sound is very different even when the same source is used. My preference obviously went to the Dared.2. sensitivity rating. The higher the better? I also observed they're usually more expensive. What is the lowest "allowable" (by your standards) should someone consider?
The higher the better specially for the Dared MP5.3. The USB slots indicate that this would be a good alternative to my Pc's Klipsch ProMedia 5.1. Given that I will use these as part of my new PC Speaker setup do you think this would be advisable? Will the relative proximity of the user to the speakers / monitor hinder the sound? Is this setup even advisable?
It's a very good alternative to the Klipsch Promedia 5.1 thx. I use it mainly for sound tripping on FLAC audio. So it's definitely advisable. The listener's relative proximity to the speakers is a bit problematic since you don't get to listen to the best sound. You need a comfortable computer chair with wheels. This way once you hear a good recording you can scoot back and listen from a far. An additional 5 feet away from the speakers makes a WORLD of difference! However, this setup is still advisable.4. What brand new speakers would you recommend for this? Up to 5k? Up to 10k? 15K?
I auditioned a number of speakers. I tried somewharfdales, paradigm, mission, klipsch, infinity. In the end I went with the Paradigm Atom v5. They're not the most expensive ones nor the cheapest one either. But price / performance - wise it got my vote. It took awhile to break-in the system but after awhile the sound just blossomed. It sounds great. A bit lacking on the bass but that's acceptable for me since I didn't have it in a fully ideal environment.5. Interconnects. Would the stock ones last me awhile? Any recommendations on this?
Didn't bother with stock wires. I immediately got gold plated banana plugs and some good wiring.6. There were reviews online that said it came with Sennheiser headphones. Is this true?
mine didn't come with headphones. I don't think anyone else's came with it.7. There are a couple of inputs. Obviously I want to connect it via USB to my PC, but what if I want to connect my ipod to it? Is there a switch somewhere for this or do I yank out the USB?
there's a small switch at the backOverall I love my dared mp5. I'm half hearted about going for an upgrade
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this is the thread I've been looking for!
i'm a veteran of the HTIB scene as well as car audio but VERY new when it comes to tubes and the finer things of audio.
I was able to audition these very briefly at SnS with Paradigm speakers. I'm sold!
i'm just about to get the MP-5 and I do have some questions:
1. What's the difference between a Class D amp (ie Trends T-amp) and a Class AB amp (mp5)? In car audio terms we use class D for mostly mono sub amps.
2. sensitivity rating. The higher the better? I also observed they're usually more expensive. What is the lowest "allowable" (by your standards) should someone consider?
3. The USB slots indicate that this would be a good alternative to my Pc's Klipsch ProMedia 5.1. Given that I will use these as part of my new PC Speaker setup do you think this would be advisable? Will the relative proximity of the user to the speakers / monitor hinder the sound? Is this setup even advisable?
4. What brand new speakers would you recommend for this? Up to 5k? Up to 10k? 15K?
5. Interconnects. Would the stock ones last me awhile? Any recommendations on this?
6. There were reviews online that said it came with Sennheiser headphones. Is this true?
7. There are a couple of inputs. Obviously I want to connect it via USB to my PC, but what if I want to connect my ipod to it? Is there a switch somewhere for this or do I yank out the USB?
Lots of questions I know.. sorry.
I'm just so excited about this unit!
thanks for the replies!