How's the sound quality? Also has anyone tried it with WMA lossless? Thx

Quote: do you prefer it to the Philips? Yes -- by quite a wide margin. Some characteristics are wider/deeper soundstage and detail that is just apparent (almost obvious). It's not that there is more definition of detail. It's just that with the RME, one does not have to hunt for it...

I also want to confirm the observations of head-fi'ers who have given favorable opinions on the RME96/8 PAD card. I recently purchased the RME96/8 PAD as an upgrade to my M-Audio 2496, and it was worth every penny. It is my humble opinion that these pro-audio cards often sound much better...

Does anyone know how the Scout compares to the MMF-9? I believe that they are roughly in the same price range (~ $1500). Thx

For the current bid price, it's hard to go wrong. I have just recently purchased a RKV MKII from Meier Audio at a significantly higher price.

It works! I did as ServingInEcuador proscribed and the hum is gone. It's strange that it worked in the horizontal configuration for the first day?! Anyway, thanks to everyone for their helpful suggestion.

Thanks for everyone's suggestions so far. I have contacted Dr. Meier and Helmut concerning this problem and will keep everyone posted. One thing that I neglected to mention was that the inputs are properly connected. I used the lower pair (horizontal). Also, I have been able to enjoy the...

Quote: Is the hum in both channels? Yes. I have also tried both of the 1/4" headphone jacks with same results. Quote: Is your source plugged into the same outlet? Yes. Back of the PS 300 has 4 outlets. However, I have also tried connecting the RKV to a separate...

Quote: have you tried listening to it connected directly to an AC socket (bypassing the PS Audio power distribution unit)? (and with the PS Audio 300 completely disconnected from house wiring)? Yes I have. There was no discernable improvement in the hum.

I have just received the RKV II 2 days ago from Meier-Audio. However, it has now developed a hum in both channels. I have tried switching power cords, switching the position of the tubes and switching amplifiers. My Sugden headphone amp placed in the same configuration (same power cord...

Would you mind posting a brief instruction set for the cable swap upgrade? I have a pair for DT880's on the way from Meier Audio and am interested in upgrading the cable also. Thanks!

Congrats on the ER-4S purchase. I have also recently purchased the ER-4P with the Etymotic 4P to 4S adaptor. I'm curious as to why you didn't go this route with the purchase. Does anyone know if there's any degradation to the sound by using the adaptor?

I just bought the Sony SCD-C555ES from Oade.com for $539. It is also available from jandr.com for the same price (on back order though). There are reviews for both the 555 and the 777 on Stereophile.com archives. However, for the price, the 555 is definitely worth the try IMHO.

Quote: And the CDP-XA20ES is Sony's top of the line single CD player? It does sound better than the 400CD changer M555ES at the same price right??? Yes. It also is a great transport (headphone jack included). My only quibble is that it does not have an spdif digital out. The US model...

No one can really make an accurate recommendation on whether you should upgrade except yourself (preferrably through auditions of both 'phones). However, with that disclaimer out of the way... GO FOR IT! If the 590's are anything approaching the 580's, the 600's are a discernable step up...