I have not noticed much chatter here on Esoteric N-05xd. I know expensive ($11K in US I believe is the MSRP), but, for an endgame setup, to me is a great deal. Great DAC, very powerful headphone amp, and streamer built-in, all in one unit. Is there anything else out there, perhaps cheaper, that...

I recently bought a pair of the new T+A Solitaire T (wireless) for casual listening (and talking). They are fantastic. So maybe time to get back in proper headphones, after several years of absence. The Solitaire P is the obvious choice, but, too expensive. So I am looking back at my preferred...

I am looking for a headphone amp with DAC built in, as well as with a Roon Ready (end point) streamer built in. Not looking to spend an arm and a leg, as it will be used with the new T+A Solitaire T ANC wireless headphones, which include an analog balanced 4.4 mm cable / jack for passive mode...

I am about to buy Elegia, as I am in need of some closed back cans. Is there anything better out there at below $1,000 price point? Will use it with my Ayre QX-5 Twenty for home, and either Dragonfly Red or iFi xDSD with iPhone XR on the go.

This is going to be for a secondary system. Any suggestions for a good amp that works well with the Utopias? No need to have a DAC built in. And I don’t mind getting it used from here. And for course, the cheaper the better Other requirements: need to have balanced Headphones jack, balanced...

As the title says. Does it exist? Preferably with built in streamer too. Major requirement: has balanced operation and balanced Headphones jack. My headphones are Focal Utopia (not difficult to drive) Thanks!

See my signature for my current setup. I am pretty happy with my setup, best it has ever sounded. But I do feel the Mjolnir 2 is my weakest link. Others have pointed out the same to me. Is it true? Can I do better than MJ2?

Hi everyone! I have HD800 (SDR modded). While I truly love them in terms of detail, soundstage, and crispness, I feel they are a bit light on bass. So, for that price range, is there anything better than HD800 out there? With a bit more bass, without sacrificing the great features of HD800 I...

Hi,   I have an SDR-modded HD800, but I am wondering what all the fuss is about the HD800s.   I know that HD800S was supposed to address the treble spike on the HD800, but if one has the SDR mod done on the HD800, is there any advantage left on owning a HD800S?

Hi everyone. I use Tidal Hifi as a music service. Works great with Roon integration, very good sound quality, plus the MQA library. So I don't see myself switching to something else. Having said this, their new music discovery features leave something to be desired. So I was wondering if...

About to try tubes amps. Before I pull the trigger on the Schiit Valhalla 2, is there anything else from other brands that I should consider instead? On that price range and up to $500+ Preferably able to handle HD 800 and with Balanced headphones jack Thanks!

I am about to enter the world of tubes amps. Before I pull the trigger on a Schiit Valhalla 2, is there anything better out there in that price range, and even higher than that? Looking for something able to handle HD 800, and preferably with Balanced headphones jack. I appreciate any help I...

....closed back headphones that is?   I have two setups for headphones: one in the living room with Sennheiser HD800 (with SDR mod), and one in the bedroom with Closed Back Audeze EL-8 Titanium.   I am so spoiled with my main setup and HD800 that I can't get myself anymore to listen to my...

If my Amp has Balanced headphones jacks, and Balanced inputs, does the DAC must have balanced outputs for truly Balanced setup?

I only know of Mytek Brooklyn (about $2,000) that is MQA capable. And some expensive Meridian DACs.   Does anybody know of anything cheaper that is MQA-capable? Hopefully Roon Tested or Ready. And, hopefully includes Amp.   Thanks!

What do you guys use as a stand / rack for your headphones setup?   Looking at something low profile but sturdy to accommodate:   1 - Headphones Amp 2 - Headphone DAC 3 - Laptop (this would be static, as it is "controlled" through Roon) 4 - A couple of headphones   Thanks!

Probably not the right to describe it, but is there such thing as "crisp" headphones?   What I mean, is a headphone that have the following:   1 - Great soundstage    2 - Sound very crisp on the highs. Something that I cannot describe, but I hear on my home audio system, and fail to hear a...

I promise this will be easy read :-)   I also promise that I have for quite a bit, but, gotta tell you, it gets more confusing the more you read...   Shortlisted the following desktop DAC/Amp integrated:   1 - Audeze Deckard (can get this brand new at $575 shipped)   2 - Schiit Jotunheim...

How do I post on "For Sale" forum?   I don't see a "start a new thread" option.   Thanks!

Hi everyone! New to this forum, but not new to the forums in general. I have recently rediscovered high quality audio and music after about ten years of hiatus (life got in the way, new family, kids and all...) I just rebuilt my stereo system comprised of Bluesound Node 2, Rotel integrated...