Any difference in sound quality if you were connecting your DAC between these laptop USB ports?

Is it really possible for an amp to change the frequency response? As in make the mids recessed, treble emphasized, etc. Is that what coloration is? I notice messing with the EQ changes the "color" of the sound, for reasons I can't really understand.    Oh and how do tube amps distort the...

Is the O2 + ODAC combo the same size as the O2 amp by itself? If so, I would like to know your experiences with it as a "portable" device and if the amp can still function off of battery.    Also, could anyone tell me their experiences with the AC adapter? Is it annoying?    I forgot...

So how exactly does an amp (or DAC) bring out the best dynamic range possible? Does it have something to do with the damping factor? 

Any difference? Dual entry cable just seems more annoying. 

What do you guys think. I'm using one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Hearos-Ultimate-Softness-20-Pair-Foam/dp/B001EPQ3H4/ref=zg_bs_3779871_1   Do you guys think it is counterproductive? Or perhaps ruin the intended frequency response of the headphones? Would this protect your ears? 

So the itunes equalizer has many options, including flat, acoustics, jazz, classical, etc. Is "flat" the way I'm supposed to hear it? The default choice that recorders intended us to hear it? I find "flat" to be extremely dull to listen to. Listening to the cello suite no 6. courante right now...

Are portable devices supposed to sound better than most laptops, assuming same quality of music is used? Portable devices use their own DACs right? Would a Cowon D2 likely sound better than my laptop (default soundcard). It's a Toshiba laptop if that helps. 

For noise isolation I mean. What isolates noise better? 

I don't know if this is an original idea (probably not) but I tried out some of my friend's skullcandy earphones. Needless to say, the sound quality was absolutely *****. However, it offered really nice noise isolation... way better than my official earplugs. Can anyone recommend me a sub-$20...

First of all, I feel utterly selfish making this thread, considering they are probably questions I can find by searching. I did not realize the Cmoy amps were this popular until recently. So here we go...    1) How well do the cmoy amps measure? I'd like to look at some objective...

I mean we don't exactly have a reference to something that sounds neutral. Can we tell by looking at a measurement graph if a headphone is neutral? Is it difficult to make a headphone sound neutral? 

Hi I'm new to this sound science forum. Glad I found it.    One of many questions I have is the question of my title. My HD598 shows the difference between 160-320 kbps files and lossless files. Others have testified to this, remarking on the HD 598's ability to reproduce its source...

I'm trying to "broaden my musical horizon". I find jazz very relaxing but sometimes a bit pointless, because it doesn't have much logical structure to it (at least the ones I've heard). I'm not saying I demand Mozart-like structure... just something that's well organized with its...

I'm looking for an upgrade to these headphones. I want:  1) Even better sound stage. I already think the 598s have an incredible sound stage but I'm looking for something EVEN better. For reference, I thought the Q701s had a somewhat unrealistic soundstage.  2) Neutral sound; I want to hear...

On the Audio Output Setting, I have the option of checking of Linear PCM 2 Ch. 88.2 and 176.4 Hz. I'm using a astro mixamp and a HD 598, so should I check these off? Currently I have these three checked off:    Dolby Digital 5.1 Ch. , Linear PCM 2 Ch. 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz    Question is...

You can list as many as you want in order. But for me, Bach will always be at the top.    1. Profound spirituality beyond anything I've experienced  2. Intellectually intriguing  3. Seems to always navigate in the most logical and intuitive manner, but yet never taking the cliche way...

The Sennheiser HD 598 is very controversial in terms of its appearance. Some find them hideous; others find them beautiful. YOU DECIDE:    http://cdn3.digitaltrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/sennheiser-hd-598-headphones-earcup.jpg  ...

Topic.    1. Grado SR325is 2. Sennheiser HD 598  3. ATH-W3000 (Limited Edition)    In no particular order. 

As I was searching for a good amp/ dac, I decided to save myself the trouble of picking between numerous options and get an O2 amp/ dac.    Now I have to choose between JDS Lab variant and the EHP variant. I can only see the rear view of the former...

Watup dawgs? I'm looking for a desktop amp/ dac. I have a 50 ohms sennheiser HD 598. I'm a noob when it comes to the audiophile world and a couple days ago, I read an article by NwAvGuy regarding headphone amplifiers. From what I can understand, buying an amp such as the FiiO E9 (an output...

I don't know if it's just me but after about 80 hours logged into my HD 598, the sound has improved A LOT. The bass is no longer a weak and somewhat loose thump. It's far stronger than before and sometimes, it's to the point where percussions feel a little TOO strong.  Soundstage is wider than...

So recently I purchased the Hd598 - fantastic. While I do enjoy it, I kinda want more bass extension. And overall, I just want more clarity. So I was wondering if anyone can recommend me an amp/ dac that is preferably below the $150 dollar range (if possible). I don't mind if it isn't portable...