I haven't read all the way through the thread and sorry if I'm repeating something.  The Zik 2.0k have a 192hz processor (or something) compared to the original Zik's 44hz (CD) (or something like this), and this allows them to get away without APT-X.  APT-X is only really needed, IMO, if you are...

Thanks for the insight.  It looks like the Schiit Vali is made for the 600/650's with the power and hybrid tube amp.  I am willing to test DAC's again, but I didn't hear much of a difference between the Schiit Modi and NuForce2 Dacs running through a Garage 1217 Project Starlight then when I...

I'm in the process of getting some HD 650's or 600's but wanted to know the cheapest DAC/AMP I can get to push these.  Used is fine with me.  In grad school and plan to upgrade the DAC/AMP in the future.  Suggestions?  Thanks so much in advance.  I have to get rid of my avatar pic because I had...

It's 2014, and I'm looking for something for my sister.  Her ears aren't spoiled yet, but I know she'll workout more with a great sounding pair of headphones.  When she used my UE Triple-Fi 10's, they hurt her ears, but she loved the sound.  So, earbuds are out!  On the ear makes her ears too...

I bought the Saturn Avantree aptX transmitter/receiver, and I like it.  Of course, I still have cords.  I did some "homemade" testing with my Stone Temple Pilots, Core, Tracks - I have Core on the following: HD Tracks - 4608 kbps, 96 kHz, 134.9 MB CD - 1102 kbps, 44.1 kHz, 32.1 MB (Apple...

I'm looking into these or the Bluedio - http://www.aptx.com/product/bluedio-r2-bluetoothr-stereo-headset    Looks a little familiar, doesn't it?  I like the fact that Monoprice is trusted internet company in the states, and I feel the service will be a lot better should something go wrong.    ...

Please don't laugh at me because we are all different.  I happened to love the sound I got from this EQ setting with a Garage 1217 Starlight and my V1's.     

I can't find a headphone and transmitter that user aptx lossless.  Help me find one!  There is 2:1 compression on "aptX Lossless" by the way.  I'm sure it sounds lossless compared to other other Bluetooth setups, but it's definitely not lossless.  

Things covered in this post: aptX transmitters aptX info  Getting your Mac to use aptX  aptX suggestions KLEER is BS - It's just 2.4 ghz - Until I'm corrected - Or, I lose my internet.   I have procrastinated like crazy researching Bluetooth Headphones when I should have been writing...

Have you found out anything more on this bass going in and out?  I have a 4s with an Fiio E7, but I'm not crazy about carrying the E7 in my pocket.  I have been EXTREMELY happy just using my QC15s around town without the E7, and I enjoy my Fostex ZMF mods for home.  However, they get hot in...

I'm new to the Head-Fi Community and have recently bought an entry-level setup - Garage1217 Project Starlight, NuForce uDac 2, ZMF Modified Fostex's with XLR input.  I have my old CD's downloaded to a 2 TB Western Digital My Passport for Mac in Apple Lossless format, and I have MacBook Pro...

Looks like you can buy it on Amazon, which will go through NuForce for $125 plus shipping.  I'm just wondering what the difference is with sound.  I can't believe I just bought the uDac-2 on eBay for $69 including shipping not knowing there was a uDac-3 now.  

Quick question...Going out from my MacBook Pro Retina (2012) to my Garage1217 Starlight Amp...Will that allow 24-bit sound?

So, it sounds like HD Tracks goes out and uses better Master Recordings.  Ergo, their tracks are going to sound better whether you buy 16/44.1 or 24/192 - I wouldn't hear the difference.  Is this correct?

Lenny - I have an Apple MacBook and don't have the software to convert FLAC's yet.  Any chance you could put that in an AIFF format?     On that note, is there a good free or low cost conversation software package for FLAC's to iTunes?  I'm currently in graduate school, so I can't buy what I...

Did you get the V1's or V2's?

Thanks for the information.  Sounds like this is definitely going to be my Holiday Present!!!

Has anyone downloaded a Classic Rock album on HD Tracks that sounds A LOT better than a CD/FLAC/Lossless, etc.?  This would be one surely recorded in Analog, but I've been tempted to buy some with my new headphones and equipment.

I was thinking about downloading some albums on HD Tracks that I already have the CD on Apple Lossless.  I've seen some very interesting points and numbers through the threads, but I want to know if I'll hear a difference if I buy some HD Tracks albums.  I did download the Sampler, and it...

Any idea when the firmware update will happen? Now, I go computer to USB to E7 out the headphone jack into the RCA splitter into the Starlight. Will I be able to do this with the X3 after the update? What will line out do that the headphone jack won't do? Please, please forgive my ignorance...

Mine started to show wear and started to lose the softness after a couple of weeks of somewhat heavy use.  Has anyone had a problem losing the subtleness of the leather?  Or, has the leather cracked a little like it does with a cabretta leather golf glove after use.  I could be wrong...Wouldn't...

Has anyone compared the FiiO X3 to a stand alone DAC's on their home system?  I have a E7 that I'm using as a DAC now, and I'm in the market for an inexpensive ($150) DAC.  I already have tube amp (Garage1217 Starlight), so I'm good in that regard.  If the X3 sounds as good as a home DAC, I'm...

THANKS!  Just posted on that thread and learned a lot.

Can we add 4-Pin Headphone jack amp to the suggestions?  I have some 4-Pin XLR Fostex Mod's coming to me that were used.  I see manufacturers are extremely proud pricewise of their 4-pin balanced amps.  Is there a lower priced 4-Pin amp out there?  I don't mind used...  Have they been making...