I like and still use my Loki quite frequently. However, for my main music system, I've added in the Mini DSP 2x4 HD module. It sits between the pre-amp and my amplifier. It has 2 RCA inputs, and 4 RCA outputs that can be configured. I've set 2 of the outputs to direct to my SVS SB-2000...

I had the pleasure of finally seeing Patricia Barber last night in concert. She doesn't seem to conduct many tours outside of the Chicago area, but is on the east coast for a few days this week. I drove 90 minutes to Charlottesville, VA to see her play as a duo, with her bassist. The concert...

I'm soooo looking forward to the upcoming Capital Audio Fest. Should be a great time, as always!!

It looks like the Canfield model from Shinola has been cancelled. I could swear, the last time I was in Best Buy's Magnolia section, they had the Shinola turntables, some of their speakers and headphones. I was running short on time, so I didn't listen and just briefly looked at the product.

Great recommendation. However, the $199 price point of the Clear pads might be a bit steep for many to swallow. Hopefully, Dekoni has a replacement option for the Clear in the works that could keep the price down to about $60. Or, we could hope for Massdrop to offer the Elex pads again at...

I noticed a few days ago, Massdrop made some modifications to their Web site. It seems slightly better to navigate. However, they also changed their price format. Where all the items used to end in $.99 for the price, they've rounded the number up. The Elex now sells for $700 instead of...

Hopefully, Massdrop will have the black Elex pads available again in the future. $60/pr. That should solve the issues with the Clear pads that can stain easily. I am actually getting used to the Dekoni Fenstrated sheepskin pads on my Clears. The factory pads have been put away.

Just listened to this one again last night. Great show!

I haven't been able to recreate the "hum" that I was experiencing when I initially installed and utilized my Loki. My only guess at this point is that it was one of my RCA interconnects causing the issue. Glad it wasn't the Loki - I really enjoy this piece of gear. It's great to apply a small...

Not sure if it has been mentioned yet, but Massdrop has increased the price of the HD-58x to $159.99. On my order from Jan 13, 2019, I paid $149.99.

Interesting. I have the same question too. The Dekoni pads seem to have a bit of a stiffer memory foam along with a bit of thicker leather than the Focal Utopia pads, which felt like butter to me. I know there are ways to soften leather (e.g. Olive Oil, etc.) but due to the holes (fenestrated)...

Departure Bay - Diana Krall

I think the SoundMagic HP-150 headphones get bashed for weak bass without merit. I've had my pair for 3 years, but they spent 2 of those years packed away. I pulled them back out about a month ago and started to utilize them again. I couldn't believe the sound that these $125 - $150...

Thanks for the clarification. From your other recent post, it appears that the issue is with the particular music track you were referencing as you were able to recreate it on other headphones / ear buds.

So, from what I've read, you're driving the clears from the Pixel or the MacBook, but you don't have any DAC or external headphone amplifier in your chain? If that's the case, I'm sure your devices are reaching their maximum output capability and most likely the source of the clipping that...

The Loxjie P20 arrived today from Amazon. So far, it's pairing quite nicely with the Focal Clears. I'm just using the AK DAC that's built into my Schiit Fulla 2 at the moment (too lazy to swap over to the SDAC tonight). Tube and tube / hybrid amps have come quite a great way since I had my...

Oh, so you're using the HE adapter from Hifiman that was designed to work with speaker outputs on an amplifier, correct? I had one in the past, but it had a few "bugs" that frustrated me. Instead, I've always opted for speaker "taps" and utilizing resistors, if need be. I built a diagram for...

That seems to be quite the possibility. I've started swapping components and cables, but have been unable to recreate the hum. Then again, I have a few more combinations that I still need to try. Here's the current state of affairs - the DACs can't be seen as they're a bit more towards the...

My humble listening station in its current state:

You got triggered by ML Grado's post too? I ordered the Loxjie balanced tube amp from Amazon just a few minutes after noon, so I have to wait for delivery tomorrow. I bought the shiny red one. Apparently, Loxjie is a branch of S.M.S.L. I've had the Little Dots in the past and figured I'd try...

OK, I've been trying some different configurations. When I noticed the noise between tracks, I was utilizing the following: USB -> Schiit Fulla 2 (DAC) -> Loki -> LCX amplifier -> Balanced output Now, with the following, it's hard for me to detect any noise between tracks: USB -> SDAC...

Ironically, I passed on using software EQs that would integrate with WinAmp or Foobar because many of them wouldn't adjust frequencies below 63 Hz. However, after I got the Loki, I stumbled upon Peace and using the equalizer APOs and I can tweak the lowest frequencies now too. I moved on the...

Dang nabbit. I've enjoyed my new Loki over the past 24 hours - used the buttons to adjust the tone on a few songs. All seemed well. This morning, I noticed a very slight hum that can be heard between song selections. I've checked my cables, etc. - even swapped cables and can't seem to isolate...

As far as amps are concerned, the Magni 3 @ $99 is a good choice. I haven't owned the Magni since the v1, but have a v3 that I'll receive tomorrow. As to DACs, consider the Grace SDAC from Massdrop for $79.99. Though, it will not be shipping until sometime in April again. But, you can go for...

My Loki arrived from Schiit today. I've been playing with it for the past few hours. I do realize that there are many other much more capable products out there available - e.g. software parametric EQs that can cover many more frequencies, etc. However, for the moment, the Loki is great to be...