Does it make sense ?

NO it doesn't make sense at all, but than Cute Beyond is a good choice for its price - just think about how cute it will be compare to Total Bithead... tempted yet?

*I'll buy one myself, and decide if I'm going to regret or not after I get it on my table

Are you saying that you want to use the Total Bithead as a DAC while using the Cute as an amp?

GAD

Well only you can decide if it "makes sense" or not.

You'd be amping an amped signal since the bithead doesn't have a line out. As long as you don't overdrive the bithead it will probably sound good.

I'd probably opt for a completely new DAC/Amp combo though like the meier move http://www.meier-audio.homepage.t-online.de/move.htm

GAD

The E.A.R. had the most satifying volume knob. Big and Brassy- it just felt sooo good.




Mitch

That's not a knob - THIS is a knob!



"Good vibrations, Bad vibrations it’s all about vibrations!! RAM would like to introduce a new signature level knob developed for the mighty Silver Rock potentiometer. The standard bakelite knob is certainly the best sounding compromise... but now Audio Consulting has taken this aspect of the Silver Rock much further. The new knobs are custom made with beech wood and bronze where the bronze is used as the insert to mount to the stem of the volume pot. The beech wood is coated several times with C37 lacquer for best sound as pointed out by Dieter Ennemoser. How can this make a difference??? Well, hearing is believing as we always say. The sound becomes much more open and free flowing with a nice improvement in resolution. Dynamics are better and overall naturalness is improved. Here is a test for all you Silver Rock owners. Try removing the bakelite knobs and listen. You will be shocked by this! The signature knobs will have an even greater effect…really amazing! The point here is the micro vibrations created by the volume pots and knobs find their way into the delicate signal path and cause degradation (Bad vibrations equal bad sound). With the signature knobs micro vibrations from the C37 concept of wood, bronze and the lacquer itself compensate for the volume pots and provide (Good Vibrations) our ear/brain combination like to hear…way better sound!!

Knobs can easily be installed on all versions of the Silver Rock potentiometer. "

$485 from:

http://www.referenceaudiomods.com/Me...Code=NOB_C37_C

GAD

BTW the pot they mention *starts* at $3780.00

http://www.referenceaudiomods.com/Me...ry_Code=VOLUME

Now THAT's knob envy

GAD

If you like wooden knobs you can buy a dowel of the appropriate diameter or an exotic wood cylinder (ref: THO predator calls or Woodcraft) and make your own.

It requires only a few tools, sandpaper, and the ability to cut at or very near a true right angle. Stain if you like and apply a light coat of polyurethane.

I drilled the channel for the potentiometer shaft a little large and adjusted to fit with a paper liner. A shallow narrow drill mark serves as the pointer. Do this before the polyurethane.

This looks pretty good really and feels good for sure. (I have no idea how to post pix).

F

Yes, I mean it doesn't make sense cause you don't really need an amp, but a knob!... than again, I have brought way too many headgear even before I joined Head-Fi, so who am I kidding? (still having 5+ extra knobs in my house for me to replace on my DIY amp )

Fubar III (DAC + AMP) is coming out, which might be a sensible buy if you use it as a desktop solution.

At the end, you are the only one who can decide if it "makes sense" or not, as GAD said. For me, If I have a strong feeling that I am going to be happy with it, I will most likely get one. Logic isn't much of a formula for fun

Since we are talking about knob, here is one also from FireStone:

That's cool! Nice knob too!

GAD

yea... i wouldnt buy a knob i would be more likely to make one on a lathe