So if I'm understanding what you're saying: A really crappy USB cable could mess with the sound quality. A USB cable with good RF shielding would result in slightly cleaner sound quality?   As always sound quality is subjective to a degree so a "worse" signal could sound better to someone...

Just to clear up any possible confusion:    A USB cable transfers a digital signal. Digital signals (more or less) either make it to the receiving device, or they don't. Unlike analog cables, in most normal situations shielding or fancy connectors won't make a bit of difference. Your 25 cent...

Firstly please proof read your posts. It's really difficult to figure out what you're saying half the time due to typos and spelling errors. And no, posting from a phone is not an excuse. Secondly just take a stab in the dark at something in your price range that sounds like it might fit your...

Did you hear that whoosh sound? That was his joke going over your head :p I may not be an expert on this stuff but (most) high end headphones work without a high end amp, but a high end amp doesn't do much on its own. It seems to me like throwing a grand at amplification without anything to...

Haha. On a serious note I finally messed with the eq in the music player app using my phone as source via USB and holy hell does the Vali sound great! I didn't think my cans or the Vali were suited for drum and bass or anything remotely like it but the bass just came pouring out while somehow...

I don't think any DAC or amp could give FM radio or $15 earbuds (let alone combined) anything that could be referred to as a soundstage...

The edit button is your friend. No need to post multiple times in a row, especially when you're quoting the same post in both messages.

With digital input your source just needs to be high quality music files or a decent CD/record player basically. Your cell phone with FLAC files would be fine! Just hook it up via USB to the DAC and you're off to the races.

Are you really spending thousands of dollars on all this awesome equipment to listen to FM radio? Has FM radio been your only source this whole time?  

To clarify further the metal is a relatively thick round steel. I'll get a picture and thickness measurement when I'm home later. So far I've had no luck bending it. It feels very robust and springy. Best I could do in the lighting at the moment but it gives an idea.

I ordered the Vali + Modi 2 Uber combo and it arrived in something absurd like 25 hours. A+ to Schiit for being on top of things!   As soon as I got a chance I hooked up my computer to the Modi 2 via Toslink and used the Schiit 6" RCA cables from Modi to Vali.   I've only had a few minutes...

I came from I came from a pair of ATH-A700 that I've had and loved for a decade. I feel in love with the sound profile of that line from a friends A900. I haven't had a really quality DAC/Amp but comparing the same source, my computer's surprisingly-not-awful-but-woefully-underpowered...

I was stressing about which amp I wanted but you two have solidly convinced me the Vali is the right choice. The Modi 2 Uber is clearly an awesome pairing as well. Now we'll see how long I can wait before spending money I shouldn't be spending! :D

I just got a pair of W1000Z and even with a really crappy source I'm enjoying the hell out of them.   My only gripe is the fit! They seem to be made for people with enormous heads or something because there's barely any force at the top of the earpads but the bottom is pinching into my neck...

I just came into a pair of ATH-W1000z's and was looking at a Magni 2 Uber or Vali paired with a Modi 2 Uber.    I've heard these headphones like tubes so the Vali seemed like a solid choice, but I have no experience with tubes or hybrid tube amps at all. The Modi 2 Uber is purely a budget...