Models in question: APC SMT750, SMT1000, SMT1500 Good for audio gear use, or is it better to just plug into a good surge protector?

I've never been good with budgets. My budget is $100 if $100 will do the job well. But if $100 won't do the job well and $250 will, then my budget is $250. I don't have any frame of reference to understand how a multibit DAC will sound compared to a single bit, so that makes the decision...

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

Are the modi or modi multibit good options for a DAC for a laptop? They're $100 and $250 respectively. Not sure what else is out there that might be a better value.

Ah, OK.

I did the leave private message again, then it gave me two rather weird choices: 1) accept new replies, 2) ignore new replies. Option 2 is supposedly the equivalent of delete, although it comes with the extra caveat that if someone ever tries to reply to that "deleted" thread, you'll never see...

Not sure how you guys handle these cables, but I'm finding them awful to work on. Not only does the main insulation contain fiber threads, but the individual wires inside have fiber threads running through them. Even with plenty of flux applied, these wires will not take solder. They're...

Already clicked on leave private message. That's how I got to the screen with the drop down menu I posted.

Don't see a delete option on my account either.

I used to have a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon, and I used Dynaudio BM5a mkII monitors with them. They can be found used on ebay for about $500 for a pair. They're active monitors, though. I love Dynaudio sound, but their passive speakers tend to be harder to find and more expensive.

I just use Hosa cables for most everything. They work fine, and I don't really believe expensive cables make any audible difference.

Well, even though this thread is 12 years old, I'll throw in my 2 cents. I use a passive preamp between my PC and my studio monitors. I have a 3ft cable from the PC to the preamp, and then 10ft cables from the preamp to the monitors. Everything sounds very good to me, much better than when I was...

I currently own one of these, which I love: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Passive-preamplifier-ALPS-Potentiometers-/190836562928   But I may need to order another passive volume control for a 2nd setup, and I'm considering trying a stepped attenuator, such as this one...

Does anyone know of a better cable for the Bose QC3 headphones? The included cable is pretty thin and flimsy, also a bit short, and with a 1/8 plug. I wouldn't mind a thicker cable, preferably a bit longer, and preferably with a 1/4 plug.

I used a Mackie 402VLZ4 mixer for a while for this purpose, and then moved to an 802VLZ4 because I wanted more inputs (unfortunately it has a rather large footprint). They're fairly good mixers for the money, but they do affect the sound in subtle ways. I finally moved to a passive preamp. I...