Neat test. I found some tricky because there was no reference sample to compare the compressed audio. I got fooled into one track that I thought was too sibilant and the compressed one sounded cleaner. Just shows how some people's preference to what pleases their ears. The track was Night Lover...

Very interesting topic and something that I've always wondered about too. Often times, I find it difficult to hear the difference between Apple Lossless and a 256kb AAC file. The only thing found was how good or bad the source was. If the original source was recorded well, subsequent compressed...

Thumbs up for the Sophie Milman reco! Lovely voice indeed!

I've had mine for a few years and had a chance to try them out on different setups. I first had it connected with the Headroom Micro Amp and DAC. Sounded quite good, but when I heard the headphones through a Darkvoice amp, I was really amazed. I know nothing about tubes or rolling amps, so I...

Update: I picked up the Rockhopper M3 from d.n.d. this evening and I'm quite happy with them. He got the bass boost knob mod to this amp and man, it's fun to hear so much GOOD bass come through the HD650s. The thumping from the album, You're A Woman, I'm A Machine is just maddening! I already...

I'm in the same boat as you. I narrowed myself down to a few amps: Meier Corda Concerto, Gilmore Lite, Graham Slee Solo SRG II, Audio-gd Compass, Burson 160, and Rockhopper M^3.   I decided to take a leap of faith with the Rockhopper M^3. I'm pairing it with HD650s mainly and I've heard...

Sounds like an awesome time was had. Would love to make it to my second one in the future.

I'd put in a vote for the Shure SRH lineup. Comfy pads, but I'm not sure how you are with coiled cable. It's terminated with a 1/8" connector and does come with a 1/4" adapter.

Maybe it's the year model? The DAC is from 2005 and the MicroAmp is from 2006. I don't know anything about ground loop? Basically, if there's a battery or battery operated, there's no hum or buzz. Without a battery inserted, there is a noticeable hum. The amp & dac both exhibit this little...

Thought I'd post my opinion regarding these two amps, in case someone else finds themselves in the same boat. The headphone of choice to use are my HD650s and I had a variety of music to test out both amps. I generally selected a timeframe of a song to playback over a few times and swapped...

richbass->Instrument separation, I feel, are great (unamped). Connected to my hornet and there's a slight improvement. That's why I think that they were so easy to drive, because the Hornet didn't make THAT much of an improvement. Yes, the bass is a bit tighter, but it wasn't as big of a change...

Guess not too many people have much experience with these two amps. I'm in the same boat too with my HD650s. I've already bought the H5 from another member and should be getting the MicroAmp in about a week's time. I'll post my thoughts when I get them in and have had a chance to run them...

yea, Brad's setup was just phenomenal! And to hear him say that this was the LEAST he's ever brought...! But many thanks for sharing and I'm sure we all enjoyed it.

It was great to meet everyone and thanks again, Pat, for hosting. It was a great way to see other enthusiastic people showing their wares. The darkvoice was extremely good!!! Didn't have a chance with the stax, since they were quite a popular item for people to try on. The "30 yr old"...

jeez, i think i just gained a few pounds reading your food donation. I'll be there for 2pm.