If the external stick noise is a problem then you will want to look for iem's or a closed headphone (by enclosed I'm assuming you mean over the ear, many headphones of that design don't block outside noise) that has pretty good outside noise attenuation.

Any suggestions? Thanks!

I apologize for another what should I get thread but the search function didn't return any specific comments relating any IEMs to the 880s. Anyhow, while I do not find the Beyers to be perfect they match the sound signature I'm looking for pretty well and now that I am finding a greater need for...

Can't help ya for west lafayette but I'm at Notre Dame. Maybe you can see if anyone is in the head-fi facebook group.

Not to take the thread too much off the topic, but has anyone heard or know of some reputable reviews of the Great March II from Pacific Valve? Also, if I don't go with that I was also considering some of the others listed and for all who have asked if anyone has heard a couple of the DACs could...

If it is just +/- 1 dB that would just mean that the frequency response below 30 Hz is more then 1 dB less then the average (well, some form of it anyway) but there is a good chance it still play further down within a few dB. Also, I really don't think most headphones get much lower then 30 Hz...

SK138, have you heard any of the other DACs I listed? Do you think it could be had used near the 400 mark? I think I'm finding that there isn't really a bad choice at least Another thanks to Redo, I was considering doing that but since I am in college and only make money during the summer...

Alright, so I've been in an indecisive mode for the past week or so. I've narrowed my choices down to the MF X-DAC v3 (no psu for now, maybe later), CI VDA-2 (this would have to be used and not too much over 400, not sure if the PSU could be had with it at that price or not), CI VDA-1 and VAC-1...

Well, if I get the v3 I will only be able to get the DAC, the older CAN style (v2 maybe for the line, the one with HDCD capability) is for sale with the psu and buffer well within my price range. Would you think the X-dac v3 by itself would still be better?

How does the old X-CAN series compare to the X-DAC v3? There is one up on Audiogon with the dac, psu, and output buffer for $300.

Anyone else have experience with the Monarchy? I'm sure it's analog section is excellent but can the digital conversion section keep up with the more modern DACs? granodemostasa, I would have gone with a VDA-1 and VAC-1 combo but just missed the couple that came up in the for sale forum...

Where can you get the used X-DACs? Would I just need to have some patience and wait for one to come up on here or Audiogon if I decide to go with it? One reason I am weary about going for the Monarchy is how old it is. I feel like even at that level the actual DAC chips would not be able to...

Going off plaidplatypus's idea, might it be better to go with the lower end now and go for a higher end in a year or two? I don't want to drop that much money right now as I have the problem of spending too much money on equipment and not enough on music. Also, I will be using a laptop that only...

I've been building a system in the last couple of weeks and have purchased everything with the exception on a DAC. I would prefer to have a DAC do as little to color the signal as possible as I have chosen my headphones and amp to get the sound I desire. Additionally, I would like a DAC that has...

Has anyone given this a listen yet? I like how they stick to just being a DAC rather then throwing in a crappy amp and all those extras.