E7 + E9 combo has been getting some good reviews around here, it's 8 bucks over budget tho' :)

Yeah, MS-1s are not really what you want, they are very open (leak a lot of sound)... It's a shame because they sound pretty good, and look nice :)

I know that itch to spend, you don't need to save up Depends on what you are using at the moment for source/amp. If it's a cheap portable or motherboard audio, get the E7+E9 combo, even the AD-700s will benefit from it. If you're using a decent source, choose the headphones. I've upgraded...

Thanks for the link, didn't know about that store. I've just pre-ordered mine :)

Yup, that's right. The MicroDAC included in the stack also has an USB input (besides the optical/coaxial), so you can connect it to a laptop or other PCs which don't have digital-out.

I couldn't tell you, since i've not heard them. The answer is yours to research I can speculate that the difference is not that big, and judging by your headphones, i think you would be very much satisfied with either one.   I've used the AD700 myself with the Prodigy HD2 SE soundcard...

You can use most soundcards (including the ST) as:   1. A DAC+AMP combo, with the headphone (3.5 mm jack) connector.   2. A DAC (internal), with the Line-out (RCA connector) going to an external amp. This bypasses the card's internal amp.   3. A transport for an external DAC+amp...

Don't worry about the price, the AD-700 is known for being an excellent bang-for-buck. But, if you value bass more than soundstage, you should seriously consider the AT M50. I am sure either one will blow your old pair away... As for soundcards, i would go with the tried and tested Asus...

Thanks Project86, always a pleasure to read your reviews. I was going to buy the Audinst to pair with my M-stage and (soon-to-arrive) K701, but i think i will hold on for a little longer and get the Cube.

It's the right forum. Since you'll be using the uDAC2 via USB, i don't think it matters what kind of computer you use. A netbook with those specs is more than enough. I'm not really experienced with Linux, but for this situation i really don't see what advantage it might bring, so just use...

Two weeks for me as well (Europe).

I have both AD700 and MS-1i, and i agree with OP's findings. I originally got the AD700, then switched to MS-1 for better bass and 0 soundstage (sometimes the soundstage does seem artificial on the AD700). My expectations were met (even exceeded in the bass area) and i've been loving the...

Glad to see you're enjoying the Audio-Gd Fun, Olor1n, nice read.   My experience has been a little different:   Prodigy HD2 Advance SE headphone-out -> Ms-1i vs Prodigy HD2 Advance SE -> Line out RCA -> M-stage -> Ms-1i   Out of the box, I cannot say i hear any differences...

Yes, Curls, probably your soundcard is not doing them justice. Plus, i remember not being very impressed with them the first week(s). Either they've improved with time, or my brain's adapted to the sound, all i know is i like them a lot more now. Regarding the burn-in method, you can do both...

I don't think an amp would make such a big difference for MS-1i, from what i've been reading about them they are pretty efficient. But, i will find out for myself since i'm waiting for my Matrix M-stage to arrive this week. Anyway, i think you'd be much better off changing the Creative with...