M4A is the file container for the ALAC format. Quote:   On the subject of what format to go with - go FLAC all the way. Unless, you absolutely must use itunes. There are other great players out there that can take advantage of FLAC (a superior format) as opposed to being stuck with...

Without an amp and source being onboard audio, I don't think so. I agree with the other members, split up your cash into amp and headphones. The M50s are great for the price. sp70.   Quote:

I too have demo'd some McIntosh integrated amps, and though I was floored by what they did with speakers, I wasn't very impressed with the headphone outs. I couldn't tell you exact model #s with any certainty but they were relatively recent models i'd say. sp70.

Personally, my A1 *is* silent at just about any volume level. I'm in a relatively silent room and I just cranked the volume knob up to 12 o'clock and have to strain to hear even the slightest hum at all. This is likely the quietest amp I think i've ever owned. I can hear a very very minute...

I tend to agree and disgree with you. I thought the headphone out of the D1 was a little bass shy and bright, but with a (cheap) OPAMP swap it changes alot. Though, the tube output of the Mav with a good tube like the upgrade GE or the WE396a vastly improves its SQ. I think the mav would be a...

Update: Just added _Spanky_'s review. sp70.

My review is now up, at the beginning of the thread. Hope this answers some questions! sp70.

Just added _Spanky_'s pictures to the thread. Lots of great shots now. I'll be posting my in-depth review later this week, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for it. sp70.

I just received my A1 today. Expect some pictures and my review within the week! Keep checking my reserved posts at the beginning of this thread. :) sp70.   EDIT: Pictures up!

On the Maverick D1, the Tube pre out, is basically like a tube-stage preamp, and the normal out is solid state preamp out. Some people prefer the tube sound, thus the D1 gives us both options. Hope that helps. :) sp70. Quote:

If you mean modding the A1 once you get it to output more power I don't think thats going to be an option due to its internal design. It has to do with the speaker output stage, the type and design of it makes modding almost impossible. sp70. Quote:

I don't think so. I've also discussed this with Ryan a bit and we've come to the conclusion that (testing and spec-wise) the A1 drove most (up to) mid-size speakers just fine. :)   I think its possible in the next version of the A1, somewhere down the road, we might see some power increase...

I'd wait then, seeing as the A1 is not yet out. Theres no telling how it will stack up between the MKIII, in a few weeks though there should be some reviews up. Lastly, if you want to drive speakers, then the A1 is the only way to go. sp70. Quote:

Some recent development: There has actually been a slight hitch in the first production, a small manufacturing issue. It will delay release for a few days, but I would expect things to be set straight likely around next week. sp70.   Quote:

Eucariote:   My results were completely different. I got the lossless vs everything else right, but mixed the two 128kbps up. To my ears, there was a huge difference between the lossless and the other two, but both the 128s sounded quite similar to me. In other words, 128 is still 128. ;) sp70.