I wish we could see a more long term usage and comparisons before an opinion is posted. In my opinion a sound signature from a given combination of gears takes at least a month or more (based on a few hours' listening per day) to sink in to do justice to the equipment in question. I have seen...

Oops double post. Deleted.

  Thanks, Ethan for the quoted text. I had read that while trying to read about the need for a balanced cable. In the end since I could convert my stock cables to balanced cheaply, I went balanced.   Anyway my rationale was different to the point raised by the quoted part. I was not trying to...

  Thanks Chris. I did not make it clear enough.   I was not asking about the ideal listening volume preferable to me.   I was basically asking how to compensate for the doubling of wattage available when driving balanced, so both SE and Balanced are being listened at the same objective SPL...

Any suggestions on what would be the best way to compare Single Ended Vs Balanced? I have the HE-500 stock cable converted to balanced and can use the same cable as SE/Balanced from Audio GD NFB 28. The balanced connection sound perceptibly better compared to SE, but I believe loudness plays...

I have been finally listening to the HE-500 from the Audio GD NFB-28 for about two weeks. I resisted the temptation to post back before I have done a reasonable amount of listening. The results are a big plus with an unintended anti-climax.   The first thing I did on the arrival of the NFB-28...

I converted my stock cable of the HE-500 to balanced. All that it took me was just 15 minutes and some careful planning. I have the best of both world with the stock cable now usable as balanced or single ended for 30 dollars. If you order the Neutrik XLR 4 pin male and female plugs and have...

When I turn the volume up or down, I can hear a mild click. While no sound would be ideal, this is not a major issue for me.

  Hmm, I did that and have not yet experienced the wow moment from the HE-500. It do bring up a smile often. I have the Focal 826 and PSB T2. Both are nice, Focals especially so with excellent imaging. However the caveat is not having a sound proof room, I am unable to listen at enjoyable...

Thanks robrob That saves me a lot of trouble. I was trying to figure out about Hifiman connectors to save the trouble of unbraiding, but your post makes it even more easier with additional information. I will check your site. I will post the results when done. Thank you.

Chris, thanks again. Once again very balanced opinions. I see you have many AGD products. I don't know if you have used HE -500 to give me a an opinion of how they may sound off AGD ES9018 solution? I don't see myself doing much upgrades frequently.

Thanks Chris. Some nice observations there. Now I wonder if the Audio GD amps are warm or bright or neutral. Of course most often neutral is the word I hear about AGD.

  +1 Yup. if anything these cable prices have a made DIYphobic like me to try my hands at DIY. Hope it will turn out OK :-)

  Thanks. if you can, please post the parts. It will be a help, especially the screw down versions. Let me dig this also, even though it makes more sense for me to order the kit from Audio GD because I do not live in the USA and I can pretty much get this get this without shipping if place the...

  Thanks brunk for the explanations and the link..I am leaning towards the ESS9018 and NFB 28. I hope someone is out there who have listened to these with the HE-500. More advise on the Audio GDs welcome too