So, my current main setup is: FLAC -> S/PDIF -> gamma2 -> m^3 -> LCD-2. I also have these other headphones that I sometimes drive with this setup, in descending order of use: K702, SRH-750dj, MS-1.   I'm debating what my next step is in upgrading my setup. I think I'm mainly focusing on...

I'm just wondering why it is that the most expensive headphones appear to be electrostatics? Is it due to its sonic value, manufacturing cost, demand and hype, or a combination of these factors?   I understand that the thinness of the diaphragm allows for higher frequencies to be reproduced...

So I'm looking for alternative pads for my MS-1. Right now I just have the Grado comfies, but the comfies cause discomfort after prolonged use (~30-45min) due to them pushing on my glasses. So I'm looking at switching over to either Grado bowls or the HD414 pads. Are there any other...

So, I'm not looking to upgrade anytime soon, but if I do, I'd like to know what I should upgrade first. Here's my current setup:   foobar2000 -> Toslink Optical -> Valab NOS DAC (2009 rendition I believe) -> Unbalanced RCA -> Matrix M-Stage (Second Edition) w/ Class-A biasing mod and...

I'm not saying that all songs that do this are bad. In fact, I appreciate the effect when it's used in short periods. When a song is imbalanced for the duration of the song though (i.e. one instrument playing in the left channel), it gets kind of annoying. I actually didn't experience this...

So, I've currently got a Zune HDD 120 GB, which is working fine for me, but... I've got a computer with multiple OS's (7 64-bit, OS X 10.6, and Ubuntu 10.10), and I really don't like having to boot into Windows every time I want to load music onto my player. Actually, I don't even have the Zune...

So here's my setup: Azalia HDA -> Valab NOS DAC (via TOSLINK) -> Matrix M-stage -> K702 I got all this stuff pretty recently (within the last month). Everything was new aside from the DAC which I bought off a member here. I've given the K702's about 145 hours of playback. The flaws that I...

I ordered a pair of AKG K702's from the Buy.com marketplace, through Hi End Surplus on the 10th, and I haven't heard anything back from them (status is still processing in the Buy.com website.) I did some research, and now I'm a bit worried. When I googled for Hi End Surplus, it led me to this...

Aside from quality discrepancies, what characteristics make one DAC IC better than another? Is it the resolution, sampling rate, slew rate, accuracy, noise/distortion? For the first two, I wouldn't think that there is much distinction due to the limitations of human hearing, but what...

::Flame suit on::   Just bought a pair of K702's, and I haven't experienced them without an amp. I realize, though, that I'm going to need one. Obviously, there's no one answer due to the subjectivity of hearing. Ideally, I'd like to pay <$100 (yes I'm optimistic), but my maximum budget is...

Just made a couple ICs today for practice, but I just realized that I may be getting some ground loop between my source and destination. I'm using Canare StarQuad Mini, terminated by some Neutrik mini plugs (damn, those were hard to get on). In terms of the connection, I'm using the two white...

This is my first DIY attempt at anything audio. So, I'm planning on replacing my broken cables for my UE TF10's with some custom cables, but I was wondering what wire would be best for my uses with regard to the following aspects: 1. Conductor (copper vs silver, etc.) 2. Insulation (what...

Amazon.com: Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10 Noise Isolating Earphones: Electronics I was just making sure whether or not this was the same as the "Ultimate Ears Triple.Fi 10 Pro." As far as I can tell, there's only 1 version of the earphones (aside from the vi with the microphone), but it's priced...

Wondering what all the options are for a replacement headband for my Alessandro MS-1's. I've been considering the RS-2 headbands as well as the Beyerdynamic DT-770 headbands. Question though, will the DT770 headbands fit the MS-1 without the need for structural modification? Also, when people...

What goes between your source and your 'phones - both for portable and desktop usage?

I've got an old pair of headphones that I bought for cheap a while ago with the intent to repair it. It's a pair of Sony MDR-V700's. What happened is the cord got ripped somehow (looks like it got caught then dragged). I no longer have the end of the cord w/ the plug because it's been so long. I...

I know this has probably been covered all ready, but I did a quick search for 'sr60 sr60i' and it didn't turn up any thing too useful. So basically I'm wondering, is there a huge (if at all) noticeable gap between the two models? I know the Grado website states that there's an improved driver...