So far, so good.  Definitely a step up from my Little Dot MKIII, especially with the low end on my HD650s.  The instrument seperation seems a little better with the Lyr 2 vs my Little Dot MKIII.  I've already sold the LD MKIII to upgrade to the Lyr 2 so take the comparison by memory with a grain...

One thing to note is for tube rollers is that acceptable tube specifications have changed for the Lyr 2.  6N1P tubes cannot be rolled with the Lyr 2.   There are some inconsistencies in the available documentation and I will highlight them here.  My understanding is that with the original Lyr...

This amp runs hot!  Even the volume knob gets quite warm/hot to the touch...is this normal?

Just got mine delivered yesterday.  I have previously owned a Little Dot MKIII so I'll compare the Lyr 2 unboxing with that.   I've only unboxed mine this morning before heading to work - haven't even plugged it in yet.   Impressions on unboxing:   1.  The box is nicer and more compact...

Try the headfoneshop at Yonge, north of Lawrence in Toronto (www.headfoneshop.com) - it's small front store, but only place in Toronto that has all the top brand headphones available for demo. The owner, Charles, is a nice guy and should have some planars available to demo.  Call ahead and see...

  A couple of these I bought new, a couple used and some modifications thrown in there too.

Buy a SDHC card and format using FAT32. Download the X3 firmware instruction and the links with free FAT32 formatting programs are inside. Successfully using an Adata 64gb SDHC class 10 UHS-1 card in my X3

Not really. I'm pretty loosey-goosey with my head-fi gear. I figure the pads are better off with even pressure on a flat surface vs uneven pressure around my ears and lumpy head. Unlike my ATH-M50's, the AKG 702s don't fold so are prone to the bottom of the pads touching at a specific point...

Hi Bill - I haven't noticed any changes to the clamping force of my AKG. The stand is much smaller than my head, so I figure i'd stretch them more wearing them than leaving them in the stand.

I posted this on reddit under r/headphones...thought I'd share my solution here:   I've been using this stand, repurporsed for my cans:   http://www.amazon.com/Umbra-Jewelscope-Telescoping-Metal-Jewelry/dp/B0071MFDBQ   I only have 2 pairs at the moment, but did have 3rd pair which I tested...

Here's mine:   Mostly used gear (headphones and DAC) with some overseas gear thrown in (ebay headphone stand, Little Dot MKIII tube amp)  

Tube rolling noob here.  Just got the Little Dot MkIII and loving it.   I believe the factory configuration is for E95 tubes.  I am looking to roll the following tubes and just checking with this group to see if anyone knows if these are part of the E95 driver family:   Russian...

I emailed them and they told me that they had then custom made for the ATH-M50s. No port holes underneath apparently. Didn't buy them as shipping to Canada doubled the cost. If you get them you could be the first to review them on Head-Fi!

Thanks James!  I really appreciate the speed of your replies. Is there an X5 already in the works? :)

Thanks - I've done some more reading (read the screw* forums+manual) and I will refine my question as follows: Will FW2.05 support cover art as a single folder.jpg file in the same folder as the FLAC files?   Given my current process of ripping my CDs with Exact Audio Copy - it does not...

Good morning, I just got the X3 and updated the firmware to 2.05 and this little DAP/DAC is pretty amazing. Much better than my previous Sansa Clip+ and E11 combo (and more portable to boot). One question: I have many folders organized by Artist then a subfolder for each CD. I have noticed...

That's awesome - amazing how so many photogs end up exploring and becoming audiophiles!

Notraces? I seem to recall following you on Flickr - are you the one and same nature photographer? The iconic shot in your photostream for me was one one of a canoe...

Picked one up from this little spot. Charles is a good guy and the X3 seems to be an awesome little DAP/DAC!

I'm hoping to receive my LD MKIII next week - any suggestions for setup and burn-in? I've already bought a can of Dexoxit D5 ready to clean the tube contacts - anything else one should do after unboxing and plugging it in?  

Baggy shorts (i.e. cargo shorts) over lycra bike shorts for sure.  Combo of best comfort and not looking goofy at the convenience store buying a Gatorade on the way back home.

What else should one be looking for in a high quality DAC besides the chipset?  Or is that the singlemost important factor that results in the biggest sound difference between products? Just thinking of the Audioengine D1 vs the Schiit Modi which use the same 24-bit AKM4396 chip for digital...

I see a lot of discussion on the forums for tube rolling. Where does one find tubes for purchase? Only on eBay? Are there other sources that ship to Canada?

Take a look at the Audioengine D1 - I believe it suits your requirements.

From a comfort viewpoint, the DT1350's earpads provide a good seal and for some reason, my ears don't get as sweaty with them compared to my ATH-M50s.   reference: I borrowed my colleague's DT1350's for a listening session, and it was awesome.