Heh, I don't own CD's anymore. I'm basically starting all over from scratch. :) I'm currently running Linux Mint on my home desktop PC. I wonder if I would best off starting out with using the Windows operating system on my PC to make things easier for myself when it comes to downloading...

Hi, I'm wanting to buy a portable device of some kind so that I can take music with me on the go whenever I go walking or running outdoors or on the indoor treadmill. I have access to the internet and can start downloading music pretty much right away which will allow me to get started...

 I'm looking for a simple, inexpensive, external USB DAC (Digital Analog Converter) for use with my headphones and laptop computer, only I'd like to find a good deal on an older 16-bit kind rather than the newer 24-bit kind that seems to dominate the marketplace right now. Any suggestions on...

  I am new to vacuum tubes as they relate to amplifiers. Which countries make tubes that are also commonly and rarely available here in the U.S.? For example; I have heard of Russian made tubes being available here in the U.S. However I don't know if they use pieces parts (components) to make...

 As a newbie, I have done a little research on external component-style DAC's and have found out that there is a newer kind rated at 24-bit at 196, 192 and 384 Khz and an older kind rated at 16-bit (unknown what the Khz resolution was). Are there any other bit-rated kinds of DAC's beside these...

Hi,   I am looking for suggestions for a Japanese designed, engineered and built DAC to use in between my USB powered and 3.5mm mini jack headphones connected to my PC. Any recommendations or suggestions on makes and models are greatly appreciated.   Thank you

   A complete noob question here. External DAC's seem very popular, but what exactly is a DAC and what does it do and why do I nee one? Some sources call it a "Digital Analog Converter" and others call it a "Digital Audio Converter". Which is correct? You see how confusing this can be for a...

  Anyone have any recommendations for an excellent book for an audiophile beginner? I'm looking for one with an emphasis to how to go about selecting components and setting them up, what they do, what they are, how to handle them, etc. In other words the basics. Not so much sonic theory.  ...

  I am a noob audiophile. I was wanting to know what brands of tube headphone amplifiers are Japanese designed/engineered/made (if there are any at all) either modern or vintage commonly available here in the United States? And also what is the consensus about any of these Japanese brands?   ...

Is there a website I can visit where I can read audiophile consumer reviews (not magazine, blog or website editor reviews) of equipment (preferably with some kind of rating system such as star ratings or numbers or percentage ratings)? I saw a few ratings and reviews on Amazon but only for very...

 I'm entry-level, so I'm the bottom rung on the ladder and that means the lowest of the low (rock bottom prices).  

 I'm a complete Audiophile noob looking for some help on upgrading my current setup. My current equipment is as follows:   1) Desktop PC and 1st generation Apple iPad 2) Logitech Z-2300 THX certified Speaker system connected to Desktop PC 3) Koss Ur/29 headphones that I switch between the...

  I'm a complete Audiophile noob. I was wanting to know what the lowest prices might be for an entry level tube amplifier for headphones? Also, what differentiates one tube amp from another? What should I look for and what should I avoid? Which ones sound the best and which ones sound the worst...