Until about one year ago, I used to buy second-hand PCDPs from different sources. This started after I dropped my first-hand, bought-in-Japan Sony D-25(0), used with the MDR-E484 once when it was about ten years old, and it broke. Since then, I have never found quite the satisfaction listening...

A818 definitely. My Classic 80GB is better than expected, but its lesser sound quality is even evident with the A818's standard earphones. The iPod's earphones are barely worth the epithet hi-fi. To be explicit, I have also heard them both thru Shure SE530's. The Classic is also inferior...

With the SE530 The A818 sounds better than the Classic 80GB period. And dare I say even the Cowon IAudio X5L and iRiver H320. The ony thing I am not sure about are is the high frequencies.

From the point of view of neutrality and detail, the ER-4P's (on my second, black-chorded pair) are my favourite portables, except for comfort. I haven't heard those Alessandros, UE's or Shures, but a benchmark are my other 'phones.

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You can add these PCDP's: Sony D-E01 (optical) Sony D-EJ01 (optical)

Flat frequency response, real? No way! Impact and directness? Yes. That's why there are called studio monitors. I love them, but not for their neutrality.

I have used the the D-E01 (domestic Japanese version) regularly while travelling for over five years and never had any problems, although the drive mechanism can play up vibrationwise (no influence on output). To me, it sounds only a little better than the Sony D-335 or the iMP-550 thru D-E888's...

Most pcdp afficionados would say that there is no reason to replace the D-777 with any other newer pcdp unless it has a permanent physical deficiency. Just look at the prices the D-777 fetches on eBay. If you really have to, you might have a look at the more expensive iRiver iMP series which...

The general consensus seems to be that the Sony MDR-V6 or its pro twins, the MDR-7506, are still unsurpassed as far as dynamics and bass impact are concerned, at least in comparison to the later Sony MDR-Vxxx series. The treble on my MDR-7506 is a bit strident, but apart from that they do work...

So, at last, with firmware version 1.28 (eu, jp or kr) iRiver has made the H300 series WAV file-compatible. It still does not record WAVs, but it has now become even more desirable compared to the better competitors (Apple, iAudio, Archos, Creative, Rio). Until now, I was still considering a...

I have been a Stax user since 1974, starting out with the SR-X Mk2 and SRD-7. Once you get used to the presentation of detail and your system is not too coloured or biased, you will love the sound. I listen mostly to jazz, improvised music and modern electronics, but I seem to have a preference...

Strangely enough, after using the Japanese-model D-E01 for at least three years - to be on the safe side, I always buy stuff at least three months after it has been launched (bought it for less than USD 230) - I have had no reliability problems at all. Admittedly, I am very careful with my...

Admittedly, I haven't tried out a lot of headphones, but for about a year the Stax Omega II's have been best to my ears and head (for an hour or so). I did not have any problems with the Stax Lambda Pros either. As for circumaural 'phones I must say I like the Sony MDR-cd750's a lot, but I...

Quote: Originally Posted by Kreez v1.25 was the version that reduced battery power, the new 1.27 release fixes it back to 1.20 levels. I was referring to the headphone output. Apparently it has something to do with a French law patronising portable player users by protecting them...

I have been using the H320 for about a quarter of a year and it is still the best MP3 player you can get soundwise. But also note: inconvenient navigation and a stupid case (no window, scratches player). The design of the player itself also leaves a lot to be desired. The included...

This year I am going to spend a LOT on my listening pleasure... 1. KEF Reference 203's (speakers) 2. Stax Omega II's (the yen is depreciating!)

Shivohum, Well done. I have heard both sets, albeit with the SRM-1 Mk2 and my experiences are very similar. For me, the the Lambda Pros + adapter were cheaper, so I bought and I still have them, cherishing their resolution, just the thing I miss from my speakers. The Lambdas are not for...

It makes more sense if you relate your expenditures to what you spend on, for instance, your music sources. As for myself, I have only spent about USD 2000 on headphones over about 10 years (incl. Staxes, ETY's, all kinds of Sony's, cords, excl. other equipment). Generally, I spend about USD...

Detailing is not exactly similar, but extremely good in both sets. On the whole, the 'stats (Lambda Pros) have a much better soundstage, and a more relaxed approach to bad recordings, excepting treble. I just love the high-pitched instruments and violins. Bass definition is also similar; not...

My ETY-4P's are ideal in public transportation (also, you don't have to listen to others) and at my office (when I don't want to be distracted). They sound great, but they are simply not as comfortable as my old Lambda Pros. The ETY's are ideal for today's sociopath

I have used both the Etymotic ER-4P and the Sony MDR-NC10 (plug-in type) and I must say they work pretty well in noisy mechanical environments (trains and planes). They are both a bit too expensive - NC10 boutgh in Japan, and the ER-4P imported from US -, and though I do not think the NC10...

About five years ago, I was quite satisfied with the D-250 (Japanese model for the D25. built a like a luxury metal tank), but I dropped it and had to buy something quickly in Japan in about 1997, and chose a D-335 (poorer built, better sound, honestly with the MDR-E888 or E848) which I was...

In Japan, it's more likely to be JPY 23,000 for a D-E01, if you look REALLY hard. It's considered an old model. It's not that easy to get there, but I doubt the 5,000 model run.