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  1. jonahsfo

    Matrix X-SPDIF 2 - a Singxer SU-1 killer?

    Matrix Audio also makes a DAC -- they were probably talking about this: http://matrix-digi.com/en/products/137/index.html (Matrix X-Sabre Pro) Matrix X-SPDIF 2 is a USB-to-bitstream digital audio bridge. As already mentioned above, it will not work without some form of DAC to turn the bits...
  2. jonahsfo

    Matrix X-SPDIF 2 - a Singxer SU-1 killer?

    A couple observations: 1) I'll deliberately stay away from the "sounds different" discussion on a Digital-to-Digital converter. 2) these things are more about flexibility and format conversion. I use the Matrix X-SPDIF2 for three reasons: - it provides a nice stable USB interface that works...
  3. jonahsfo

    Moon Nēo 430HA Reference Headphone Amplifier

    I'm using the 430HAD with the Holo Audio Spring DAC (Level 3/KTE). I don't have your headphones, but I do use it primarily with Sennheiser HD800 and HD600s. The DAC was a fantastic upgrade from the built-in DAC in the Simaudio -- a noticeable improvement. The two work quite well together.
  4. jonahsfo

    Matrix X-SPDIF 2 - a Singxer SU-1 killer?

    If you're thinking about picking up one of these, I am very happy with the Matrix X-SPDIF 2. I upgraded to it earlier this year after enjoying the original X-SPDIF for quite a while, and it turned out to be an awesome purchase. It's currently plugged into my Mac via USB and I'm not using an...
  5. jonahsfo

    Comment by 'jonahsfo' in item 'Holo Audio Spring DAC - Level 1 "Base Model"'

    I'm curious of how you liked the sound quality of the Spring DAC versus the Benchmark DAC3 in your review. It sounds like the I2S connection through the USB bridge significantly improved the sound. In the end, which did you prefer (I'm considering both DACs). -- thanks!
  6. jonahsfo

    Moon Nēo 430HA Reference Headphone Amplifier

    This is a problem in Tidal, not in your DAC. How do I know? Because I have the exact opposite problem. For me, exclusive mode works just fine in USB to the 430HAD, but when I go through an external USB-S/PDIF bridge, I get static or strange noises until I disable exclusive mode.
  7. jonahsfo

    Moon Nēo 430HA Reference Headphone Amplifier

    For the benefit of anyone else watching the thread... - I tried to replicate this. I don't /think/ there is an issue here (when rapidly changing the volume control) .. but I think I could hear /something/ - I /think/ I could hear a slight artifact but it involved madly spinning the volume...
  8. jonahsfo

    Moon Nēo 430HA Reference Headphone Amplifier

    I have a very similar setup and haven't noticed what you're describing. Can you PM with with the exact set of steps you go through to get this, and I'll see if I can replicate it on my end. details: - what song in Tidal (you mentioned "Adele - when we were young") - what interface into the...
  9. jonahsfo

    Moon Nēo 430HA Reference Headphone Amplifier

    [edited to add more detail] This works... I'm listening to it right now. It sounds the same to my ears as running it from the desktop. But, it's hard to tell if it's in exclusive mode or not. The best test of this is to see if I can push out something more than 16/44.1 from the phone...
  10. jonahsfo

    Comparing Oppo HA-1 & Benchmark DAC-2 HGC

    I have both. I truly adore both. The Benchmark is a better DAC. The Oppo is a very good DAC with a damn good headphone amplifier. I do prefer the sound of the headphones I use with a balanced cable, though, so I have to use a separate headphone amp when I use the Benchmark. If I had to...
  11. jonahsfo

    Moon Nēo 430HA Reference Headphone Amplifier

    Forgot to attach the photo. Here's the rig, with the Simaudio 430HAD, the Bryston BHA-1 and the Benchmark DAC2 ...
  12. jonahsfo

    Moon Nēo 430HA Reference Headphone Amplifier

    So this happened (see photo). (mini-review) I've always been a huge fan of Simaudio's products, and when I first learned they shipped a balanced headphone amp, I was intrigued. About a month ago, I was finally able to get my hands on the 430HAD. Here are some initial thoughts: How I'm...
  13. jonahsfo

    Oppo HA-1 Impressions Thread

    Just a quick note to thank the folks at Oppo Digital ...   I've been enjoying my HA-1 for over a year now, on a series of headphones (HD800/ HD650 / LCD-X / T90).  The sound has been awesome, but I recently ran into some intermittent issues with the volume control. After a quick chat with tech...
  14. jonahsfo

    SS Amp Recommendations for Audeze LCD-X

    I can't comment on either the Burson or the Shiit stack, but I've had the LCD-X for a few months now, and have enjoyed getting to know them on a couple solid state DAC/Amp combos.     The LCD-X are quite an interesting beast:  one one hand it's insanely easy to drive (it has stupidly low power...
  15. jonahsfo

    Oppo HA-1 Impressions Thread

    I just received the HA-1 stand today.  All I can say is WOW!   The stand really is much nicer in person than in the photos.  In fact, the photos don't do it justice -- it's beautifully-made.   Thanks for making this available to the community, Hastur (and OPPO)   --Dan
  16. jonahsfo

    Oppo HA-1 Impressions Thread

      Those are the Woo Audio Adjustable Headphone Stands: http://www.wooaudio.com/products/wahps2.html   the one on the left is the new chrome version.  They're quite nice.
  17. jonahsfo

    Oppo HA-1 Impressions Thread

    Mike,   Agreed.  Although to be fair, I've head the HD-800 balanced on four different amps (with varying cables), and it's noticeably better than SE on each one.  In my experience, it's mostly the balanced connection that matters.  Don't get me wrong -- great amplification is amazing, but the...
  18. jonahsfo

    Oppo HA-1 Impressions Thread

      I'm using a balanced cable from Headphone Lounge.  I don't take much stock in the magic of special cables, but the jump to balanced mode on the HD-800s is a shocking improvement.  Ted's balanced cable is quite nice and well-made, sounds great, and was very reasonably-priced.   As far as I...
  19. jonahsfo

    Oppo HA-1 Impressions Thread

    Just had to share the obligatory gear-porn photo.  I just received my HA-1 last week, and have been enjoying it ever since.   The HA-1 does an impressive job driving the HD-800s and HD-650s as well as the LCD-X.  It definitely has a slightly different sonic presentation than the Benchmark DAC2...
  20. jonahsfo

    What's the best amp for HD800

    Driving the HD800 balanced is the biggest delta, I noticed.  They also sounded amazing on the Sennheiser HDVD600 when in balanced mode -- although I do prefer the sound of the Bryston amp. As someone who genuinely likes the voicing of the HD800s, driving them balanced off the BHA-1 basically...
  21. jonahsfo

    SF Bay Area mini-meet

    Mid-may or later would be ideal I think.  I'd selfishly prefer the city or the peninsula, but anywhere accessible by car is easy enough.
  22. jonahsfo

    SF Bay Area mini-meet

    Hey, I'd love to join you at the meet.   I can bring: - Sennheiser HD800 - Sennheiser HD650 - Audeze LCD-X - Bryston BHA-1 amp - Benchmark DAC2 HDR   If anyone has the Sennheiser HD600, I'd love to be able to listen to those.   When/where are you thinking for the actual meet?    ...
  23. jonahsfo

    New headphone amplifier from Bryston

    Report:  Bryston BHA-1 running Sennheiser HD800 and Audeze LCD-X   My BHA-1 just arrived yesterday, and I've had headphones glued to my head since it arrived.  I've been enjoying the sound of a high-quality balanced amp on both my Senn's and LCD-Xs.   The sound on both cans is amazing --...
  24. jonahsfo

    What's the best amp for HD800

    The Bryston BHA-1 is absolutely fantastic with the HD800s.     I've been running these headphones off the stock unbalanced cables on my Benchmark DAC2 HGC for the past year or so, and always felt they sounded great, but were somewhat "thin" sounding.  The bass was always there, but sounded...
  25. jonahsfo

    Senn HD600 for demo in the SF bay area?

    So I've heard many of Sennheiser's high-end headphones, and have been a long-time HD650 owner.  But everyone keeps talking about how neutral the HD600 sounds in comparison to the 650 (and some people prefer it).  I'm really curious and want to hear what it sounds like, but I have yet to find any...
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