Now we know why the maker was badmouthing the other portable amps.

I thought phase-splitters were used to generate a balanced signal from a non-balanced one, not the other way around. Couldn't it just use 2 of the 4 dac chips to get an SE output?   Quote:  

It does indeed have 4 DAC chips. Quote:  

Do you guys notice any difference in the balanced vs. single-ended output from the parasound 1600HD? The balanced out seems to be clearer sounding on my speaker system, but it's hard to say because I have to volume match by ear.

Parasound D/AC-1100 for $75.

Are you trying to run the bookshelf speakers from the RCA outs of the sub amp?   Quote:

Did you guys forget that beeman is using cables made by scooter here?     Quote:

I have 2 functional K400 and one with a nonfunctioning channel. I ought to get it repaired since it's the best sounding one of the bunch.

go for a vintage stax energizer/earspeaker combo. Maybe you'll get lucky and get a lambda combo at $200.

moria

C.O.D.

I think he has mentioned that he doesn't want other "boxes" on his desktop so he might be listening out of the soundcard.   Quote:

Do you believe in what you see in mirages too, beeman?

Easy GAF solution: don't turn it off. More complex GAF solution: Pick up components that have DC triggers to turn themselves once the first one in the chain is on. Something like the Parasound SCAMP can help out if you have components which don't have triggers.   Quote:

Some people may take offense to this recommendation, but how about a clone of a firstwatt F5? A used one should run you around $500 and leave with you plenty of money left for preamp and dac.

Can't you just reduce the volume using the control on the sub amp itself? 

Darkvoice 332 is excellent with the AKG K40x and K50x series.     As for their history, I only found a bit here: http://www.audiocircuit.com/Home-Audio/AKG   It says that K401 and K501 are introduced in 1996.   Not sure about the accuracy, but this links says the K500 was launched...

How much money do you expect to save per month while teaching?    One of my colleague's son taught English in China at various schools for about a year. He is also caucasian and has a bachelors degree from a US university. The other posts are correct in that being caucasian will help your...

Another cMoy from Rudistor, or is this a pimeta now?

How about the Nelson Pass designed Adcom GFP-750? Used price is around 700 USD for the blue board one.

There is only one picture that can accurately describe beeman's "logic" and argumentative powers:  

Ultrasone, because of the Joker's smile frequency response.

Who's Bob Evans?

I guess you can always switch camps to the Koss ESP/950 since Koss has a lifetime warranty. You can use an adapter to use the Koss phones with your stax amps/energizers.

After the "limited" HF-2 debacle, I certainly will not be buying any more "limited" edition Grado phones.