I have, for the first time since I became an audiophile of sorts back in 2007, experienced true synergy in my headphone sound. I mean every component just lined up to the point I became 100% completely enveloped in the music. And I really have to say, isn't that the whole point?   I must...

I am trying to kind of get into Thrash. At least, I think Thrash is the word for it. I really love Lamb of God and Revocation. I believe they are considered Thrash. I guess I am looking for a more modern, technical, refined Thrash, if that makes sense. I have listened to a few bands, but many of...

I am consolidating my listening station down to a primarily CD-based system, using my PS3, Zero DAC, a new (to me) Darkvoice 336i, and a new pair of headphones. I have owned Audiotechnica A900s, Sennheiser 595s, Grado SR-80s and Grado SR-225s. Here are my impressions, as a guide:  ...

My first pair of Grado cans was a pair of SR80s from the late 90s. I appreciated the sound they were going for, but they really didn't wow me. I still used my Audiotechnica A900s for almost everything. However, when I sold my SR80s and bought a pair of SR225s (no i) I fell in love with that...

I am currently running a desktop to my Zero DAC through Optical Toslink connection. I will eventually add in a tube amp of some sort after the DAC stage. If I were to migrate fully to a laptop, what's the way I can spend the least money to get the best signal to an amplifier? Some converter to...

Budget for this purchase is $200-550. Looking for a solid tube amp, preferably one that starts off pretty good, but gets great when you roll the tubes. I would like it to be good now, with room for improvement when I get ready for a new project. Preferably new, but I could potentially be...

They are apparently much more comfortable, but I was wondering if there was any drawback to them on the 225s. They appear to only put them on their highest end cans, so are the 225s not powerful enough or something?   Thanks, Patrick

Are there any? Have contemporary composers all moved on to writing Sonatas, and ignoring Symphonic form? The only one I can think of off the top of my head is Phillip Glass. Any suggestions as to composers who still write symphonies, preferably those who are still alive? Anything around the time...

I bought a pair of B&W DM601 Bookshelves and a B&W CC6 Center Channel to match. A sub (probably Velodyne) will be coming eventually, as well as perhaps some 602.5s or 603s to replace as the fronts. However, I have 3 pretty good speakers in the works, just in time for all that SACD goodness to...

Just went on a post-birthday spending spree of sorts. Bought the following Hybrid SACDs:   Mahler 1 (Haitink, CSO): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001R77GG6/ref=oss_product Mahler 2 (Haitink, CSO): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002QEXC4E/ref=oss_product Mahler 8 (Tilson-Thomas...

Is it good enough? I mean, is it worth using as a SACD, assuming I don't have the money to drop on an OPPO? If it will suffice, what's the best output to select to run the absolute best audio to my Receiver, and is HDMI the best interconnect to use?

Should be pretty self-explanatory. Would one of these be a nice compromise between Audiotechnica ATH-A900s and Grado SR225s? I was considering something in the $250-350 range, probably open-backed, but not necessarily. Comfort is a necessity, but I'll be repadding my Grados, and perhaps adding...

I just bought my new Yamaha RX-V467 receiver a couple weeks ago. I know it's nowhere near the quality most of you are accustomed to, but it was the best overall decision I could make with my budget at the time. Now, I have around $350 to spend on a pair of speakers to go along with my new...

For the record, here is my set-up: Rhythmbox-Ripped .flac files Aqualung Media Player with no Add-Ons Linux ALSA Output to Realtek Optical Output Zero DAC with Included Cables Audiotechnica A900 and Grado SR-225 I will pretty much just write what comes to mind as I listen. First, the...

How do you store your IEMs when not in use? I used to wrap them around the player, but both my Marshmallows and some Sony IEMs ended up losing one of the channels after a few months. I am assuming wrapping the cable around the player is the culprit, and not a good idea. So, how do you guys store...

So, I think I am going to end up with an iBasso T4. It's sleek, made by a reputable company, and in my price range. I am hoping its size matches that of my new iPod 5.5G very well. It certainly looks like it will fit well. So, what kind of IEMs sound alright without an amp, for the time...

So, I have the A900s, which are great closed cans for gaming, modern electronic music, all that. However, I am getting into more and more Post Rock (Mono, Couch, Mogwai, God is an Astronaut, etc) and I think a more vintage, warmer, tube-y sound would really be great for this style of music...

Is this any good? It seems to be very affordable, plus it's a 5-disc changer. It supports multi-channel SACD, which not all of the players out there seem to. Amazon.com: Sony DVP-NC685V 5-Disc DVD/CD/SACD Player: Electronics

YES! I know, some people will always say EAC is the only way to go, and they may be right. However, with my recent switch to Linux, it was a complicated, if not impossible, option. So, I found out Rhythmbox (the music player included with Ubuntu, and maybe other distros) can rip to FLAC, so I...

I am starting to try to get serious about my audio again. I am highly considering a Little Dot amp (probably a Mk II or Mk III) because I have heard good things, they are in my price range, and tubes just look cool. I don't have a sound card right now (dang b-Enspirer died in 13 months with a 1...

I'm not being able to transfer my music to my D2 using Ubuntu (Jaunty Jackalope with all updates). I get an error about not being able to create a folder whenever I try to transfer stuff. It also won't let me delete the old stuff on the player. I know this isn't a computer forum, but does anyone...

I know they are both super cheap, but is the E5 considerably better? I am asking mainly because I have exactly $10 in my Paypal, and it's free shipping, so... Thoughts?

Anyone know how to get the album art to display on the D2? The pictures are attached to the song tags, and the .jpeg is in each album's folder. However, when I play songs, the standard, boring, stock "Cowon" blue square where I assume the album art should be displayed. I have tried Tag&Rename...

Anybody listened to this 2-CD set yet? The premise is pretty wild. Instead of a standard album, these 2 CDs act as a soundtrack to a story. The story is printed in the liner notes, instead of lyrics, or band information. Next to different passages in the story, there are time tags. When you get...

So, would there be a noticeable difference if I were to run my Optical Out to a decent DAC, with no amp, vs my headphones plugged straight into the headphone out? Also, if I were to amp both, would there be a noticeable difference? Thanks, pow3rtr1p