Thanks! Your preference for a DAC/amp makes sense.

Greq, thanks your detailed explanation. I had a feeling audiophile headphones were in practice a lot more variable.

In your experience, how do studio headphone and audiophile headphones perform differently from each other? Thanks!

Which do you prefer: a DAC/amp connected to your phone or other source, or a DAP? If you've tried both, how did the experience differ? I've been considering a DAP, but recently came across some DAC/amps and wasn't sure what advantages a DAC/amp would have over a DAP? For example, I could get...

If you've used Dekoni Elite earpads, how did you like them? I'm especially interested if you've used them on an MDR-V6. I put Auray sheepskin pads on my MDR-V6 after the stock ones started flaking. The quality of the leather is nice, but they're a bit shallower than the stock pads and make the...

With a solid state amp, you're done. Plug in your headphones, turn on the amp, and enjoy your music. With a tube amp, you might still be anxious about whether the tube you're using is the best one. A good solid state amp (which I think the Magni 2U is) will drive your headphones nicely. If you...

What would you recommend for a bit more laid back alternative to the MDR-V6? I like the clarity and detail, but not the emphasized treble. I need closed-back and relatively flat. The two options I'm considering are the 598cs and the DT250. Are there any others? What about the Monoprice...

What are using to play your music? A phone?

I've been using a cheap-and-cheerful JVC HA-S-160 with my phone, and it's time for an upgrade. Something like the Klipsch R6 On-Ear would be the right size and look (nothing fashion forward, please). I don't need in-line phone controls. Speaking of the R6, how is it? I saw one at a store...

I bought an STX II yesterday, and I hear a huge difference from my onboard ALC662. I used my Sony MDR-V6 to listen to some rips that I know very well, and I was amazed by the excellent stereo separation (I didn't realize how deficient the ALC662's separation was); the clarity, detail, and...

I'm considering the FiiOS X5 3rd gen as a possible system for both home and portable use. For home use, I can connect it to powered speakers via line out or Bluetooth. When the battery gets low, I can still play it while it recharges. Is there any reason why using it in this home player...

I'm glad I saw this thread. As I write this, I'm listening to a well mastered CD through my Sony MDR-V6, which are plugged into my onboard ALC662. I like it. I've been going back and forth on whether to get an STX II, but now I'm wondering if I just stick with my current computer audio setup...

I've decided to go with a Schiit stack. I read one person's comment about the STX II's headphone amp being better than the typical card's amp, but not very refined. I had a feeling that's where the STX II would nod. But the biggest deal breaker is having to select speaker or headphone output...

Are the STX II's 124 DB SNR, premium clock source and power supply, and swappable op-amps irrelevant features? They seem impressive, but I don't know how much of an improvement over onboard audio I'd actually hear. I was originally thinking $300 for a DAC/amp, because that's what either an STX...

This setup is for stereo music. I listen mostly with headphones, but plan to get some good near-field speakers.

Thanks! Another option I meant to list is an ASUS STX II.

My computer is my audio system, and I'm trying to choose the right upgrade path. current system: onboard Realtek ALC662 Sony MDR-V6 plugged into front audio This combo sounds pretty good, but I want to get a Beyerdynamic DT880 for the advantages of an (semi)open headphone. I'm also...

Thanks.  I see posts on other forums as recent as a year ago saying they couldn't get the eClaro to work with Linux.  There's an open request on the ALSA support request board that doesn't appear to have any follow-up.   On my current Linux system, my Xonar D1 has been fine.  My new...

Does the HT Omega eClaro work on Linux Mint 18.1?  If it does, will Mint's audio drivers pick it up automatically?  This will be in a newly built system, and the sound card will be in place when Mint is installed.  Thanks!

I don't know of anything wrong with them, but was thinking of running my PC into a receiver and passive speakers.  I've since decided that I'd like my PC to be its own system.  That got me thinking again about the Swans options, probably a 2.0 set.   If you get the M100MKII, please post a...

  Hostirad, that post was made in 2007, and it was his only post.   I did take note of the warning about too much headphone use.  I try to keep the volume down, but I still wonder about the long-term effects of having all that sound generated so close to my eardrums.  I'll always enjoy a nice...

A few questions about EMI in desktop computers:   How can I estimate the significance of radiated EMI for my PC audio system?  What components typically create a lot of EMI?  In terms of both radiated and conducted EMI, is it reasonably possible for a modest PC build to have low enough EMI...

Thanks for the replies.  I don't plan to get into vinyl, so I'll stick with the desktop route.

I was excited to learn that I could do more with my PC than MP3 rips, a sound card, a multimedia 2.1 system, and of course headphones.  This new world of external DACs, tube headphone amps, and quality active speakers was exciting at first glance.  But as I look deeper into it, I wonder if this...

When I first installed my Xonar D1, I thought I heard a drastic improvement over my motherboard's ALC888.  I recently took it out to make space for a firewire card I needed to use temporarily, and then it seemed like there wasn't any difference in going back to the ALC888.  When I was finished...