I recently decided to update on the information and everybody's opinions on the latest crop of DAP's we have available at this time. What a great time for the portable music enthusiast...it's been fun catching up on the forums! I've been pretty happy with my portable setup, though it is dated...

Great first impressions, first firmware bug noted:   I and others have noted that changing the default gain from hi to low does not stick after a unit shutdown.  Also, there is only low and hi gain...can a medium gain option be added?

The DX90 sounds great, almost equal to my DX100 for half the price....but I'll start with some operational issues I've had:   1.  Some folks, me included have had difficulty with the DX90's media scanning function not properly building the library and/or resulting in all files tagged as...

I was considering trying to run an Audio Technica headphone such as the ESW9 or W1000X in balanced configuration.  Anyone try this, particularly on their full size closed models?    I'm wondering if such an experiment would make things better or worse.  To date every can I've run balanced has...

I've been enjoying my new ESW9A, a headphone I heard years ago at a meet and always had interest in.  It sounds really good out of the box.  For portable use, I think of it as a more refined replacement for my KSC-35's (and to my surprise, it also has an engaging full sound that seems to beat...

I'm interested in hearing some opinions on what is the "Cat's Meow" in portable non-IEM headphones nowdays.  I have JH-13's and love them, but sometimes I want to listen to music without all of the isolation of an IEM (such as while walking near the street).  I currently have the Yuin pk-1's...

A friend of mine is looking for a reliable tablet that covers the basics and is cheaper than the ipad.  I am also curious of anyone's expereince successfully intergrating one of the newer models into a the chain of a nice headphone rig.  So far he is looking at this one because of the alluring...

Has anyone ever had the impression that their portable amp or DAC sounds better during the first half of its charge then during the second half?    I've experienced this phenomena several times, with an amp or DAC not sounding as full and dynamic as I'm used to....then after a battery...

After some forum history searching, it seems there is not a lot of information regarding the sound benefits of trying the JH13, JH16, (or for that matter) other high quality custom IEM's in a balanced configuration.   Has anyone made the balanced leap with their customs?  Was it worth it? ...

I am looking to get a spare cable for my JH13's so that I can try some balanced Protector action.  I've heard that the stock cables provided with the JH13's cannot be reterminated to balanced (not sure if that is true).  I'm also aware that Whiplash Audio makes some nice aftermarket...

Hi folks....I need some opinions.... I just got a "new" used car (Pontiac Vibe) and I've decided to put in a decent car stereo. I've put cheap $150 or less aftermarket decks in my cars in the past so I could have a line in for my iriver. They've been OK, but nothing to write home about...

Are the "new" high capacity lithium rechargeables OK to use in the older 2006 MicroDAC? I'm currently using alkalines now but they go pretty quick...and the regular NiMH rechargeables don't seem to have enough life to be worth the effort. Just looking into portable options...thanks.

I've spent a couple of days comparing my new SR71A with 175 hours of burn-in to my SR71 of many years. These two amps are definitely related. On initial listen, I found both amps to sound very similar. But after a couple of hours, subtle differences began to be evident to my ears. For all...

I've been using an older (DAC only) MicroDAC with my H140 and have been very happy with the results. However, I always planned on keeping an eye out for anything new that is smaller, sounds better, or gets better battery life. I've seen the ibasso D1, but my main interest is a DAC only unit so I...

I see that today Amazon is now offering DRM-free mp3 downloads. According to the site, the mp3's offered are 256 VBR or CBR mp3 files. This sounds too good to be true...any catches here that anyone's aware of? I want regular old mp3 I can use anytime with zero restrictions....this would be a...

...maybe the most important question. In your opinion(s), are either Yuin models better than the the KSC 35/75? I've been looking for something equal to or better than the KSC 35 for a long time. I have decent IEM's, but with portable usage it's occassionally nice to have something that...

Something I've noticed here on the forums in the recent past: A couple of years ago, there was enthusiasm for several competing models of DAPS. The debates on sound quality and functions were fiercly contested and non-stop. Many DAPS had a strong following (eg. iPod, iriver h1xx/h3xx, Rio...

Did anyone see this article in the September issue? They compared ER6's and three IEM's I don't think have ever even been mentioned here (one was Creative, the others I don't recall). What about universal fit UE's or Shures!? I've decided that Max PC is incapable of putting out a good audio...

jjcha had posted some National Meet pics and I noticed this guy's T-Shirt...pretty funny: Anybody got an idea where it's from?

What would be a decent way to run a turntable directly to an SR71? I'd like to listen to some of my vinyl, but I only have my old Aiwa turntable, and no receiver with phono jacks (and that third wire connection). I would like to get the turntable signal to the SR71 (and to my headphones)with...

Thanks to forum member Gorthon, I had an opportunity to spend a few hours comparing an RS-1 (reported at 250 hours of usage) to a stock HF-1 and my headphiled HF-1. In some ways, this is a part two continuation of this comparison thread: http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showt...highlight=hf-1...

I'm a little perplexed on the recabling opportunities for Grados in general..... I've always seen the interest in aftermarket cables cables for Sennheisers. I assumed this was prevalent for two reasons: 1. Senns are "socketed" and easy to trade cables, and 2. Senn stock cables were lousy...

I recently received a modded HF-1 from Headphile (Blacksilver cable and Paduak woodies). After some extensive listening, I have the following side by side comparisons with an unmodified HF-1: For starters, working with Larry: He was very easy to work with and accomodating. The one or two...

I cannot figure out what song this is. I'm pretty sure it's a mainstream tune and nothing special, but it still mocks me in that I haven't been able to figure out who does it (or what its called). OK, don't make fun of me ..... It was on a Corr's Beer commercial some time ago (last year?)...

OK....with all this talk of hearing damage, I evaluated my listening rig to see where the appropriate safe listening levels were compared to what I usually listen to. I brought a Quest Micro 15 Noise Dosimeter home from work that we typically use for noise level measurement in the workplace...