What would you think of a USB DAC/amp, like a DAC1 USB or better, combined with audio player software that could automatically set the volume of the DAC/amp to a specified SPL (rms, peak, etc.)?    Of course, the software would require the user to tell it what headphones were being used, and...

Right now my DT880 600 Ohm'ers sound best driven by the wonderfully overpowered Presonus Firebox, which is sold as a recording interface. I have hooked it up to my Predator and D10, and I notice a clear difference. I am wondering if they need to be broken in with the 600 Ohm load? My...

I read the data sheets for the following op amps and buffers: AD8397 8656 6643, & BUF643. Now, I know this is not an exhaustive list by any means, however I have seen excellent results reported with the 8397 and 8656 both bypassing the buffer socket and using the 6643. The 6643 has a...

I am wondering if my current setup compares favorably (or not) to an iRiver's optical out going to an iBasso D10. I definitely take my setup on the go, and space is at a high premium, so I use Shure SE530s. Any thoughts on comparing those two setups for use with the SE530s?

I'm thinking about getting a good amp ($300-$500) for extended use during travel. It would primarily be attached to a Win based laptop as source, and drive some kind of IEM. Right now, the Shure se530 looks like the best option for what I want and am willing to spend. I am a musician...

I recently purchased a second hand EMU 0404 USB, and upon installing the drivers and hooking it up discovered that the mic inputs of my non-returnable device aren't what I wanted. One is blown and produces a ticking sound, the other is so quiet that I get a SNR of 10 at best with the input's...