I just got a Zhaolu 2.0 with the discrete amp. Has anyone changed the pot on the amp? If so, what'd you try and how were your results? I'm using it with Grado SR-225s and it gets too loud about 1/3 of the way up. The pot is mismatched at lower volumes, so I'd rather replace it with something...

I spend a lot of time in the office lately and I doubt the headphone out from my ThinkPad would do a good job with my Grados. I'm looking for an external DAC and headphone amp that won't take up too much space on my desk. It doesn't need USB, but it would be preferable. USB to SPDIF...

I've seen people reference apuresound.com/ATAT/BoMs.xls, but it 404s. Does anyone know where I can find a mirror?

Quote: Originally Posted by riffer The next symptom will be replacement/modification of the tonearm, and replacing that DJ cartridge. Yeah I saw the topic on here with some interesting upgrades. For now I'll probably spend my money on music, though.

As I posted earlier, I have been looking for a pretty good setup to play records. With a little luck and patience, I managed to put together a nice sounding system for under $300. The Preamp A few weeks ago I saw an add on Philadelphia's craigslist electronics section for a "25 watt preamp."...

Quote: Originally Posted by bigshot Phono preamps are very inexpensive. Radio Shack sells one for $15 that does the trick. If you want a little better quality, look for a used preamp fro the 70s on ebay. They all had phono inputs. I can't find the phono preamp on their website. Do...

Hey all, I'm looking to get into listening to and collecting LPs. I'm more into the "romantic" aspect of it than the sound quality. I'm looking for a system that will make records sound good, but not go over the top as far as cost. That said, I'm not against spending a decent amount of money...

Not sure if you have craigslist in Hong Kong, but you might be able to get some good deals locally. I picked up a pair of B&W 602 S2s for $200 including a pretty nice Onkyo receiver that the owner threw in for free. They're pretty nice.

I am a sophomore Computer Science major at Temple University. One of my electives this semester is a Technical Writing class. As a final project for the course we have to develop a substantial piece of tech writing. My instructor just approved my proposal--a computer program that will...

Got the cans, but haven't had time to order the necessary parts. I ran the speaker lines from the amp to the connection in my Sony integrated amp where the headphones/speaker switch is (before the resistors). It works fine at low volumes, but once the sound gets even moderately loud there is...

I currently have the K-12M tube amp kit--the 8w/ch one designed for speakers--and I'm looking to connect it to a pair of Grado SR-225s (32ohm). In the thread about it, someone mentioned a schematic online to build a headphone to power amp adapter, but the site now 404s. I tired searching...

I have a Mac mini that I'm looking to add an external DAC+amp to. I have free USB and Firewire ports, and the only thing I require is a digital out (either optical or coax is fine). I saw the Turtle Beach Audio Advantage Micro on NewEgg for ~$25, but I seem to remember reading that it resamples...

I agree with Wodgy for the most part. It is very quiet, except for reading discs. I don't think the analog out is that great, though. With my Etys, I can hear some hiss. I'm sure with headphones that don't block outside noise this wouldn't be as noticeable. It's not horrible, just a bit...

I think one major and often overlooked issue with using a PC as a source is the noise generated by the computer. Many mass-market PCs such as Dells, Compaqs, etc. are not made to be as quiet as possible, since noise is not a major design factor to them. I personally use a Mac mini, which is...

Quote: Originally Posted by ooheadsoo If you can diy, you can make some pretty mean speakers once you get to around $500. The ones I built are pretty dang good though they may not be the ideal fit for a tube amp. I don't consider my speakers mid-fi. Did you build from a kit or...

I'm looking for a pair of speakers for my room. Initially they will be hooked up to an 8 watt stereo integrated tube amp. I may at some point switch to a dedicated preamp/power amp setup. I've read good things about the Athena AS-B1s, saying that they were excellent considering their low...

I used them on the PIMETA I built a few weeks ago. I had no problems with them at all. They look nice and work well.

I powered my PIMETA from a computer power supply while I was testing it (my rail splitter broke, so I used the PSU's +12,-12, and ground) This was an AT power supply, so it used a real hard-wired power switch. If you're using an ATX supply, you have to short two of the pins on the 20 pin...

Awesome looking amp. I am almost finished my PIMETA, and got a case that size by mistake. I know this might be a stupid question, but how are you mounting the board in the case? Also, does anyone on here know a good post or site for cutting the holes where the connectors would go? I got the...

There's a screw somewhere on the disc that adjusts the laser strength. I've read guides on how to do it before online, but it was a while ago. Google for "Playstation laser adjust" or something like that and you should find it. Also be sure not to look into the laser if you are adjusting it...

I broke the pins off mine in an unfortunate soldering accident. I had no luck in my attempt to solder the pins back on, so I need a new one. :P I doubt I'll be making a $25 Digi-Key order anytime soon, and no local places seem to have one. If anyone here has one lying around or is planning a...

Quote: Originally Posted by seiko_citizen no choice. ALL 1/4 jacks will short momentarily out when plug inserted/removed. I don't see why a company couldn't make one that didn't, though. All they'd have to do is put a switch at the end of the jack that connects the pins once the...

I have an AV 710 that I will probably give her. (I do most of my "serious" listening on a Sony SACD player, the sound card is more for background music) I've been playing with a pretty cool parts list spreadsheet someone made. It seems like it'll be hard to do for $100, but going over a bit...

Quote: Originally Posted by aeriyn Ditto that. XD Easy to build, and fun too! Better than a CMoy. As part of team Girl-Fi, do you think this would be a good gift? Someone I know might be able to paint a design on the enclosure to make it look nice. Thanks for your help guys...

Hey all, I'm thinking of a unique gift idea for my girlfriend, and have been considering building her a headphone amp. She currently uses my HD580s on the headphone out of her Compaq PC (eew ) I'm looking to spend about $100 total on parts. A complete kit or one without too many parts to...