Quote: I don't agree with this.   The Roc is transforming SE input into balanced, so when powering your headphones in balanced mode you get the soundstage and instrument positioning improvements also with non-balanced sources (I have used my Roc with non-balanced sources during 2...

As others have said above, Skylabs prefered the Phoenix to the Concerto when used with balanced out, but if using only SE out the Concerto was better to him.   And to me this seriously is a non-issue. On my HD650, the soundstage and instrument positioning improvements of the Roc's balanced...

  Quote:   I had the same problems when my Ref5 was new (harsh treble and lacking bass); I'm using the CAST connection. This resolved itself after burn-in. The highs are now smooth and the bass is all there.

  Quote: No, this is different.   While it probably isn't an issue with everything, with some gear - especially Audio-GD - the burn-in is real.   When I first received my Ref5 I hated it to the point that I wanted to sell it. The highs were harsh and there was no bass. Today the...

After 256k it's very difficult for me to hear a difference.   But 192k is definitely not good enough.  

  Quote: I chose the Roc, for the same reason.   But you don't need a balanced source! The Roc transforms SE signals into balanced, so you get the huge soundstage improvements even with non-balanced sources by driving your headphones in balanced mode. A balanced source will give you...

Usually they prefer to email the tracking number after it comes up on the tracking website (that's usually 2 days after they ship it).   If you send them an email now they will send it to you.   If you chose DHL or TNT shipping the tracking will start 2 days later because these couriers...

Nice, I hope Kingwa will also implement this within his DACs, replacing the current USB input, so that we won't need an external box anymore.

Quote: Holly crap and I thought I wouldn't need to upgrade anything anymore   I see the Halide is 450$. Is there any reason why you didn't go with the Hiface? Has anyone compared the two?   I am is the same situation as you (Roc/Ref5/PC coax); could you tell me a little more...

The HD650 get a nice boost from balanced setups. I love them.     Audio-GD Reference 5 > Audio-GD Roc > HD650 balanced

  Quote: This is also what I have been thinking. Perhaps my Ref5 didn't have 100 hours.    

  Quote: No, there is absolutely no placebo here.   The difference is huge. The sound went from bright and harsh to smooth and creamy. Bass and bass impacts were absent but now everything is there. Are you also suggesting that the physical impacts of the sound waves are placebos...

This is interesting.   Do you think that the difference in power sources could explain the different experiences with burnin we have seen with the same equipment?

Your best bet at a decent price would be the Asus Xonar STX. But getting in those price ranges you should definitely consider an amped DAC like the Audio-GD FUN if you want to begin to drive the HD650 properly.

Quote: After the improvements I have seen on my equipment with the burn in, I would personally play the 30 min Isotek, Purist or XLO optimizing/demagnetising tracks. The Isotek also has a 5 minutes rejuvenation (rapid refresher) track that does this. Reading some reviews I have even seen...