To me this looks like mineral deposits. I've had this problem when using an ionizer air purifier. Try rubbing it gently with vinegar. It may come off.

I was looking to get better sound from a very high end system by buying a somewhat more expensive USB cable that would run from my computer running Win7 and JRiver Media Center to my DAC, the Empirical Audio Overdrive. I chose the Moon Audio Silver Dragon USB cable (about $300). Not only did...

They need time to break in. They're extremely revealing of the recording and reproduction chain.

I recommend Empirical Audio gear for digital reproduction. I'm on my third DAC by Steve Nugent at EA and it's beyond stunning. Steve suggested that 16/44.1 really beats out 24/96. After getting a lot of 24/96 I have to agree with him.

Here's the thread that discusses tubes for the Zana Deux. I agree with Dallan that the Brimar, Valvo and Mullard are the nicest 6SL7s. http://www.head-fi.org/t/297795/ec-zana-deux-tube-rolling-pls-share

I had a similar problem and localized it to the input selector. By moving the selector back and forth to the other 2 positions it generally goes away right a way. I haven't figured out any way to clean inside the selector switch as it appears closed.

Here is the thread that discusses this: http://www.head-fi.org/t/297795/ec-zana-deux-tube-rolling-pls-share For a neutral clean presentation, generally the Valvo and Brimar 6SL7Gt are the most popular. Changing the other tubes, 6C33C and rectifiers, doesn't have nearly as much effect on...

Hi UncleEric, I've been running my Zana Deux for 3 years and finally had to replace the 6C33C tubes. I am now using some that I had bought even before I got the amp. They are 1969 "winged C" Svetlanas. I can notice a slight improvement over the previous 6C33Cs which were 1971 Ulianovs. It...

I've had the EarSonics SM3 for four days and have been burning them in continuously since receiving them with IsoTek software so I feel they're nearly completely burned in now. Previously, I've only had the Etymotic ER6i but I've heard the ER4S. The SM3s are obviously way ahead of the Etymotic...

The tube shown above is not like the Tung-Sol black glass. This looks a lot like a National Union black glass that I tried. I didn't like it at all. It sounded like the music was being projected from under water!. Here is the Tung-Sol black glass I was referring to...

Older digital link on Audiogon: http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlconv&1285012971&/PS-Audio-Digital-Link-DA-Conve Used Digital Link III: http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlconv&1284941197&/PS-Audio-digital-link-iii-...

The center one is as 40hz says the most expensive. An early Svetlanov "winged C" tube.

Regarding the comfort of the jumbos on the Grados, the problem is the coarse open cell foam. You can significantly increase the comfort by taking a thin nylon sock and cut about 3 to 4 inches of it and stretch it around the jumbo. If done carefully no one will ever know it didn't come that way...

Just for the record, the Hyperion and Oracle cables are still available from Locus Design on a bespoke basis. See Lee's site: http://locus-design.com/headphone_cable.html