Looks like this is about the end of them. RIP.  The hd650 are not that much different anyways.

Anybody have any guesses on the ODA ODAC time frame.  I am thinking summer, but its just a wild guess.

Quote:   I like your reasons ;)    

Quote: Best thing I have read at head-fi in a while.   So you got your amp strictly for more volume?  

I have listened to Xonar Essence and it sounded the exact same as onboard.  Only difference was it could get my headphones ridiculously loud instead of just insanely loud.   Also, I know from blind testing that amping a HD580 with a powerful headphone amp (10V output) has little or no affect...

Can anyone compare the O2 to their computers onboard sound?   I mean take your headphones, plug them into the computer and do some listening.  Then run the PC -> O2 -> headphones and listen and post a comparison.  Thanks!

The 650 is not going anywhere, its part of the HD700's pricing strategy.  I wouldn't be surprised if the hd600s goes soon. Then the 598 would be right below the 650.

Is this the new design from Voldemort, or is it just the same O2 with different mounting locations for everything?

Yeah.  I ordered a $22 ($12 if I get a rebate lol) Asus Xonar DG card with a headphone amp build in.  I will report back with the results later this week.  I assure there will be no placebo effects in my impressions.  I am brutally hard on equipment reviews.

Thats why the person performing the test sets the volume at a reasonable fixed level before you listen.

I have been cured over the upgrade bug.  I ordered new pads for my HD580s.  Great headphones what was I thinking.

Quote: Could you just do your PC sound vs the O2.  I would like to see that one more.  

I'm not missing the point.  I would love to see any results from blind tests.

Quote: Sure it will, all I am looking for is to see if someone can actually pass a blind test.  I gave results to head-fi showing that I could not with Audio gd hardware.  Other people raved on how impressive the gear was.    

Does anyone have any blind tests with the O2 they care to share?  If not can anyone conduct them?  I would be much more likely to get one if I could actually be shown it does something.  Peoples opinions and statements in the hi-fi world are meaningless.  Its an industry built on snake oil and...