I used to have a HE-400 which died on me and a HE-500 which was stolen so I have been on the lookout for replacements. I loved both of them and they were absolutely mint so I would like to replace them with ones of the same condition if possible. I am flexible with price and am willing to pay...

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How did you like the M-Stage? What did you use it with? Why did you sell it?

That is definitely something that I would be interested in if I were to choose the M-Stage. I like to tinker. 

I am wondering if I might like the warmth of the M-Stage since the HE-400s can be harsh if improperly paired with an amp. I sometimes find it fatiguing to listen to a setup that is very neutral and analytic. 

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It seems that Audio-GD has a very large fan base. You said you loved your M-Stage so brand loyalty aside...based on pure sound/quality...which would you go with?

I agree with the vents on the top adding risk to the amp. I don't think I am too worried about the heat from any amp. I think it is just something that you expect from a piece of equipment like this. That said, I don't want something that is going to burn through my desk :|

Thanks for the reply. Lots of good info here. I know the differences between these two setups and probably most setups is minimal but I have a bad habit of making sure I have exactly the right product before I throw money into it. I am always afraid that I will spend X amount of dollars and then...

Hey guys. I am wondering what your thoughts are on the Audio-GD NFB 15.32 vs Matrix M-Stage with HRT Music Streamer II? I am looking for the overall best sound quality. I am perfectly fine with having an all-in-one system like the NFB 15.32 or a separate stack like the M-Stage/HRT so I do not...

Are most of your components DAC/AMP combos?

What about DACs that are not necessarily cheap? I don't have a problem paying up to $250 for a DAC if it is indeed better built and better sounding.

Any particular reason why you would choose this DAC?

Hey guys like the title says, I am looking for a DAC that pairs well with the Matrix M-Stage. My budget is preferably under $250. The setup will be paired with the HE-400 and HD600. I am looking for opinions mainly from people who have owned the M-Stage and have paired it with more than one DAC...