What is the output impedance of the new E11? The E7 is almost 0 Ohm (0.14 Ohm) and thus ideal for BA IEMs with highly variable impedance response. I would hope that the E11 will match that performance.

I would really appreciate if someone who owns both the Z1000 and the Audio Technica W1000X could give a quick characterization with respect to differences in sound signature.

Among the best values for amps that are highly synergistic with the AKG K701/702 are the Shanling PH100 and PH300. The former is a fully discrete design whereas the latter is a hybrid tube amp with the highly regarded TPA6120A as the headphone driver in dual configuration adding a preamp on top...

Take a look at Audinst HUD-MX1. Plenty of juice for the AKG 701 provided you use the included PSU. No need to increase the gain either to drive the K701s to ear-shattering volume.

If you want to consider going hybrid then the Shanling PH300 is an excellent match. It outputs in excess of 2000 mW at the K701's impedance. And it can be had for as little as USD 270 on eBay including free shipping making it one of the best values in conjunction with the K701.

You just have to believe strongly enough and hear you will tremendous differences.

Quote: Then you either got a defective unit or you did not plug them properly in all the way.   Even if burn-in was not a purely psychological phenomenon and an excuse devised by clever salesmen to help their customers overcome buyer's remorse mechanical relaxation of drivers could...

Quote:   I am not talking about the SMK-III but the DMK-IV which contrary to specification and advertisement clearly does not handle 24/96 either on its SPDIF or its TOS input except by spewing white noise. So while it is reassuring to hear that based on your preliminary observation the...

Well David, how about addressing the lack of 96 khz sample rate support on any of the inputs of the HLLY DMK-IV despite claims to the contrary in your product literature and advertisements?   This kind of false advertising or shoddy engineering does not really inspire too much confidence...

I would still be interested in a statement from david with respect to the advertised 24/96 capability of the DMK-IV which the actual units do not seem to support producing only static noise when fed such source material.

This DAC is advertised as being 24/96 capable over SPDIF, but has anybody here actually managed to play a hires file on it? The unit I am testing here only produces static when fed anything beyond 24/48 over Toslink.