Good to know that it will be available with a balanced cable. I was very disappointed to see Focal's new "mid-fi" releases are not able to be run balanced. The design puts it more in league with the 500 line rather than a true closed-back version of the 600 line, but I'm intrigued by it...

But why nerf it by not allowing balanced? It seems to me that balanced is no longer a "high-end only" feature. $150 dongle DACs have balanced outputs.

If they can't be run balanced, then these are truly worthless to me. I would love a lighter-weight, more comfortable closed-back Focal, but not if it can't be run balanced. Seems like these are aimed at "consumers", but I don't know any non-audiophiles who are willing to pay $500+ for wired...

Almost every DAC I’ve owned cuts off a bit of audio at the beginning on my MacBook (not just dongles, desktop amps too), but it depends on the app. It never happens with Qobuz or Roon, but it does with Apple’s built-in Music app or Chrome.

Just received my Zen DAC 3 today! Having a Zen DAC again reminds me how great of an entry-level device this is. I was never happier listening to digital music than I was when I had the previous Zen DACs. That incredibly smooth volume wheel, desktop form-factor yet able to be powered by USB...

The front lights, yes, but I was talking about the rear "ext power" light. That stays on as long as the power is connected.

This has been the case for every Zen DAC I’ve owned. I remember finding it annoying because the external power light was quite bright and would light up my desk when I went to bed.

Is there going to be a Zen Can 3 to match these other devices? :)

Apple wants you to use their AirPods and that's it. I have an iPhone, I'm not dissing Apple, but Apple is very much dedicated to the "walled garden".

I don't think you should have to do that either, and I don't. A headphone that can't be an "all-rounder" isn't a good headphone to me. It has to be able to sound good with everything I throw at it. And the Bokeh does. So you just have to test each combination with your preferred amp and your...

The Bokeh is just overall a warm headphone. To me, the hybrid pads with the included mesh will have the perfect mix of warmth and detail. Another option would be protein with no mesh (as the protein pads tend to darken the highs a bit). To me, the protein pads add a bit too much bass sometimes...

The suede pads are slightly smaller than the other two pads, making them more difficult to put on. However, repeatedly swapping them does loosen them up and make them easier to put on. The solid mesh will tame the highs even further than the included burst mesh, resulting in a darker sound. I...

Well, I just got the back order email from Audio Advisor :( So I guess it’s maybe not quite available yet, and not just in the EU.

I just ordered from Audio Advisor. Unfortunately I no longer own the Zen DAC V2, so I can't do a side-by-side. But it doesn't seem like it should've changed much, sound-wise? I don't think it's a question of whether I'll like it. I know I'll like it. It's just getting to hear a sound that I...

Does every product that offers MQA support have to turn into a fight about it? If you don’t need it, don’t use it. Tidal is dropping MQA support anyway; it’s not going to be around for much longer. Just savor the victory and move on. For now, I’m fine with DACs offering a wide range of supported...