sound blaster z  vs essence stx vs magni/modi combo   not really sure what to pick here.  I'm leaning towards the sound cards because they're cheaper and fit nicely in my tower with no clutter on the desk.  Is the essence stx worth the extra ~$60?  

  Ya i wasn't sure where it should go so i put it in both forums.  I made a note of that already, but thanks for pointing it out.

I'm deciding between a couple options to upgrade my entry level computer setup:   I have grado sr80s currently powered by window's "high definition audio driver" or whatever it's called - basically the onboard soundcard from my ~7 year old asus motherboard.  I also have ****ty 2.1 logitech...

I'm deciding between a couple options to upgrade my entry level computer setup:   I have grado sr80s currently powered by window's "high definition audio driver" or whatever it's called - basically the onboard soundcard from my ~7 year old asus motherboard.  I also have ****ty 2.1 logitech...

I recently recabled some ue600vi's and had the idea to use shrink tubing for the ear loop.  anybody had experience reshaping the 'memory' of shrink tubing - or am i better off cutting it and replacing it with something else (or nothing)? thanks,

I recently recabled some ue600vi's and had the idea to use shrink tubing for the ear loop.  anybody had experience reshaping the 'memory' of shrink tubing - or am i better off cutting it and replacing it with something else (or nothing)? thanks,  

My ue600vi recable, which had cheapo stock cables that failed within just a couple months of use.  I only took the one photo before finishing, but hopefully this will help people to replace the cables for what is otherwise a great value set of buds.   with a razorblade, cut the rubber strain...

  pics or it didn't happen :)

  mine is so old one was already partially pushed in, just required a screwdriver to pop the other.  no broken plastic.

I've been looking at the little dot I+/ modi combo myself, glad to hear it produces good sound. How does the 325 compare to the 80 for your ears? I've seen the 325s described differently across this forum...

I listen to high bitrate mp3 from both Spotify (320 or so they say) and my library which is between 192 and 320. my ears can't hear the difference between that and lossless. Think I would benefit more from amp/dac?

Would the 80s benefit from a good amp and source? Or do you think I'd be better off upgrading to the 225s and continue without an amp/dac?

I'm a long time sr80 owner, and have a question for you grado heads out there.  I love the sound, but want to go a little further with my audiophilia.   I listen to mostly prog rock/metal, some trip-hop jam type electronic stuff too, all on my computer (IEM's for portable device).  My current...

good eye thanks.

  I've seen this mod before. Easiest would be with TRS plug but i suppose you could use something else.  I would recommend it if you ever take your grados out for portable use to prevent the cables above the Y from inevitably getting tangled up.   You can buy new cable for around $0.50/ft ~...