Thanks for the tip tdockweiler.  I made the switch to the Porta-Pro.  It's a definite improvement over the cheap headband -- a much more secure and comfortable fit.  Even with the additional expense it still a good headphone mod buy with nothing in this cost range that would better it.      

 I'm going to be away from home for a month and other people in the house might use my computer. They have a tendency after using to walk away leaving everything powered on. That was my concern. I wasn't aware of Apple's advice. It's good to know.       

Thanks for the replies guys.  Your assistance greatly appreciated. I was confused thinking the shutdown setup was the same as a PCs.   

I have a Mac Mini and I want to be able to set it up so that it will power-off (shutdown) automatically after playing music.  Right now I have Snow Leopard and it does not have a scheduled power shutdown option that I can see.  It will only put the computer into sleep mode.  I would like a...

Those are exactly like the el cheapo phones I used for my KCS35s. I got from Parts Express.

Yes, like all closed around the ear they can take getting used to but they allow one to shut out the world and immerse yourself completely in the music. Enjoy!

3x the Denon AH-D1001. The highs are exceptionally clean and free of grain. They're noticeably smoother than my Sennheiser HD580 or HD280. A very comfortable closed phone, certainly more than the HD280. Price is right around $150-$160. See Amazon.com user reviews for their ratings.

Quote: Originally Posted by jacdan I had set the 540 bass and treble controls to max but found there to be little difference between that setting and Direct Mode. Bass did deepen a bit when turning off direct mode. Couldn't hear much change for treble when doing that. I have the...

Koss Porta pro is a good performer. Easy on the ears and non-fatiguing. Under $50.

ComputerX you're far too modest. The FAQ suggestion works perfectly and solves the problem. I owe you -- eternally grateful! Best to you. Also, nc8000 thanks for responding. Mail4u

I have several MP3 audio lectures in a playlist that I'd like to move into the iTunes audiobook section or into a podcast folder. I want to do this because playlist files do not retain the pause when you activate another playlist. That is, you lose your pause in the audio file and you are...

Quote: Originally Posted by selkin And where does the Blue Circle gets the power from? over the usb connect? Yes, from the USB connection. In fact Blue Circle has a version of the DAC that has a higher gain output for those that want to connect directly to a power amplifier.

Quote: Originally Posted by selkin why there is HP out on it if no amp is present to drive it... what for? no one will use it. Good question and I don't know the answer. However, it has an extremely high output but no volume control. It needs to be controlled from the computer...

I've just brought the USB Thingee and feed it into my Musical Fidelity X-can v2. Cheap - $169 US. Very smooth tube-like sound giving a remarkably large soundstage with the Sennheiser HD580. It has a headphone jack, RCA outs and a digital out. However, I prefer my X-can to it's headphone out but...

Quote: Originally Posted by auee Use decent CDRs and care in ripping and burning and you should have no problem. I agree about using decent CDRs. With the cheap ones I find about 1 in 5 is a dud.