I’m very happy with the sound. I’m using over-ear headphone mode (highest gain for battery operation), balanced output, and use volume levels between 55 and 95 depending on genre and recording.

Works for me also. Desktop is Benchmark DAC3B + HPA4, and M17 is giving that stack a run for its money. I only run the M17 on battery, as there’s no AC where I take it.

Fixed the Stealth bass: got my hair cut high and tight on the sides. Much better. Passes the Richter test now. Best $20 I've spent on audio in a long time.

Has anyone evaluated the sound quality while running on battery vs while charging via USB (not 12V)? The sound quality noticeably degrades when I plug in a USB charging cable -- even if the battery is fully charged and the USB cable is simply powering the M17, and even when I use a power bank...

Quote:   I also saw these items, was very interested and posted a few questions to audioonetoo, asking for photos of the earpads (there was an image up when the listing was new that seemed to show weathered leather on the pads, but the image was taken down.), history of the amp, and a...

New to HF as a poster, but a longtime listener... :-)   I've just gotten my new DAC2, and it's pretty impressive. I listen mostly to HD800s through a DAC1-PRE -> Schiit Valhalla (I found the HPA2 to be just too clinical in combination with the DAC1). I've also not been able to let go of my...