Quote: Originally Posted by spookygonk Right ear feels it has a slight pressure on it, compared to the left. In the early 1990's I was in a local rock band and my keyboards were always set up with the drums to my right, so I had cymbals and hi-hat frequencies on that side for gigs and...

I have no problems with either ear with UM-1's. When I went to have custom earplugs made neither side seemed to be easier or harder than the other, and both plugs are about the same shape and size. I'm one of the lucky ones, it seems.

Mine should be here sometime next week! If the Headfive is a good example of the Meier sound, I'm going to be really happy with this amp. It's my first $+100 portable amp, so I'm looking forward to it! I'm going to go get some 9v.

I couldn't tell you much about the Headfive with ICs, since I had to make my own RCA -> dual 1/4" cable for it to connect to my source. If you want to find out more about cables though, try and find some head-fiers in your area and get a meet going. That way you can see for yourself whether...

The Headfive takes regular RCA input. It's a great amp, I'm sure you'll like it.

Quote: Originally Posted by in_utero Looking at the Westones, they have different materials available; is vinyl or silicone more comfortable? No experience with the vinyl, but the harder the material, the longer it tends to last for customs.

I don't have any experience with the Etymotics but I do have custom Westone plugs. I wouldn't trade them for anything. Seriously, they're one of the best investments I've ever made. Paid for themselves the first concert I went to.

Quote: Originally Posted by mourges my next amp should have easy to replace batteries. It's a bit of a pain to get at, but by no means a hard job. I don't want to be doing it all the time, though. Cycling the battery every once in a while when I'm not using it would be best I...

Quote: Originally Posted by mourges I just pulled my X-1 out of the drawer after not using it for a few months (listening to podcasts, and audio books). The battery was dead, so I have put it on charge. Charging light comes on, but after leaving it going overnight, it will not turn on...

Quote: Originally Posted by Jam_Master_J That display looks nearly identical to the one on the Rio Karma, did that company acquire Rio or something? The Vibez is sort of like the half-breed successor to the Karma. A lot about them is similar. I'm tempted to buy one if they ever...

Quote: Originally Posted by Ingo I put some Ernie Ball Super Slinkys® (9-11-16-24w-32-42) on. It makes bending much easier . I remember the day I switched from Jazz strings (13) back to light gauge. I could bend barre chords.

Quote: Originally Posted by Ingo Or you can buy an acoustic and put electric strings on it. That's the beez-neez for learning, if you ask me. When I was learning chords and rhythym I was greatful to have an acoustic guitar available. Electric's are fine to learn on, but I just liked the...

Quote: Originally Posted by CaseJ I was just thinking about how ide like to get a hobby i can work at like the this. Im a huge Blues fan so would the eletric guitar be a lot harder to learn then the acoustic? I just find that i like the sound of eletric better. Electric is easier...

A lot of starter kits are very similar, but Ibanez and Washburn are both well-regarded brand names. If you can get the Washburn as 'B' stock (hopefully opened/lightly used) I say go for the better deal.

PLLEEEEEEEEEASE post pics! This baby sounds like it should look incredible.