This seller was professional in packaging the tubes. Excellent packaging for international shipping. Items arrived in the described condition "NOS NIB".

Seems a bit expensive to buy gear based on a rocket launch?

I have to agree with the above post. Something converted to DSD is worse than having the original PCM. Just because it says "DSD" doesn't mean it is instantly better

Seems like the cheaper long term option would be to avoid the Shure 1540 because of the style of connection it uses. Maybe instead look at a Creative Aurvana Live? It's easy to drive and is fairly light and portable.

Are you looking for open back or closed? Seems to me you could find better performing options in the 200 range. Maybe a used pair of Fostex TH-X00?

I think if you are looking to do balanced or xlr at such a strict budget limitation, it might be better to just get two good separates that are single-ended for the same price or less. I also wonder if your headphones would actually need the increased gain of balanced operation.

The Sennheiser HD800 is pretty clear and precise. The HD800 can also be found for pretty cheap relative to the Focal Clears.

Is there any reason why you prefer the 400i over the 600i? With the 600i, units can be found for under the new price of a 400i. I was trying to sell my CMA 600i for $700 on discord and reddit a while back. Nobody wanted to purchase because it was out of their budget or they thought something was...

I honestly do not know anymore. I had the value estimated based on original MSRP of everything and would subtract here and there based on deals. I had a number that would indicate serious spending but it is important to consider that it has taken place over a number of years.

I think the first recommendation would be to turn the volume down. You probably shouldn't be listening to music so loud that cheaper headphones are distorting and shaking your head.

I would advise against the Audeze 2C Closed back and instead of looking at the Sony Z7mk2, trying to track down a Sony Z7mk1. In my opinion, it is cheaper to get a mk1 Z7 and it is a smoother, more relaxed listen considering the two options available and your edits to the post.

Lorn - "Drown The Traitor Within"

Lorn - "Drown The Traitor Within"

I personally purchased a Mytek Brooklyn to try MQA full decoding versus not. I ended up at the result of "I suppose MQA full decode sounds more exciting, but I do not know if I prefer it over more conventional listening formats."

I would like to throw my name in the hat Headphones: HE-1000 v2, LCD-4, Focal Utopia, ZMF Camphor Eikon Amps: Schiit Valhalla 2, Mjolnir 2, and Ragnarok DACs: Hugo 2, Schiit Gungnir MB and Yggdrasil