I'm looking forward to getting a better soundcard for my work computer, which is an Apple MacBook Pro. I have an E-Mu 0404 USB at home, so I was thinking about bringing that one to work, and getting something new for home use. Musiland Monitor 02 looks interesting, but is it better than E-Mu...

I've tried playing two APE-encoded albums on my new Cowon D2+, both failed. There's a message saying "Invalid" and that's it. One of the files is encoded using APE 3.99, Extra High profile. The second one - don't know the codec version (metadata doesn't have it), High profile. Anyone...

Hi guys, I need a little advice. Which Gain setting should I choose when using this amp with Grado 'phones? Available options are -12, 0, and +6 dB. +6 sounds uncomfortable at about 9 o'clock volume setting, so I guess it's out of consideration.

Hi guys. I'm looking into buying headphones + external audio card for use with a computer at work. Will this combo sound good, or do AKGs really-really need an amp? If the latter, what other cans would you recommend? Some constraints/preferences: - Open headphones are OK. - Musical...

Two days ago I bought a slightly used DT 880 without any prior listening (at a really nice price of $120) to complement my Grado SR-60. Below goes a short comparison of these headphones. Equipment: Cambridge Audio 640C and E-MU 1212M -> Cambridge Audio 640A -> Headphones. Music: Thelonious...

I've downloaded both issues of the TONE Audio magazine (http://www.tonepublications.com/tone-audio.htm) for which Head-Fi's own immtbiker writes the headphone column. OMG, this magazine is a quintessence of all things wrong with audio magazines. Giving thumbs up to everything they review? Yes...

I understand that it was discussed a million times here , but I did not find a thread which can answer my question comprehensively. So, what are the good amp choices for Grado (currently SR60, planning an upgrade to SR225 soon). I live in Russia so I'm mainly interested in mainstream brands...

I'm being torn apart between E-MU 1212M (around $220) and Terratec Aureon with an optical connection to M-Audio Flying Cow DAC (around $300 for both). I've chosen Terratec 'cause it's the cheapest soundcard I could find here in Russia with an optical out. Flying Cow is the cheapest DAC I...

I'm looking for replacement for an Audigy 2 NX and I'm considering the following options: 1. ESI Waveterminal U24 - all good, but not available in Russia at the moment 2. M-Audio Audiophile USB - does not sound that good, I guess (according to feedback on this forum) 3. ESI Juli@ - does...