Looking for impressions on what amp has the best imaging and soundstage for under or about $1500. I listen to mostly classical ranging from chamber/solo to orchestral and opera. Solid state or tubes is fine. Preferences: Comes in silver. Balanced inputs and output. Fits on a desk. If it has...

My chain is laptop->USB->Schiit Modi Multibit->Woo Wa7 TP->HD800. When my amp is off I get a low hum/static sound through my headphones, which I didn't think was possible. I imagine that means there is some interference/ground loop or something somewhere, but how do I got about diagnosing and...

I'm fairly new to higher end audio and have enjoyed myself so far. However, I'm a very scientific minded person and try to approach things as rationally as I can.   So my question is this: provided an amp can provide enough power to drive my headphones, should there be any benefit to using a...

I've looked around a bit and haven't found anything very promising, but just wanted to check to make sure. Is there anyway to hook an iPod up to a USB dac? I'd like to use my old iPod at my desk setup, and am willing to buy a dock if there's one that will get this to work (short of spending tons...

I'm fairly new to the high end audio world, but I just got a pair of Grado SR80i that I love, and am looking to get an amp/dac. I've been eyeing the Schiit Modi/Magni for the apparently great bang for the buck, but am wondering if there are any other recommendations out there for under $150-$200...