I would like to also understand this better. Why exactly is the 11-3 or 12-3 range the most ideal, or best? What happens if I'm under 11 or over 3 let's say?

It would be nice to see a list of the transports tested and which did what, but I don't know that Benchmark will do this. I know there are some players that do NOT modify the digital content over their coaxial/optical S/PDIF outputs, but that is illegal in terms of copyright reasons (I believe...

Quote: Originally Posted by Lunatique I have own(ed) the HD555, 600, and 650, and I wouldn't say that the 650 is far better. The only discerning difference between the HD555 and 600 sonically is that the 555's treble is slightly rolled off, and you can only hear that difference when you...

Quote: Originally Posted by nyjets28 not too sure, but i think the 580's are really comfortable. i've read that the 650's are actually more uncomfortable than the 580's, so maybe they might be worth a try? They are way less comfortable to me - I did try them. Basically there are...

Quote: Originally Posted by kostalex I do not think so. Amp them to take bass under the control. Denons have the highest SQ from my list, but they are also the least comfortable due to the pleather (leather) pads. For $700 take Denon + MDR-F1 and be a happy camper. Hmm...

Sorry - more details: Budget: $700 or less retail/msrp Amped: YES Sound signature: close to the Senn 650 - not too much bass and not too little either I read the Denons are comfy, but too much bass perhaps?

I realize comfort is different for everyone, but I recently got a pair of Sennheiser 555s for late night TV/DVD/Blu-ray watching. While they don't sound nearly as good as the Senn 650s or other headphones (AKG 702) I've had and used, they are tremendously comfortable. I wish the 650s and...

I got a new pair of AKG 702s 2 days ago, and am in the process of burning/breaking them in. I have a Benchmark DAC1 HDR that I use to listen to music with, but it's easier for me to leave them connected to my iPod during the day while I'm at work for burn/break-in purpopses. This way I can hide...

Quote: Originally Posted by EliasGwinn It depends on the type of music you will be playing and your preferred listening levels. The best jumper settings will allow you to achieve a mild-yet-adaquate listening level at 11 o'clock on the volume knob while playing your loudest music. If it...

Quote: Originally Posted by EliasGwinn It is normal...the voltage regulators are strapped to the chassis, so the entire chassis acts as a heat sink. That is why it feels warm. It should feel like a mug of coffee...that is normal. This is true when it is 'On' or in 'Standby'. The...

Thanks Elias. I will see, though I thought it was not source dependant, but more how much mW it would output and what's the correct power for each headphone. BTW, I have the DAC1 HDR sitting on a shelf (i.e. not in a rack with open air underneath) and it's very warm even when off! Is that...

Hi Elias, I just received my DAC1 HDR and will be trying out some K702s in a week. What are the best jumper settings for the headphone amp gain for the K702/K701? I know you said you've used the K701, which is the same headphone. Should I go ahead and set it to A or B or OFF (i.e -10, -20, or 0)?

Looking at getting one of these pairs, but am soliciting opinions: 1. HeadRoom Desktop Amp/DAC & HeadRoom Desktop Power Supply 2. Musical Fidelity X-CAN V8P & Musical Fidelity X-PSU V8 These will be driving either Grado RS1s, AKG 701/702, or Senn HD-650s. I welcome any...

Quote: Originally Posted by MacedonianHero Dude, this is about the easiest recommendation I have ever given. If you are deciding between the RS1s and SR225s, go with the RS1s. I have owned both and while the SR225s were my favourite in the Prestige Series by far, they are NOWHERE...

With some help from a fellow forum member (baka1969) I myself am close to buying my first real phones, and the Grados is what I'm leaning towards. The 225 seems the popular choice, but is there another Grado that is slightly less bright and warmer? Something similar to the HF-2 perhaps? Is the...

Thanks for the replies. After some more searching, it comes down to either ther ESW9s or the Grado 225s. One closed, one open, but I can't test them to see how different they may sound. Damn! As far as my iPod, I have the latest 160GB Classic one.

Hi, I've searched this forum left and right over the last several days, but the more I read, the more confused I get. So I am making a post that's very specific/tailored to my needs, and hopefully I can get a few recommendations. Where I live I don't have places to audition any good...