What! I put them on and just pressed them pretty hard against my head and the bass returned!  I hope that fix lasts.  I never experienced that before.  Wow.  Thanks MalVeaux!

I  just noticed that I've lost the low end in the right channel of my D2000.  It may be from a cable tug/pull, but not sure.  It's odd, since I've only lost the bass.  The mids and highs are still there.   I'm thinking that there is only a single driver on each side and puzzled on how I can...

I have an iBasso D2+ DAC/AMP that paired really poorly with my D2000.  Ended up with Duet since it seemed like one of the best DACs under US$500 based on the research of posts here on H-F.     THe ADC was a plus.  I was totally confident with the Firewire interface.  I like the fact that I...

For what It's worth, I'm very satisfied with the output sound quality of my Duet.  Paired with my Denon D2000 it has cured my upgraditis for now.  I only use the input ADC for digitizing my vinyl (via Garageband)...no complaints.  No experience with the HRT.

I use XLD nearly all the time with very good results.  I rip directly to ALAC files.  I'll only use iTunes with new, freshly unwrapped CDs where the track names don't populate in XLD (too lazy to type).   iTunes does not try hard enough to resolve errors, just moves through quickly.  ...

The ibasso d2+ did NOT pair well with the D2000s in my experience.

Most newer iMacs have optical out. All the DACs you list have optical in (just need an adapter).  The EE has usb as well. So not sure you would need the Bel Canto Link.  Don't rule out a firewire DAC if you plan on using with a mac for a while.

I do it for 2 reasons: One, I find that vinyl is often mastered differently that CDs. Vinyl typically is less compressed and more dynamic than the loud and overly compressed contemporary digital media (for rock and roll anyway).  I'll record at 24-bit directly through my Duet.  I tolerate the...

Some stuff I've picked up this year that I really like and think sounds good:   Menomena / Mines The Black Angels / Phosphene Dream LCD Soundsystem / This is happening The Walkmen / Lisbon Arcade Fire / The Suburbs   Also, agree with Uncle Erik that NMH '...Aeroplane...' should...

Bose has done a tremendous job of creating a brand that people equate with quality AND making it easy for them to buy.  I also feel they make products that sound good in the store and sound better than the low-quality stuff they have by boosting the low end.  I know a lot of audiophiles whos...

I'm thinking to set the Duet to output type to 'Line out' and set the output level attenuator to '0' in the Maestro software.  Control volume on the Stax.    What type of custom breakout cable did you order and from where?

Not sure if you are wanting RCA analog or digital (coax) input, I'm assuming digital.  The portable iBasso D10 has USB, optical and coax (RCA) inputs as well as a line out.

If you are in that price range and will be using on a Mac, should consider the Apogee Duet.  It's firewire, not USB.  Also works as ADC. It powers my Denon D2000 just fine.