Quote: I don't agree with this.   The Roc is transforming SE input into balanced, so when powering your headphones in balanced mode you get the soundstage and instrument positioning improvements also with non-balanced sources (I have used my Roc with non-balanced sources during 2...

As others have said above, Skylabs prefered the Phoenix to the Concerto when used with balanced out, but if using only SE out the Concerto was better to him.   And to me this seriously is a non-issue. On my HD650, the soundstage and instrument positioning improvements of the Roc's balanced...

  Quote:   I had the same problems when my Ref5 was new (harsh treble and lacking bass); I'm using the CAST connection. This resolved itself after burn-in. The highs are now smooth and the bass is all there.

  Quote: No, this is different.   While it probably isn't an issue with everything, with some gear - especially Audio-GD - the burn-in is real.   When I first received my Ref5 I hated it to the point that I wanted to sell it. The highs were harsh and there was no bass. Today the...

After 256k it's very difficult for me to hear a difference.   But 192k is definitely not good enough.  

  Quote: I chose the Roc, for the same reason.   But you don't need a balanced source! The Roc transforms SE signals into balanced, so you get the huge soundstage improvements even with non-balanced sources by driving your headphones in balanced mode. A balanced source will give you...

Usually they prefer to email the tracking number after it comes up on the tracking website (that's usually 2 days after they ship it).   If you send them an email now they will send it to you.   If you chose DHL or TNT shipping the tracking will start 2 days later because these couriers...

Nice, I hope Kingwa will also implement this within his DACs, replacing the current USB input, so that we won't need an external box anymore.

Quote: Holly crap and I thought I wouldn't need to upgrade anything anymore   I see the Halide is 450$. Is there any reason why you didn't go with the Hiface? Has anyone compared the two?   I am is the same situation as you (Roc/Ref5/PC coax); could you tell me a little more...

The HD650 get a nice boost from balanced setups. I love them.     Audio-GD Reference 5 > Audio-GD Roc > HD650 balanced

  Quote: This is also what I have been thinking. Perhaps my Ref5 didn't have 100 hours.    

  Quote: No, there is absolutely no placebo here.   The difference is huge. The sound went from bright and harsh to smooth and creamy. Bass and bass impacts were absent but now everything is there. Are you also suggesting that the physical impacts of the sound waves are placebos...

This is interesting.   Do you think that the difference in power sources could explain the different experiences with burnin we have seen with the same equipment?

Your best bet at a decent price would be the Asus Xonar STX. But getting in those price ranges you should definitely consider an amped DAC like the Audio-GD FUN if you want to begin to drive the HD650 properly.

Quote: After the improvements I have seen on my equipment with the burn in, I would personally play the 30 min Isotek, Purist or XLO optimizing/demagnetising tracks. The Isotek also has a 5 minutes rejuvenation (rapid refresher) track that does this. Reading some reviews I have even seen...

  Quote: So you guys were lucky, because my Ref5 sounded very bad during the first days. And it was on 24/24, I only switched it off to let it settle 15 minutes every day.   It is really strange that you mostly noticed bass impact, because mine was very bright, harsh in the highs...

Quote:   Yes, definitely. Playing the 5 minutes Rejuvenation (rapid refresher) track from the Isotek Full System Enhancer CD before listening to some music may also help.

Quote: Yes. I don't know how many hours you have on yours, but for me the Ref5 is changing completely with burn-in. On the Ref5 I am seeing the same behavior patagen saw on the C2.   I was very dissatisfied with my Ref 5 when I first got it. There was no bass, no bass impact, the...

I just came across a nice Reference 5 review here:   http://ravenda.wordpress.com/2010/06/01/audio-gd-reference-5/

Entry-level: 245----------- Alien (1) AOL Picollo DAC (1) Apogee Duet (4) Asus Essence ETX (5) Audio-gd Compass (21) Audio-gd Compass - FUN (4) Audio-gd Sparrow Bantam (1) Behringer DEQ2496 (2) Behringer SRC2496 (1) Beresford TC-7510 (2) Beresford TC-7520 (5) Beresford...

Yes, forget about your onboard sound.   Within your budget I suggest you to save up 100$ more for:   Audio-GD FUN version A at 340$:   If 340$ is too much, get the basic version for 190$.   And if you need something smaller:   Audio-GD Sparrow at 235$ (version A) or 150$...

Quote: Your onboard audio should be better than the Audigy Value, which is not a real Audigy as it doesn't use the EMU10k2 chip.   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sound_Blaster_Audigy     Quote:   I have a the same onboard audio as you, and I also have a normal Audigy (not...

  Quote: Why wouldn't you want a balanced amp?   The he-5le screams for a balanced setup. It even comes with balanced terminating out of the box.   Do yourself a favor and take an Audio-GD Roc, at 730$ it should be within your budget. Unless you want to save 100$ now and upgrade...

  Quote: Yes, the Roc is 70$ more than the dac19, sorry. 2x the price of the C2, but still that isn't much, is it?   For me, the ability to use the HD650 in balanced mode (with or without balanced source) is worth 1000$ alone. To me it makes at least that much of a difference.  ...

  Quote: That's some good feedback.   As for another experience with some "lower dacs"; while waiting for my Ref5 to arrive I have also used the Roc with the rca inputs from the Playstation 3. I was surprised the PS3 had such a good dac, it was beautiful (with the rca Roc it was...