I just rolled my first tubes into my Valhalla 2.  With my NOS tubes (6DJ8) I have to turn the volume knob about 2-3 -o'clock more than the stock tubes to get the same perceived loudness.  Is it normal for different tubes to require different volume settings?

Yes, by "rich" I generally mean "warmer", or "fuller".  Post your impressions of the HD700's.  I'm curious to hear what you think. (or is that 'think what you hear'?) :)

  Funny how we each hear different things with the same HP's.  I just did a quick A/B of the X2's and HD598's with some Norah Jones, Faith Hill, Jewel, and Corinne Bailey Rae.  Soundstage is definitely better on the 598 vs X2 across the board, but the richer mid's on the X2 made Norah and Faith...

  Sorry to hear you purchased an apparently bad pair of X2's and the dilemma on replacing them.  But as an owner of the X2 and the 598 who appreciates them both (agreeing with others eloquent descriptions of them here), the X2's have quickly become my favorite HP.  I fear you may be...

  I PM'd Hammy for his thoughts on how to tell if your X2 is a Gibson or WOOX. Paraphrasing our discussion for benefit of anyone interested.  Thanks Hammy!   -- The writing on Gibson pairs is whiter than that on WOOX pairs (WOOX is more yellow'ish or even gold).  The differences can be seen...

Can anyone describe how to remove the earpads?  Do you just start from the outside and peel them off?  I'd like to do this but don't want to trash them.   Thank you.   P.S.  I bought the X2's during the Amazon sale.  Mine say WOOX on the headband and have the shiny earpads, but I tossed the...

Quote: Originally Posted by philodox Where did you find this out? If its true I will definately get the mixed sink and save some hassle and money. In addition to the link already posted, our hardware folks did in-house tests. We tested heatsinks for our systems, including both...

Quote: Originally Posted by Jonathan Griffin Sounds like the sort of system I wouldn't mind building myself (though probably Linux-based). Would you mind indicating what sort of budget level we're talking about here? Cheers, Jonathan. Haven't added it up (kinda scared too )...

Cheez; Well, I just spend a bundle of money in the last couple weeks doing this exact thing and researched on the 'net for hours on many great sites. To answer your questions I'll just tell you what I did: -- Intel D865 Mobo with P4 2.5GHz CPU and 1GB RAM. Passive northbridge heatsink...

Cheez; Just bought a 0404 to replace an M-Audio AP2496 card in my media center PC. I am using analog out to my Adcom pre/amp and KEF speakers. I sampled all my CD's using Windows Media lossless and an A/B comparison of the 0404 versus my CD player direct into my Adcom pre shows no difference...

Road... Thanks for looking at this! Much appreciated. I don't need ASIO right now so the 0404 oughta do. SteveO

HEEEELLLLLLPPPPP! I am getting conflicting answers on this volume control thing. According to EMU tech support, when you install the 0404 and drivers/PatchMix, the Windows Volume Control located under: Programs/Accessories/Entertainment/Volume Control is effectively disabled. For example, I...

Not that this helps with your Dell, but I just built a home theater PC using the quietest components I could. I have it in on my electronics rack right next to my TV and you hardly notice it. It also runs nice and cool with my 2.5GHz P4 CPU. Here are some things you may consider now or down the...

Movies played thru Media Center through the AP2496 using SRS 2-channel surround sound is not bad thru my KEF speakers. The bass is excellent, but I am running the AP2496 through my Adcom pre/amp so I imagine that has an effect on the bass quality anyway. Also, I'm more concerned about good...

Thanks for the feedback! I'm ordering an 0404 today and will report back on how well it works with Media Center and also how it compares to the AP2496 as far as sound quality is concerned. SteveO

Sorry to invade your forum, but you folks seem to have more experience with the 0404 and 1212 E-MU cards than anyplace else! I've built a home theater PC running Microsoft's Media Center and an M-Audio AP2496 soundcard. I have a boring old analog preamp/amp and currently have the AP2496...