Do you have balanced headphones? If so, which ones? Not yet, thinking about it.   If not, are you looking at balanced headphones or a balanced amp in the future? Perhaps.   For balanced headphone output, how important is it to have dual three-pin XLRs as well as a 4-pin XLR...

Quote: We?  Do you work for a dealer?  If yes, which one, as I am in Chicago-land and would be interested in an audition. Thanks!

Quote: Great points.  Thanks.  I guess I should have thought of this first since it is sort of how I am doing things now.  I will see if I can get bit perfect audio over the network, through my PS3, to the DAC in my (very old) AVR using 'Source Direct' and the headphone stage there...

Getting our Schiit a little closer to on topic... I need some opinions from those of you who have the experience...   My budget has significantly changed (for the worse) for many reasons but basically I need a new system strategy.   I will be building one piece at a time, instead of...

It sounds like you are in a hurry? Since you already have something to listen to, perhaps you could invest a little time into finding various dealers and doing some listening before you buy? Just a thought, as this is what I am currently doing to build my first dedicated headphone system...

Quote: +1

I think the rDac is available now. Has anyone picked one up yet? Impressions? Thanks.

I think hodgjy meant the Musical Fidelity V-Dac. I'm also waiting to hear the Arcam rDac, but that is going to be around $450 USD msrp I think....   Edit: Ack, he beat me to it.

Quote: Bummer.  Wish I had discovered this community a couple months earlier as I live 20 minutes from where the Chicago meet was! Next time I guess.

Useful Indeed.  I am hoping the SACD sounds great, and the DAC is great... maybe on par with the Nova's or DacMagic at least.  This would allow me to stream all music from my PC (redbood, ripped DVD-A, etc) and play SACD straight from disc.   I called my dealer today.  They are thinking...

Quote: Yep, there is.  Here.

Vintage stuff is cool, I think my father has a 70's Marantz a lot like that one.   I am hopeful that the 8004 delivers solid performance with CD, SACD, and DAC modes as it really would make a nice solution for many including myself.   I will keep checking the site to see when the post...

Quote: No worries!

Hi All,   It looks like the SA-8004 should be out in August? This looks like it may be an interesting source component since it will play CD/SACD and also have 3 inputs so that the DAC can be used with other sources (USB/SPDIF coax and toslink) up to 24/192.   I'm interested in using...

Quote: Where would one find out about such "meets"? What is the protocol? I am new to this too, so that seems like a good place to get ideas. Thanks.

I am familiar with Pass Labs and Nelson Pass, I do often forget about his DIY designs and papers. It was an interesting lunch time read. Thanks.

  Quote: Since I am a newbie I will research on my own what "single ended" means.   The point being that I am thinking my system will be built starting with the Asgard, with plans then being to work toward getting 325s and a DAC/Disc source that will match well.   Thanks.

Yes, which is why the SA8004 looks interesting, since the Asgard has only one pair of inputs (single ended?)... 1 source unit will handle disk and DAC (from PC) duty.   BTW, All digital files are Apple Lossless or better (weeding out my remaining 192 stuff and re ripping).   I know I...

Hi everyone, This is my first post.   I've been reading this thread since I discovered the it through the Audiophiliac through Schitt's site.   I have been thinking about building a head-fi system since I don't have room for a dedicated listening room and won't be listening in our Living...