I considered Audeze, but I've heard bad things about the weight.  I was also considering Ether Cs, but I think I would miss out on some of the bass.     Other thoughts?

I second the Bose headphones for noise cancelling. I've tried their over the ear, and earbuds, and both performed very well. I've also tried a pair of Sony over-the-ear noise cancelling headphones, and while they meet most of your criteria, they couldn't keep up with the quality of noise...

I'm looking for a new pair of headphones.  I currently own a pair of ATH-M50s, and they sound wonderful.  I have the cash and want to upgrade.  For example, I recently tried B&O H8s.  Although they were wireless, they left me underwhelmed in terms of sound quality.  A little lacking in the...

I'm in the market for a new DAP, but I have some weird requirements.  I currently have a Sony NW-ZX1.  Although it has Bluetooth, it is Android based.  I no longer want a DAP that is Android or iOS based.  I'd like Bluetooth so I can play audiobooks in my car, which does not have a line in or CD...

I've been using an ATH-M50 headphone for quite a while now, and although I like them, I'd like to push the limits of what I can do with my Sony NW-ZX1 and PHA-2 amp.  I understand I need something efficient to use with this amp.  I have IEMs and I prefer headphones with over the ear design. ...

Okay, I'm somewhat new to this and considering coming to this meet-up - but I'm still not sure.  What exactly is it?   I've been listening to some ATH-M50's with a Sony NW-ZX1 and PHA 2.  Sounded really good until I picked up my pair of Alclair 5 custom IEMs today (which I found out are not...

I've ordered from PriceJapan before, and chose the cheaper shipping option.  Everything went perfect, with excellent communication.  I'd order from them again, and am just about to pull the trigger on the NWZ-ZX1.

Were you able to find an English manual? Although the device is pretty easy to use, I would like to read things over so I don't miss anything.

Just picked up the PHA-2 from PriceJapan.  Now I need an English manual.  Anyone have a source?

Since I'm already buying the PHA-2 and ZX-1, keeping new headphones to ~$500 would be nice. Open or closed are both fine. Full bass and comfort are high priorities. The LCD-3s look nice, but I'd be worried about driving them and the comfort. I guess I'm looking for an ideal match to the PHA-2.

I have one on order now. I'll post when I receive it. Any recommendations for better headphones to match this amp? I'll be upgrading from ATH-M50s.

It looks like the PHA-2 is on sale using PriceJapan.  Has anyone ordered one yet?  I'd like to get it now, but am curious whether the Japanese model is the same as the US model.  If there are significant differences, I'll wait.

So the only way to buy this is to import it from pricejapan.com in December or wait until ??? for it to be in the US?

I have some ATH-M50 head phones, which work well with my iPhone.  I am in the process of re-ripping everything I have into FLAC, and I'm looking for recommendations on a complete setup (audio player, amp, and new headphones).  The HD800's seem a little too expensive, but are close to the quality...

Yes, I plan to pick up the PHA-2 around the same time.  I just have to stagger them a little so my wife doesn't see both on the same credit card statement!

I cannot wait! Assuming all of the reviews come back positive, I'll certainly order the ZX1 when it is available. I just don't know whether I want to take the chance and try to import it or wait until it is released in the US. It looks like I'll have to wait until at least December. I also wish...

I'm just getting started in higher end audio, and while I wait for the new Sony NW-ZX1 to arrive in the US, I thought I would re-rip my CDs into FLAC.  I'm going for the best sound possible.     However, from what I can tell, the programs to rip audio on a Mac are not that great.  I'm...

No need to cut it off.  I just used the sharp end of a pointed wire to push the first strand in, then I kept twisting it, holding the wire tight to the metal plug body so the next coil of wire had to go into the body as I turned it.  Think of it like screwing the wire back into the metal plug...

Interesting, and not overly expensive.  Out of curiosity, is there anything recommended that uses tubes?

I have a new pair of ATH-M50S headphones, which sound great.  Great when connected to my iPhone, but really weak when connected to my iPad.  How can I properly drive these things to get the best sound out of them?  Do I need to use a computer and/or amp or DAC?  I'll go the next step since I...

A standing wave is where a waveform is established and any single point on the wave does not move, it only oscillates up and down (antinode).  It happens when the room or space has a certain dimension that is particular to the frequency of the wave.  Think of a wave on a lake and the waves match...

Sorry, I should have clarified.  My Sony headphones are falling apart from many years of use.  The pads are tearing off and they have been abused on many, many trips.  I enjoyed them very much, except for the coiled cord and the slight lack of full range.  They were good, but not perfect.  To be...

I have a pair of Sony MDR-7506 closed headphones and would like to get back into listening to some new music in the evening. First, I want a decent upgrade from what I have, preferably closed design so I don't bother my wife. My budget is $100-300 or so, but is flexible. I was looking at the...