Haven't read any of this thread but just want to throw a FYI out there: I hate this new layout and basically have stopped coming to the site. the FS forums are 100% worse than they were. Browsing whats available for sale and selling is in no way more convenient.

When your competitor has a 'luxury' item at X price point, you'd better have one as expensive or more. The market for this stuff has moved past basic function. If you release a $500 flagship and your competitor's is $2000, well surely it must be better! Having a flagship or statement product is...

  Just the never ending quest to try new gear:)

  Well, I don't own any DSD material or have any plans to, so that's how I reconcile it.  But I get your point.

What is your reference for neutral?

  Wow, interested to compare the new model.  Wonder if they will offer the upgrade program for the MHA100.  If i'm reading this right that's going to be like $3000 more than the MHA100 retails for, better be one hell of a DAC upgrade or at least something else going on behind the scenes.

I can't help but think these will be bad.     I get the feeling the only reason they exist is so Audeze can say "Hey we have iems now too".  They look so unwieldy and at $2500 for the LCD i3 its not my cup of tea.  I'm going to hold out for the LCD i4 they're releasing next month for $5000...

Yeah ive got mine hooked up to a benchmark 2 and nad m51.  I think both are superior to the DAC included.  Though I think it comes down to synergy and personal preference in the end.  LS50's sound better with the benchmark....Harbeths sound better with the NAD.  I'm sure if you asked 10...

Prices of audiophile / flagship equipment never really make sense.  I listened to the full range of Focal speakers up to whatever the $100,000 range La Scala models are, off at least $20,000 or more Mcintosh front end.  Know what I heard...they sounded the same as their $6,000 smaller models but...

Price range?  These aren't particularly picky to drive, just some clean solid state amp with low output impedance. Only recommending things I've used before....they sounded fine from the Burson, Centrance, Benchmark gear, but I'd imagine even the entry level Schiit gear would be good.

I owned the W4's and the 535's.  By far I preferred the W4's though many would find them more boring than the 535's in comparison.   - W4's better cable - W4's much more comfortable to wear, 535's always hurt my ears in short time - W4's even non-fatiguing sound with better separation. -...

Quick question to you all:   Just got a pair of ASG 2.5's and the case it comes with, while nice, appears to be too small for the IEMs.  Anyone else run into this problem?  if so what case do you use to store them?

  I have no idea how the nozzle broke.  I only use them at my office mainly.  Came in one morning and when i took them out of the carrying case the nozzle was just broken off laying loose in the case with the tip still attached. A mystery.

My W4's broke last week.  Nozzle just snapped right off where the tips fit on.  Any W4 lovers have some good recommendations for IEMs they like?  Whats the Westone um3x equivalent model these days?  Not looking to spend what flagships go for right now (...less than $500).

I have the same problem.  Took my W4's out yesterday and the stem where the tips are was just snapped off from the body.  Been out of the loop on IEMs for a while and was just looking for something new.   Nothing really jumping out at me.  Except things in the 700+ dollar range that I'm really...

New NAD M51 addition to the mix this week.  This is an interesting DAC.  Definitely laid back, vocals sounds a bit soft.  Edges seem blunted/rounded.  Might take me some getting used to coming from the Benchmark:)  

  Oh Reallllllllllllly.  I was interested in that Pass amp but probably won't have the opportunity to listen to it for a very long time.  Would welcome any comparisons between that and the MHA100 (or any other amps you may have).

  I'll chime in again.  I know I've mentioned earlier in the thread I also felt the internal DAC was a weak point.   It wasn't quite my flavor but I've come to enjoy it occasionally.  My main gripe with the DAC is the low end/bass just sounds a bit too boomy/loose compared to others I've...

  Interested in another pair?  I've got one I'm looking to sell:)

Thank you all for the info!

Alright, here goes with some (probably dumb) questions.   1. Does anyone here have problems/issues running the Hugo as the DAC for their full system, as in not-portable?  As in leaving it charging via usb all the time? 2. Does anyone here run the RCA outs to balanced XLR's via converter? ...

Username: barid   Would like to see more drops for Shure and Westone IEMs.  Also Audeze models like the LCD-X. Possibly full size equipment too like integrated amps for speakers.

  I agree.  Honestly I end up buying and selling a lot of gear just to try new stuff.  I can't really find another piece that would replace the Mcintosh for a desktop setup, thus it has stayed.   With limited space it does the job of a nice integrated with a small(ish) footprint to run...

Dat leben :) so nice.

I heard the headband is going to be $650.