What is the best sound card for Optical out? Just want to get the best signal to an external DAC. Thought about PCI but is there an external USB option that can still handle 24/192? That way I can use laptop or desktop. TIA

Would the AV-710 be a good choice as a transport to get a digital signal (highest possible quality) to my new Beresford DAC/Amp? I've found many recomendations on its use as a soundcard, but not much on getting a signal to an external DAC. Are there other cards/methods that might be a better...

Can a USB dac do 24bit/192KHz ? Is there some limitation in USB spec that prevents this? I'm just noticing that many of the USB DACs that are not really expensive do not suppor this level of performance. Thanks.

Ok, not sure how stupid this question is, but how much to I need to spend to improve on the Ipod DAC? Will an emu 404 do it at ~150? A Beresford TC-7510 do it at ~200? How about a Mood-Lab at ~400? The idea is to run winamp on my laptop, using the Ipod as an external disk with the music in...

The new MS2i's are on their way! After many searches I have come down to the following contenders Darkvoice 336i LD III LD IV Eddie Current Luchbox Woo Audio 3 (used) These are driven mainly by price, I was trying to stay < $300, and value for the money. Does anyone have any...

Can someone give me their opinions on the synergy of this setup? I've had the Alessandros before, but am unfamiliar with the Headroom amps. I do like the idea of AMP+DAC combo though. Thanks.

Why can't I connect an Ipod via USB to an external DAC? Wouldn't the USB carry a true digital signal? If the Ipod software won't do it, will something like rockbox? I feel that I am missing something here. Please help me get my head around it! Thanks!

I have done searches out the wazoo and have quite a few options, but what would you recommend for a portable amp < $200 that really brings out the best in the iGrado (sr60) ? TIA

I would like some feedback on the real differences I might get with an upgrade. I currently have the iGrado's and a LDM+. These are sourced by a 5G Ipod with all lossless compression and connected with ALO's new copper Ipod dock connector. So, the question is, for these headphones which are...

Ok, I realize that these are only $49 cans, but the cables are VERY flimsy and I'm sure a recable would improve the sound. It's just a matter of "is it worth it for the $$$?" Does anybody have any suggestions on how to recable them for ~$50? I would hate to spend more on a recable than the cans...

Does anybody think this would be bad match? Good match? Any opinion would be helpfull!

Ok, The goal here is for set of light, clip on or behind the head, great set of cans. After much research I have come up with 3 alternatives Sennhieser PMX 100 $29.99 (newegg) Koss KSC 75 $16.99 (newegg) Grado iGrado $49.99 (ttvj) These will be for Ipod use (all Lossless), around the...

Ok, I've decided on Alessandro MS2i's, but I realize they match better with some amps than others. In the $300 range, I have narrowed it down to 2. The Shelbrook Labs Ascent and the Gilmore Lite. has anyone heard both of these to compare/contrast? Any suggestions? I've done searches, a lot on...

Has anyone used this company's products? I searched and didn't find much, but they seem to have been around for awhile. Any opinions either way? You can find them at http://wwwRiverCable.com. Thanks.

Has anyone done this? Is it worth it? Similarly, can anyone compare the Grado SR-225 with the Headphile cable upgrade with the stock M2si's? I am pairing these with either the Gilmore lite or the new Headamp portable. Source is a 4g Ipod with all lossless recordings. Any thoughts would be...

I am upgrading Grado SR60's and an older AirHead amp. I listen to all types of music, but female vocals are my favorite (Krall, Krauss, Welch, Brooke ...) All my music is now on a 4G 40 GB Ipod in Apple Lossless format. I have pretty much decided on an SR-71 amp, but need advice on the...