As we use more and more DAPs nowadays, what is the preferred format for SD and mSD cards, and the relative pros and cons of each, when used in a DAP?    There are many articles on the relative technical merits of each but I'd like to focus on their relative merits as it pertains to actual...

Hi,   Purely on sound quality (not battery life, proximity, etc), how does NFC compare with the various BT flavors when "paired" with wireless speakers? I understand that NFC has a maximum speed of 400 Kbps and BT >1 Mbps (I don't know which flavor) and would this make a difference when...

I find that with one of my CIEMs, I can break the seal if I arch my eyebrows all the way up, which is of course something I won't do in public as that might startle some people! This led me to thinking that it would be interesting to hear from owners of CIEMs (IEMs too if that is also true) of...

I am using an iPad to access head-fi.org, sometimes via Safari and sometimes via Chrome. For a while now, for no apparent reason, my iPad App Store will open automatically and show me a game app to download. It's usually the same few game apps. Now I have found out that these same game apps are...

As the year draws to a close, we have news of another new portable headphone amp, this time from Cypher Labs. http://www.cypherlabs.com/product/algorhythm-duet/

Here's a new product from Astell & Kern - the AK10 portable DAC (for iPhone, Android, Mac and PC) and Amp! See astellnkern.com

As a new owner of a HE-400 I'm very happy with the purchase. The many posts and threads here helped lighten my wallet. Granted the HE-300 are not planar magnetics but at USD249 currently, I would have thought there would be more fans. No love for the 300?

In recent weeks, I have been very impressed by entrepreneurs who stand by their products and respond directly to your queries, thoughts and suggestions, whether via head-fi.org or emails. Foremost amongst them, M. Goodman (Centrance), D. Clark (MrSpeakers), D. Maudlin (Cypherlabs). Take a bow...

On various threads, there are comments on replacing pleather earpads with velour, notably the Beyerdynamic DT770LE. Usually the consensus is that whilst comfort goes up a notch, which is especially important to those that live in humid climates, the sound "suffers" a notch too. Personally I have...

Hi, I thought it might be useful to start a thread and reference source on what alternative ear pads one can use on headphones. Most will likely have an impact on the sound so do feel free to add your comments. I will start with those headphones I own and have changed the pads: 1. Sony...

Is it possible to connect the RCA Out on a CD player like the NAD C515BEE to a headphone amp? In addition, are there CD players with two pairs of RCA Outs and that allow you to flip between RCA Out to say that headphone amp and an integrated amp? Thanks.

Much as I adore my 325, I can't stand the S-Cush, L-Cush or G-Cush. I like the size of the G-Cush but it's itchy and easily slips off the back of my head. I put the S-Cush on the 325 and attach onto it a Beyerdynamic velour earpad. It's now the same size as a G-Cush but comfortable and stays on...

I have an old pair of Grado SR60 (without the i) and last year bought the SR325iS and upgraded the ear pads to the G-Cush. I kept on changing between the G-Cush and the stock L-Cush but didn't like both. Then I experimented by using my SR60 flat pads on them and just loved it. Weird. This was...

Hi,   Does anyone know of whether any third party has made an Apple Lightning-to-3.55mm cable yet? Thanks.

Hi,   When a model has been discontinued, do the prices drop or rise? I ask because I'm eyeing the Denons D2000 or D5000.   Thanks  

If the iPhone 5's Lightning line out is all digital, that will mean that we should see new and affordable portable amps with DACs built-in, or standalone DACs, or Lightning-to-3.5 mm connecting wires with DACs built-in. They should be more affordable since I suppose there is now no need to pay...

I'm thinking of getting a Q701 but the rubber band or elastic string that connects the driver housing to the headband looks very flimsy. Do long term owners of these have any problems with the rubber bands? Thanks

I have the Sennheiser HD600. I have read so much about the two models HD598 and HD650 that are just lower and higher (price, quality?) than the HD600. Would it be excessive to "bookend" the HD600 by also buying the other two? I would be very interested in the views of people who have owned all...

Hi guys, I bought a Sennheiser HD600 today on impulse, just after getting a Beyer DT880 250 ohms a week ago. This adds to my collection of Grado SR325iS, ATH-M50, ATH-AD700, AKG K550, etc. My music is predominantly rock, Blues, R&B and are usually from my iMac in Lossless and 320. I have an...

Help! The Beyer DT880 250 ohms are my first high impedance cans (the others being Grado SR325iS, AKG K550, ATH-M50, AD700 etc). Using my iMac as a source, I find that my desktop amps (Fiio E10, Audioengine D1) have to be turned to maximum volume to reach a listening level of about 1/2 to 3/4 of...

Hi. I store all my full size headphones flat. Does it make a difference whether the earpads face up or down?

When I don't feel like hooking up my full size cans to an amp and/or DAC, I resort to my go-to's whether the Koss Porta Pro or V-Jays. It may be the shape of my ears but these hurt. I've tried using two foam covers as well as reduce tension in the headbands but that doesn't help. In desperation...

I currently use a Klipsch s4i headphone with my iPhone 4S. The s4i has an in-line microphone so I can make and receive phone calls. I have been trying to find a portable headphone amp that will allow me to continue to make and receive phone calls when the headphone amp is connected in between...

Sometimes you just want to listen to some music but don't really want to put together all your nice equipment and you can't stand the radio. Especially if I think I'd doze off or I'm watching action sports like golf (?) on TV with the volume off. In such circumstances I use an "old" iPod nano...

Hi,   I'm contemplating getting these but I'm a bit concerned they don't have grilles/cloth covers at all. I'd like to hear from owners, and disaster stories if any.   Thanks