Hi all. I have some various questions and comments across different DAP threads, but did not see a thread dedicated for the topic - so thought I would start it. With ever increasing capabilities (and pricing) of DAPs, I am sure we'd like to prolong their lifespan. Most DAPs these days seem to...

Hi all. I am looking for an adapter, either from HD800 to mini-XLR or vice versa. The only one I have found thus far is one on eBay which is quite expensive ($105) and thus wanted to ask if anyone knows if a reasonably priced alternative. I would prefer an adapter rather than an adapter cable /...

Hi all. I wanted to ask if anyone has had experience with the Emotiva X-Series interconnects? I am looking for a cost-effective balanced cable, in lieu of crazy-priced IC's from boutique cable manufacturers and this one is easiest to source for me (but no demo possible). Cheers X

Hi All   Has anyone compared headphones cables made as 4-wire and cables made as 8-wire (from the same or similar conductors) - either from one of the aftermarket cable producers or DIY?   Interested in your views on whether you heard any discernible differences. I see a lot of manufacturers...

Hi all. Info about these cables is quite sparse on the forum, so I wanted to ask if anyone out there uses Mimic Cables for their headphones and what their impressions are. Considering getting balanced cables for the HD800 and Elear, and not inclined to drop the $600-$800 it would cost with most...

Hi all. Looking into a USB cable to connect my Mac Mini to my Nuprime DAC. Not a lot of variety available here but have narrowed down to these which have have some decent reviews. Was wondering if anyone has had experience with these and of if you'd recommend them: - QED reference - Chord...

Hi all. I wanted to ask if anyone has heard the HD800's through the Marantz HD-DAC1? It seems to have quite a competent amp section (approx. 270mW at 300 ohm) - not an afterthought - which may make it a good all in one DAC/amp option. I am wondering if it does justice to the HD800s relative to...

Hi all. I wanted to ask if anyone has tried a Schiit Audio pairing of amp and DAC with their HD800s. Specifically, the Valhalla 2 amp and Bifrost DAC.   I am currently looking to put together a minimalist desktop system - I know that this is not an “end game” system (budget won't permit at...

Good afternoon all. I have taken a long hiatus from the hobby for the past few years....but it is good to be back :)   I recently picked up a pair of HD800's. I have owned a pair before and found them as detailed and exacting on source as frequently described. I am currently looking for an amp...

Hi All. After a very long hiatus I am slowly getting back into the head-fi world. After much research in terms of sonic signature, music preferences, etc. my targets have been set on the Audeze LCD2. However, what has also been playing on my mind is delving into custom IEM's which I have not...

Abale is not a member here; it's actually the Hebrew nickname for my dad. I just wanted to wish him a fabulous, glorious, joyous and memorable 60th birthday!

Hi All. I would like to ask for your recommendations (and associated impressions) on interconnects. I need a just one pair, which will go from my Marantz SA7001KI (SA8001) player to my Woo Audio WA2. This will be used primarily with the HD800. I am looking for something relatively neutral...

This review has been a long time coming. It is derived from many months of ownership, experimentation with ancillary components and tube sets, and listening notes which I had to encourage myself to make (as it takes away from the time I can just sit back and enjoy). Intro First a little...

Hi All, I have had a hard time finding comfortable IEM's in the past couple of years, but recently tried a pair of S-Jays, which have been both impressive (sonically) and comfy. I am now looking to upgrade and the two in particular I am considering are the Q-Jays and the Sennheiser IE7. I...

I generally order a whole bunch of albums at a time from places like Elusive Disc and Amazon. Most are albums I know and have heard at some point; but often I include a few "unknowns" - an attempt to discover new music and expand my musical horizons. I go by recommendations from the site itself...

Hi guys. I am seeking an IEM for portable and office use, but my ears seem to be particularly fussy in terms of fit and comfort. I have tried various in-ears, including the Westone UM2 (which are meant to be amonst the most comfortable) but they did not work out too well - short Comply tips and...

Hi all. I am currently looking for some earphones, and looking at these two Sennheiser models (as both are locally available and would rather get them here than import). I am also specifically looking for something which is not too deep inserting (but not an earbud either) so these two are...

Hi all. I am ont the hunt for a new source (looking at CD and/or SACD players, available local to me only). I have been testing a Marantz SA7001KI (aka SA8001) for the past week and a half and really like it. I enjoy the slight warmth and full-bodied Marantz house sound. I also had the chance to...

Hi all. I noticed something when looking at the preamp tubes in my WA2 tonite. I purchased these about a month ago (Philips Miniwatt E88CC gold pin) - they were NOS, unused, fully tested, from a reputable source. They sound glorious. Both of them have the silver cap at the top of the tube...

UPDATE: Sugden taken off the list. Now considering Marantz and Raysonic. Hi all. I am currently investigating CD players and am limiting the search to locally available and supported equipment. The two marques I am currently interested in are Marantz and Raysonic. The Marantz options are the...

Hi all. Just a brief question regarding the perpetual HD650 vs HD600 debate: From what I have gathered reading the various reviews, the nutshell is that: #1 HD650 has a midbass hump, hence can suffer from slight bass bloat; but also gives it a bit more oomph and punch #2 HD600 is slightly...

Hi all. Just wanted to ask if anyone owns, has owned, or has had experience with the Wavelength Audio Brick DAC. Impressions seem to be few and far between (and most formal reviews are 90% descriptions of its innards and technology). Any comments on it sound quality and characteristics, as...

Hi all. Just thought I'd bring to the attention the release of an intersting sub-$1k DAC. It's the Music Hall dac25.2 which I came across in the Stereophile CES blog. It has USB (amongst other) inputs, as well as RCA and XLR output (doubt it is fully balanced though). Even has a headphone out...

Hi all. I am getting a mild hum/buzz with my new DAC. It is relatively low level but gets louders as the amp's volume knob is turned up. At normal listening levels (approx. 9 o'clock and above) it is fairly audible. It is predominantly a monotonous hum; but there are intermittent noises (e.g...

Hi all. I am trying out some new DAC's, and am getting a mild hum/buzz. This background noise is in both channels but it more distinct in the left channel. When I connected an old CD player, as well as a relatively new one from a friend (840C) the background is pitch black, but with the two...