I'm looking for a way to run 3 or 4 USB sources into a single USB DAC. This is so I can switch between my Mac, work PC, game console, etc all on USB into the same DAC. Is there any USB "4-to-1" KVM switch that people have experience with? Until now, I've used converters to convert USB to...

Tonight I built an 4-pin XLR --> 4-pin mini-XLR adapter. I matched (or at least I think I did) the pins 1-1, 2-2, 3-3, 4-4. However, when I tested it, the channels are mixed. For example if I play a test tone in just one channel, it plays in both. Does this mean I mixed up the positive...

Background:   I started with the HE500 and, like many, I hated the SMC connectors. Years later, I realize that they sucked because the female ends were recessed, making it nearly impossible to screw them down properly...but anyway. Time passed.   Down the road, I started using SMC again...

I'm working on a closed-back conversion for Hifiman headphones using 3D printing, and I'm having some issues with the sound that the cups are producing.   I don't have a physics background, but I want to design these correctly if possible.   Right now (after several iterations), I have am...

I'm developing a mod for the HE-500 that would allow easy, non-destructive conversion to closed-back using 3D printing. If this works out, I believe it would fit Hifiman's other cans as well.   Pictured below is the current version (black) and several prior iterations (white). Finish is a...

I recently had the chance to test and review the Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7.    Compared to the M50, I found the MSR7 to have substantially better detail and overall sound quality but, as many have said, they are a bit bright. Out in the noisy world, at higher volumes, the treble pokes you a bit...

So the HE-500s came with large circular pads filled with rigid foam. The problem with the rigid foam is that it did not conform to my head, and therefore did not seal around my ear.   I swapped the stock pads for the Brainwavz HM5, which are much more luxurious and compliant. I got a nice...

After a lot of research looking for a pretty neutral set of IEMs, I bought the VSD3S.   I had previously owned the Vsonic GR-07 Bass Edition, which sound great, but were a nightmare in terms of build quality. My original set broke at the jack, and the warranty replacement arrived with a...

I'm considering attempting to repair a broken set of IEMs, but it's not clear which cable is which.   The cables are: Gray, Light Blue, Gray-Red/Gray-White Stripe, and Red/White stripe.   Does anyone know which are the negative / left / right channels?  

My office is pretty quiet, so I'm not looking for large speakers or an amp with a lot of power. I'm just looking for something that will be clear and accurate at low volume. I'm fine with going used or obscure brands. This isn't my home setup so I'd like to keep it around $50. Any...

I am trying to get the best setup for my PC, TV, Computer Speakers, and Headphones. Right now I have the following setup:                                               LineOut -- Schiit Lyr -- Headphones  PC -- USB -- Fiio E17/E09K ---|                                             PreOut --...

I have an Asus Maximus V Gene, with Realtek HD audio, running Windows 8.1. There is no dedicated Line-Out port on the mobo - there is only a green "front speaker" jack and a front "headphone" jack.   I have the audio set to "2 channel", but the volume controls still work - with the...

In the misc forum since these aren't headphones.   I found the speakers from my old Aiwa SX-FN4500 system.   The Specs are:  "Main Speaker" 40W / 6ohm "Surround Speakers" (there are three on each) 20W / 16ohm.       I'm sure they're not worth anything, but they might be good for...

I was at my parents house the other day and I noticed that nobody ever took down the speakers from my old Aiwa stereo system that I had wall-mounted. They haven't been used in like 10 years. A sticker on the back said that they were 40W, 8ohm (I think, might have been 4 ohm). Would it be...

I am in the process of re-ripping all my old CDs to FLAC with Foobar. I had the software look up my CD drive, and it appears to have found the drive and set an offset. The CDs themselves are old, so they're not in perfect condition, but they are generally OK.   Every CD so far has ended with a...

There's no Lightning Line-out cable yet, so I have to either.... - iPhone Headphone Jack --> E17 - iPhone Lighting --> 30-Pin Adapter --> Fiio LOD cable --> Fiio AUX in   That's pretty inelegant.   But I had another idea:   Lightning --> MicroUSB...

After a lot of thread and review reading, I went to J&R today to audition some headphones.   My goals are: - over the ear (not on-ear) - closed back - used mostly with iPhone 5 & Macbook Pro - full bass, but not "Dre Beats". My reference tracks were: - Live - Selling the Drama...