Don't be too quick to rule out those things that you mentioned that were NOT a problem.  Interference problems can often be a combination of things.  It sounds as though the source of interference is being radiated in lieu of directly coupled.  Your mention of the level increasing when the...

Given the level of your equipment, I would suggest that you look at the offerings at Moon Audio and ALO.  I think they have cables for both of those headphones.

Oh, I see - a computer with an external dac and music server software used for only playing music is NOT a music server.  My humblest apologies - I don't know what I was thinking - where was my head?

Step 8 seems counter-intuitive.  With Windows Vista, 7 and 8, ALLOWING apps to take control is the way that allows for 24 bit/96/192 playback.  You might want to follow up on this as it doesn't sound right.  But then again, I know nothing about Win 10.

Well, I would avoid anything that calls itself a Music Server from any of the audio manufacturers.  Those things are so grossly overpriced it's almost comical.  A new laptop can be had for about $300-$400.  Add a decent dac - your choice $300- $1000 and install Foobar or Media Center and you...

The 202 has been around for awhile.  I've got one I use when I need to digitize something  "into" the PC.  It's just basically a cheap USB soundcard for computers.  I don't regard it as a serious dac for music listening, though.

It may be out of your budget range, but take a look at the Musical Paradise MP-301.  I've had one for about 2 years and Hi-Z phones are made for this amp.  I have 600 Ohm DT990s, 250 Ohm DT880s and Senn HD-580s and 650s.  This amp has no problems driving them.  It's been one of the more "fun"...

I'll  start by saying I don't know anything about the A&K ripper.  But, I find it hard to believe it could be more thorough and accurate than a PC running EAC software.  EAC is free and as to the age of your PC, if you are running at least Windows XP, you should be fine. EAC, properly set up...

1. Violectric 281 headphone amp   2. HE-560 headphones   3. A quad of curve-traced, burned-in KT-120s

Minions  2015  7/10   My wife and I don't watch too many animated movies - most are geared solely at kids.  We decided to take a chance on this one and I'm glad we did.  Certainly, if you have kids, they will enjoy it, but there's just enough subtle humor and ongoing gags to make it...

Well, that's a vague generality that certainly doesn't apply across the board.  And as I prefaced my statement with "if you already have a good amp", current wouldn't be an issue, now would it?  You need to do little homework, as all planars do not require copious amounts of current to achieve a...

I think it would relate more to the headphones you have.  Most portable amps have a restricted output voltage swing due to being on battery power - there are exceptions such as the FIIO E12.  Not all desktop amps have wide output voltage swings - some are no better than a portable amp - look at...

I would hazard a guess that your amp runs out of steam/distorts in some of the cases you site.  A good amp with wide rails and output voltage swing will rarely distort when paired with a good pair of Hi-Z phones.  If you have a good amp, take a look at some of the planar phones.  These usually...

From all accounts, the asgard II is a good amp.  I don't have one, so I can't comment directly as to how it sounds with the 1840s.  I have the Valhalla 2 tube amp and in the low gain position, it does quite well with the 1840s in a single-ended configuration.  The output impedance is a little...

This may not be of much help, but I have the 1840s and Yes, you don't need to do something that would enhance the treble on these.  They have good extended top end and quite a bit of "air" in that region.  I've used them with a number of amps - tube and solid state.  The one I like the best is...

Yeah, it's a shame too.  Classic style never goes out of style.  It takes a little more effort to care for a wool coat than it does for one of those "inflated" nylon winter jackets.  I see people wearing them and immediately think of the Michelin Man. It pretty much the same situation for suede...

I will have to agree with you on all points.  I got my 560s about 8 months ago.  I have the LCD-3s and thought they were IT.  I had the HE-6s here for about 3 weeks and never really "took" to them.  I don't know what it is about the 560s, but I don't listen to my other phones much anymore. ...

The O2 amp should be fine with the 650s.  As Purple noted, your options for connecting are limited.  I know nothing about your iPod.  Is there a connection for digital out anywhere?  If not, you're stuck going through the iPod dac AND associated analog circuits.  Maybe this great - as I said I...

Well, unless someone has already done it for you and put it on a website somewhere, the first thing you need to do is get the datasheets for the op amps that came with it.  Then you need to get datasheets for any op amp you want to substitute. Learn to read them.  Verify the pin outs of the...

Well, you may have a preference for the sound of HD-700s.  Have you listened to them before?  Did they knock your socks off?  If so, then that's the deal for you.  I don't have 700s, but I do have some 650s and think they are a good medium-priced headphone when paired with an amp that has a...

Most studio monitors are generally not intended for room filling sound.  They are used for what is called "nearfield" listening.  The individual will normally be just a few feet from the monitor.  Where will you be using the speakers?  On your computer desk?  In a medium-size room?  Any speaker...

Hi Ron - yes, most new flat screen TVs have bad sound.  They are not deep enough to incorporate decent speakers.  Take a look at some of the soundbars that are now available.  These are targeted at exactly what you are trying to do.   Good luck

Well, the Pono, from all accounts is a good player.  I wouldn't, however, overlook the Fiio X5.  I've had mine for about a year and did not expect a lot from any portable player.  But, I've been quite surprised by the sound quality of several portable players that are now available.  I have, in...

I think you'll like the 350b's if you're looking for "mellow".  I have a pair of Ting-Sol 6L6GCs - those are some crazy tall tubes - decent overall sound - haven't heard the STRs. I've only tried KT-66s and did not like them - haven't tried any KT-88s.  Enjoy

If bright is bothering you, I would give the Valve Art 350Bs a try.  A pair is pretty cheap.  After about 120 hours, these are some laid back, mellow tubes.