I don't find it encouraging that no mention was made of audio circuitry today during the reveal/soft launch.

Ah, ok I see now. I hadn't realized the many different types of preamp. So, the stack would look like: TT -> Phono preamp > preamp Chromecast > preamp DAC > preamp Preamp > Stereo Amp Preamp > headphone amp Thanks so much for clearing that up, there is apparently a whole chunk of...

Have any owners of the Vali2 used it in multiple input setups? I've got three inputs and I'm having a spot of trouble figuring out my topology. The Vali2 looks like it can act as a phono preamp as well as a headphone amp, so I'm hoping I can run my turntable into there, and then use its...

Planars are going to give a more accurate sound based on audio quality too.. if you think it's getting enough power (max volume is uncomfortably loud), then try listening with some high quality lossless source files. This could tell you if it's the source audio data or not.   If max volume...

This is why I'm actively seeking a cheap Android phone running 6.0 to output digitally to an amp/DAC. There really doesn't seem to be a great solution this year - The htc 10 and V20 are both compelling in their own way but certainly not perfect, and neither will compete with a dedicated amp/dac...

Well thanks again. Another one I've never heard of. I did run across the ISK HD9999 (http://www.head-fi.org/products/isk-hd9999-fully-enclosed-monitoring-headphone-with-carry-case)  this morning as well, and so far they seem to be quite well liked.

Huh, thanks. I haven't heard of either of these, actually, but they don't seem to be available in Canada. My short list has been the ATH-m40x, The Sony MDR-7506s, the HD280s.. I guess the more common cans in this price range.

I really hope there will be a DAC/Amp that supports digital input in this series. That amp is gorgeous.

Did I get everything in the title? I think so! Oh, I'll add that I much prefer deep cushions. Cans like the M50x rub my ear inside the cushion (I guess my ears stick out?) Thanks!

Nah, I mean like software EQ or processing.  I agree the quality of the files is decent. Mostly I'm thinking about ditching my phone as my primary portable audio device and getting a cheapo Android phone ($150-ish) and pairing it with a DAC/Amp combo. As long as it runs 6.0, it should be fine...

Anyone on this thread have much experience listening through Google Play Music? I've got the family sub for my wife and I and it's become just about my sole music source thanks to being able to download whatever I want for offline listening. I'm really wondering what the best hardware...

Fair enough! Actual voice calling makes up probably less than 5% of my cell usage, so I'm coming at it from a different perspective I suppose.. a 4 foot microB to microB cable going to a DAC/amp im my bag, from which my cans are coming from.. phone is still in my hands and being used, and the...

Having not heard of the "Hi-res Audio" certification, I looked around and found this: https://www.cta.tech/News/News-Releases/Press-Releases/2014/CEA-and-Japan-Audio-Society-to-Collaborate-on-Hi-R.aspx The standard was co-developed by the Consumer Electronics Association and Japan Audio...

We can all probably agree at this point that as long as you're using an Android handset as your DAP, you can just use a digital connection to any headphone DAC/Amp with an OTG cable and thus the source doesn't matter at all. The question of "which smartphone is best for audiophile" is...

So htc's new flagship launched today, featuring what they're calling "Hi-Res" audio, as certified by the Japan Audio Society. Check out the audio page http://www.htc.com/us/smartphones/htc-10-audio/   They're boasting "Boomsound Hi-fi Edition" dual speakers, and hi-res audio certified...

Whelp, that decides it, sounds like the SBH80s are the way to go.    Thanks a ton everyone!

I've seen a lot of threads started trying to compare and discuss Bluetooth IEMs, but very little review information on Head-Fi or other well-regarded audio sites.   I'm shopping for a pair of BT IEMs whose primary function will be usage while working out (90% of this will be running). The...

The Corsair headsets are a phenomenal choice for gaming, and pretty decent for audio/video as well.  I've still got a pair of their original HS1 cans and they're still trucking two and a half years in.   Currently I think the Vengeance 1500s are the USB version with a built-in digital...