Other than the Auralic Aries, what other wireless streamers out there are well-regarded? (OK, I know about the dCS Network Bridge, but it's a bit spendy.) The category I'm looking for is the "streaming bridge" -- get the bits wirelessly from a networked server to my headphone rig (basically...

Just bought an Onkyo DPA-x1 that offers balanced output over 2.5mm TRRS, so now I'm looking at balanced cable options for my (aging) Westone W4r IEMs, which use the 2 pin connector (not the coax MMCX). Who still offers these and do people have a favorite?   Here's what I'm seeing out there...

I had a listen to this new cable at the California Audio Show yesterday. Using a set of LCD-3 headphones powered by a Schiit Lyr, with vinyl source, I heard a pretty easily discernable difference between them and the stock Audeze cable (even under show conditions).   I didn't get the retail...

I just had my Westone 3 IEMs stolen in my bag in Milan after nearly 5 years of service. I will be replacing them with the Westone 4, and buying them from Headroom. Here's why:   The Westone 3 was free to me -- I won it in a drawing at Headfest in San Jose in 2007. Some will remember that the...

This is a feature i've long dreamed about -- lossless files on my computer, but smaller files for my iPod (my 240gig iPod barely contains my 22,000 track library at 192kbps MP3). I'd given up on Apple, and have been keeping two separate libraries (one lossless, one lossy), but it looks like...

Thought I'd mention this for others like me who rely on the Apple Airport Express and AirTunes to get digital from the computer to my stereo rig. For me, the Apple Lossless + iTunes + Airport Express + iPhone Remote is a killer interface combination. So that is a nonnegotiable starting point...

I'm considering a single box headphone amp/DAC combination for a second system. Source will be Apple Lossless files over an Apple Airport Express (yes, jitter-prone optical output, but cheap and easy to control from my iPhone). Headphone will be my Senn HD-650. I'm currently using the...

I'm wondering if anyone here has any tips on integrating a headphone set up into an existing high end separates system? I've been struggling with this on and off for several months, since giving up my integrated amp, and it's proven surprisingly difficult. I'd like to listen to both my CD...

I just took delivery of a new HD650 to replace my old HD650 (a little more than 5 years now). Wow, the new pair sound much better than the old! Better bass, smoother treble, more midrange presence, more integrated sound overall. Any ideas why this might be? I didn't think there had been any real...

My trusty old HD650 is acting up today. Wired with my balanced Cardas cable, the left channel cuts in and out (turn your head, wiggle the connector, it cuts out -- push in and sideways, it's back). Wired with the Sennheiser stock cable, all is find. Wiggling the connector causes no problem...

Can you connect a non-computer USB source, such as a ProJect Debut III USB turntable or a Phono Box USB directly to a USB DAC, such as the Belcanto DAC3 or Benchmark DAC-1 USB? Or does it have to run through a computer?

In the June 2008 issue, Sam Tellig sings the praises of the Audio-Technica ATH-AD700, which he scored for ~$110 delivered from NewEgg.com (they've still got inventory). Some select quotes: "almost as open as, and maybe even more airy than, the far more expensive AKG 701"; "almost pulled off the...

I'd like to strap my Tomahawk to the strap of my messenger bag. Any recommendations for where to get a 6-8 inch narrow velcro strap (no adhesive)? I see many folks using stuff like this, but have no idea where to shop for it.

PS I hope this isn't off-limits for this forum. If it is, someone let me know where things like this are supposed to be posted. Thanks! According to Dealnews.com, 6ave.com is offering 30% off Shure IEMs with coupon code AFLSHURE. Thought some might like to know (I have no relation to any of...

Now that Toshiba has thrown in the towel on HD-DVD, I expect we'll be seeing some amazing close-out deals on HD-DVD players. Anyone have any ideas about the *audio* quality of these players (either as source or transports)? In particular, since these will probably be priced down in Oppo...

In another thread, some folks are debating what happens when you choose hi gain settings on an amp like Ray Samuels Hornet or Tomahawk. Does the switch add a gain stage? Or does it just insert or remove a resistor? Anyone know?

Anyone run across any remasters that represent a substantial increase in sound quality from the original releases (i.e., worth buying the CD again)? For example, I find the new U2, Joshua Tree remaster is a disappointment. It's mastered louder, but when you control levels, it's pretty...

Looking for inexpensive (and thus ALO is out) options to get a line out from my iPod Classic 160 to the input on a Tomahawk. I've seen the SendStation PocketDock Line Out USB (~$30) and CableToGo's dock-to-3.5mm cable (~$16). The PocketDock seems rather chunky, and probably won't fit through...

OK, so that may seem like an obvious choice, but here's my dilemma. I've already got a pair of 3-year-old 650s, which I use with a Blockhead in the main rig. I'd like to add a portable solution for having in the office and around the house. (Can't really drag the Blockhead into the dining...