Sorry guys, I should have set some context by trying to explain my thoughts. At present I use an SB3 via SPDIF into my Meridian 568.2 processor, which acts as a DAC and pre-amp. I've found the easiest way to link it to my existing headphone amp is to use the front stereo pre-outs (unbalanced)...

How easy is it to mod the Little Dot 2 so that the volume control is bypassed? I'm guessing it's just a question of resoldering some internal connections, but thought it appropriate to ask.

I did try posting this question elsewhere, but got no answers at all, so I'm hoping that you chaps can help. I have a pair of HD600s (with replacement HD650 cable), being driven by a Meier HA2 se amp. The source is my Meridian 568.2 (as stereo DAC) which is taking the digital output from an...

I have to say that the bling level of Macs always put me off, well at least until I heard some of their gear. I've heard them on test twice now, and both times I've come away just thinking "wow". Awesome bits of kit.

I've heard a set of AGs at the same shop in Sing. As you say, extremely nice bunch. As it happens, the previous owner of my existing horns upgraded to some AGs and I can see why. Given the money and room, they're definitely be on my hit list, simply awesome stuff.

No thoughts?

How do these threads normally go on these forums? Does everyone simply list what they already have?

I have a pair of HD600s (with replacement HD650 cable), being driven by a Meier HA2 se amp. The source is my Meridian 568.2 (as stereo DAC) which is taking the digital output from an SB3 on FLAC files. Whilst it sounds fine, my reference point is my speaker/amp combination which is a set of...

I remember auditioning some 4040s a few years back against a pair of ancient Senn 540Refs with an OBH21se amp. I expected the Stax to walk all over the Senn/OBH combo, and was more than a little surprised when I preferred the dynamic combo. As already stated, you really do need to go listen. I...

Anyone used the above combo and could comment on their synergy? I have the HA2 presently working with a pair of HD600s and it seems like a good match. The positive comments on the AKG70x cans makes me wonder if it's worth checking them out. Thoughts?

I recently bought some CX500s from Play.com after reading some fairly positive thoughts regarding them. My initial thoughts were "what have I done". Out of the bag they were ear rippingly shrill and simply unpleasant. 50 hours on and they're now not shrill, but are still lacking in bass...

Whilst I've no actual experience, I've read that voltage convertors do have a negative impact upon SQ. I'd be inclined to find a DAC with a switchable voltage for use in multiple countries. The only positive unit I've read about for voltage conversion is kit like the PS Audio power packs...

Quote: Originally Posted by Dreadhead I think the answer depends on the jitter rejection of your DAC. For example on a Benchmark DAC1 or Bel Canto DAC3 there will be no difference that I can see since the large majority of the jitter will be rejected. I don't know how the Parasound...

Computer audio has definite pros and cons. The key pros being the convenience of having all your music collection accessible very quickly. The bad news is that PCs themselves tend to have not the most clever implementation of SPDIF outputs, meaning that they have higher jitter than some other...

I've seen a brief set of comments by someone who's just got his DACmagic and has compared it to an 840c. His comment was that he preferred the 840c, implying that the DACmagic really is roughly on par with the 740c.

Quote: Originally Posted by bordins Proven: Good Old Redbook CD Sounds the Same as the Hi-Rez Formats Incontrovertible double-blind listening tests prove that the original 16-bit/44.1-kHz CD standard yields exactly the same two-channel sound quality as the SACD and DVD-A...

I toyed with the idea of SACD and then gave up. Struck me that we buy kit to listen to music we want to listen to, not a rather limited list (at least when compared to the total number of CDs available). The implications being that if you buy into it, your spending money optimising a limited...

Quote: Originally Posted by JamesL I'm looking for something affordable that meets the following criteria. Criteria - has basic playback functions plays songs from a harddrive outputs a digital signal(any form) Alternatively, does anyone know how to bypass the DAC/Amp on a...

Quote: Originally Posted by HeadLover What is SB+ and Linn DS? and all of this stuff? can you please provide some links ? Here's a link for the Linn bits: Linn - Digital Stream Players and a link for the SB+ At-Tunes: Audio Note that both are manufacturer websites, so...

Quote: Originally Posted by HeadLover so, from my PC What is better, optical or coax ? Based on my experiences of comparing optical to coax, I'd go with coax. Having said that, don't take my word for it, try both and see which you prefer. As for jitter not being important. On...

My experiences with various bits of kit of the years makes me believe (though clearly I could be wrong) that getting rid of the SPDIF interface by keeping everything in a single box is generally a good thing. I've owned six difference DACs and heard a good deal more and in general feel that...

Easy answer, the PS3 does NOT have an internal DAC worth speaking of. You're expected to use the digital output options, i.e. either HDMI or SPDIF optical. Clearly the optical can't output SACD, but I've read of an owner of a very new Anthem AV amp which is capable of decoding SACD thrown at it...

Interesting question. I have already chosen a music streaming device (SB+, which is roughly on par with the Transporter). I find the convenience of being able to listen to my whole CD collection without moving to be incredibly refreshing. One of the regular ways I listen is using random, across...

I found the Beresford 7510 to have a similar presentation to the DAC1, i.e. bright, detailed, and more than a little sterile. Neither floated my boat, but that's probably partly personal preference, and partly system synergy.

Quote: Originally Posted by donthuang If you read the CS8414 & PCM1716's DATASHEET that's maybe not so interesting. Maybe it's interesting if you're a train spotter. For the majority of us, the important thing is whether you like the sound of the component.