I'm currently using a DX50 to feed Noble 4 universals, and am thinking about adding an amp. A balanced amp (perhaps from Ray Samuels) seems attractive, but I'm totally in the dark regarding balanced cables for IEM's. What cable companies offer them? And do you all have recommendations for my...

I used Westone UM3X's for a number of years, and was quite happy with the sound signature and the comfort. When one channel went dead, I was unfortunately feeling strapped for cash and convinced myself that I could live with a considerable downgrade: the Shure SE 215's. OK, I'll admit it, this...

I got several years of pretty heavy use out of these phones, and it pains me to throw them away. Is there anything that can be done? I'm assuming it would cost about as much to repair them as to buy new ones.   Thanks for any advice!

I've read through the UM3X appreciation thread, but couldn't tell if there was any consensus on what amp or type of amp brings out their full potential. The IEM's sound great with my Lisa III, but I'm not fully satisfied with the sound I get from my Pico--and I'd like something portable that...

Can anyone point me to a good quality but more reasonably priced alternative to the currently available ALO Audio iMod cable? I own a VCap Dock and am very happy with it, but now also want to use my iMod in a more portable system (iMod / Pico / UM3X), and just don't want to lay out $195 for a...

Is there any way to charge the Pico while traveling abroad? I'll be in Germany for a month and would love to take the amp with me. Thanks for any information! Mike

Has anyone tried the iPhone-specific version? What kind of SQ can I expect? And does it need an amp (pico is on the way, but that's for my iMod). Thanks for any advice...

Just being neurotic: I'm number 414 or thereabouts... Mike

I'm in Europe and forgot my user guide for the Lisa III power supply. I know I have to change an internal setting or set of jumpers to make the thing work with 240 v, but don't know what to do. I've written to Phil and Brad at Triad, but they typically take a while to respond, so I'd be...

Just finished a multi-leg trip to Europe with my portable rig. The ES W9's were far better than I feared. No, they don't offer perfect isolation, but they cut out all the cabin noise and most of the engine noise. I was able to really enjoy the music--everything from jazz piano trio through...

With some very good help on previous threads, I'm now focused on the Audio Technica woodies. Can people who know both the W1000 and the W5000 suggest what you get for the extra $250? I listen mostly to classical and jazz; the cans will initially be driven by the Lisa III / dedicated power...

I'm looking for a set of phones for home use, driving them with an 5.5G iMod, portable VCap dock, and a Lisa III with the Triad dedicated power supply. I'm leaning toward a pair of AT W1000's, but am concerned that the difference between the W1000 and the ES W9's that I already have won't be...

OK, I'm an idiot. Having just put together a portable setup that I love, I'm already wondering about a set of phones for home use. I love the smooth, sophisticated sound of the ES W9. Will I hear a bit improvement from the W1000? I listen mostly to acoustic jazz and chamber music. Thanks!

I have a fairly complicated (trans) portable rig: 5.5Gen iMod--ALO Line Out Dock Cable--ALO Portable VCap Dock--[NEED HELP]--Triad Audio Lisa III Amp--Audio Technica ES 9W HP. I need recommendations for short RCA-RCA interconnects to hook up the Vcap dock to the amp. I'd like to maintain the...

I am now a basically bankrupt but very happy head-fi'er: in the last few weeks, I've bought 1) a pair of Audio Technica ES W9's (portable woodies); 2) a Triad Audio Lisa III with dedicated power source; and a 5.5 Gen 80g iMod with an ALO portable VCap Dock. Wow! Even before burning any of this...

I have a pair of the new Audio Technica ES W9's on the way (I'm selling Senn 280 Pro's, which I used for portable, and DT 880's, for home). The source will be a 3rd gen iPod with a Cryo AOL cable. I listen to a broad range of music (including classic, i.e pre-1975, rock), but critical listening...

Several posts have suggested that the little Stax's aren't suitable for listening on airplanes. I'm not interested in total noise cancellation, just listening pleasure; is the noise from the engines too much? Thanks, Mike

I'm delighted with the quality of my Go-Vibe (which I run from an iPod through an ALO Cryo and into Sennheiser 580's for travel and for work in the library; I find the Sennheisers very uncomfortable and will eventually move up to closed Beyers of some sort). The little bugger also sounds pretty...

Friends, I'm a recent convert to the joys of headphones, and I would like to replicate, as closely as I can, the sound I get from my main system (described below). I listen almost exclusively to small-group jazz, chamber music, jazz (mostly femaie) vocals, and classical vocal music (Bach...

I've just ordered a pair of Beyers from B&H. I've tried to do my due diligence and read about the various portable amp possibilities (RSA Hornet; Xin Supermacro, etc.). But I wonder if anyone has had specific experience with these cans and different amps. I listen to small-group jazz...