Folks I have upgraded my DF Red to be MQA capable using the Audioquest updater from their site. A couple of notes which should clear up some confusion which I am reading here and elsewhere about how to best use DF Red with Tidal MQA files: DF Red is an MQA "renderer", not a full "decoder", so...

High pitched hum could be a ground loop issue.  Search for ground loop isolators.  They are cheap and effective for eliminating this type of issue.  Jitterbug, Wyrd, and other USB decrapifiers tend to eliminate the "jitter"...weird scratchy/jerky noises from the power noise in USB causing this. ...

Agree, my T50RPs sounded great stock, and I basically kept them that way.  Just added the Mr. Speakers strap and replaced the earpads with the Brainwavz lambskin leather angled pads.  Very pleased with these, especially for the low price compared to higher end planars.

This is mostly correct.  Most, but not quite all of the occasional issues I have had involve using the non-powered CCK.  Using the CCK with both lightning and USB connections in my car, I have only very rarely had issues.  Not sure if this depends upon having the lightning connector hooked up...

Agree should be no problem running from iPhone SE. I run straight from iPhone 6 plus occasionally, but mostly use Dragonfly Red with iPhone and iPad to get better SQ.

I having occasional skips/jitter/squeals when using DF Red with CCK hooked up to iPhone6 but do not have nearly as many issues when using the CCK which can also charge phone at same time (which I use in car). Just ordered the jitterbug to see if that fixes these issues. I had similar issues...

Its is noticeably better.  You will absolutely not be disapointed with the Black, but the Red provides a bit more body and clarity.  Red also provides more output power while using less of y our phone's battery (if that is how you plan to use it...it can be used with a computer of course as...

They are so new that few have probably worn them out.  Manufacturer does not recommend removing the ear pads since the connector tabs on the ring inside are sort of fragile and not really designed for ease of removal by the user.  I have not seen any third party pads, although they might come...

I don't have the 598's to compare to, however, I do have the HD650s.  Compared to the 650s, the PM-3's are easier to drive and have better clarity overall and smoother/cleaner/more refined bass.  They lack some of the soundstage that the 650s have of course, since the PM-3s are closed back and...

HA-1 probably upped the bass a bit.  I had not tested them direct from my iPhone until after you asked the question...just tried a bunch of tracks and bass is good, not fantastic direct from iPhone (6 Plus).  Amping definitely improves presence/body/punch overall.  I would say pretty good...

Agree...my T50s and T40s are both fantastic stock. I did replace the ear pads with Brainwavz and the Mr Speakers head strap, but made none of the internal mods. I find they stack up well against my 400i and PM-3s. Excellent bargain and can be had new for $140 or used for around $100. Need a...

Sorry, meant to post in response to prior note about buying refurbished.... Agree, I bought a refurbished set of PM-3s direct from OPPO and they present as if brand new. Sound is fantastic. Neutral but lively, solid across the spectrum. Finally a great smaller/portable PM. I find the PM-3s to...