I'm quite pleased with my 0404 USB DAC and, as soon as my IC arrives, I'll be happy with my Mini^3 as well. I've been looking around for alternatives to the 0404 and want another USB DAC for comparison. If I can do away with the Mini^3 as well and combine to a single unit I'd be open to that...

Lately I've been experiencing this error with certain songs: "Unrecoverable playback error: ASIO: None of input channels are assigned to device channels". I'm using the ASIO plugin, but most songs work fine with the exception of a few. The songs/files that prompt this error play fine in...

I recently ordered an E-MU 0404 USB DAC and noticed that my Z-5500s have a digital coax input. Obviously most cables are the same, sans the marketing gimmicks, but should I look for anything in particular? How much will the DAC improve the sound quality from the speakers? I wouldn't...

I've recently been looking to upgrade my headphones at some point down the road. The HD555s were my first enthusiast pair of cans, but I don't think they suit me best of the music I listen to. Mainly my tastes are more rock/alternative with bands such as Eve 6, Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili...

I'm in the process of buying my first DAC with an amp to come at a later date if need be. I've been recommended the 0404 USB as a nice starter DAC, but the iBrasso D1 and D2 have been thrown out as suggestions as well. I haven't been able to find much with regard to how these DACs stack up...

After reviewing a few different websites referring to audio quality and encoding methods I am curious as to the advantages that ALAC, FLAC, Apple Lossless, WAV offer over 320Kbps lossy songs. My understanding is that the codec takes out frequencies that the human ear cannot perceive while...

I just picked up a pair of HD555s. I've heard mixed recommendations on the need for an amp. From cMoy, LDM+ or Mini^3 all have been recommended. With that said do the HD555s require an amp or should I look for another upgrade somewhere else first? I won't be using the cans for my IPod...