Not familiar with the QP1R but a google search and their website says   "Output: 3.5MM headphone output, 3.5MM line out and optical output"   Seems like you have the correct cable in that picture to bypass the QP1R's internal DAC and send digital output directly to the Modi Multibit or...

Audiolab 8000 is definitely an integrated amp with a volume control.  

HA!   So yes it is LOL ... idiot hard at work right here.   

While not a high end DAC, I have my Sonos connect connected optical to a Keces DA131.1 and much prefer that to the naked Sonos.      I'm planning to replace the Keces with a Schiit Modi 2 multibit in the near future which might be a less expensive option for you to try vs. the $550.   

Quote: Originally Posted by rangkasa I just recently set up airtunes with Airort express and I have a hard time finding a DAC/AMP that has an optical input. I am wondering if I can use the USB part of the express to use as an output. Thank you I do not believe that you can...

Quote: Originally Posted by chzplz Television Nickleback

Quote: Originally Posted by chzplz Opeth Heart

PM me... I have a WRT54G that I can give to you. I replaced my linksys gear with separate cisco components and the old linksys box is collecting dust.

Quote: Originally Posted by Golden Monkey Maybe you could make the volume knob out of one of the 650's earcups? Lol... Or maybe look on ebay for a deal on a used Ferris Wheel.

RS1

311 - Love Song

Quote: Originally Posted by krmathis Biosphere Elvis Costello

What no jokes / comments on a 40 year "burn-in"? I second the comment on increasing the size of the volume knob. Perhaps a steering wheel could be substituted. :-D Nice Amp.

No. If I could go back in time...I'd play the lottery or make sound investments. I'd then have the extra cash today to buy nicer tubes (and other things). I think bringing a shopping cart full of tubes would be a little crowded in the time machine. I'm not sure the size of your imaginary...

Quote: Originally Posted by DLeeWebb O.A.R. Rush

Quote: Originally Posted by bigjim82 Indigo Girls Sex Pistols

Put me on the list... I'm definitely interested in attending this year.

You could also try calling / contacting Grado for a list of retailers in your area.

In that price range, the Harmony is your best bet. Another option is the Home Theater Master remotes... from Universal Remote control. The upper line of their remotes MX-3000 are incredible, haven't really used the entry level remotes from them but definitely worth checking out.

I want to see a needle in a haystack

I used to have a Mark Levinson No.380S. I thought it to be very transparent back when I had it in the late 90's. The unit retailed for about $6500 in 1998-99ish. I see them on Audiogon now and then for about $1500

Here's your baby swimming in water. I want to see the engine from a SSC Ultimate Aero

The Keces DA-151 (standalone USB) sounds amazing for the price as well.

Quote: Originally Posted by robojack Would I need a USB DAC for that, or would a regular DAC be all that I need? If I do need a DAC, could someone recommend a few models? I was looking at a Zero DAC, but I'm not sure if that's relative to what I need. If your sound card has...

Most headphone amps are in fact pointless. Most of the ones I've seen are rectangular or even rounded. I can't say I've ever seen a pointed amp.