Seems like many sellers will not even accept returns if you open the package (e.g., HiFiGo) or charge a 35% restocking fee (e.g, Linsoul). Are there any reputable sellers of $100 - $200 IEM’s that allow trial period and only charge for shipping w/out restocking fees? I’m looking at Audiosense...

Most of the threads pertaining to "small ear canals" are very old, excluding one recent thread in which the budget was up to $300.    I will use at home, work and traveling.  I will not use them at the gym.  I listen to Americana, blues, down-beat, classical for reading (i.e., mellow) and jazz...

I have a Denon DVD player (model 1920) and a Perreaux SXH1 headphone amp.  I've moved around a bit and haven't used the amp in a few years.  Last night I went from analog RCA outs on the Denon to the analog RCA inputs on the SXH1; could barely hear anything.  Connected a DAC to my laptop and...

While searching for a DAC, I came across this new offering from Parasound.  Though I'll probably get something that is smaller/more portable, such as the iFi iDac, I thought others might be interested given the price.   Parasound Zdac ($475): Premium Analog Devices AD1853 24-bit/192 kHz...

I am looking to purchase a DAC in the under $300 range for following uses: XPS laptop (stream MOG)>DAC>Perreaux SXH1 (headphone amp)>HD650 XPS laptop>DAC (stream MOG)>Denon AVR3806> Revel Concerta F12 speakers Denon DVD 1920>DAC>Perreaux SXH1 (headphone amp)>HD650 As you can see, I do not...

There has been a lot of fanfare regarding the Matrix-Mini i 24/192 Balanced DAC + HP amp ($335). Has anyone compared the mini to the CyroParts Pop Pulse 1796 DAC ($260)? I'm interested in the difference in sound quality of the DAC's, as I would use the Matrix as a DAC only as I have a headphone...

I have a Denon AVR 3806 which I bought about 4 years ago, thinking I was going to do a home theatre set-up. I've never set up a HT system, and probably won't in the near future. My focus now is on computer audio. The Denon spec sheet notes that it has true 24-bit/96-kHz Digital Input Capability...

Which USB DAC is best for my system? Why do you think so? Each DAC is listed below along with a few specs and questions. I have not included the Devilsound DAC ($399) as I do not want to spend that much. I'll probably be using J River Media Center, listening to lots of streaming audio at 256kbps...

I have a Perreaux Silhoutte SXH1 amp that has one set of RCA inputs (L/R) and one set of RCA line outs (L/R). If I feed the amp from a musicstreamer DAC via the RCA inputs, will the line-outs on the amp send out an unamplified signal? If that is the case, does the Perreaux amp need to be turned...

I am thinking of getting either a Xonor Essence SXT sound card ($200) or the new HR Music Streamer USB DAC (24/96 for $149). If I get the Xonar card, I can run my Senn 650's off of the dedicated headphone output and use the analog outs for my inexpensive Swan D1080 MK II speakers. However, using...

I just started listening to streaming audio on my pc about a week ago. I'm not thrilled w/ Rhapsody, Napster or Last.fm (though I haven't really listened to much of Last.fm), and I haven't tried Slacker or Pandora yet. However, while searching around today I came across MOG: MOG All Access...

I just purchased a Dell XPS Studio 8100 running Windows 7 x64. It came w/ a Realtek HD Audio card + THX/Creative THX Tru Studio PC software. I'd like to improve the quality of what I'm hearing whether listening via external Swan D1080 speakers (inexpensive, but not too bad) or Sennheiser HD 650...

I need some suggestions on how to connect my speakers and phones to my computer. I just purchased a new Dell XPS and it came w/ an INTEGRATED Realtek High Definition Audio soundcard that has Creative's THX Tru Studio PC software installed. The sound card has enhancements like "Cave", "Padded...

Received them 2 days ago. Initial impressions: 1) Big and Heavy. Initial thought, before hearing them, was that I would replace them w/ the much smaller Audioengine A2's. 2) Quality Connector between speakers, but could be longer. 3) Sound Great! I will not be returning them. I have...

I just ordered a pc from Dell and it comes with a new soundcard from Creative called the THX TruStudio PC. It is a collaboration between Creative and THX Labs. Does anyone know anything about this card? I know that some people like Creative sound cards, and others think they are gimmicky and...

Has anyone listened to the Alesis M1 Active 520's ($199), or better yet, compared them to any of the following: Audioengine A2($199) Swan D1080MkII($125) Swan M200MkII ($249) I was about to get the lower cost D1080's as I thought the speakers would just be connected to my pc and probably...

I need some information and/or advice on how to download or stream music and have it sound good when it comes out of my speakers. I’m waiting for Dell to deliver a new XPS 8100 (1TB HD, BluRay player, not burner) which comes with the THX TruStudio PC soundcard from Creative. The soundcard is new...

I'm looking for some powered multimedia speakers, either 2.0 or 2.1, for under $200. I've read reviews on the Audioengine A2, M-Audio AV40 and Behringer MS40. Like most equipment, I'll read some reviews claiming how great they are and other reviews claiming they are trash. Has anyone demo'd any...

FYI, here's an excerpt from a mass e-mailing that I just received from Perreaux Industries: Quote: Time to say goodbye: Perreaux to discontinue with US direct selling company In March, Perreaux and US direct sell organisation, Audio Advisor will discontinue their exclusive distribution...

I received the following information from Matt Anker of sacdmods: Quote: The mod includes replacement of the existing analog output stage with the LC Audio ZapFilter. Also, 4, 1000uF capacitors are added to the switching power supply for filtering. New RCA jacks for the ZapFilter...

The Philips DVD963SA has a msrp of $499 and usually is listed between $380 and full list price. While doing an internet search, I came across an outfit called "A Store for You" that has it listed for $219. Of course, the first thing I looked for was the "re-furbished" notice. It is nowhere to be...

Which boards or forums do you recommend for doing research on speakers? I'm familiar with ecoustics.com (which is a great site IMHO) and am a member of avguide.com. Are there any sites that specifically focus on speakers (or other equipment) based upon their sound and value and not just...

What is the "best" or "safest" way to burn in a new Perreaux SXH1 amp? I will need to burn in a new pair of headphones at the same time (either 600's or 650's). Should I burn them in together? My source unit is an Onkyo CD player that hasn't even been played in three years. It's fine if the...

I am looking for an amp for Sennheiser HD 600 phones. (They are $199 after rebate from AA vs. $160 for the 580’s and around $450 for the 650’s. I can’t quite justify the extra $235 to move up to the 650’s…at least not yet!) I am looking at the following amps: Headsave Primare PPA $399 X-can...