I can't speak to ultimate value - I haven't heard enough of the other USB DACs in this price range to really say.  I will say though, I am quite pleased with my Meridian Explorer, and I paid the full retail at $300.  At $150 it strikes me as a bargain (though of course, I along with everyone...

I'm thinking of hosting a super-mini meet to compare thoughts on a few things.  Will be very informal.   I have the Geek Out 450 and Meridian Explorer.  Comparing the two, I generally concur with impressions on the Explorer being a smoother sound.  I'm kind of surprised as to which I prefer...

I've been out of the hobby for a while - call it 7 years or so.  Went up pretty far into the high end of things for a while and certainly had a lot of fun, but then I guess I topped out and slimmed down after a while.   Recently, I moved back to Tokyo and it's obvious all the audio...

There is a very slight background hissing noise that is coming from my Grace m902, but it only appears in certain instances.   1.  USB input from my HTPC and 2.  Headphone output (doesn't matter which jack).   Now when I switch to a toslink input and listen to headphones the hiss is...

Congratulations Jahn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations James!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Another little bundle of joy in the household eh?!?!?! Pumpkin and Lincoln's gonna be jealous!!! What are you naming her? LesPauline? Staxette...

To one of the best guys I know, Wayne, happy birthday man!!! Don't get too crazy celebrating in that Atom of yours tonight! Best, -Jason

I have to say that I have owned number of the "best" headphones. And I think I have owned enough to have an opinion on what I consider the "best". And the SR-X mk3 belongs with the best. I'm talking along with the Orpheus, the R10, the Qualia 010, the K 1000, the HP1000, the L3000 and others...

Happy birthday Aaron!!! 48 jesus, man, I didn't know you were old!!! Best, -Jason

Happy Birthday old timer! Get yourself a nice little present now! Best, -Jason

Happy birthday man! Just wanted to say how great it's been knowing you, from when I was out in Tokyo and early SA5k days to being here now in NYC! Have a great day and hope it's a good one for you! Best, -Jason

... or MEGALOMANIACAL SHIBUYA LANDLORD????? The evidence follows. You decide!! Best, -Jason

Happy birthday Ken!!!!! Best, -Jason

Okay it's been more than three weeks and I don't know. I listen to it, and there's a lot to like about the sound. It's a lot more relaxed than the 010 or K 1000. It has nice presence, images well, has good texture. It's got nice air. Bass is okay, but I'm not particularly impressed -- it's just...

Happy birthday Steve, you young-in...! It's great having you a part of the community, have a good one! Best, -Jason

Hey guys, I've lost a gimble (the little screw that holds the earcups into the main frame) on my HP1000. We've contacted Joseph Grado from time to time, looks like he's got a bunch of spares but they're packed away and not available at this time. Does anyone know whether RS-1 or...

Happy birthday, old timer!! Best, -Jason

Holy cow, what a day for birthdays!!! So to Jude, Nik and Jeff, along with everyone else I haven't made acquaintance with yet with birthdays today - Happy Birthday!!! Best, -Jason

Happy Birthday!!!!! May you discover yet another vintage Stax deal this year. Hope you have a good one!! Best, -Jason

Happy birthday Tom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You should get some cans or something to treat yourself nice!! Best, -Jason

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I thought you were 36 years old May you receive a gift wrapped as nicely as you pack headphones. Best, -Jason

Happy Birthday Phi-- er, I mean JAY! Best, -Jason

Happy Birthday mbratrud!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here's hoping you're enjoying a good thanksgiving as well! Best, -Jason

Happy Birthday Peter!!!! To the king of birthday posts!!!! w000000000000000000t!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Best, -Jason

Happy Bday Vincent!!! This year, may you win multiple IEM from someone OTHER than Ultimate Ears. Best, -Jason

お誕生日おめでとう!!!!!! Best, -Jason