Hello, I'm trying to choose between the 3 usb dac/amps below.  There are many posts with favorable comments about each but am wondering if anyone has experience comparing these:   Hi-fi man ef2a Fubar III or IV or IV Plus AUNE X1   Any other recommendations in my range ($200-$300)?  ...

Hello, I've read some conflicting statements about this so I'm asking...   If I'm using an external usb dac/amp, will upgrading my on board sound card have any benefit?  Or does the signal completely bypass the sound card?  I'm tinkering around with the Dared MP-5 external usb dac/amp on a...

Hello, relative newb. I recently upgraded my PC and no longer have PCI ports. I've been researching these as PCI-E replacements for my Juli@ card, which I've been happy with. ESI Maya44e ASUS Xonar DX My budget is around $100-$150. Anybody have a preference between these or a...

Anybody know if UM2s can be filed down to fit into the iPhone jack? It looks like the circular metal portion of the UM2 plug might be larger than the opening for iPhone headphone jack, but it looks really close. Thanks!

Basic question, what's a decent way to connect an RCA output from a soundcard to a 3.5mm amp input? Something like this? http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...Fencoding=UTF8 That cable seems decent for $12.50, but 8ft is too long. Can anyone recommend another? Lastly, am I losing any...

Hello, I’ve read a bunch of sound card reviews but I feel many of the popular cards have features I don't need. I’m not a gamer and don’t use my computer for dvd watching. I’m just a music guy (err, junkie). Any advice on which sound card is best for just plain music (my budget is ~$150)...

I'm new to IEMs. After shopping around I've settled on the UM2s with Shure foamies. My head is finally getting used to the feel and sound, and it's getting happier each day. My question is, how often do people replace the Shure foamies? After only about 1 1/2 weeks mine look dirty and I'd...

Can anyone make a recommendation on the best iPod earbud upgrade for $50? The real recommendation is...get more money...but if you HAD to recommend something under $50, what would it be? Thanks, Dave

Hello, does anyone have a recommendation for good replacement tips for UM2s? My ears don't get along with any foam tips, including the comply tips that come standard. I have a pair of UE 5EBs & those are very comfortable for me. I've read that you can use any Shure replacement tips so I'm...

Hello, after much deliberation I pulled the trigger on the super.fi 5 EBs. They arrived yesterday and I'm burning them in now. Like most reviewers, I wasn't that impressed with them out of the box. I should add that the size doesn't bother me at all. I find them extraordinarily comfortable...

Hello, I'm a music junkie but a relative non-portable audio novice so I'm going to buy some open Senn's as a first step down the path to being broke. I've narrowed my choices down to the 580, 590, or 595 and could use some advice. Right now I don't have an amp but typically listen to music at...

Thought I'd post a few pictures of my iPod setup. I decided to give the Simpl A1 amp a spin and I'm quite happy with it. The only other portable amp I've owned was a SuperDual (briefly) so I'm no expert. I'm using the 4G 40GB iPod and did my listening tests using songs encoded with the Apple...