[Inkmo]

Quote:

 
Inkmo: Thanks for pointing out the ThinMod theme and the GNU Unicode font @ 16 point.  I just set up my Fuze this morning with that theme and parameters.  Things are looking really good - from a usability standpoint at this time - and, to my aging 47 year-old eyes.  

 
As far as the DAC goes, I've held off a bit.  Work, etc. has taken my time.  However, I'm not without some good alternatives for the moment.  I'm running my Grados with my home gear and my Squeezebox players, which feature Burr-Brown DACs.  I'm very pleased with what I'm hearing.  When it comes to using my portable players (Fuze, E200, and Walkman) - I picked up a pair of Klipsch Image S4 ear buds this week.  While I do have window to return them, I think they might be "keepers" for me.  I use them to go to sleep at night as they are a bit less clunky than my Grados and use them a bit at work, if I'm on a project that allows me to concentrate and have my music rolling.
 
I'm still seriously considering trying the FIIO gear, though.  I have an authorized vendor about 10 miles away as listed on the FIIO distributor Web site.  At the beginning of last week, they only had the iPod LOD connectors, but were out of the Sony and Sansa LOD connectors.  I may make my move once I can confirm these connectors are in.  The F7 / F9 combo would allow me to travel to work with the F7 and I could use both the F7 / F9 at bed side.  I don't think I'll move away from my main level system of the Squeezebox and Onkyo, though.  Again, I like the sound and a 25' Live Wire headphone extension cable from Guitar Center allows me to move between the living room and office area without jeopardizing my listening.
 

 
 

I also have those Klipsch S4s.  Apparently my ear canals are different sizes because they drive me crazy.  The closest to a decent fit I can maintain is with a large sleeve on one and a medium on the other.  I hear Shure Olive Foamies (I think I'm naming a thing that is real.  Are those a thing?) could be a good fix for me.  Hey, tell me if your Klipsches do this:  I get a crackle over the line sometimes.  Doesn't matter if they're plugged in or playing or whatever.  I think it has to do with winter weather and static.  Otherwise, I think the S4 is pretty great.  For some reason I get the impression it does drums better than all of my sub $100 headphones.
 
The Fiio E7/9 combo was one I was thinking about, too, though I think the E9 would live at work.  I don't have anything at home my Pioneer can't drive.
 
Hey, have you tried out Pictureflow?  It's neat.  You can also tell Rockbox what screen to start at on boot (ex. Pictureflow) somewhere in the system settings.

 

[wje]

Thanks for the extra tips (Pictureflow, etc.).  I'll give it a spin as I'm a little bored with the orange RockBox screen at boot-up.  Also, when it comes to amps and DACs, I search a bit on eBay - and find some wonderful (looking) stuff that's coming out of China / Hong Kong.  Tube gear, hybrids, etc.  I wish I had about an extra $1,000 right now as I'd go ahead and order 3 or 4 of some amps I've spotted.  Then again, my impatient self might go crazy waiting 2, 3 or more weeks for the toys to arrive.
 
I'm not sure if you check out the "Anything But iPod" site or not.  Their forum features a section on user reviews, etc.  The Cowon i9 was reviewed and compared to the Clip+ by a user.  Apparently, the Cowon has a bit of a steep roll-off from 100Hz and down - where, the Clip+ is pretty flat down to 10Hz.  The Cowon, on the other hand, had a better output section - allowing one to drive more difficult headphones with a bit more ease.  However, the DAC on the Cowon didn't perform so good.  The Clip+ is a pretty good player for about 1/3 the cost of the Cowon.  

 

[Inkmo]

oh, the orange bootup screen is there to stay.  I mean you can choose what screen you start on after boot.  So instead of being in the top directory of the rockbox software, you can start in pictureflow, or at the top of your database, or your while playing screen (I think).
 
Thanks for the abi tip.  I don't go there much, so I often forget it exists.  Probably won't get a new DAP for a while (If I do, I think I want one of those Hifiman players).  I think I might just get a 32 gig micro SD and upgrade my Fuze that way.

 

[gamersince1976]

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And this is what back-up cans are for.
 


 

Yep, looks like it's two days of the Senn 448 for me - but I think I'm going to use the time to try out the USB turntable I borrowed, see if I can't learn to use it. Of course, that's not going to make it any easier to decide what makes the cut onto the Clip...
 
And no, there was no accident or event with the M50 - they just started distorting. I really do think it was just a defect, but just to be safe I re-ordered from a different Amazon seller.

 

 

[marcusd]

Nice little review of the M50 here:
 
 
http://headfonics.com/?p=117

 

[gamersince1976]

Say - that IS a nice little review, thanks!
 
Amazon sent me the wrong replacement model, and then delayed shipping the REPLACEMENT replacement (sigh), but I just picked up my new cans on the way to work today. I'll start burning tonight, and will hopefully be back to bliss very soon.

 

[marcusd]

Nice, all is well in the world again lol  
Quote:

Say - that IS a nice little review, thanks!
 
Amazon sent me the wrong replacement model, and then delayed shipping the REPLACEMENT replacement (sigh), but I just picked up my new cans on the way to work today. I'll start burning tonight, and will hopefully be back to bliss very soon.