Audio Accessories

For $1400, what's it made of??? Also, it was at the NY meet, right? Not that I want one, but how's it sound?

Developing from the last thread I was on, a simpler and cheaper solution for my speaker rig to get some extra voltage gain I need would be to use xlr-rca adaptors from the balanced output. I understand I don't necessarily get the benefit of the dual differential output from the dacs and output stage of the meridian, therefore lose the common mode noise rejection, but technically, I still get the 2x voltage, correct? Impedance issues should not be a concern, as my moth integrated input impedance is 100kohm and my IC's are very low capacitance. If that all makes sense and you guys are on board, what differentiates a well made adaptor and a poor one? They sure come in …

Hi everyone. I have a brief story: my CDP was playing some beautiful Mahler last night. I was putting my finishing thoughts on my BA thesis, when a rude reminder of the derelict nature of my city towards its own infrastructure forced me to use my laptop's battery. While i was fulminating at Berkeley a thought came over me: what affect this might have had on my gear. Thanks to the knowledgeable advice from this forum, I had connected my ZD straight to the wall, and now I was regretting it. While I'm sure the ZD is alright, I really want something to protect it that will not compromise my dynamics... So... what are your recommendations? Thanks everyone...

Looks like I'll be getting a new source (Modwright Sony 999es), and as such I need some longer ICs to run from the source to my PPX3. I'm thinking in the length of 5-6feet, from one side of my desk to the other. I've used Blue Jeans Cables before and they are fine, but I was wondering if there are any other ICs worth checking out in that range. Just give me a couple names and I'll do some research. The world of IC's is dense and scary. Here is a pic of my listening area to better give you an idea of what I'm doing:

Hey everyone, haven't posted here in quite some time. I have an aftermarket Senn HD650 cable that is a bit messed up. The left headphone connection is shoddy, and keeps cutting out whenever I move my head. I've done tests to confirm that its the cable connection, because my stock cable works perfectly. I have next to no idea what I'm doing, so I contacted Zach Collier from Enigma Audio to fix it, but he hasn't gotten back to me. Any other ideas where I could reliably get this fixed?

So I just bought some Iron Lung Jellyfish Power cables, an improvement from the stock stuff on my amp and DAC. But I was wondering if having a fairly cheap power strip (an absolute necessity in my dorm room) would negate the effect of the better power cables? I don't really know much about electronics, cables, or anything that has to do with anything in my entire audio set-up... so some good input would be much appreciated. Alternatively, do any of you think that I just wasted my money on the power cables and that they won't make a noticeable difference in sound quality? I'd be interested if that's what you thought as well.

I've never had an audio rack before, and I think its probably about time I get one. My days of horizontal desk annexing have come to an end, now that I will be adding a transport, and, in a few months, possibly a transport/player combo, or just an upgraded player. My home rig currently a Bel Canto Dac3, an Ear HP4 amp, and coming soon, Oppo Digital transport. I plan on adding a Hydra conditioner as well. There is always the possibility that the HP4 will become my office amp, should I spring for the Millet/TTVJ 307A if it remains available. Here is what I'm debating buying: http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=SMA5 Thoughts?

Got this email from Zu the other day, and thought I would post it here in case anyone is interested. I have a Zu something or other interconnect; it's OK and seems well made. Dear Valued Zu Customer, With the economy shadowing daily lives, we at Zu thought it was time to share a bit of good news with all of you. We’ve recently brought on a new CEO that has challenged us to provide our customers with new and innovative products at prices everyone can afford while providing quality, in both production and sound, you’ve come to expect from Zu. On Monday, September 7th, 2010, we will be launching a new cable line, the Mission. Mission Cable will be available to y…

I just bought a Duet this weekend. The salesman (Lorne at Executive Stereo in Toronto) says it will take a while to break in, so I'll try to record my impressions along the way.

I have a ton of DIY parts, cables, old iPods, accessories, etc., as I'm sure most of us do. Living in an apartment means little storage space. I have those big clear Rubbermaid bins and the little parts cases, but it's still sort of unwieldy. I want something perfect. How do you store your crap? Any recommendations?

While reading the new July issue of Stereophile, I came across a good article on HDMI cables. The article is mostly about the cables one achilles heal... light clamping force. The article goes on to state that the problem is not just aggravating, but can lead to cable and or socket failure. If the cable connection is dislodged too many times it can cause the cable or socket to fail permanently. They go on to give a few cable solutions, namely cables with a tighter clamping force, cables with a PC type screw connector, and finally a clamp system for use on any HDMI cable. The latter is the solution that most interested me, since I will soon be putting my A/V system t…

Title says it all, I've got an 07 GTI and am looking at units that integrate phone and iPhone music capabilities well. Also looking at speakers maybe dynaudio. Oh and a $1500 cap on the package is in effect, any ideas?

JBL MS-2 pocket digital processor Any thoughts? Would this thing have any practical use in a headphone rig? Oh, and how awful is this promotional video?

I was wondering if aftermarket powercables strive to achieve the same effect as a power conditioner and vice versa? I've seen some users only use one or the other so im not sure if they are suppost to compliment each other by using them together, or substitute each other by using only one or the other? Can anyone clarify this? I've been looking at the Shunyata Hydra 4, but was wondering if a better power cable is all I need.

Here is a link to Vinnie's site: Products > Black Lightning - Red Wine Audio Any thoughts on whether this is a good product and priced right. I tend to think that the RWA gear is way overpriced for what you get.

This is the update to the Dac3 that allows for high rez playback. Its a lot steeper than I thought it would be. Still, I'm tempted. I think someone on the Computer Audiophile forums was going on about how it uses a better USB chip too. (as opposed to what the Dac3 uses) I'd have to get an explanation as to what it does better than the M Audio transit via toslink before buying. Someone talk me out of it.

I like free stuff, so was sad to learn about the Virtual Dynamics power cord give-away after it was over. I emailed them today, just to see, and got a rather friendly response from some guy named Rick who said he was feeling generous. Nice. Too bad they're probably sending it to someone who won't be able to hear a difference, but I'll give it a go at least. Right now I've got two different Cardas on my amps, and a PS Audio on my source. They've been on "indifinite loan" from agile_one since I got the amps and CDP, since they didn't come with power cords. I don't know what others sound like, so this should be interesting...I hope. Anyway, I like free stuff. Good free stuff…

As many of you know, I have (and love) the Manley SkipJack. It's really a neat little device with many cool uses. I've been using it primarily to compare DACs, as it allows for very quick and quiet switching. One thing that occurred to me was that the SkipJack could really use a headphone jack so that one could do the same thing with headphone amps. Is that something that already exists? Put another way, is there a passive device into which you can plug a pair of phones and then switch back of forth quickly between two amps?

I got these cheap adapters on ebay from a real nice guy, but they are not working right. I know, you get what you pay for. He replaced the 1st pair with the same problem. I think I see the issue now. The pins are not the same length and are rocking in my sockets creating a static-like noise. I think the longer pin (1st picture right tube middle) is bottoming out in the socket? And the other pins have junk on the ends, solder? Can I just make the pins even length by sanding, grinder, snips, or another method? Is it possible to make them too short?

Some random at the other place wrote a review on some seemingly well-constructed cables off of eBay. I was most pleased to see the can't-argue-with price of $18 and $20 for them, considering they have the requisite magic wire, dielectric etc. Thought you guys and girls might like link (to the seller, not the review). I think I'll blow the grand sum of $50 on a pair of each (inc. shipping to Japan) and see what they can do for me compared to my more expensive magic wire.

I am looking for some matched pair of 12au7, which I may want to put in my new source/cdp, but not sure which one to choose, so, I need your advice please. Any other options are welcome. First are Telefunkens Smooth Plate, but I am not sure what ever they are fake or not, looks real to me, but what you think Another pair are TUNG SOL's Black Glas

It was built by the craftsman swt61 based off a design I sent him. The stand is made from gaboon ebony (the blackest of woods), bloodwood and quilted maple. It will be the resting place for my ps-1's once it arrives. Biggie.

Can someone provide a comparison between the Grado Flats vs. the Sennheiser HD-414 flats in terms of sound? Thanks in advance.

I have a neuforce icon mobile and the mini-mini cable i have doesn't like to stay in the socket while in my pocket. Have any of you overcome this problem? What solution did you reach? I just about at the point of using electrical tape.

At the risk of being made fun of a bit , I have to admit to you all that I've had concerns with my power situation. I've done some searching and reading around here and elsewhere, and it seems that power conditioning and other power solutions could help to improve a system if that system is in an older home. Well my home is older, and my primary concern is that all of the outlets are NEMA 1-15 ungrounded two prong outlets, so I have to use one of those three prong to two prong converters in order to hook up most anything into the wall, and then those are running through some inexpensive surge protectors. Here are some pics: So should I consider either i…