The Monkey

I'm listening to the EC/SS with the DT770 right now. This combo is a lot of fun. I think my dad is going to like it--a lot.

I think I like the north star more than the ECD-1

So the optical in on my north star broke. The little plastic piece that swings up when you plug in the optical cable snapped off at the NYC Meet and I can't find it. So now when I plug in an optical cable, there's a lot of play in the jack. It works, but the cable can come loose very easily. What a stupid design. Has anyone had this problem before? Any suggestions how to fix it? In the alternative, if I decide to use the Coax input on the north star, I'd need something like the M-Audio transit to convert the optical out from my iMac, correct?

You'd think they'd at least improve the HP out with all these revisions aimed at the home user.

I used rubbing alcohol, I believe at your suggestion, to get the tape residue off when I changed the pads on my LPs and Signatures. Worked well. I ind it difficult to clean out the bits of acoustic foam when it disintegrates. Do you think the 404 would sound better with "fluffier" pads (i.e., putting the driver farther from the ear)?

Well done, Birgir, I look forward to the results. What did you use to clean the various parts above?

Yes, I believe they did. Not on the RWA site anymore, though.

Potential BIG win. Will float the idea tonight.

I'm really disappointed, as I was looking forward to seeing all of you. But it's my little guy's third birthday, and it looks like we'll be having the party for him that weekend. So maybe with all the money I "save" I'll get this stupid Skipjack.

Yeah, I'd be interested. Although CJ is looking less and less likely for me.

^Thank you, Al! But it is hellaciously expensive...

I think you guys are not thinking that it's cool enough.

Looks like it here, too: Still, the device is pretty cool.

The Maple Tree LR 1 also looks decent, but it just doesn't have the functionality of the Skipjack.

Nate, yeah, the single ended aspect is an issue, but I could live with going unbalanced through the switch and just use the balanced connections on my preferred pairings. Also, the SkipJack manual offers a workaround with balanced connections, but I'm not sure I understand it (i.e., whether the signal stays balanced). I did not know about the Darwin. It looks very cool. What is the Audio Controller 1?

I've been tempted by the Manley Skipjack selector switch for a while now. It's not your basic A/B box and seems like it can do some neat things. The reason I am thinking about it is that it looks like I'll have 2 amps and 2 sources for a while and it would be nice to be able to switch easily and on the fly. It also could be useful for comparisons when I borrow gear. That said, the Skipjack is very expensive at $900. I know it's overkill, but is it ridiculous for what it does?

I would think that he's at least a Major.

^Wow, that looks like a great time. Excellent pics. I love stumbling across events like that.

Took advantage of the nice weather. Spent lots of time at the playground with the little monkey and 1,000,000 other stir crazy children.

I'm feeling the same way re stouts. Unfortunately, the Whole Foods near me has a decent beer selection overall, but not a good stout selection. I really want to try the Mikkeller. I haven't been able to find it. The Brooklyn Black Ops remains at the top of my list.

Why is a 60-stepper so much more expensive?

I'm not in love with the angled face plate. But I think Craig's stuff looks much better in person, so I'm keeping an open mind. Regardless, it's a bold design and that's a good thing.

Can someone explain to me the debate as to whether this thing is true balanced or not?

EC/SS arrived last night. I haven't had a chance to listen yet, but the pics don't do this amp justice. I think it's a very nice looking piece of gear.

Nikongod, what were you getting at with your question about the balanced/unbalanced operation of the A-10? Have there been issues with this in RSA amps before?