The Monkey

Well, now, that's a good idea.

Do my Dad really enjoyed himself at the NYC Meet. He liked the people and had a great time listening to the awesome rigs. He used to be an audio enthusiast (stereo/speaker, not headphone) and I think the Meet might have rekindled the flame. It's cool because he's nearing retirement and will need a hobby or he will drive my mother insane. And he's asked me to recommend a starter rig. I'd like to start him out with a rig for around $1000 (less would be good). Just an amp and cans for the time being. DAC will be down the road, maybe. He listens to a lot of classic rock and folk, with a smattering of female country. His hearing is not 100% and he has a really enormous head and pretty big ears (which he readily admits; the ears he passed on to me:palm:). At the Meet, he thought that Grados generally were too bright. He liked the 650--a lot. And he really had a good time listening to the Woo Audio amps. A wrinkle is that he would prefer closed cans so he doesn't disturb my mom. So here are the general guidelines I have so far: - Closed cans - Warm sound signature for cans - Comfortable cans for the large-headed - Warm amp (it seems that he is really sensitive to anything splashy) - Relatively transportable would be a plus - Equipment preferably new Let's assume the iPod's line out as source for now. Here's my thinking so far: - Denon D5000 or D2000 - Woo Audio WA6 However, I seek the always helpful input of this group.

Tried to get people to do their jobs.

How fucking annoying.

Nonsense, then I don't get to try the 717 I have my eye on. Sweet jesus, anything but CLE...

Yeah, I feel like my table didn't get enough love. Also, for those who haven't heard them, Ian's HF-1's with the cups that he turned are amazing. They are probably the most balanced pair of Grados I have heard. Nice and warm, and plenty of Grado impact without the migraine-inducing glare up top. And the cups are soft, which makes such a difference. This Meet reminded me that the HF-1 is my favorite Grado headphone even in stock form.

The Menace sounded really good at the Meet.

I wonder how hot these units will get.

02 mk1 + no amp = sad Monkey.

What were some of the dishes on the menu?

Further to the above, once at the animal hospital (on the upper east side of Manhattan), I was delighted to see a sign that said: First visit, pig or monkey: $100.00

Ugh, that's terrible. Sorry to hear it. My parents' dog, a wonderful golden retriever (RIP), once got into a box of dark chocolate truffles. We rushed her to the animal hospital and they did the same thing you described, Ian. And she came through it without a problem. I wish Neko a speedy recovery.

Happy bday!

I have to say that I thought vcoheda's Meridian-->KGSS-->O2 mk1 sounded very good to me at the NYC Meet. That extra power makes a difference I guess.

It has been too long since I've done a head-to-head 600 to 650, so I'm not sure based on mine own ears. But from what I've read I would think the analogy apt.

^That's very helpful. Thanks!

Exactly. It is a sophisticated looking (and sounding) piece of equipment. But there are those cool touches and details that still make it visually exciting. The heat sinks make the amp look so badass without making it look boxy.

I also was not a big fan.

Sources are making me crazy...

Yes, I think that's pretty clear to everyone, my question should be read as regarding the DACs based on those chips.

Nate's right about the BHSE. It is stunning in person.

I heard the O2 mk2 (used to be mine...) with the BHSE at the Meet. I thought it sounded simply excellent. I also think that the Mk2, with its slightly more pronounced midbass (to my ears) is a better Meet phone than the Mk1 because it can overcome some of the ambient noise a bit better. Regardless, I thought that the BHSE took the Mk2 and gave it the kick in the pants that it needs. Bear with me here, I feel like that the Mk2 is just slightly, um, lazier than the Mk1. Just the very littlest bit slower than the Mk1--perhaps due to te midbass. And in some ways, when I was comparing the two, I found this to sound almost like the Senn veil, but to a far lesser extent. We are talking about very small differences here. So, when I had the Mk2, I found myself wondering if there was an amp that would be able to "punch through" that bit of veil. I feel like the BHSE is such an amp. The Mk2 sounded nimble and all around great. Unfortunately, by the time I got around to trying the mk1 with the BHSE, Nate had to break down his equipment to give it some time to cool down (for some reason Nate didn't want to risk his packing boxes bursting into flame). So, I don't have those impressions. But as Nate and I discussed, the differences between the phones may be obvious to Stax lovers, but they are much much closer than they are different.

Since I'm using the North Star as my reference point, I'm trying to get a handle on the differences here. How would you guys say the PCM63 and PCM1704 differ from it. Currawong, you said the 1704 made the North Star sound muddy. Is it also brighter?

Excellent Meet. Impressions later, but for now just wanted to say it was great seeing the HCers in attendance.

Thanks, deepak. What is the DAC you are referring to (the best one)?