The Monkey

And away it goes... Should arrive by Monday. I'll pm you with tracking, etc.

Okay. Here's where I stand. I am definitely getting some 'stats. It was my goal to listen to a bunch at CanJam. And while I didn't hear a "bunch," I heard enough, as it seems we all did. Truth be told, I think the love started at the first National Meet when I heard the O2. Several meets after that, I made the mistake of always starting with the O2, which wasn't fair to the rest of the cans. Anyway, all that horseshit aside, it's time to make a decision. I'm in the process of selling off some gear, but it won't be enough to go crazy (i.e., no Blue Hawaii in my future). Here's what I am thinking, in no particular order: 1) Find a decent deal on a used 007 and skimp on the amp for now (whatever I can get away with at the lowest price, then start saving for a KGSS or similar); 2) Get a 3050 II; or 3) Navigate through the current craze and try to score some Lambdas and a decent amp. Thoughts and guidance are appreciated.

Packing it up tonight.

Dom is on the installment plan for the prototype HeadRoom Desktop Millet (with typo) Hybrid with Home Module. I love this amp, and I think it will find a good home with Dom.

I'm already helping him with that... Welcome, Dom!

Whatever. I think I should just get the O2.

Heard plenty of Stax at CanJam. I feel ready to take the plunge soon. I have to say that I still really like the 404. It just sounds effortless and musical to me.

Well, good thing I listened to the wise words here. The D2000 and D5000 both sounded congested and stupid. The only time I heard the D5000 sound respectable was out of the HR Maxed Balanced. Otherwise, these are not my speed.

the 271 is a solid recommendation, but I also found them tough to drive. Another rec is the HD 25-1 II.

Oh sweet jesus.

What did the DJ do to earn his night off?

Cool, thanks for the link.

I know it has been a while, but Apple is apparently working to develop an app for the iPhone (and maybe the iTouchMyself [or whatever the hell it's called]) that can access the iTunes library on your 'puter. If the interface for this is good, I will use it with my Apple Express over my SB3.

You're totally right. No sense buying right now.

Looks like a pretty good deal at Amazon right now. I've been thinking of trying these as I need some closed cans that won't break the bank. Do I pull the trigger? I have to admit that I haven't loved them when I've heard them, but I think they have potential as I've heard them mostly on crap equipment. Whaddya think? Amazon.com: Denon AHD2000 High Performance Over-Ear Headphones: Electronics

That's what I was expecting. And I didn't get it. (neither did my wife, but let's not go there...) Maybe it was the Dan, but the system seemed so aggressive to me that I had a hard time relaxing to the music. But maybe that's what these speakers are about; making you pay attention to every note, every decision the musicians make. It was a very educational experience. I look forward to hearing something somewhat comparable, but with a different approach/sound signature.

Yup, Nola speakers. There were also some Audio Research components doing some work in the rig, including amplification. I've been reading all these high-end speaker reviews for so long now without actually listening that I figured I needed a point of reference. This setup was the best I have heard (not saying much, though). I finally understood "holographic" imaging. Steely Dan sounded like they were in the room (Aja was the CD we listened to). The sense of separation, air, space, and the human interaction with the instruments were fantastic. But I didn't find it "perfect." We listened at volumes higher than I usually do. And the sound signature was very forward. Not exactly bright, but the bass and lows were so well-controlled that it sounded almost like they were kicked into the mids if that makes any sense. I suppose what I'm saying is that I feel the system could have used a pinch of warmth. I wonder if this is just my untrained ear seeking a certain comfort level, or if I was properly identifying a real characteristic? I suppose the only answer is to go listen to more equipment! The sales guy was very nice and spent some time with us (my wife was there, too) even though it was clear we weren't buying anything, which has not been my experience in other hi-fi stores. No Stax phones, though...

I listened to this setup today. Pretty good.

As you may be able to tell, I am a bit confused about the whole pro bias amp/normal bias phones thing. At least that's how I think I'm reading it. The Lambdas normal bias are generally preferred, but the pro bias amp is preferred for the combo? Can someone explain to me. I ain't bright.

How about the SRM-1 Mk2 normal bias with Lambdas?

around 48 for me. Working on a deal in London in the City, where it's not exactly easy to order in a good meal.

Is the old skool RS-1 (brown leather) really that much better? They have been selling for big bucks.

Can anyone comment on the RS-1 with flats?

Happy Birthday!

People have been blaming things on the diaphragm for decades...