RudeWolf

There's also this - http://www.8thnote.eu/attenuator_details.html Still, as time passes I'm starting to doubt if these types of attenuators are worth the hassle. To date the most elegant volume control I've used was digital as seen in the Sabre 9018 DAC's. My pipe dream to this day would be to use a digital volume control and build headamps without any of the expensive attenuators. The problem is that I've yet to found a ESS9018 based DAC that I would actually enjoy to listen to. My favorite DAC chips from Asahi Kasei sort of have the digital volume control feature, but none really want to bother with designing a control board. There are still interesting choices from BurrBrown and Muses but these also need control circuits that DIY people are reluctant to design.

Looks 'bout right to me. I'm using Jtree and it's okay. I am contemplating to use the TKD stepped attenuator in my next build instead.

I wonder what's the ENOB for this device. 21 bits is considered to be extremely good for desktop DAC's. Dunno how much is lost by the amp stage.

I think a used Paradox fits the bill here.

Why not hunt for used golden era Class-AB integrateds? Sony ES series from TA-F7XXES and up are pretty good as far as AB designs go. I recently got a TA-F730ES and it's pretty good.

I'm surprised the word "rubbery" didn't pop up anywhere in this thread.

If anything orthos are what I'd consider to be a counterpoint to the Stax sound. Many however do suffer from bad ergonomics and build quality. I'm using the Paradox, which is quite comfortable and not too heavy. I consider it to be a small upgrade from the HD600/650 (which are terrific headphones and trounce most Grados, not that it's especially hard). The GilLite should have no problem driving them because it likes high current workloads.

I found the TP JTree to be a bit of a hassle to implement right. Heck, I'd rather take TDK instead. What I'm anxious to try are the PGA2320 chips.

I still pooped a little.

If possible, be sure to audition the Kef LS50's. They do some things very very right. That is if you're looking for standmounts.

This is very good. Completely justified purchase, because erm... for journalist work!

Finally got my X3. So far so good - the sound is pleasant with my Earsonics SM3v2. Will try line-out and digital-out when I get home.

I second the Gil-Lite recommendation, however the Lyr... It has a lot of power on tap, but not sure if you'll ever need it. Also the higher noise floor might be a concern. Headphone wise if slam is what you need try finding a Paradox modded T50RP. For me it trounced anything Grado could muster up. For amps I'd try these guys. Maybe even order a kit to play around. My two euro cents.

The runner-up doesn't qualify for a Darwin award as he didn't remove himself from the gene pool. Also - there is no zoo in Paderborn.

Yesterday I drank 700ml. It was good fun until I woke up.

They'll just bump the prices so the HD6XX gets 900$ and the HD800 goes to 2k. Instant flagshipses!

Having owned (and really liked) the Pico DAC I very much feel that there is only so far one can get with USB powered DACs. Try out Schiit's Bifrost with upgraded modules. I'll throw some more ideas in - Resonessence Labs Concero and Stello DA-100 (if you can find either of these used).

Square headbands? Eewww...

I just hope the FiiO X3 UI won't suck too hard. It's probably as high as I'd go portable wise. Ultimate fidelity will always be impaired by bone conducted noise.

I wanted to get me a pair of Adam A5X's but then I got scared what I'll do if the amp itch comes.

It looks good on the paper (provided they don't fuxxxor up the ES9018), but their discourse reeks of bullshit. Sure the DAC might sound great, but there are 5 others that do and don't take me for a sheep.

It sure is great, but is it awesome? Still can't trump what Campfire Headphase did to me. It might the Matusalem Gran Reserva 15 talking tho. Or I might've grown out of IDM.

Having had the Benchy mini grip for a few weeks all I can say is - why aren't all knives like this? Also the watch says "Style" on it so it can't be ugly as a mofo.

You can always try swapping the output opamp to a better one. ClieOS says it bumps the performance a bit. I might try doing that when I get mine from Massdrop.

I wouldn't put my chips on the X5. Not sure if FiiO knows how to do the PCM1792 right. As for Wolfie - they have used it in many products before. And the E18 which uses the Texan DAC is said to sound like ass.