oogabooga

I'd read that as well from Apogee's documentation, and I'm still using the "stock" wallwart and don't have any plans to improve on it ATM. (I quote stock b/c I don't think it's even the actual stock wallwart - I bought the Mini-DAC open box and it had obviously been well, well used). Have you heard a difference? IIRC you use/d a Sigma 11 with your Mini-DAC?

Thanks Larry - that's quite a lot of info! Out of curiosity, have you tried the Mini-DAC with an M^3? I've not heard one myself. Although your numbers are "out of the air", they're helpful in that I'd want something "100% better" than the HP out before I spend any more money. I'm thinking balanced, and I'm thinking after I finish grad school and get a job.

SS? I was toying last night with the idea of building a Balanced M^3 or Mini32 - the Mini32 is probably easier on the wallet. Do any of the DIYers here care to comment if either of these two is suitable for a first DIY project?

I've been reading about and trying out different ways to drive my HD600s using an Apogee Mini-DAC, from using the standard HP out, to driving cans via the balanced XLRs, to using the XLR --> RCA to my Headfive (still saving up to buy a balanced amp). When I drove my HD600s directly from the balanced XLRs I found the music "flat", although the L/R separation was notably better, especially in a few drum 'n bass tracks (much punchier), and has given me a "taste" of the balanced sound (the first one's always free)... However, this flatness rules out driving the HD600s direct from the XLRs. So, here's the question - I've been comparing the XLR --> Headfive with the HP out on the Mini-DAC - and I've found little, if any difference. If pressed, I'd say the Headfive seems to have more of a 'three blobs' soundstage while the Mini-DAC HP out is better. In contrast, I've read a few opinions suggesting that XLR --> RCA is much better than the HP out. Am I missing something, or is the Headfive just not any better than the Mini-DAC's (already good, IMO) HP out? Thanks, Sameer

Yeah, but shipping from Darfur to Canada would cost too much...

I had a chance to demo some HD380s yesterday (through an Apogee Mini-DAC). I listened to some rock (Tragically Hip) and Gordon Downie's voice sounded "hollowed out", like part of his voice was missing. Trebles were weak. Bass, on the other hand, was good, but I'm not a bass-head. I listened to a few more rock and electronic tracks but it was pretty clear to me that none of my music was going to sound like music with these cans. Isolation and fit were both good, not that it really matters. My search for closed cans continues...