blessingx

Well, I guess it depends on how you approach it. I've only heard the HAP-S1, but if the HAP-Z1ES lives up to the hype is there an equivalent $2K media server/DAC combo at that level? Several of those (NAD, Bryston, etc.) on the linked Stereophile page are only media servers with digital outs. Likewise the HAP-S1 loses a little, but adds that other functionality for roof people for $1K. Anything similar? [EDIT: Looks like the Denon DRA-N5 gets mentioned as close.] Love to A/B the S1 DAC against other $1K DACs and the Z1 against $2K ones. Also test the Z1s upsample to double DSD and both's DSEE to know if they add any value. I roll my eyes most of the time at this stuff, but Sony does own a lot of compression patents. Still ridiculous? Maybe... probably... but if anyone is going to pull it off...

701s back to $149 - https://www.massdrop.com/buy/akg-q701-audiophile-headphones?mode=guest_open&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Massdrop%20-%20Master&utm_campaign=Product%20Announcement%202014-08-20

As this has turned into a bit of a Sony lovefest, here's another hopeful sign - check out the impedance switch on the headphone jack on the matching TA A1ES integrated.

Yo Shelly! Encouraging, but unfortunately the YouTube English machine-translate produces lines like "Biz solutions of space detection system with roof people." Is that good roof people?

I'm not sure my home/hair/teeth are gonna look right for the HAP-S1. If anyone is confused on the differences between the HAP-S1 and the HAP-Z1ES a quick comparison between the above video and the one below should clear things up. On a more serious note, some comparison specs here.

B&W Society of Sound membership. Let it expire a couple years ago, so curious how the catalogue has changed.

Can get into Micro Four Thirds now for $170. http://dealmac.com/Refurb-Olympus-PEN-E-PM2-16-MP-Camera-w-Lens-for-170-free-shipping/1129279.html

They're having fun with the ads.

That's too bad, but it's still routed to the speakers and headphone jack (or am I mistaken?), so only an issue if you're using a separate amp or pre?

Exactly what I was thinking. Simple/easy/small rig (it's half the size of larger than expected HAP-Z1). Bring in streaming through toslink and vinyl through rcas if necessary. Question is that amp. One review said numbers are solid. Another the amp isn't its strong point.

Thanks again. Received mine today. Traveled a whole 2.4 miles to get here.

^ What he said.

Thanks. Yeah, we had one that hasn't worked out so well (though fortunately hasn't been tested too often) and likely buying a Protect-a-Bed shortly. Worst segue ever... trying various mattress types led to a conversation last night which led to a Reddit thread which led to the below chart. Not sure how accurate, but for those curious about non-sleeping activities...

Some more show porn from Mono & Stereo... http://www.monoandstereo.com/2014/08/california-audio-show-2014.html?spref=tw&m=1 http://www.monoandstereo.com/2014/08/california-audio-show-2014_16.html?spref=tw&m=1 http://www.monoandstereo.com/2014/08/california-audio-show-2014-day-3.html?spref=tw&m=1

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Packing today, so old school TV in background. So far... Petticoat Junction Gilligan's Island (jetpacks AND giant spiders) Streets of San Francisco (with CHiPs Larry Wilcox as baddie) Cannon And next Rockford Files, Kojak and Columbo.

Probably. I'm not sure if two jacks changed over time (from headphone & line out to two headphone outs) as I didn't follow this campaign closely (I'm a Pulse backer). LH unfortunately changes things quickly as the backers swing (and we all know the dangers of design by committee). I'm also not sure how any of these dongle DAC/amps perform as DACs and I question LHs quality control to even weigh my GO720 as representative. That said I've never heard anything this cheap & small sound this good as a DAC/amp (and have two offline friends more knowledgeable in the space who feel similar). Did LH make a ton of serious errors during their campaigns? An understatement, but for exaggerating the sliced bread angle [edit: see Grawks comment above], sure same as everyone else (Pono and a ton of high end manufactures have spread more audio misinformation/marketing lies IMO). Not a great yardstick though. My problems with LH are elsewhere. You may have higher expectations than I so you're best to know if you'd be disappointed. If price and size aren't part of the equation, maybe look elsewhere? I have a new office rig.

Close-up image of the comet 67/P Chuyurmov-Gerasimenko

Been shopping for a mattress for daughter last two weekends (three stores). Between jumping and wetting we don't expect it to last long so likely going cheapish, but while there have been trying everything. A lot to like, but those Tempur-pedics aren't too shabby. Also what's up with all the Ss (Stearns, Sealy, Simmons, Serta, &c.)?

Grahame's USB suggestion seems the way to go, but if you're sticking with toslink there are quality optical switchers like http://inday.com/da4x/da4x.htm

How does gear get on the wall of fame?

Sorry, when using a camera phone you use what's in focus. Good talking with you too Steve. Wish we had more time. Hope today goes well too. For those curious, though the Sony HAP-Z1ES gets all the press, the "consumer" HAP-S1 may be more useful for many. Lose the upsample everything to DSD, dual mono design, and half the price, but gain actual digital/analog inputs/outputs (remember streaming services, not supported in either) including a decent headphone out and speaker amp. As Audioholics said "If you ever needed an example of how audiophiles will pay a premium to have LESS features, this is it." Could be an interesting consideration for those looking at Oppo's HA-1, the Peachtrees or the Sprout.

It's the output, not the DAC implementation as far as I can tell. The funkiness is only if your searching for a line level. Use the internal amp and you may be quite happy. Well if you're not searching for absolute perfection with $200.