blessingx

#3 even better and the soundtrack now makes sense [i'm slow].

Looking at early reviews seems KEF sometimes shown them off outside that range.

What are you powering them with?

For the keyboard freaks - Optimus Popularis for $997 http://dealmac.com/iphone/deals/1131796.html

Quicksilver impersonation.

^ Ugh. Hope audiologist appt went well. Child care closed today so took the day off and Esmé and I had a blast. Highlights so far were hanging at a park and E's first movie theater experience. Her response to what'd she like most about Planes: Fire & Rescue - "the escalator!" (outside the theater). Okay, she's developing taste. Then we rode the escalator six thousand times.

The new KEF References look pretty http://feedly.com/k/1tslKmj

Ahh our different ears. Anyone want to buy my refurb 550s for $100?

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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