blessingx

So I'm considering running two amps off a single source, and was wondering if anyone had any experience with and could comment on signal degradation with Ys/2-for-1 adapters such as ... ? Was avoiding a switch box if possible.

Since a few have asked of my experience privately, I wanted to give a brief summary publicly, as it may be useful for others. Plus Mike asked for it. As mentioned earlier Audiomagus was generous enough to send a prototype for a meet and was always kind enough to answer my questions on the phone. The people I talked with were always knowledgeable on technical questions and sorry if there was a problem. The value of good customer service can't be overemphasized. But good customer service requires some competency in the basic service arena and Audiomagus is a disaster here. I gave them some slack and even defended them for delays in a new product introduction though statements where often inconsistent ("We're assembling them right now. I've got bruises on my hands already." "We're going to spend the whole weekend to get these out." "We're starting Monday." "Oh yes, we've been shipping. We'll get to yours shortly".). After a final grounding/buzz issue delay my two models arrived - serials #0001 and #0002 (I'm not sure if the 'rush' to send them was my connection to this community, but I have my doubts how many earlier units were shipped). And one of them still ended up with a grounding issue. Coupled with mapstecs, that makes 2/3rds of the units we know about had a fault that Audiomagus was aware of. What rigorous QAing these three units underwent during their delay is anyones guess, but my impression is Audio Magus isn't a large company so I have difficulty understanding their slips here. But still I debated holding on to the working unit. I was torn (especially when factoring the intro v. normal price), but as one was going back I decided to send the other. I returned home from a trip and noticed the refund hadn't been granted yet, so I called them. I was told someone would be contacting me that day. I waited a week and called again. This time I was told I'd be getting a call within a few hours. A couple days later I emailed them. A prompt response came that the refund had been granted. I emailed back asking when it was, so I knew when it should show at my bank. Never heard back. Yesterday I did get my refund so I'm now thankfully done with them. I suggest if you ever think about doing business with Audiomagnus you consider my experience. I certainly never will buy a product from them again. Nice, knowledgeable guys are a big plus, but only a plus if basic competency is nowhere to be seen. As for the MagiDAC (besides the fact that you can only get it through Audiomagus), its price has fluctuated up, settling, at the time of this writing, at $500 (nearly double the intro price). Although the transformer seems to have changed from the previous base, and I have not heard the new unit, I have serious doubts it could improve to the level of other DAC options out there. $500 is a whole other price bracket and the Headamp Pico and Apogee Duet are but two obvious choices that are leagues above the three MagiDACs I've heard. Consider the used market and your choices explode. You could even buy a couple Parasound 1100s off eBay for that.

Here's a short Sterephile review of Newmans newest. One of the most fun purchases I'm made recently. Course for a couple months recently I was listening almost exclusively to Randy, so maybe I'm a bit biased there.

A couple deals right now...

Since many here are into gadgets and hopefully as many into sex, anyone seen Gadget or the Girl?

I know longer remember. It was multiple versions (theme and then plugin).

I used iPeng/iPod touch to control several SP3s. It's not nearly as smooth operating as the Remote app from Apple (for use with APX, etc.), but is entirely usable. I've gone back to using a standard Slim Devices remote as I use a laptop and the IPs change all the time and it takes too much time to guess IPs (or check on SB3) to connect with iPeng.

Merlots are harder to fuck up, though I guess you may be able overpower anything with a strong enough American Cab. True, a nice blend/Meritage can be a beautiful thing. Probably best to try to triangulate your preference. Probably showing my Californian leaning, but go into a wine shop an ask for a nice Zin, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cab and blend and tunnel down from there. As always, trust your ears.

Is it unusual to have digital outputs on a DAC? What is its purpose? To use with more than 2 channel devices?

Hmmm, MagiDAC and now DacMagic. Very curious about this. Nice number of inputs.

Ugh. Typing during work typos. Please mentally translate through, if possible.

Well I've spent a little time with both. I think most would put the Duet ahead on DAC only duty. I was surprised of the differehere. It really is more involving with a musicality that's spot on for me. Some though may prefer a more relaxed presentation (this is only in comparison - the Pico is not a laid back source). Soundstage is noticeably superior overall. Certainly wider. Details about the same and a welcomed crispness with both. As amp duty it depends on the phone. Fluctuates between similar to Pico pulls ahead so it gets the win here overall. The Senns have been called underpowered with the Duet, but I found the sound acceptable for the occasional use I'd probably use the jack and less noticeable then other phones like the W1000, which suffers more. I haven't heard a phone sound horrible out of the Pico, but depending on the needs, the Duet can sound like it's underpowering your cans. The Pico is a better source than the Duet a head amp, but it comes down to your use which is better overall. First, the Pico seems better constructed for portable use. Second, the Duet obviously has that A/D functionality. If you're primarily looking for a DAC and occasional amp use, I would point you to the Duet first. Need a greater balance between the two? Go Pico. Still the Pico is an outstanding DAC for the money and an amazing combo for many phones like the Senns and W5000. I thought about giving up my wireless Squeezebox system and setting up USB repeaters throughout my apartment to use the Pico as my primary DAC at one point. It's great, but I know understand why some suggest buying a Mac solely to run a Duet and I'm likely going to be buying one soon.

It should be.

Introducing a browser (based on open standards) is evil now?

And more support for WebKit is a plus in my book too. This hopefully won't put any more stress on web developers as many were already taking into account other WebKit browsers like Safari/MobileSafari, Adobe Air, etc. (not to mention Googles furture Android and the earlier version of KHTML in Konqueror).

See basic info here and official comic book here.

Did you get a cable with it? If so it's an A-Mini B cable. If not you should be able to pick one up from a local computer shop. Or put another way - did you ever connect the Pico to a computer? If so you have one somewhere.

USB Mini-B to be exact. So you'll still need an A to Mini-B cable/adapter if using those extenders/repeaters. Course the Pico comes with one. As for sound quality issues I doubt it as it's just transporting/repeating a digital signal (which should be better than long analog cables). Something could go wrong along the way, but it should be a bit-perfect transmission (they are for computer files after all). There are of course bling-bling USB cables for audiophiles with too much disposable income.

When I was going to setup a Pico in the other room I was going to string a couple of these active extenders. May be worth it even if not extending much further. Keep full strength signal. Also for Duet users.

I assume he/she means coax/opt. Out of curiousity with all the sharing (file/library) options you have with computers why would someone need multiple USB inputs?

Stereophile: Between the Ears: the art and science of measuring headphones

Another short bit today. Guess we'll see in a month.

Definitely. I have my suspicions on both states from yesterdays trial, but I need to give it more A/B time (and more phones with amp). Trouble is with work I may not make it home for a week, but will squeeze in when I can.

Pretty late to the game, but JP# was kind enough to lend me his Duet for a week and with the exception of some driver issues at the beginning*, color me very impressed, especially with sound stage and overall musicality. Even with all the comments I wasn't expecting this. Can definitely see why it has the rep it does. It can and works very well. Has me actually contemplating selling the Squeezebox. * even bringing down the whole OS which is rare in OS X.