blessingx

No, no that makes you strong ... or I'm weak too. BTW, the person I talked with previously thought USB was probably a SP/DIF conversion, but he was going to confirm and email me. I haven't heard anything since then so I think we should assume that's so.

On the bad news front there's been some faceplate issues and shipping has been delayed a few days. On the good news side they're shipping a prototype for the meet. No AES/EBU input and different case, but otherwise internally same. Should be able to get several opinions on this now (maybe even before sale ends). Person I talked to is trying to get an answer on the USB conversion issue.

Funny thing is I think the GS1K sounds best with some not terribly liked amps here - WA6 with 5U4x rectifier, Raptor, etc. Guess equalizing roller-coasters taking care of the midrange and spectrum end problems.

I tend not to spend much on digital cables, and due to the magiDAC thread, now need a short coaxial. Anyone have a recommendation?

We're going to try to do a little Pico/Transporter/Duet test at this weekends meet. Not sure if the magiDAC will make it in time, but at least the memory should be fresh. I'd love if the magiDAC could compete with the Pico/Duet - I'm not necessarily expecting it to, but those both have to be corded to a computer and my use here is to get away from one (like Star to use with a Squeezebox). Fingers crossed though. On the likely unrealistic expectations front, I see the stock Citypulse DAC DA7.2 has been compared to the DAC1 a couple times. If Audiomagus thinks the magiDAC compares to a heavily modified DA7.2 ....

Well, I bought one. Did speedy shipment to hopefully get it by the San Mateo meet, but I'm not sure if that will happen. Either way it will be cutting it close to give feedback before sale goes off, but if I can I'll post some impressions. I upgraded the clock, but nothing on the transformer because of the rumored future upgrade.

I like that they weren't actually listened to.

Price? $20. Not a big risk. Dusty, I assume iron is thus bad? Maybe that explains Iron Man.

Well, I just got off the phone with Audiomagus and they told me they think the transformer upgrade is definitely an improvement and most would be very happy with it, but they're "not exactly pushing it" as they're also designing another, possibly even better transformer option (parts yet to be finalized as is price, but likely between $150-200). They're holding off making any claims until everything is finalized and they can A/B the options. On the plus side you will have the option (at least on the base unit though I didn't ask directly) of sending the unit back and paying for the new transformer upgrade (and shipping) later if you want. I asked about SQ of the MagiDAC and they said the only comparable model they had internally was a heavily modified Citypulse DAC DA7.2 which ended up with a $600-700 price tag. They're "really quite pleased with the performance" and shipping is running around 3 days as they're "getting slammed" with sale orders.

I guess I should toss in here for anyone who works visually and looking for an unusual approach, if the online requirement is dropped (for most editions), the personal version (at lowest level free) of The Brain could also be worth looking into. I occasionally use it for specific projects and want to like it more...

I really haven't seen the current version of BackPackIt so I can't really speak on it, but the version I last used presented paid functionality all over the free version (then revealing itself as requiring payment), which is a bad GUI choice IMO, coupled with the then Milk & Todoist Gmail (and Goog domain hosted/Google Apps accounts) integration switched me over. I probably could be happy with any though (tags, if used properly, can obviously make things quite extensible). Also to be honest I probably use the desktop TaskPaper more than an online solution, simply because I tend to have quick lists that finish themselves off rapidly. I go online more often when I running across platforms on a long-term job. And if I had a more complex need I'd probably go to a full-featured GTD solution anyway, but my tasks are pretty simple.

Could someone explain to an idiot like I the difference between "hand-stacked M6 line grain oriented steel cores" and a "48-percent nickel core" transformer?

I started with BackPackIt (free version). Just be aware Remember the Milk is more advanced than it may first appear. It's what I use, but some claim Todoist is superior. When I worked at Google there used to be raging debates between the two.

I agree this release is much better on OS X (though lack of services support may in the end keep me from using it), but strangely it kills my mouse pointer on screensaver recovery every time (in 10.5). Previous version, Safari, WebKit and Opera (which also has a new release this last week) does not. Have to guesstimate pointer/use keyboard to kill FF to bring back. That was a fun game once or twice, but... As for Gmail (and Google Reader and SqueezeCentral) I use Fluid.

Anyone take an successful steps to minimize the creaky sounds the W5000's unusual body/fit produces? They're starting to get on my nerves.

Interesting. Would like to know more about it.

It being Friday and all, a co-worker just turned me on to the below. In case there are others who could use a break... Read at Work

Guzzi, as I mentioned I couldn't defend multiple accounts, although I think that matters less until you actually use them in some unethical way. Not to sound defensive, but since having multiple accounts was all that was mentioned in this thread, if I came off as trivializing other unmentioned/unknown activities, I apologize for them and being in the dark here (been cruising HF much less lately). I appreciate the link and now that I've read the first ten pages of that thread I certainly see the cause for concern. While it had more than a bit of the "For Sale Forum is falling apart" gang-banging irrespective of the actual cases and I think Wad was upfront in his posted email (and of course my previously very positive listed experiences), if a couple of those actions were actually taken on bidding prices, certainly public response and warnings should be made. EDIT: And slwiser that is the same model Wad had. Pipes and SE (one volume knob). Sounded pretty good when I heard it with the O2 (though to be honest I still can't get over the O2s politeness even with it), but my listen was probably less then ten minutes with music I was unfamiliar with so I can't say much about how it compares to other electrostatic amps in the range or any more detail than I was impressed.

I'll let you know, once you let me know why you'd want to read that sentence smiley aside? As for the other allegations, can someone point me to their origs? I'm afraid I missed that thread and a search comes up empty.

And again IF this is Waddragon I know for a fact he's sold some items below market too, so its not all one-sided and certainly this KGSS with upgrades price doesn't seem outrageous either. If it's multiple accounts I can't defend the cause of that, but as far as I'm concerned it's just a person interested in audio that while he has an interest-free student CC wants to try all the top phones until the interest kicks in. I don't doubt if he loses $100 on a sale (quick sales work both ways) he tries to make it up on another, but I've been guilty of this too. I've had several conversations with Waddragon (phone/pm) and visited him three times and he's even lent me equipment, including recently the O2, so I'm a fan and when it comes right down to it, he's probably one of the half dozen most generous members I've met over the years through this hobby. If there's any moral issue here, it's he should give equipment a little more time before passing judgment. I know he bought, sold, then re-bought a W5000 in a short period of time, and I really doubt he made any profit on those transactions.

And Wad has the upgrade, though I don't know if it's the same one. He had a couple HPs too. I've bought a W5K and srm-007t from him and sold him my Ed.9, great transactions all around. He tends to turn over equipment pretty rapidly as he's a bit transportation limited (to test) and seems to make up his mind quite quickly (I think a negative Ed.9 review was posted by the time I drove back to SF). Course not sure if this is him.

On the drive front I've already got a 500GB NAS which isn't in danger of being maxed anytime soon (with music/films/books I tend to not focus with too vast a library and delete/sell as I acquire). So that's covered. The BlacX looks cool though and the name is right. And a San Mateo comparison would be great. I appreciate the suggestions so far. With being tethered to a computer has anyone ever do a comparison between the Duet and the Pico as a source?

I'm contemplating picking up a Transporter (which I can get a discount on), but would consider other options up to $1400 (to then use with a Squeezebox). All my music is streamed and it would be to the Extreme Platinum and/or srm-007t in my sig. Any other DACs you would recommend? Had the DA10 recently, and while I liked its signature, looking for something new.

Just picked up the Guilty: 30 Years of Randy Newman box set.