postjack

Thanks for the info.

Mainly I'm interested in the Ikon 6, but I'll look into the Helicons. Stand mounters might be more appropriate for my smaller room anyway.

Actually, recent studies have proved you are wrong.

I second what grawk said. And just to reemphasize, try them with both flats and bowls if possible, as they change the sound dramatically. Flats are king IMO.

barmar, head-case is a fine community and you will learn TONS about audio if you stick around and keep doing what you are doing. and if you don't like your new source you can always sell it to ole' PJ on the cheap.

A dubious distinction indeed.

buy one of the UE11 and two of the UE10. I hear one version of the UE10 is bass light so hopefully you'll get both driver versions. one for hip hop and one for rock music.

On the majority of balanced amps, you need balanced analog outs (XLRs) on your source to run your headphones using balanced terminations (either 3x3pin XLR or 1x4pin XLR). I believe there are rare exceptions to this rule, like the GS-X which I think I recall justin saying does the singled ended conversion to balanced. But regardless of whether or not an amp does this, you do need a source with balanced analog outs into an amp with balanced analog ins and balanced analog headphone outs in order to achieve the maximum benefit of balanced drive (Hertsens). However, most balanced amps do include standard RCA inputs and 1/4in plug headphone outs, allowing the user to use the amp single ended.

I guess, but I don't see how anyone could call the beta22 bright.

JB sauce is like really for real banned. supa ban ban.

Way under your price range, but I can't help but recommend a balanced beta22. It may not necessarily be "warm", but its certainly not bright, its definitely natural and immediate, definitely human and alive. Even Ray Samuels said "It doesn't sound like solid state, it sounds like music..." But if I had the cash to blow I'd snag the Millett Monster for sure. On an unrelated note, does your Exemplar have balanced outs? I know there is a balanced out option that John Tucker does. Anyway, without them you'll have a hard time achieving balanced drive.

Welcome ingwe! My handle on HF is jjhatfield. We chatted a bit at CJ. I was clued in to HC early in my audio career and obviously have spent much more time here. Its a great community that has become even better due to the addition of many excellent members in the months leading up to and since CJ.

Anyone ever heard Dali speakers before? A positive review of the Ikon 6 in HiFi News a few months back, as well as an interview with the owner of the company in a more recent issue, has me interested in their products.

rollins rules.

BTW, what kind of Senn cable is that?

sweet ass!

looks like I'm too late, but if the ps-1 doesn't work out for you, consider a cinemag step up transformer into a regular MM phono. Cinemags have great synergy with the DL-103. This guy builds them for $300. I bought mine from him, he's a good dude. Then into the Bottlehead Seduction I bought from thrice for $200 (admittedly a very very good deal) and I have a great DL-103 phono setup for $500.

1. HD650 2. HF-1 3. E4RP weird, I own so few headphones now.

I use the disc doctor pads and "quick wash" fluid. I don't actually use the full strength fluid in the manner he tells you to, I just wash it with the quick wash and immediately vacuum clean. Works fine for me. Can't say if it works any better or worse then nitty gritty fluid.

For the stylus, Onzow Zerodust is the way to go. Spendy, but its the easiest way to clean your stylus. Others swear by Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. A google should bring up some info on how to use it to clean your stylus. I messed up a stylus trying to use it, but really it was my fault. Still I went to Zerodust and never looked back. For vinyl cleaning, I don't know much about non-machine cleaning methods. I can heartily recommend Nitty Gritty machines though.

denon carts FTW. I've settled on the DL-103 because it was designed in the 50s and is still manufactured today; a product with that kind of longevity appeals to me. Problem with the DL-103 is you need either an MC capable phono or a step-up. So for your purposes a higher output denon like the 110 909 suggested is a better idea. I've never heard the M97xE, but some people swear buy it. IIRC its supposedly a great tracker and very neutral. Damn at that price maybe I should try it.

Yup, you'll have to start with a new cartridge. AT440MLa is always a good bet. They used to be easily available for $99. I'm sure you can do a decent cart cheaper then that, I just haven't explored any of those options.

I accept Haj and Mike's challenge. I have some extra cash from some recent sales and will probably be willing to be an early adopter. Any idea of a street date?

LOL! Yeah those 15 footers tend to bunch up a bit in the corners. They get the job done for the time being though.