PATB

My SR-009 will probably fit better if I could adjust it to sit just a little lower. Unfortunately, my slider is already set to the end (topmost setting). So I am thinking of replacing the head pad with something just a touch longer. Or use an after market suspension strap like the ones used by Audeze owners. To do so, I need to remove the existing head pad. I notice that there is only a single screw fastening each end of the head pad to the frame. Is there anything else I need to worry about (e.g., is the screw epoxied in)? Thanks much.

I am a little late to thread but yes I love the RS-1 very much Balance gives you soundstage, which is not much but great for a grado. The main advantage is that, at least in a balanced tube amp, the dynamics and impact are increased and the treble is controlled. The increased impact is not that great in my opinion as just hits a little too much with some songs. It feels like your head is getting pelted with rocks! However, the increased dynamics and controlled treble definitely make up for it. I have only tried the balanced RS-1 in an SDS-XLR, so am not sure if the RS-1 will respond to balanced amps in general (like the HD650).

I think the prices are very reasonable, especially considering the performance. You don't need any of the options (you don't need expensive headphones either ). The always ON bias is not needed as I find that keeping the entire amp ON all the time was the way to go anyways.

YES.

I had an o2 for quite some time. I paired it with a blackgated KGSS, which I thought had synergy with the O2. The O2 has prodigious amounts of bass, but does not hit hard (not much impact). I say the sound is similar to the HD650 with Zu Mobius, except airier and much faster. Killer with clasiscal music! Gotta go.

The "braided white cable" (BWC) doesn't muck up the 010 sound as much as my balanced Blue Dragon. Too bad I ordered the balanced Blue Dragon first.

The sensas are the same regarding isolation. Most people, including myself, find the isolation not as "sound proof" as, say my E3C with foamies. However, this is not an issue for me because the isolation is more than good enough with music playing. This is actually a "feature" as you can somewhat carry a conversation by turning off the music without removing them. Congrats!

Congratulations on the balanced reference! BTW, does your reference have balanced inputs? Just asking because I believe the G07 only has single-ended outputs. Rumor has it that the the balanced reference/balanced PS-1 combo is especially synergistic and you own both

No sov. We are not trying to be a bad audience. Actually, I love balanced headphones (unlike you ) so I am kinda excited. I love balanced setups so much I am building a second rig for our family room. I prefer solid state for that role as it is kid safe, but this new one from Rudi has tubes (which I prefer for sound) that are INSIDE the chassis -- me like very much thank you!

Didn't you and Rudi declare at one time that balanced is not the way to go? Why the change of heart? Isn't balanced only used in professional settings like a studio, to minimize noise and cross-talk (never mind that Meridian, BAT, Stax, etc. have been offering fully balanced rigs for quite some time)?

Welcome Yikes! BTW, your goodbye thread is still up in the other forum.

The 10 week lead time doesn't bother me if the retermination is free, especially if you can reterminate your stock headphone cable or borrow one from you while waiting

This retermination thing from the factory is silly anyways, if the fee is $50 as in the Zu Mobius. I was able to sell my single-ended Equinox at a lost less than $50. Same for my single-ended Zu Mobius. So, even taking shipping into account, it is more cost-effectve to sell the single-ended then get a brand new XLR version if you are upgrading from a single-ended to balanced rig. What PFK is getting at is that the price differential between single-ended and balanced Equinox is $100. So, even if you don't have a single-ended version to begin with, it is cheaper to buy single-ended then reterminate to XLR yourself. I asked Stefan Audio why the hefty price differential and was given the "different configuration" and more expensive connectors excuse. This "trick" does not really work with the Zu Mobius as the XLR and single-ended versions cost the same.

Well, if you don't believe in the snake oil, why even bother getting an Equinox? I mean, I did a head to head comparison with stock and Zu Mobius -- all balanced, and the Equinox and stock are pretty close to begin with. EDIT: If you are referring to the Grace Five Two, based on reports, that is probably the better match for your MPX3 anyways. With a balanced solid state amp (blockhead), my money is on the Equinox.

Who said it is not physically possible? Any idiot looking at it would know it is possible. However, I expect the manufacturer to do so for a nominal fee. BTW, Stefan Audio claims that it uses proprietary, patented soldering technique (so-called "Ultra-Solder Process") to build the Equinox. If you reterminate it yourself, you no longer have an "Equinox" cable. Although this special technique is most likely snake oil anyway, I wouldn't purchase an Equinox that has been reterminated outside the factory.