Iron_Dreamer

Yes, I really do. Using both single-ended with identical DIY interconnects into a switchable amp, I can tell no difference between the two, upsampling on or not (assuming both are on the same setting). As I've stated before, perhaps a much more expensive speaker rig might be able to ferret out some difference, but I certainly have not been able to. Considering that the two have the same receiver, ASRC, and DAC chips, along with the same filter and output stages (only halved in the case of the DA100 as there is no balanced output), I really would expect them to sound very similar. Now the 220 does have dual transformers for digital and analog power, whereas the 100 uses a combined one. The DA100 does actually have a lower noise floor, because it combines the +/- outputs of the DAC to drop the noise floor, whereas the DA220 keeps them separate for balanced output. But again, considering the s/n ratio of both, it's not an audible difference, unless you like to crank up a high gain amp with high efficiency headphones and check out the background noise

Not in any major way I'm aware of. They tweaked the filter stage between the DAC chip and output stage. I've not been able to find any other differences from examining high res pics of the MkII that would effect the sound quality. Of course the only reports I've seen are from folks who've only heard both at a dealer or such, and claimed there was a major difference in sound (also thought the DA100 was a lot worse than the DA220, a load of BS based on my listening).

I'd be extremely surprised if it were significantly more detailed, since the only differences from the MkI are a slight change to the filter circuit (added one dual-channel opamp), the additional USB input, the lack of heatsinks on the output transistors, and a new brand of relays.

As they've said, (if you can afford it) why not? The KGSS DX sounded great with the HE90 when I listened to it at the last LA meet. I actually preferred it to the ES1, though I think that would be a matter of flavor. Absent the tube obsession, it's the best e-stat amp out there.

Cheers, the toaster flames on again!

It's just a terminology issue. There are only two wires per side of the HD650 cable. One wire on each side (that connected to the sleeve, or ground connection of the stock 1/4" plug) should be put to pin 3 of each XLR. The other wire on each side (that had connected to the ring or sleeve of the stock 1/4" pug) should go to pin 2 of each XLR. Simple as that. One thing, don't forget to put the end cap of the XLR onto the wire before you solder the connectors, otherwise you have to do it all over again! I've done this a couple of times and always felt like a fool once I realized what I'd done.

I think he's referring to the Stello

Interesting comparison, the results sound somewhat familiar

Whew, that's a great sounding hi-rez unit! Whatcha gettin' next, Pete?

Thanks again, and welcome to Head-Case!

I was thinking of you when I saw that listing, esp. since it's in the Bay Area. Good luck there. May the heaviest source conquer 'em all

'had me fooled as well!

Unless you want to end up spending your life's earnings on cable voodoo, I wouldn't be too concerned with the effect of a common nickel-plated connector. You could always just get XLR-RCA cables that need no adapter. This is what I did when I had the Lavry (of course I made them), but that way you can have any ol' connectors you want. Neutrik Profi RCA and silver-plated XLR for me!

Hey man, great to see you're really into them as well! I've definitely had some great experiences so far, and hit a couple of alums they have great synergy with. That DT track is one of my commonly used test tracks, esp. for drums!

LOL Alex, you sig bully! Comparing them directly with the W5000, the lower midrange to upper bass is quite a bit more. Balanced, the W5k's bass comes a bit closer, but the lower midrange area is still a bit lacking. The W5k does have better treble extension, and a bit more precision to the soundstage, along with a certian bite to the upper midrange (no doubt due to its' coloration) an effect which is nonetheless welcome with a lot of the music I like. I do think I prefer the tone of the JPN for classical music. They are both certainly excellent but different headphones, and I love the variety.

Yeah, the midrange tone definitely reminds me of the L3000. Of course these don't have that kind of monster bass, but what does? Actually I was surprised by the bass on these guys, it's better than I had expected. Most people had me thinking these headphones were a one-trick pony (i.e. all midrange), but the whole spectrum is presented in a very pleasing fashion.

After nearly a year with the W5000, it was time for some new woodie love! I wasn't sure if I would like them soundwise, based on the many various comments, but I'm liking what I'm hearing so far. What a great midrange!

I've bought both of mine used off Audiogon. One guy I know told me that he got his MkII for a lot less than the list price by going through Hifi500, but I know someone who got shot down trying it that way. But I guess it's worth a shot.

Another nifty feature of the DA220 are the digital outputs, which can output a signal from a digital input other than the one the DAC is playing back at any given time. I really don't think there is any sonic difference between the two, though there might be with the DA220mkII, as it has a slightly different digital filter section than the 100 and 220mkI. Of course a mkII will probably be more expensive at this point in time, but they don't call it an upgrade for nothin' right? And BTW you can get suitable XLR-RCA adapters at Guitar Center for $6.

Yep, you just described the K271S in a nutshell. They, like nearly all AKG headphones have a low sensitivity, so despite their low impedance, they take a high volume position. And of course they suck a ton of current out of your amp, relative to other headphones, so they become doubly demanding. I pity the fool using K271's out of an ipod.

LOL

It still sounded better than the DAC1 in my system, using the $6 adaptors.

Oh, I didn't buy them, that was just at a meet, so I wasn't going to waste any time listening to them more to find out the exact degree to which I didn't like them. The DT250-80 came off the same way.

I put them on and couldn't make it through one song. Bass bloat galore, they're the headphone version of the UE SF5 EB. I can see the appeal of the form factor and looks, but the sound just didn't do it for me at all.

This sounds a lot like the "HD6x0 are the best headphones ever IF you have xxx super-expensive, over-powered amp," talk that was started by Headroom and seemed to be all the rage a year or so ago.