n_maher

yup yup

Well, if all goes to plan the only thing you'll end up seeing is the display. The form factor of the newer units actually was problematic for what I have planned and I've been looking for a gen1 or gen2 SB for a year now. It has occasionally ran w/ a sigma11 power supply but since it's only being used as a transport right now it's bone stock. The sigma makes a big difference on the analog outputs but I haven't really tried to listen for a difference on the digital output. I had/have? plans to mod it somewhat but I'm trying to get something resembling a "completed" rig done at some point so I didn't want to take one of my two sources off line.

I wouldn't mind but my DIY schedule is packed for the foreseeable future. Of course there's another guy in NH who might have time and is better known for doing that type of stuff than I am. omg - motmotmotmotmotmotmotmotmotmotmot

Original wireless squeezebox - let the modding begin...

If I can find a set for reasonable $$ it'll happen.

Haven't woodied a set of 225s.... yet.

The Senns are just generally more affordable. I wouldn't bother with either the 80's or 125's which will run you as much as the 580s. I didn't care for stock 225s or 325s either and those will cost you every bit as much as the 650s. So yes, the Grados aren't as good for the $$ IMO.

I second that recommendation, mine has been working quite well once I got it loaded with music.

Even if they look it up in the Audio Blue Book I'd wager a guess that it's nowhere near current with regard to the pricing of rare items like this, if it has them at all.

Leftover chicken burrito from last night's dinner, yum.

I suggest the following revision. (> 'vv')>

Not really, he's just got one crazy-ass friend. Ask him about his portable rig for further proof.

Outsatnding, Dan!

Jim, You might just consider having your current RAL cable reterminated and get a matching adapter made so that you can use that cable both balanced and single-ended. Should save you some cash.

If I had to downsize a rig with a budget of $500 I think I'd do the following, all of which would be used. Source: Definitely go the computer as source model, several good suggestions for this so far with the 0404USB and M-Audio Transit. Both available used with some regularity and I have to admit, at work I as pretty happy with the AV710 - that might not be an option for you. Cables: Absolutely go the DIY route here, you can find good (actually great) cables for cheaper than cheap. There's even a few idiots who if asked nicely will make a set of cables for the cost of parts. Amp: Once again, I'd think the DIY used market would be the place to go for any bargain hunter. You can probably find a "home-type" PIMETA in the range of $100 to $150 and it'll just about as good as most commercial ~$400 amps. But since at this point you've spent less than half your budget I'd suggest splurging a bit and trying to get a used PPA. You might find either a V1 or possibly a V2 in the range of $200 to $250, that's an absurd amp for that kind of money. There's also the outside chance that you could find an M3 in the upper end of that range, but those are more rare from what I see. Also, do yourself a favor, if you're looking at a used DIY amp research the builder. I'm starting to lose count of the number of amps that I've had to rebuild for other people as a result of abhorrent build quality. Cans: Best value for the dollar, assuming you don't universally dismiss them, is the HD580. Still available for ~$125 you could pick up a HD650 cable and 600 grills if you really wanted to. So my math says that works out to be about $150 + $250 (max) + $150, right at your target budget and there are ways to shave a bit here and there if you really wanted too.

[snobby American]Bwaaaaaaaaaahahahahahaha[/sA]

Has to be one of the worst produced/recorded albums I've ever heard. The material has potential but its implementation is so awful it's one of the few albums I deleted from my collection.

Took a while, but I finally got it and once I did I was glad to have taken the time.

I wonder if it's a sample rate issue?

Ok, I've never heard any of Walker's stuff so I'll give this a listen after lunch. We'll see which camp I fall into. And, Jay, I haven't heard enough of Massive Attack to pass final judgment but I also wasn't so impressed with Mezzanine that I raced off to get the rest of their collection. If you'd like to give a recommendation of what to listen to next I'm all ears.

If/when you get ready to order some let me know. With my incoming W5k's I might be up for splitting shipping or some such arrangement.

Phish - I worked with them on and off for 5 years and they were never anything more than entertaining. All the while people around me were gaga about something they did, but I just never got it. Massive Attack - Some of it is really, really good, but mostly it strikes me as uneven.

Congrats on the SB3 Haj, coupled with the 840c acting as a DAC I bet you'll be pretty pleased.

Happy Birthday, Haj, hopefully I'll have good news for you tomorrow.

*cough*Capitole*cough*