padam

Yes I know, but the asynchronous data transfer should provide an advantage on 16bit as well. Or maybe I am wrong

Happy Birthday!

I need to set up the Parasound first but it hasn't arrived yet, then decide whether this or the HiFace.

So that's (supposedly) settled, the only thing remaining now is a BNC cable The Buffalo II will be out in a month btw, but it seems that it will not be available as a complete kit at the beginning.

Since I got the Parasound on the way, I will need to find a USB -> S/PDIF converter but I don't need 24/96 (or more) capability anymore. I wonder whether the HiFace is the one to go for or it is just the hype of the month and I am better off with something cheap but I would rather avoid something that is crippling the performance of everything else in the system. I also wonder, is it possible to mod the Parasound to have BNC input?

Here it is, although no foam inserts: GENUINE SONY MDR-CD3000 HEADPHONES ORIGINAL CASE - eBay (item 360223868689 end time Feb-05-10 08:43:04 PST)

I wonder what is the empty part on the left side, I guess upgradeable to true balanced? Also, is it easy to re-wire to 230V? ()

The problem is, do they actually supply parts that are not considered to be user-replaceable? At least I was told before when I asked for an SR-404 Limited cable.

O2s might like to hang on a stand like this

It is already on my hotlist along with a few others but I think close to 400 EUR for an 1100 is too much (that is the one I could find for now), at that price I want the 1600, hope it will pop up.

I am planning to buy the DAC first so it is not that important anyway. Anybody knows something about these? EAD DSP-7000

Yes, I already read further into to the topic, but without extensive modding I cannot use it with I2S which the other one works with that without issues. So the question would be: HiFace via BNC >?< TeraLink-X2 via I2S...

Just noticed another (newest) option just to make it a bit more complicated TeraLink-X2 (pictures here) This has tons of outputs and not limited to 16bit anymore either like the 1st version.

Back onto my PC -> -> Buffalo DAC question: Since I have a desktop PC, I also have the option of using a PCI card, what about the ESI Juli@ which can also be modded for I2S output?

You made a very good deal there, congrats.

I am too sober now to make a picture of wearing it(the vintage colour does add a bit of extra cheerfulness compared to the NB version), but it may pop up elsewhere later on I think it actually sounds better than the two NB Sigmas I had, although I was able to test it on a better amp which only had a Pro bias connector. I am definitely interested in a conversion, although the Pro might be less worthy to sacrifice as it is much rarer

Pity you don't have a clone as you could do it simultaneously with the Pro that I just got - just joking

I still think that it is not so rare. To prove it, there is actually one with a nice amp right here, you just have to outbid the rest who want it as well

From my understanding the 4070 is really good as it is and uses the same 404 drivers so it doesn't make much sense either way around. The only mod that I can remember is Carl fitting in Airbow SC1 drivers to the 4070 and the bass gained serious thump but some time later it was broken

So it could happen that a brand new SR-404 (SR-303?) that has earpads with the newest type of mesh by default sounds a fair bit less edgy than the older ones? I can't imagine why they would make one driver with two variations.

I guess they used to have the 222 (and 222P) derived from the 212 and now this one derived from the 252A, so they just fell in line with the current range but I don't know(the translation is a bit blurry as usual but it might say that), the upcoming better PSU probably helps a fair bit but it will cost as well (and may only work at 100V?). Question is, whether all this cyro stuff works on amps as well since it is said to work on the SR-404.

Little update on the Airbow site, now the driver unit is a SRM-253, they say a PSU is in development. I suppose it isn't as good as the 'bigger' amps while the price remains on the high side. By the way, anybody heard a STAX DAC like this one? Are the any good or they just surpassed by others in this price range?

To make a bit more clear, my question would be: which is the best way to connect a Buff32 to a PC. There is either BNC or I2S as an option, some people say the latter is the way to go as it is 'more modern'. I know there is its own USB->I2S modul as a option but I guess there are better alternatives since that is limited to 16bit. The HiFace looks interesting, as it is made in the EU (Italy).

I guess that is because the meaning of the word 'Standard' can be misinterpreted. Gathered a few more interesting info: Grado HP-1000 Signature Series Drivers -------------------------------------- Trasducer type: dynamic Operating Principle: Open Air Frequency Response: 18-24 kHz Nominal impedance: 40 ohms Drivers matched: 0.05 dB (HP-3 drivers are described as "not matched as closely") Notes: The UHPLC used in the voice-coils of the HP-1000 drivers was also used in the connecting cables. I've read that the factory-equipped Ultra-Wide Bandwidth Grados also used this cord in the voice-coils. This seem to indicate that there may have been as much as three types of drivers (one for every type of signal cord). Some people have stated that there are drivers with inscriptions on the back (i.e. "Joseph Grado Signature Products") and some without any inscriptions. Some Grado SR-200 and SR-100 headphones use the same drivers as the HP-1000 Signature Series. Grado HP-1000 Signature Series Aluminium Earcups ------------------------------------------------ 1st Series: matte surface machined aluminium alloy, flat metal mesh notes: The earcups don't appear as reflective as the later series 2nd Series: shiny surface machined aluminium alloy, flat metal mesh notes: Lettering seems to shine a little bit brighter than the earlier series. The surface on which the lettering is placed seems a tiny bit more narrow than the previous matte series. 3rd Series: shiny surface machined aluminium alloy, domed metal mesh notes: Domed metal mesh appears matte, otherwise similar to 2nd series. HP-1 = Top Model, polarity Switches, verified specs and 0.05 db driver matching HP-2 = verified specs and 0.05 db driver matching HP-3 = verified specs and driver matching "not as well matched as hp-1 or hp-2" To sum it up, there are probably quite a few HP-1000 variations there.

That is correct, more precisely: 1st generation: Unsigned reviewed as: dark, bass firm, treble roll-off (reviewed in The Absolute Sound) 2nd generation: Joseph Grado Signature Ultra-Wide Bandwidth Reference Cable reviewed as: light, bass subdued, treble extended (reviewed in comparison with the "unsigned" cable, The Absolute Sound) notes: developed by Joe Grado as a response to the alleged treble roll-off of the unsigned cable and offered as an upgrade. 3rd generation: Grado Signature Laboratory Standard Audio Cable reviewed as: Sufficient bass and extended highs in comparison with the earlier cables notes: developed by Joe Grado through the accumulated experiences/responses of the two earlier cables to perform as neutral as possible.