Interesting review, especially because i'm torn between getting an iDSD2 (blacklabel) or IDAC2. What is however interesting is that some of the comparisons you made seem to be exactly opposite to the findings of other people (including iFi/AMR engineers) so that makes it pretty complicated and...

  That's the impression I got from reading about it, however it's not the experience I had when trying it. Makes me wonder if it's maybe a bad match with my preamp, although that doesn't seem very likely either. Or maybe I got a bad unit? But it doesn't sound *bad* in any specific area, it's...

Am I the only one who finds the Pono to sound sub-par for a hifi component? When connected to my hifi system, the Pono sounds lackluster, veiled and low in dynamics when compared to my HRT MusicStreamer Pro (which is a good DAC, but shouldn't be out of Pono's league as much as it appears to...

A CEO resigning prior to the product launch is unlikely to be a good thing. A musician taking his place is even less of a good thing. As is typical for Pono, the backers of the project are not being kept informed, let alone involved. I wonder what the conflict was about that made the CEO step...

I think the main thing that keeps me from biting is the delivery time. 9 months is a lot of time to have other devices appear and to maybe regret buying it before you even have it. But I'll definitely keep an eye on it and perhaps buy it later, if it turns out to really be a great device. Even...

  LOL. Yes you are a special and unique snowflake indeed! And so far you're doing a great job at not telling anyone about it! :D Now please cooperate as we gently escort you to the white van.

Perhaps, but is that the point? If the result is better masters of my favorite music being available, then I don't really care if the artists endorsed it because they are enthusiastic about how it sounds or because they can sell more albums that way. Although I think the artists involved are...

I see a lot of criticism (not just here) about this device being 'too expensive', and I have a hard time seeing what thats based on. Compared to what exactly, is 300$ expensive for a 128gb DAP that plays hires music and comes with a top of the line DAC and (supposedly) quality audio components...

As an alternative to soundcards, a good asynchronous USB dac will wipe the floor with just about any internal soundcard when it comes to SQ. So unless you need the extra options that a soundcard gives I'd take that into consideration.

I think the Hiface will definately give a better SPDIF signal than an internal or onboard soundcard will, mostly due to less jitter and probably less interference aswell. It being asynchronous should prevent the extra jitter caused by using the PC as the clock.  

Since you are posting this in Source forum I would say a good DAC is essential. Working asynchronous from the PC clock if at all possible. However for 100$ you won't find much of anything that qualifies as audiophile kit. Maybe get lucky on ebay.  

After not being able to get a proper fit/seal with the default tips I ordered bothcomply tx500 and sony hybrids. Both fit and seal, which makes me wonder why sennheiser couldnt get this right.. Comply is most comfortnable and by far the best solation. Bass gets maybe too big with them, eq'ing...

Thanks for this thread!   The backwards bi-semi-flange-mushroom-thingy with a single flange silicone covering over it gives me the best seal Ive had with the IE8. Stock tips that came with it gave me a lot of frustration: I couldnt get a full seal with any of them, the only ones that came...

I doubt faking budget-phones leaves an interesting enough margin to take the trouble it takes to fake them. How do they sound?

I have a K518DJ since a few years but I cant listen to them. Sure it packs a punch but its the most bass-bloated headphone I've used. Extremely warm and the bass drowns out any details, if they were there to begin with. I like a good bass but having heard these phones made me worried to buy...