I just got a new pair of Grado SR-325is from Audio Advisor and it seems that they have changed the metal on the phones to chrome? I thought they were supposed to be brushed aluminum? I think the chrome looks a little cheap compared to the brushed aluminum (Anyone else have chrome?). Also can...

I first make a point, Im asking about DACs, Amps and Headphones, I don't see a sense as why to make 3 posts in different forums, I hope I find this forum to be the appropiate one, or could it be simply as to make the question "Matrix M-Stage vs Audio-GD C2 for all-around listening price wise?"...

Hi, I have a couple of random things lying around and am interested in upgrading my computer based music station. I live in a two floor studio/loft apt and the smaller upstairs space is where I will be putting all this together. Set up thus far:   Computer > Blue Circle USB thingee...

I'm thinking about venturing into headphone hifi. I listen to my music for about 4-6 hours a day so why not spend some money on it to enjoy it even more.  At the moment i'm thinking about buying either a DT990/250 or an HD650. I am looking for an amplifier that will drive these headphones...

While I enjoy the sound of my LD1+, the intermittent hisses and cracks from the tubes make it difficult to listen to solo piano and other quiet jazz recordings. I've tried cleaning the contacts, replacing tubes, etc. but the amp simply isn't quiet enough.   My preffered tube is an RCA 6AK5...

I currently power my D2000s from a Little Dot I+ (with Mullard M8083 & LT1364). The combination sounds excellent. However, I have always wondered how the D2000s would pair with a SS amp. I read about several amps and narrowed my search to  Matrix M-stage v2 and Gilmore Lite (I have been looking...

My girlfriend has had some financial troubles lately (car broke down) and recently had to sell her DT990/600s. Being the loving boyfriend that I am, I think its important that she is able to enjoy music. Plus, I feel partially responsible for stringing her out on the audiophile needle. Perhaps...

1) Will I really notice that much difference with my source (X-Fi Fatalty) going from a PA2V2? 2) Is the only place to buy it coolfungadget's website or coolfungadget's eBay store, which both appear to be in China which totally turns me off? 2a) If not, where else can I buy it? (already...

I will be buying the Matrix M-Stage amplifier, and plan on putting it on top of my computer.  Is there anything wrong with this?

I had Matrix M-Stage and AKG K701 phones. I wasn't satisfied with Matrix, because stock model didn't have sound stage at all, and was dull and sterile. After few mods (changing opamp and capacitors) there was improvement in deepness, but low frequency didn't have precision and had too much...

Well gentlemen, I have found that my Marantz integrated is no longer providing enough juice to support my new cans. And I'm not looking for my first Headphone Amp   It will be used to drive my Fostex T50RPs, a set of ortho cans. Source will be from a Pioneer CD player and a Parasound DAC...

I own a Fiio E7, and will most likely (scratch that WILL) get the E9. I'd still like the option to use the E7 purely as a DAC and perhaps later on get something like the Matrix M Stage to power the K701 and DT990/600 (It's already shipped out, just waiting till it gets here).   I know the...

Well Head-Fi, you have done it again. I was all set to get the M-Stage for my 701s due to the overwhelming praise for that combo. I have a Peachtree Decco2 that I believe may not quite be up to the k701 task. Anyways, even though I already made up my mind about the M-Stage I was reading Skylab's...

Title says it all!

...to power my AKG K701, along with an Ibasso D4 DAC (which I already have).  Can't wait to hear how it sounds.  I'll post impressions soon.    

Firstly, apologies for the billionth AKG 701 amp recommendation thread!   I spent a lot of time here and decided that both of those amps would be a great match for the K701s. Being new to these things I do not want to make another mistake of buying something that is not ideal. (purchased a...

I've heard that HLLY's listing is a clone of the clone.  Who is a reputable dealer from which to buy the Matrix M-Stage?

I wanted to start out by thanking all those here on the forums.  Its amazing how much information is on here - I've spent a VERY LONG TIME reading through it.  You guys are great and I just haven't been a part of the discussion so here goes...   First off a couple bullets to keep in mind for...

I know there are tons and tons of threads on this topic, believe me I'm reading a lot of them. I thought something more current might help some newer head-fier's out.   (ahem, me for starters i guess)   To keep the thread respectable, there's a given list of what two amps (users can...

After reading all the high praise I ordered a Matrix M-Stage from David Gao at Hllyaudio and got this reply:   "Can you wait for two weeks, the new version will be available soon. The sound will be better."   Needless to say this was the first I had heard of a new version, seeing as this...

Is this still reputedly the M^3?   This is including the cost of getting it built, not DIY by the way.

Hey all!   Just wondering, seen as though the Grados are low impedance, do they still benefit from a nice amplifier? If so, which amp should I be looking at to accompany the RS1/HF2 or MS PROs I am looking at getting? Music I listen to is mainly Indie/Rock (Vampire Weekend/The Foals/Kings of...

Hi, I would like a suggestion to an amp for these headphones. Whats the best/ideal amp until 200$ maximum?   Thnx in advance

Hey everyone,   I recently bought the AKG K701 headphones, and so far I am loving them.  I recognize the need for an amp with these headphones, and I have narrowed it down to these two.  While I have heard great things about both of them, I have yet to come across a thread where they are...

Can anyone please reccomend me a budget Hd 800 amplifier? I can spend up to 400 usd but the lower, the better. Thanks!