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$$$$$$$$..... of course . There will always be people who cannot hear any difference (or refuse to believe there are) between either equipment or cables. Lucky people, I say. For the rest who believe that there are differences, the real question to ask is whether the differences are worth it? I can safely say that a $1000 interconnect will not sound 20 times better than a $50 one. But in a top notch system, this costly interconnect might be the final component to bring it all together. Only you are able to determine if the differences are worth coughing out the extra cash for. If you are not able to hear any difference between affordable and more expensive equipment, good for you. Save the money from the equipment and spend it on more music. Isn't that why we are all in this hobby?

This is where I do my listening. This is for music-on-the-go.

Of the IEMS that you have mentioned, the UM2 is the warmest sounding with full bass. Very forgiving of lesser recordings. Comfortable. The Shure E500/530 improves on that with greater detail and more articulate bass. Also very comfortable. The UE TF Pro has a livelier sound signature with less impactful bass than Shures. I found them the least comfortable to keep in my ears and wear. Your ears might be shaped differently. If your criteria is sound quality, portability & convenience, this combination gets my vote: Ipod -> Tomahawk -> Shure E500/530 There is great synergy between the E500 and Tomahawk and the small size coupled with long battery life makes it an obvious choice for me. The ability to run the amp with AAA batts is a bonus! If you plan to run full sized headphones off the rig, the SR-71 and Xin SM get my vote. I have only experience with the earlier versions of the SM amps and base my recommendation on that. With the SR-71, the rig becomes transportable rather than portable and the 9v battery consumption can be taxing. But the sound! That really lights my fire. Try if you can before planting your hard earned money as not all ears hear the same way.

Something like this? http://www.analogreference.com/docks.html

The flats on the RS-1 reduce treble energy but also muddy the sound at the same time. You lose some of the clarity and speed the RS-1 are known for. Bass takes a big, woolly leap forward. Some like this warmish cloud of sound, but its back to bowls for me.

Having to crank up the volume knob to achieve the same volume or dynamic range is often one indication.

2 day old silver colour set for sale. Bought on 9 March 2007. Specifications : http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/summary.php?...%20budget%20amp! Reviews : http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/product_revi...e=Press+reviews The Absolute Sound's Products of the year Awards : Integrated Amplifier of the Year 2006. $480 firm with receipt, unfilled guarantee card, box and all original accessories. Please leave contact. Thanks!

Drop a mail to Zu and explain the problem. Had a similar problem and the customer service was top notch. A replacement cable was sent to me real quick.

As these are officially discontinued, anyone looking for one should make their decision quickly. Last saw one at Hung Bros (SLS) as well.

More impressions please! Are your comments for the duo or just the headamp alone?

If I remembered correctly, I paid $35 as well.

The 325i would be the closest in sound to the MS2i. In my experience, it sounds like a brighter version of the MS2i. The 225 has less bass and is brighter sounding than the MS2i. It is however, not much brighter sounding than the 325i. Depending on matching equipment, the extra treble energy can be too much. Where the 225 trounces the other two is in comfort. The plastic earcups are light and confortable and stay on the head much better than the 325i or MS2i. Should you be thinking of getting another can, I would recommend the 225 as it provides a sound that it not so close to the MS21 sound. As always, try them out and trust your ears.

To offer more food for thought. IMO, the SR-71 and the Supermacros are definitely playing in the same league. Which one you prefer depends largely on preference and the op-amp used in the SMs. Given a choice, I would choose the SR-71 over the SM (v1 & 3 with OPA627) purely on sonic grounds, though they are close. Having listened to it with CD players(full sized, not PCDPs), it holds it's own against many home amps. My comments are based on listening with full sized cans. Between the SR-71 and the Hornet, the same answer still holds. While the Hornet (original version, non-modified) is much smaller, offers built in charging and is sexy as hell, it ultimately does not match the SR-71 sound wise. All said, it adds excitement when used with the UM2. Hope it helps.

Here's what you get with the new (2006) DT880: - lighter in weight (more comfortable) - more refined sounding mids. - improved bass(slightly) - a straight cord vs the coiled one of the older version. - better controlled treble On the other side, you lose: - the extension cord (no big deal as it affects the sound quallity) - the fancy aluminium box (a real shame as it adds to the pride of ownership) In a nutshell, I feel the 06 version is an improvement over the earlier version. At this moment, I believe that you might have some difficulty finding a pre-06 version at retailers now. For the record, I also prefer the current DT880 over the DT990. As always, find an opportunity to listen for yourself and trust your ears.

I have only heard the two earlier Supermacros, so my thoughts are based on that. Both amps are have their own +/- but I would look at it this way: SM - Can find preferred sound through opamp/buffer rolling Impedance switch is great for Ety ER4P owners Bass boost is effective and non intrusive for cans that need the help Hornet - Small size Lighter weight 3 level gain Build quality is great for both but if I had to choose between the two, I would choose the SM (v1&v3) with OPA 627. While the Hornet has a more detailed and punchy sound, I prefer the more 'mature' sound of the SM as configured. Given my cans, the SM's features allow me to make the most of more of them. It is for the same reason I suggested the SR-71 over the SM in the earlier post. YMMV.

The two leading contenders in my books...... Xin Supermacro or Ray Samuel's SR-71. If you consider size, flexibility and features, the Xin will lead the SR-71. On sound alone, the SR-71 does it for me. Both would make excellent choices.

AKG K501 withdrawn. Seller's remorse.

Another headphone for sale.

Updated.

Too many spare items lying around, so it time for some housekeeping. Last item left for sale: Perreaux SXH-1 ($400) Pending http://www.audioenz.co.nz/2003/perreaux_si...ette-sxh1.shtml All items in mint condition wth all original packaging and accessories. Please leave contact number if keen. Mod edit: I edited a couple of the dead links and also made these links easier to launch.

Up, up and away!

Mack, You can find similar ones at New Disc Village for $10 if memory serves me well.

No takers?

CMK, Suggest you check with Gary. Usually prompt and quick in responding. I noticed the imbalance largely in the earlier part of the volume control (am I making sense?). Once you get beyond a certain point, channel imbalance become a non-issue. I understand that this is a common problem that plagues budget pots.

I have never seen the Kimber on sale locally. Here's a link to a source: http://www.headphone.com/products/cables-a...to-mini-1ft.php