Scriberex

Two more things potential buyers may want to consider is the fact that: The new miniPod will cost US$249. That's about US$100 more than the rumor sites had posited. It will offer 4 gigabytes of capacity on its hard drive. By comparison, the entry-level iPod now costs US$299 and has 15 gigabytes of disk space. The miniPod's cost per gigabyte is US$62.50. In the entry-level iPod, it's about US$20. The lifespan of the ipod battery about 500 charge/discharge cycles (estimated at 18 months) has also been a big area of criticism. Check out http://ipodsdirtysecret.com/ for a hoot, and http://ipodbatteryfaq.com/ for the more positive view. Apple has recently *kindly* offered users an extension of 1 year warranty for S$108, which includes battery replacement if it conks out within 2 years of purchase of ipod. But woe be you if it conks out a week after the 2 year period.

I emailed Jan, who replied as follows: Oehlbach headphone cable + shipping = EUR 45,- / USD 55,- In combination with a headphone the price reduces to EUR 25,- / USD 30. Looking forward to hearing Lengcm's and Rameish's opinions. Wonder how it will fare against the Zu Mobius and Silver Dragons, the two favorites at Head-fi, which costs 4x the price.

Bought this Sony PCDP way back in 1995 during a trip to Japan, used it quite a bit then eventually it got chucked among various paperbags and memorabilia and faded into obscurity. Thankfully, I had removed the battery or the compartment would have been coroded. During a recent Christmas spring-cleaning, managed to dig it up and it spluttered back to life with a pair of fresh Energizers. Amazingly, after the numerous drops and long hybernation, it works as good as new. Apart from some discoloration at the edge of the case, and scratches on the print, the titanium look casing is still looking pretty spiffy. Soundwise, I'm pretty impressed, but have not compared it with the latest models. It has no problems powering any of my portable cans from the headphone out or lineout. Currently using it with my Supermini v3, Fishball's mini i/c and ATH-EW9 through the line-out. After listening to the EW9s, don't think I'll ever go back to the PX100s. With this setup, female jazz vocals are lush and warm, belted out with conviction. The EW9s really bring out the best in percussions with plenty of bass, but accurate, clear bass, not at all bloated. I especially love the clarity and accuracy of percussion instruments (e.g. the fast bass and bongos in Cachaito's album, Marc Anthony's album "Libre"). Guitars are rendered very lifelike, fast and sparkling. Portability-wise, frankly not very. Back in 1995, Sony's ESP shock protection was good for about 12 seconds. Not for jogging, I think. Ipod works better. Being clip-ons, the EW9 don't isolate and are not for walking around in noisy environments. Fishball's mini i/c works great, but frankly, I can't make any definitive comments about its sonic qualities. Tried to compare it with the freebie i/c that came with my Sonic Gear computer speakers, but can't really point out any major differences. Maybe one of those with more experienced ears may want to do a blind test to compare it with the other existing mini i/cs during the meet. Cheers! Scriberex

Bummer, As long as the computer is running Win 2000/ME and above (not Win 98), plugging in the Ipod should allow you to use it as an external hard-drive (without having to pre-install any program). You will be able to drag and drop files in and from the ipod from the Windows Explorer like any other hard-drive. The limitations however are: 1) If you are using USB 1.1, you better plug in the other cable to charge at the same time as the battery gets zapped pretty quickly when syncing with computer. 2) If you want to load songs into the ipod for playback, you can't just drag and drop from Windows Explorer. You need to do it through one of the various programmes like i-tunes or Ephpod (my favorite). As work around, I just save the Ephpod programme files into the ipod and run it from Windows Explorer when I am using a different pc than my main home pc. 3) If you're a mac user (like N@z?) and want to download songs from a PC to the ipod, bit more complicated as you need to copy the songs into your ipod hard-disk (cannot playback), go home to your Mac, then access and download the songs through iTunes software. Cheers!

maybe.. depends on postman Risk being stoned by all the Ety lovers!

N@z, the Dock has a line-out, and does not require external power to work. But you can plug in a firewire cable with dock connector to the Dock that allows you to charge the ipod at the same time. It ships with 20/30/40 GB ipods, but you can pick it up at some Apple Shops. If you're talking about the inMotion Portable iPod Speakers, they run on batteries, but also has an option to be powered by external power, which allows you to charge the ipod at the same time. Cheers!

I can bring my NAD542, X-can v3 (with Mullards), my old lost then found Sony D-330 PCDP, DT880s, shures... Can some one bring any commendable interconnects for me to try out? E.g. Kimbers, Tara Labs, DNM Reson Bullets, DIY i/cs, etc. N@z, I'm also keen to have a go at your Supermicro to compare with my Supermini v3, pur-lease...

Hi N@z, could you put me down to come too, subject to work duties. Thanks.

Update: We've got 2 interested parties for Grado flat pads, 1 interested party for Ety tips/filters and Grado adapter, and a most likely order for an E3C (pending reviews), anyone else interested? Lastest call... by this weekend... PS: Calling all Ety, Grado and Shure users, in the interest of aural hygiene, replace your foamies and pads for the New Year!

Another comparision of E3C, ER4P and E5C, this time by lindrone. mmmmm... http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showthread....&threadid=54331

Last call for sharing order to Todd the Vinyl Junkie.... By the way, if you own a Shure E2/E1/E5, Grado or Etymotic ear/headphone, you may want to consider joining in to pick up your replacement pads, eartips, filters, foamtips, etc. http://www.toddthevinyljunkie.com/products...e%20Accessories

I'm no expert on stereo plug splitter SQ degradation, but I just got one of these from Apple Orchard recently for my ipod.. http://www.xtrememac.com/foripod/ishare.shtml Headphones are a solidary hobby, with this you can share... You can(not) also get a S$2 stereo splitter plug from some computer shops in Sim Lim or Funan. I got one some time ago, fell apart after 2 days (Don't flame me for the non-audiophillic recommendation!!!) (Imagine spending hundreds of dollars on CD player, Interconnects and headphones, then stick one of these in your headphone jack!!! ) On 2), check out http://www.headphone.com/layout.php?topicI...ctID=0000010001 or http://www.headphone.com/layout.php?topicI...ctID=0000010002 And let us know how it sounds when you get it

Thanks everyone for your comments. Anyone got a spare to lend me for audition for a couple of days?

Another suggestion is to try the Shure E2 (about S$171, a little cheaper on ebay) for clarity and isolation, and comfortable foamie tips. Agree that the MX500 is the best buy for that price.

Thanks Belgarion and Headphonecrazy for the suggestions. Will try to borrow a pair to have a listen and compare. Hope there will be lots of cables to try out at the Meet. Cheers! Scriberex

Try www.bluetin.com for Sony Eggo MDR-D66SL at S$158.

Hi, there's a recent discussion on headphones for Ipod here. http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showthread....&threadid=53118 Speaking of Grados, Belgarion is selling his second hand SR80s in case you are interested. http://www.sgheadphones.com/index.php?showtopic=1552 Other headphones that are quite popular for ipods are: Sony EX71, comes in black or white (to match the ipod ), Shure E2, Sennheiser MX500, Sennheiser PX100/PX200, and the Koss KSC-35 (not available in local shops). If you can afford the US$200+ price tag, try the Etymotics ER4P. Just do a search in this forum or head-fi.org to zoom in on the reviews. Happy hunting! Cheers!

Thanks Mackie, esp. for the advice. By the way, cool avatar, but will miss the babe Mmmm... so many cans to try out... so little money....

Hi, thought I'd give an update of how my set-up is coming along. NAD 542> Straightwire Chorus i/c > X-can v3 > Beyer DT880s. I auditioned the NAD541i and 542 (S$550) at Alpha Audio, and frankly my ears couldn't quite tell the difference, esp. since the service staff was quite impatient. It eventually boiled down to: 1) 542 had nicer buttons, slightly nicer profile (rounded edges) 2) What Hi-fi said it was slightly improved from 541i 3) For the price difference of S$25, I figured, what the heck? Probably not very audiophilic rationale (don't flame me!!), but I like By the way, the NADs don't come with a built-in headphone out. I can't give much of an assessment of the 542's qualities, since the sound also depends on the other components and I don't have another CDP to compare. Together with the rest of the setup, the reproduction is accurate, transparent and detailed, in short, musical . The Straightwire Chorus (S$50) was bought together with the X-cans, I figured just to get a decent starter i/c just to get the set-up started until I find a good matching i/c. X-cans v3 - When I brought it home and gave it a prelim listen through the HD590s. Very lively dynamic sound, but definitely bright, esp. on the high frequencies, with an edgey feel to it (Just checked the glossary, I think the sound is grainy). Partly, accentuated by the bright HD590s also, I think. Maybe the other X-can owners can describe the sound better. Sound somewhat mellowed over the burn-in, but it was still there until the tube-roll. Tube-rolling the Xcan After listening to Barradio's tube-rolled Xcan v2 (Mmmm.. nice, thanks!), decided to invest in a pair of Mullards EE88CC (CV2493) to give the Xcan a warmer sound. (Rant: Dunno why Musical Fidelity insists on using the stock Jan Philips tubes when the reviews on the v1 and v2 seem to recommend changing the tubes ) The Mullards come in at least 2 versions - CV2492 and CV2493. According to Frankie (http://www.wellaudiolab.com), the CV2492 (S$55) is more susceptable to vibrations and recommended the CV2493 (S$85). By the way, the X-can v3 tube base does come with stock rubber dampeners, so maybe the CV2492s may be alright as well, dunno! Basically followed the instructions on tube-rolling the X-can v2 http://www.nickdangerous.com/misc/xcans/index.htm as a guide. MMMmmm! Very pleased with the Mullards... Very instanteous relief... the trademark smoothness, warmth was very apparent, even to my untrained ears. Also relieved that the dynamism and liveliness of the X-can is still there. Bass is lively, quick, but not overpowering. Listened to the 5th Element soundtrack "The Diva Dance", for the ear-bleeder test The operatic vocals were smooth but not overpowering, slightly backgroundish most of the track compared to the dominant percussion and techno beat, which was sharp, punchy, fast, but not overpowering. The imaging was pretty awesome. I was hearing a lot more detail than I ever heard. At one point in the track, there is a knocking sound and I kept turning my head each time to see who was coming in Overall, suits my listening tastes - Diana Krall, Emi Fujita, etc., Buona Vista Social Club series. DT880s - Took my time comparing the HD600s and DT880s at Hung Bros, and was won over by the detail and intimacy of the DT880s. Alot has been said about the DT880s so I'll be brief. Also, my impressions are pretty much mixed in with the above on the X-cans. About 170 hrs into the burn-in, the sound has opened up pretty much, I'm hearing more detail and airy openess, great rhythm, timing and pace. The cans love the Mullards. I'm not much of a basshead being mainly a fan of jazz vocals, but am looking forward to hearing a bit more bass with further burn-in (as advised by Mackie, thanks). After picking-up the new DT880s, I had the pleasure of hearing Barradio's set-up the next day, including the Sony CD3000s (about 5 minutes). Bad decision! I don't know much about soundstage, but whatever it is, the Sonys have it!!! I can fully understand what Mackie meant by the DT880s putting you in the audience. By that measure, I reckon the CD3000s will have you sitting beside Diana Krall at the piano. (Do the DT150s give the same impact?) Still love my DT880s, very enjoyable and has great strengths... but the CD3Ks deserve all the praise it receives. That's all folks. Looking forward to auditioning some cables to form the last piece of the puzzle. Sorry for making such a long post. And thanks for the help from the good people here with their advice. If some observations are a bit wonky, feel free to let me know. Cheers! Scriberex

Heh heh, not disputing the great sound of ER4P, though I've yet to listen to them. In case the ER4P users are interested in trying out the reportedly comfortable Shure E3C tips, they fit, according to Sugarfried from Shure. http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showthread....&threadid=52871

H N@z, sorry. I meant, if I decide to get a better portable amp than the Supermini v3 I have now. But pl. don't bother if it is too troublesome. Don't want to put you out of your way.

Hi N@z, could you comment on how much the Supermicro improves on the Supermini v3 and the Porta Corda II? I have a Supermini v3 and am curious about what other ultra portable upgrade options are available.

Hi N@z, Sure, will post him a query on this. Will your ER4P be next on your X'mas consolidation sale?

Hi, I'm thinking of ordering the new Shures E3C from Todd the Vinyl Junkie http://www.toddthevinyljunkie.com/ , one of the Head-fi sponsors, who confirmed that he will be stocking the Shures E3C (the new E1 replacement) by end Dec or early Jan. He stated that he will offer his current 10% discount off the Shures' retail price of US$179 if I contact him to order (dunno when the offer expires though, presumably soon ). See below. If anyone wants to place an order for the Shures E3C or any other products from Todd, and interested in sharing shipping costs to Singapore, please drop me a PM. Todd is now offering a 10% off all headphones, turntables and cartriges, and has a 30 day return policy. Cheers! Scriberex (organiser of ill-fated powerbuys ) ________________________________________ HI Scriberex, The E3c will be shipping out at the end of this month or early January. I have them on order and will post more info on them soon. You can call me and place an order and I will give you 10% off of the headphone, so yes, the discount will apply. it looks like they will be $179 before the discount. that is the word I received on pricing from Shure. Shure has made a new ear tip for the E3c that will work with the E5c that is a very nice, comfortable tip. I think it improves the sound as well! These will also be available and shipping at the same time as the E3c. I highly recommend them to anyone who has Shure headphones. Todd