Henry Vu

Dean, every thought of a lower output class a amps for horn or high efficiency users?

She has a really interesting back story too. I rate her much higher then monotone Krell

Its still subjective, you've spent 40 years training your taste buds to accept that as "quality." At the end of the day, some people dont appreciate things that others do. I agree that a persons point of reference and experience will affect their judgement, but its still much too subjective, the "help" you get along your jouney will also "cloud" your subjective judgement, just like that test that showed many of the younger generation prefer lower bitrate mp3.

Its still a hardware test then, but I would be personally interested in reading about impressions of the dCS and the kdac. At any rate, I prefer to digest my music through earbuds from my ipod on the move :o

Its all about the balance! and giving us an excuse to do something with our money/time. In regard to the OP question, I think a quality watt is just one that you think sounds nice, whether its produced from a leben, a naksa, a ME or a sherwood receiver.

Looks like a hotted up 3?

Sorry Andrew. Its clearned now

I find the k701 to sound a bit "plasticy" in the detail game its a step above the hd650 though. The hd650 itself is a great phone, but its a bit bloated in the bass. Most headphones are a compromise. My suggestion is, buy stax

Im guessing that was the "thicker, slower but more powerful one?"

No, not personal experience, but they have all been around for ages and are all sponsors of head-fi (except elusive disk). Some of them may not post certain brands to Aus however, so bear that in mind. Maybe have a look at audio-technicas if headphones hurt your head, the wing system means that very little pressure is actually placed at the top of your head.

they are all reputable sites.

No difference between the 702 and the 701 other then the colour and also the 702 has a detachable cable. Other then that they have the same drivers housing etc.

I think thats important Bill, the ML1 let you enjoy (or not enjoy) other parts of your audio chain.

I believe it means you basically skip output sections of each respective device and feed the next item in the food chain a direct signal.

mmmm, custom el34 push pulls, I have said it before, the ml1 have a pretty low self coloration, so I think choosing a "good" amp is important as the ml1's take on the amps characteristics. If I had to choose list the criteria for a "ml1 amp" it would have tubes (personal preference) and have at least 45w. If I went SS I'd have probably want at least 100w... I think I have a greater tolerance for low level listening through tubes, where on ss I want to "crank it to 11."

I am not sure about the t3, but my rel doesnt really play nicely about 50hz

What about some of the higher sensitivity full range drivers? If you're not game on building a cab yourself, perhaps something like the Omega range?

There is a few dacs over here on the west coast, and most owners are friendly enough to have you over. Where abouts in Perth are you anyhow?

My advice to you is to just go listen to some different things. You would be surprised how good some of the older chips sound, such as the TDA1541/1543 or some of the AD chips. Unless you have heard some of these dacs yourself, its pure speculation.

Yep Mario, IMO I think the output stage is more important then the actual chipset itself, its really all about its implementation, for me that trumps whether or not it will accept a 192 bit file. Redbook is totally acceptable to me.

btw to the op, my previous comment was in regards to the pdx, it also uses the 1704. So, it will accept a 192 signal because of the receiver chip but wont actually process anything above 96.

I believe the PDX has the same chipset, so you wont have any love that way either.

if it uses the 1704, my guess would be that no it cannot process 192. The receiver chip probably accepts 192 but the dac wouldnt be doing anything with the extra.

JD, where would you consider some of the audio-gd lineup in your impression of things. Seems like with the budget presented, you could go as far as the audio-gd dac 7. There is also a Perth member that has one who may let the OP audition it.

The E4P. I should add that I am currently traveling which may have a lot to do with it I do think though that I am "enjoying" more music. My home source is fairly unforgiving of poor mastering/recording jobs which detracts from a lot of the music that I would at least like the option of listening to.