WAV is PCM, so is FLAC. DSD is its own format, and R4 has separate audio circuits for playing WAV/FLAC/MP3 (all PCM) and DSD. In my experience the DSD circuit sounds more 'analogue' (warmer, slightly rolled off transients) and the PCM circuit more 'digital' (sharper, cooler, with a hint of...

How would you rate CMA18P vs RS8 head-to-head?

Only if the amp is designed with IEMs (or very sensitive headphones) in mind, with Ultra low-noise circuits. PS. If you're going to desktop-amp IEMs, make sure they're not the sensitive kind. Aura and Trifecta might give you trouble, possibly Jewel. I generally avoid ultra-seneitive IEMs as...

I would have put the Z1RMK2 while we're playing 😎

To be fair, I think prototypes and unreleased IEMs should not be eligible. I'm sure Dio will win outright when it's released, but for now it's taking votes away from products that are actually available. Duality too in case it's up there. Just my 0.02.

I was just about to say...as a bass-first guy I have them the opposite way, though with EXT waaaaay below Xe6. I look forward to hearing VEX sometime this month.

I think he means IEM exhibitor. You know, the only kind that matters 😜

R8 II > OTL > Xe6 Custom = 🤯

Haha, you did tell us! Your love for it was what made me hunt it down in the first place. What do you make of all these reports of audible hiss David? I personally don't hear it, but maybe my IEMs (and ears) aren't sensitive enough?

There's nothing wrong with sharing opinions, but there's a way to do it that doesn't get people riled up or come off as disrespectful and obnoxious. When people start calling out your abruptness, maybe take the hint instead of coming back with even more aggression? I get that this is a...

One last time, if you're going to start calling out established members of this community with aggressive retort, you won't be welcome here much longer. That's the last I'll say on that matter. It's not too late, just learn some basic etiquette. Or, don't. Your call.

Blank statements like that are going to get real old real fast around here. Just some friendly advice. :wink:

Ear caves 😅

That's a bit vague? Which DAPs did you try, and with which IEMs?

Haha, me too! Nothing gets left out the case now, and it's so convenient to have it with me so I don't have to go back and forth if I want to try something else. Yes indeed. The 'secret' to this case that all others don't have is height. It's 10cm tall (still very compact), but this means you...