What would be a good portable Dac/Amp to use with my HD6xx and Sony Xperia 1 V cell phone?
I am new to this hobby. I purchased a HD6XX and plan to use it with my Sony Xperia 1 V cell phone, that has a 3.5mm jack. I was wondering if I needed a portable dac/amp or just a portable amp and if so what would one recommend? Any assistance one could provide, would be greatly appreciated. Kind regards, Haz
Mar 7, 2024
Anyone know if there would be a big difference between the DV and MK2 with the upgraded tubes? I use HD6XX and mainly game/listen to Rock/Mashups.
Completely different amps. I have (and enjoy) both. The Darkvoice is a much more powerful amp and uses better tubes. I use the DV for my higher impedence headphones which the little dot struggles with.
I do love the little dot however with the right tubes. I have c3g tubes (with a c3g to 6ak5 adapter) for the drivers and use 6sn7s for the power tubes (with 6sn7 to 6n6p adapters). This makes for a wonderfully detailed sound that works well for my lower impedence cans as well as my planars.
About the headphones: I tend to favor warmer cans like the 6xx, so I may not be the best person to ask...but here goes... Have you tried the hifiman HE4xx? Like the AKG 702, the bass is tight (certainly present, but not dominant), but it is overall (to my ears) a bright headphone. It's similar to the 702, but more energetic and more forward mids. It will pair better with an OTL amp like the Darkvoice than the 702.
I actually tend to like vintage headphones more than current models. If you are willing to go that route, one of my favorite "bright" headphones is the Sennheiser HD540 (there's a 600ohm and 300ohm version). There's also newer version (HD540 II). There are subtle differences between the versions but they are all great. IMO the 540's are one of the best headphones Sennheiser ever made. There's a great thread on headfi that does a great job describing them (the first post is well worth reading) https://www.head-fi.org/threads/wow-sennheiser-hd-540-reference-are-so-good.670255/
If you are interested in these, you'll need to be patient until one shows up at a reasonable price. I would pay up to $150 for one in NM condition (they are out there...I've picked up 2 mint pairs for just under $100).
You may also want to try a beyerdynamic dt880 (600 or 250 ohm versions). This is a great neutral headphone (definitely bright with less pronounced bass).
Actually what is mean by "brighter" is, I own several headphones that are on a brighter side which are AKG K712, Beyerdynamic DT990 600ohm and a Grado mod with Symphones Magnum V8 drivers on wooden cups. These headphones are tend to be on a brighter sound signature though their bass is tight it is not dominant. I'm looking for a Tubes that are on a warmer sound so that maybe they can tame the brightness somewhat and help improve the bass department. BTW sorry for my bad english.
I'll check out the Sennheiser HD540 i'm intrigue after you told me that there are the best headphones Sennheiser ever made.
Where can i get these Tung Sol 5998? i checked ebay but the prices right now are ridiculously expensive.
In some of my earlier posts I recommended the 7236 which sounds very close to a 5998 and is often MUCH cheaper. I've paid as little as $10 for one. I love the sound of a 7236 (in fact it's currently plugged into my Darkvoice).
For warm tubes, you may want to try any of the following: Ken-Rad vt231 (staggered plates, black glass), National Union (Admiral and Silvertone versions are identical and much cheaper) 6sn7gt (black glass), any of the Sylvania tubes from 40's to mid-50's, RCA jan-6sn7gt or vt231 (grey glass), and my favorite by far (but harder to find and generally overpriced) the Brimar cv1988 tubes (just be careful of Russian fakes which have a cheaper look to them with Brimar written on the glass... Google it to see examples). It will take a while to find a reasonably priced Brimar, but it's well worth keeping it on your radar. The other tubes I listed here can usually be found for under $30.
This thread on headfi is an excellent resource for all 6sn7 tubes. I refer to it often: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the-reference-6sn7-thread.117677/
BTW, NO need to apologize for your English. First of all, it's excellent. Second, like a typical american, the only language I know is English. At least you know more than just your native language... something we Americans need to do more of.
Whoa! thanks for the update i'll check it out, maybe i will get it, but i also need a 5998..