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Jimmybuckets
91
Jul 5, 2017
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I have an old pair of HD600 that I have had for close to 20 years. I kept them when I realized that the rest of my high end gear was ruining music for me. I did get in on the hd6xx drop and have been considering a headphone amp or amp dac combo. Was really considering the Fulla but the Pico Power seems like a much better option. I don't know if I would use the dac. Honestly when I "quit" high end audio, I stopped buying music and mostly listen to music services like Google Play music....SO most likely it would be the phone right into the amp being fed from a streaming service. Would the Pico Power be the best choice here? I love dynamics but detail too. Just seems like the Pico Power will get the most out of any source. Any suggestions welcome. The Fulla2 is attractive because it's $100. So could be all in on a new rig for $300 with the Fulla 2. Thanks for any help.
Jul 5, 2017
Tigerman
412
Jul 5, 2017
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Jimmybuckets Have a look at this post: http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/system-synergy-special-sound.54/page-2#post-4328. There's a chart of power needs for a bunch of headphones at different sound levels. Of course many people would say that the chart doesn't tell the whole story - but if you've already "quit" high end audio, I bet the chart will reassure you that you can be quite happy with the Fulla 2 and won't find it lacking with the HD600. Unless you like to listen really really loud? (Sorry if you were hoping to hear from the guy who's tried this exact combination and can give a detailed report on soundstage, sibilance, etc.)
Jul 5, 2017
MusicIsGreat
205
Jul 5, 2017
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JimmybucketsThe Pico offerings are more attractive if you are thinking of portability. If this is not the case then Fully 2 seems to be a better choice. Maybe to the exception of Pico Power which feels a tad bulky as a portable, you may make the case of using it as a desktop unit. The Pico amp is a fantastic amp with excellent transparency that just does not get in your way and amplify your input with fidelity, they are worth the asking price. At the end of the day you have to weigh everything (price, functionality and performance) and make your own decision. I have the HD600 and never felt the Pico Power out of breath.
@Tigerman thanks for reminding us of false perception regarding headphones power need. The only case I make for using more powerful amps is to allow listening at lower levels with every bit of details. Not to look at extremes but more powerful amps tend to do that when well designed however with that comes a higher responsibility to keep it at lower volumes if you want to keep your hearing intact. To me, even with low powered amps, you can still damage your hearing at high levels. So be careful to start your amp at lowest level and increase it carefully to a comfortable level.
Jul 5, 2017
Racine50
Jul 5, 2017
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JimmybucketsI'm buying for a few reasons. The battery is replaceable. Which means I don't have to worry about the battery cycling out . It's built like a tank. Should last forever. And it should easily drive most headphones I own or can afford. Also the price is great.
Jul 5, 2017
Jimmybuckets
91
Jul 5, 2017
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TigermanThanks for the reply. The Fulla 2 does seem like a great value, and would prob be enough to keep me happy. My concern with it, is it seems a little tinker toyish...again I have no direct experience with it....the upside it has a dac if I wanted to play with some hi res files.
Jul 5, 2017
Jimmybuckets
91
Jul 5, 2017
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Racine50That is the impression I am getting. The battery thing is nice as well.
Jul 5, 2017
Jimmybuckets
91
Jul 5, 2017
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MusicIsGreatI was looking at the Pico Power...I'm sure the Dac section is nice, but seems like 10 year old tech...a good power amp never gets old. My main area of contention is do I want to 1. spend that much (when I have been enjoying the phone out jack from my cell phone for years)2. Go with a dac/amp. I know others have said they would rather have a good dac and no amp, but my experience is that you won't hear a good dac unless you have a good amp...this is stereo...not headphone systems...so maybe the rules are different with headphone rigs, but I feel the same rules should apply?
Jul 5, 2017
Racine50
Jul 5, 2017
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JimmybucketsI go with amplification first. Good clean reliable power. This seems to be a great amp for the price. Your input source is kinda dependent upon what you are currently using,(dap, phone).
Jul 5, 2017
Racine50
Jul 5, 2017
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JimmybucketsConcerning the DAC
Jul 5, 2017
Racine50
Jul 5, 2017
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JimmybucketsAlso I'm not needing the dac. But if you're just looking for a great headphone amp. You should be pleased. At least I hope to be. The innards look beefy.
Jul 5, 2017
Racine50
Jul 5, 2017
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JimmybucketsGo with the Pico Power . I agree that clean reliable power is the foundation. This amp should last decades also. Internal non replaceable batteries being the weak point with most other headphone amps.
Jul 5, 2017
Jimmybuckets
91
Jul 5, 2017
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Racine50The Pico Power seems to be the right pic for large cans
Jul 5, 2017
MusicIsGreat
205
Jul 9, 2017
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JimmybucketsNot always but many times a compromise is reached when building a DAC with an amp. My preference is to buy one of each and maximize their potential qualities/benefits. I tend to buy for the long run and appreciate vendors who don't take their customers to the cleaners.
Jul 9, 2017
Jimmybuckets
91
Jul 9, 2017
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MusicIsGreatI actually just bought an Objective 2 Amp. I stumbled across it but it seems very well know. Was able to get a b stock unit from JDS Labs. $99 and will run off 2 nine volts just like the Pico Power. Nice thing is you can charge the batteries while they are in the unit. I wanted something that I could take with me anywhere. So the battery option was something I didn't want to give up. There are a few other companies that make the Objective2 amp since it is open source, but it seemed like JDS Labs was the best option for me.
Jul 9, 2017
Racine50
Jul 9, 2017
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JimmybucketsCan I get a link please? I would be interested in a purchase.
Jul 9, 2017
Jimmybuckets
91
Jul 9, 2017
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Jul 9, 2017
Racine50
Jul 10, 2017
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JimmybucketsThank you
Jul 10, 2017
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