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Showing 1 of 7817 conversations about:
dr_buth0le
3
Jun 14, 2018
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I've been wondering what amp or amp/dac should I get for these headphones. I'm new this type of stuff.
MMMIKEEE
48
Jun 14, 2018
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dr_buth0leBest value: Schiit stack for 200usd, magni/modi.
Runner up: JdS Labs Objective2+ODAC for 230usd.
And if you want to add the ability to run balanced/4 pin get the Schiit jotunheim and a modi. That will be 500usd (399 for the amp), basically best (balanced, solid state) headphone amp for the money. Anything (solid state) more expensive will be either the same or not noticably better.
Bonus, Most powerful setup: Modi(or any DAC of choice)+Emotiva A-100... Be careful.
And if you want to add the ability to run balanced/4 pin get the Schiit jotunheim and a modi. That will be 500usd (399 for the amp), basically best (balanced, solid state) headphone amp for the money. Anything (solid state) more expensive will be either the same or not noticably better.
Bonus, Most powerful setup: Modi(or any DAC of choice)+Emotiva A-100... Be careful.
Jimmybuckets
91
Jun 14, 2018
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MMMIKEEEMore expensive doesn't mean better, but just like a Subaru WRX can get you a long way down the performance road, it still leaves a lot on the table compared to any handful of super cars. The same goes for audio. I am running the JDS labs O2 amp with their OL Dac and the HD6xx. A great system for $400-$450ish. It's no Benchmark Media DAC3 however.
Evshrug
3772
Community
Jun 14, 2018
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JimmybucketsAgreed with Jimmybuckets, MIKE made some great budget recommendations (solid state), but there are definitely advantages with some higher end amps. Not to mention the world of tube amps, which offer a variety in the frequency response and other aspects of the sound such as impact, decay, and different tubes can even upgrade your sense of macro details with lower distortion. Of course, solid state amps sometimes are upgradeable too if they have customer-accessible OpAmp sockets, but most amps are not meant to be modified.
The Modi/Magni are certainly not the last word in audio: they’re Schiit’s cheap entry level gear. Still a great value to start, but compare a Modi to a Mojo (by Chord Audio) and you will hear a much more exciting and rich sound, and with time you’ll also appreciate how the Mojo is more refined and less fatiguing. Same thing with amps... I haven’t tried the Magni 3 yet personally, but I found the older Magni (and Jotunheim) a bit bright and brash. Still good amps, and pretty good synergy with the HD 650 and HD 6XX, but cheap whiskey compared to a Cavalli Liquid Carbon or even better a Liquid Crimson or Gold.
Visiting a specialty personal audio store in your city (I was surprised to find Pittsburgh, PA has a great one, Music to My Ear, since we’re not the biggest city nor traditionally known for being highly influential in music or tech) or making a trip to a CanJam or other audio meet (I definitely felt my first trip to Denver Colorado for RMAF was worth it, despite my retail wages) can let you demo gear in person, and it’s easy to hear the improvements in gear when you can test side by side.
Personally, at home I prefer the no-fuss reliability and setup of solid state amps. For a long time I happily stuck with “good enough to get by with” gear even knowing that there was better gear out there that I had heard, but one thing lead to another and a great deal here and there, now I’ve got a Sennheiser HDV 820 serving almost all my amping needs (with a PS Sprout doing speaker duties). Again, thousands of people agree you won’t go wrong with the budget suggestions Mike made here, but keep your mind open and realize upgrades are possible when you are ready for them.
The Modi/Magni are certainly not the last word in audio: they’re Schiit’s cheap entry level gear. Still a great value to start, but compare a Modi to a Mojo (by Chord Audio) and you will hear a much more exciting and rich sound, and with time you’ll also appreciate how the Mojo is more refined and less fatiguing. Same thing with amps... I haven’t tried the Magni 3 yet personally, but I found the older Magni (and Jotunheim) a bit bright and brash. Still good amps, and pretty good synergy with the HD 650 and HD 6XX, but cheap whiskey compared to a Cavalli Liquid Carbon or even better a Liquid Crimson or Gold.
Visiting a specialty personal audio store in your city (I was surprised to find Pittsburgh, PA has a great one, Music to My Ear, since we’re not the biggest city nor traditionally known for being highly influential in music or tech) or making a trip to a CanJam or other audio meet (I definitely felt my first trip to Denver Colorado for RMAF was worth it, despite my retail wages) can let you demo gear in person, and it’s easy to hear the improvements in gear when you can test side by side.
Personally, at home I prefer the no-fuss reliability and setup of solid state amps. For a long time I happily stuck with “good enough to get by with” gear even knowing that there was better gear out there that I had heard, but one thing lead to another and a great deal here and there, now I’ve got a Sennheiser HDV 820 serving almost all my amping needs (with a PS Sprout doing speaker duties). Again, thousands of people agree you won’t go wrong with the budget suggestions Mike made here, but keep your mind open and realize upgrades are possible when you are ready for them.
dr_buth0le
3
Jun 14, 2018
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EvshrugI think I'm going with the schiit stack for now and possibly upgrade that down the road. Thanks for the insight. I really appreciate it
Evshrug
3772
Community
Jun 14, 2018
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dr_buth0leGlad to contribute: the Schiit stack is a decent start.
MMMIKEEE
48
Jun 14, 2018
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Evshrugand also Jimmybuckets, by no means am I saying the Schiit stack is End Game. Neither is the HD 6xx, fantastic headphones but there are better. But for an average user, which is the majority here on massdrop, the Schiit Stack is all they need. That is why most people recommend it, it is an reasonable price and gives you audiophile quality.
The law of diminishing returns and Weber's law are HUGELY apparent in Audio equipment.
It sounds like you have discerning ears, but if I was to recommend other more expensive amps/DACs I would also suggest significantly better headphones. Spend more on the Headphones, ~70-80% of your budget. At that point amps/DACs will play a bigger part in quality. It is good he is getting into Higher end audio with the HD6xx and Schiit stack will do him well.
It sounds like you have discerning ears, but if I was to recommend other more expensive amps/DACs I would also suggest significantly better headphones. Spend more on the Headphones, ~70-80% of your budget. At that point amps/DACs will play a bigger part in quality. It is good he is getting into Higher end audio with the HD6xx and Schiit stack will do him well.
mindhead1
599
Jun 14, 2018
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dr_buth0leFor $380 you can get the Aune X1S/X7S stack. I have it and it's great with the 6xx and all my other headphones. If that's to much for your wallet. The X1S can do everything you need with the 6xx in a nice all-in-one unit for $200.
The X7S with a Topping D10 or D30 DAC can be had in the $250 - $300 range and would make for a sweet setup.
The X7S with a Topping D10 or D30 DAC can be had in the $250 - $300 range and would make for a sweet setup.
Jimmybuckets
91
Jun 15, 2018
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MMMIKEEEI agree. I have been in and out of "high end" audio for decades. Currently...I am out and just trying to enjoy the music and stay out of the never ending upgrade game. I do find myself lusting after a Benchmark DAC 3. At that point I start to feel obligated to critical listen....meh...I'd rather rock out :)
Jackula
1743
Jun 15, 2018
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JimmybucketsI would highly recommend that you actually audition the Benchmark DAC3 before actually commit to buying one. In my local audiophile community, everyone hates that DAC, you're certainly right about it being a critical listening DAC, but I'd actually prefer to enjoy the music. For me it sounds way too similar to the ODAC - well it was voiced the same, but if that's the sound you like then go for it. For the same price I'd rather get an Amber, Pro iDSD, Holo Spring or Yggy.
@MMMIKEEE I agree with your recommendation for the Schiit stack as a good starting point. On the Jot though, I think you get a lot for the price, but they aren't a perfect match with the HD6XX, the artificial treble gives me a headache after awhile. For the same price the ifi or Lake People sound better, despite not having balanced output.
@MMMIKEEE I agree with your recommendation for the Schiit stack as a good starting point. On the Jot though, I think you get a lot for the price, but they aren't a perfect match with the HD6XX, the artificial treble gives me a headache after awhile. For the same price the ifi or Lake People sound better, despite not having balanced output.
Jimmybuckets
91
Jun 15, 2018
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JackulaBenchmark is definitely on the dry side of popcorn fart. When I was willing to spend thousands on a system, the DAC1 feeding a pair of Manley Labs Snappers was one of the most resolving and musical systems I ever had. I have been impressed with the JDS Labs OLDAC (not the ODAC) feeding the classic O2 amp. I have been just listening to Tidal Hi Rez. With the somewhat more syrupy nature of the HD6xx it seems to be a pretty musical yet resolving system for not a lot of coin. I have been resistant to upgrading since I really don't want to get on the constant upgrade train...that's what happens to me when it becomes more about the equipment than the music.
ScubaManLakeHuron
48
Jun 17, 2018
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MMMIKEEE@dr_buth0le (great ID, btw)... @MMMIKEEE is right on the money. While I went the Schiit route, the JDS Labs Element is a beautiful piece of hardware. The Objective/ODAC product line also has a popular following. You can't go wrong with either vendor. BTW - heed @MMMIKEEE 's warning... don't get put off by their diminutive size. these amps are HEAVY DUTY. I can vouch for the Magni3 (whoah). Just my 2 cents....
dr_buth0le
3
Jun 17, 2018
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ScubaManLakeHuronHow's the magni 3 I've seen a lot people say go the magni 2u and modi 2 u route. I was just thinking of getting the regular modi 2 and the magni 3
ScubaManLakeHuron
48
Jun 17, 2018
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dr_buth0leIf you can pick up a used Magni 2 or Magni 2-Uber, do so. If you visit http://www.schiit.com/b-stocks you can buy older stock (just heed the return note: no refunds but still warrantied). I went straight to the Magni3 (their new stock [it might *arguably* be a more powerful model]). Now, the Modi (their DAC) is a whole other beast. The Plain Modi is powered by your device's USB cable & has a pair of RCA L/R outputs. The Modi 2 has more I/O ports and has its own wall-wart (which is good if your USB interface is under-powered). I was intrigued with Schiit's "multibit" technology, so I paid the extra money for it. If money's tight, the Modi & Modi Uber will do you just fine.
BTW, I also looked at the offerings by JDS Labs & Mayflower Electronics. I like the JDS Labs The Element for a DAC/headphone amp combination... with THAT awesome volume knob. https://www.jdslabs.com/store/#element-line . Mayflower Electronics OBJECTIVE2 has a cult following! https://mayflowerelectronics.com/o2-odac-overview/ Happy shopping, @dr_buth0le .
Howl4me
1
Dec 5, 2019
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JimmybucketsI just placed an order for the JDS Labs O2 Amp, and OL Dac. Would you recommend the HD 6xx with them? I’ve been back and forth between the 58x and 6xx. Wasn’t sure if the JDS stack would be enough to push them properly. Any thoughts would be great. Thanks!
Jimmybuckets
91
Dec 6, 2019
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Howl4meI have both the 58X and the 6XX. I don't think you can go wrong with either one. If money is tight and you like a little more slam, and speed the 58X are a really fun set of cans. The 6XX is a little less forward and a bit more euphoric. Unless you are critical listening either will do you really well on that system...I don't think you can make a mistake one vs the other. Some say the 6xx scale better with better equipment but with what I'm listening to the difference is in degrees not miles. For $135 the 58x are a screaming bargain in my opinion. I do find myself reaching for them more often. They are more lively, more immediate, with more bass slam. They can be a bit hot in the top end from time to time. The 6xx are always well behaved, darker, more velvet, will catch a few more low level details the 58x could be missing here and there. I know I'm going on and on but they are both great cans. Like I said you can't really make a mistake with either. Enjoy the music!
Howl4me
1
Dec 6, 2019
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JimmybucketsThank you for the quick and thorough response. I initially ordered both cans but ended up canceling the 6xx for now. I have a feeling I’ll eventually want to own both for different t listening scenarios, but I think the 58x will be a better fit/all a rounder to start with. Thanks again!
Jimmybuckets
91
Dec 6, 2019
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Howl4meHappy to help. Let them break in a little. I just left mine playing for a few hours a day when I was doing other stuff for a few days. Not sure if it really helps or if I just got used to them but it seemed to take away some of the little bit of top end sizzle.
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