speedricky54yeah you'll need an amp. even my shp9500s scale better with a magni 2, and these are much harder to push. you'll probably end up spending another 200 on a schiit stack if you go about it right.
speedricky54These cans will work well in most situations. But, to really "open" them up to their full potential--where the magic is--you will need either an integrated DAC/AMP or a separate DAC & Amp "stack." Just make sure they can push 300 ohms.
Here is my stack. I researched the hell out of the pieces and I honestly could not be any happier.
DAC: Topping D50
AMP: Aune X7S (Class A Amp)
PorchSongYeah I saw that review of the X7S and also his review of the X1S. It would be cheaper for me to get the X1S as it has both the DAC and amp in one. Zeos says the X7S has more power than the X1S and is class A but is it really better to have separate DAC and amp?
Mark_MX1S can be used as just a DAC with an RCA to an external amp, so you will still have the option to upgrade the amp in the future.
If you don't own any DAC or amp or DAC/amp, I'd go for X1S.
It's great value IMHO, good starting point, and good as a reference for when upgrading in the future.
Or you could do what @PorchSong did and research like hell - good on him. I have a different preference for amp, but Topping D50 is a good choice in my opinion.
Jiv_auI have the Micca Origen+ DAC/amp right now. I guess I could use the DAC in that and feed out to the X7S amp if I got that one. I am curious to try my 6XX and 58X as balanced headphones.
Mark_MI have the X7S and 6xx with balanced cables. Ordered mine from Periapt Cables. Good stuff. I’ll start by saying IMO nothing beats th 6xx and my DarkVoice tube amp. That said, the X7S -> 6xx balanced is a very close second.
The X7S power in balanced mode provides a full, detailed and wide sound to the 6xx. To my ear many of the critiques (veil, darkness, lack of low end, etc) of the 6xx go away when the headset is driven with enough power. Low end is robust, mids are wonderful as always and the highs are just right for my tastes.
My primary basis for comparison is th X1S which I had before the X7S and use as th DAC for my X7S. The X1S is a solid device and performs well with the 6xx, but sound thin when compared to the X7S when it comes to driving the 6xx. For my less demanding headphones, the X1S gets the job done.
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I really enjoy my X1S/X7S stack and have no regrets. However, if I had it to do again and budget was a big concern I’d get the X7S and a cheaper DAC and save $50 - $100. Or, do like @PorchSong and get a higher end DAC like the D50 or JDS Labs - EL DAC.
mindhead1Well I could get the X7S and just use the DAC in my Micca Origen+. Is the balanced cable expensive?
As for the 58X. I think they sound a bit more lively compared to the 6XX. Its a bit more of a v-shape sound signature. I don’t mind having both.
Mark_MWell, you could get an official 650 replacement cable for $23.00 and an XLR plug for $4.00 and very little soldering and do it yourself. I bet a hardware store would do the very simple soldering for you for free. Otherwise, you are looking to pay twice that at a minimum. I have a soldering stand so it will be simple for me.
mindhead1I owned X1S for 1 month and like this solid DAC + Amp combo. I also purchased X7S and it came to my apartment today. After 2 hours listening, I think if compare with 6.5mm output of X1S and X7S, I doesn't figure out too much sound difference. So in my opinion, if you just want a class A amplifier with 6.5mm output. maybe the better option is to find another class A amp. I haven't tried X7S XLR output, maybe the XLR output sounds better.
YimingI would agree with you on sound especially when it comes to driving my less power hungry headphones (ex SR80, m100).
With more demanding headphones like the 6xx and DT880 600ohm I find the extra power from the X7S add more depth to the sound vs the X1S which sounds thinner by comparison. With the X7S the bass is more fleshed out and the drums hit harder. I also don't get the sense of veiled mids and highs that I have noticed when driving the 6xx with less powerful amps.
In Balanced mode the soundstage of the 6xx widens. These differences are subtle but noticeable to me. Had I never used the X7S I'd be content with the X1S which I heartily recommend. That said, if I had to choose between the 2 I'd go with the X7S.
If I needed a DAC I'd pick up a Topping D10 or D30 or a JDS Labs OL DAC to pair with it.
mindhead1Do both the X1S and X7S have a Class A amp or just the X7S? Also what DAC are you using with the X7S. Perhaps you mentioned it earlier in this thread and I missed it.
Mark_MX7S is class A. X1S is not. I use the X1S as DAC for the X7S. I owned the X1S for about 3 months before I got the X7S.
IMO, the X1S is a very good DAC and an OK Amp. The X1S as a DAC is also very good with my DarkVoice amp and Audyssey LES desktop speakers.
mindhead1Hmm okay. So the X1S is not as powerful as the X7S? I have the Micca Origen+ and my 6XX are plenty loud on low gain with the volume at "12 o'clock" on the dial.
Mark_MThe X7S has a lot more power than the X1S especially in balanced mode.
I'm not familiar with the mica origen amp, but you maybe good to go. My curiosity about balanced output is what drove me to pickup the X7S.
mindhead1Well either way I guess I'll have to wait for the next drop. Probably gonna sell my 6XX and pick up a fresh pair from MD. I think I've reduced the clamp a bit too far. Not quite as snug as I'd like although they were too snug when I first received them.
mindhead1Awesome thread you guys got going on here. I just received my Aune X1S and so far I am pleased. But im still waiting for the 6xx to ship. Since i joined in May massdrop said by the 27th this month they should be shipping it. Using HD598SE in the mean time.
mindhead1What are anyone's thoughts about the 2 CTH amp/dac products being sold on massdrop right now? Just super curious about them. Also the topping DX7S im super curious about as well.
mindhead1That DarkVoice amp has me seriously hovering over that drop button. My fear is that I know myself and that I'll get all caught up in tube rolling, which can get rather expensive. But the DarkVoice just "Honey's" the music right? Of course that is what I'm looking for. Must. . .resist. . .hitting. . .join drop button. . . .
Toothless_SnakeI would like to hear the CTH, but I can't justify the spend at this time. I have a pretty decent set of amps (NX4, X7S, DarkVoice) and will be focusing future purchases on headphones. Specifically considering the EMU-Teak, TR-X00 and LC2 Classic.
If you are interested in Balanced output the DX7s looks like a solid option.
PorchSongThe DarkVoice is my favorite piece of gear. Paired with the 6xx it's fantastic.
The tube rolling can get pricey. All told I have spent about $200 on additional tubes. The most expensive being the Shanguang Treasure pre-amp tube for $100. That tube stays in my DarkVoice along with an RCA NOS Power tube. It's an awesome combo for my tastes. This combo is smooth (but not gooey) , detailed, wide, punchy sound that I have yet to tire of.
In addition to the stock tubes which are OK I have a couple of Tung Sol tubes for Power and Pre-Amp. These sound really good as well and provide a brighter sound signature than the RCA/Treasure combo.
Resistance is futile. Let us know how you like the DarkVocie .
Mark_MHere are the links for making your own balanced cables. Cost is about $28.00 delivered (USA). Again, for soldering, if you do not have the equipment/skills (very basic for wire connections), take it to a local independent hardware store (like an Ace hardware) and ask them to help you. They will most likely do it for free. Just make sure they burn off the coating and tin the wire properly. If you put a decent bead of solder on your soldering gun/pen and touch the stripped wire to it, it should burn off any remaining insulation / chemical treating and tin the wire at the same time. Honestly, connecting wires is the easiest thing you can do soldering-wize. There is no circuit board to melt, crossconnect, solder bleed, etc. Just tinning a wire and connecting to a post. Ten minute task at best.
XLR 4 pin male plug ($4.37 delivered): https://www.markertek.com/product/nc4mxx-b/neutrik-nc4mxx-b-4-pin-xlr-m-cable-connector-black-shell-gold-contacts?utm_referrer=direct%2Fnot%20provided
Sennheiser Replacement Cord ($22.98 delivered with Amazon Prime): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0028PGXRE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Toothless_SnakeThe wait is tough. Waiting for my 6xx is what sent me down the rabbit hole.
I got in on the and X1S drop for the 6xx, Then saw a good deal on the 400i and picked those up. They seemed under powered from my phone so I picked up the Topping NX4 to use with the 400i. I liked the 400i and then the yolk broke. The same day I was returning the 400i the 4xx dropped and I ordered them (How did Massdrop know?). The X1S was delivered but I still had a month before 6xx delivery and ordered a set of Mayflower T50rp MkIII. They were awful and I returned them and bought a set V-Moda m100 which I love and really don't need an amp. Finally the 6xx arrived and then I ordered the DarkVoice. When my wife realized what was going on she said this had to count as my midlife crisis.
It's been fun.
Toothless_SnakeI use Google Play Music and rip CDs to FLAC. I haven’t delved into purchasing any hi res music. With my gear I can’t really tell the difference between hi bit rate MP3/AAC or hi quality streamed content and FLAC. I find the quality of the recording makes a bigger difference to my ear.
mindhead1I can tell the difference between high quality mp3 and Flac usually in songs that have air in them. What I mean is that a lot of music is so jammed with sound, that there is no quiet spots. For example, I can here fidelity differences when I listen to Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd, or Jazz. Most rock I cannot--maybe with some Zeppelin. But, all in all, I hear the compression of mp3 on the high end. There is a "wobble" you can here. But, I listen mostly to Google Play as well, except for my extensive Grateful Dead collection (live shows) that I have as flacs.