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
I've got a pretty decent collection of cans but the Fostex are probably the peak in terms of pricing for non-IEMs. I'm wondering if it's a big enough difference that it's worth getting.
Thanks!
Fostex has always had a problem with treble, their headphones can sound very strident and shrill up top and I did find the X00 a little too piercing (though bare in mind my hearing is sensitive) with string instruments and certain cymbals. The Focals are much cleaner up top whilst being much tamer in nature, and also in a more natural way. Fostex headphones are always a little artificial in the way they push their "detail" out, akin the HD800. Not something I'm a fan of.
Mid range is pretty good on the X00 as I recall, the Focal's is very pleasant in an HD650 kinda way. If Massdrop's tuning of the Elex fixes the upper midrange and transitions as Will has said they will then this will be their forte, in my opinion.
TLDR: the X00 quite a specific pair of headphones, they're very uppity - if you wanna jam out to EDM or trance or any other sort of bassy genre of music for a while then they're great. However, for prolonged and more eclectic use the Focal will win very handily. They might even be better for the aforementioned genres, it really depends on how you like your music.
I generally agree with the Fostex comments. I use them as a good all around for everyday use, but if I'm specifically listening to a certain type of music I'll usually swap to something else.
Thanks for the additional clarity though (pun intended).
I have open backs that don't have the soundstage of the Fostex (I'd say DT990s are comparable) and I have some that kick it's ass.
Dynamics, clarity, imaging, detail and depth at different frequency ranges.
I bought into the "neutral response is the best" mindset because people told me that's what I should like. It was only later after experiencing more sounds/headphones that I realized I much rather prefer V-Shaped for every day listening.
tl:dr, I'm not asking which one is better, I'm asking what people's experience has been in the differences and which they prefer and why.
the elears are really really good. just not good enough for me that i ever wanted to own them at that price range ($1000...i know they can be had for $800 new now). i would rather have a pair of hifiman he-6 or vintage grado rs1...because the he-6 when driven properly are so so good and detailed and almost perfect to my ears...and the vintage rs1 is so smooth yet punchy and versatile. but to each his/her own...
" The Elear has excellent overall tonal balance. Bass is slightly low for my tastes, but bass is very tight and punchy, and extension is extraordinarily good for an open dynamic driver headphone. The textural character of string bass, tubas, and large drums is clearly evident in this transparent, undistorted bass. Even though I've got a mild basshead penchant I was in no way left wanting in the low registers." Read more at https://www.innerfidelity.com/content/enter-next-generation-focal-elear-headphone-page-2#VPX7EgzlL7sX0gPI.99
I doubt any open cans can match a quality closed can for thumping bass. You really need both the Focal and Fostex.