I ran them with Modi 2 MB -> Vali 2 with a variety of tubes - new and NOS. I'm not terribly treble sensitive, so the match was pretty laid back for me.
FX Audio DAC X-6. Seems kinda fun to try spending the least amount of money on new gear to get the biggest bang for the buck. I've always been an entry-level audiophile shopper with stereo and home theater gear whether shopping new or used, so now that I'm dabbling in the things that plug into computers I find myself reverting back to my old ways.
I run mine out of iFi iDSD bl, CTH, and a Yamaha receiver. The Yamaha is my favorite as it takes down the brightness quite a bit and gives them a punchier low end. Makes them sound bigger and more dynamic than what I hear from my other amps.
I'm currently feeding the HE4XX one of two ways:
PC [USB] -> Schiit Gungnir MB [Gen 5] -> AURALiC Taurus MkII
or:
Marantz CD5003 [Coax] -> Schiit Gungnir MB [Gen 5] -> AURALiC Taurus MkII
You can't really go wrong with a Vali 2. I've also heard the MCTH amp (Massdrop-made) is a nice amp (I have no experience with it). I will vouch for the Vali 2. I really love that little amp, and paired with the Modi 2 MB, it is a darn good sub-$500 system.
The DAC X-6 is a DAC/Amp. It is $65 on Amazon and uses a 12V power supply so the amp has plenty of power. With my 80 ohm Beyerdynamic headphones I'm listening at about 35% on the volume knob. I don't believe the DAC section is anything to write home about but being outboard it does beat my on-board PC Realtek ALC889 (and truth be told I don't think the implementation of that ALC 889 is really all that bad on my PC). Anyway for me the form factor is perfect for where I want it on my desk, I lke the physical build, I like having the 1/4 jack and volume knob. I kinda see this as one to get as an entry level DAC/Amp especially if you aren't sure if you need one per se but are interested in testing the waters. Worth noting that I saw a review that indicates it does roll-off treble. I almost pulled the trigger on the Schitt Fulla which has a better DAC but less power due to USB...though probably plenty for my Beyerdynamic and incoming 4XX.
A bunch of them! No need to get expensive tubes, though. Electro Harmonix is a decent upgrade from stock. Real hard to tell difference w/ more expensive tubes. You really, REALLY have to focus. I'm not sure I could do it blind, for sure.
You are currently viewing a single conversation. Return to Full Discussion
PC [USB] -> Schiit Gungnir MB [Gen 5] -> AURALiC Taurus MkII or: Marantz CD5003 [Coax] -> Schiit Gungnir MB [Gen 5] -> AURALiC Taurus MkII
You can't really go wrong with a Vali 2. I've also heard the MCTH amp (Massdrop-made) is a nice amp (I have no experience with it). I will vouch for the Vali 2. I really love that little amp, and paired with the Modi 2 MB, it is a darn good sub-$500 system.