Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
Showing 1 of 45 conversations about:
Ajpharm
9
Mar 12, 2018
bookmark_border
Hey there peeps, got bit by the bug recently and scooped up the HD6xx's, although I have to wait til August now for delivery and don't want to :( To ameliorate this wait, I'm trying to figure out maybe getting some buds (1more quad, simgot 700 pro, something...) and an AMP/DAC. I need more intermediate knowledge on what sound is created (like teaching a young cook how to "season to taste"), with each of these components. The AMP/DAC needs originally were preferred to have USB input (for computer gaming and to have at late nights at school), but if it's not possible for the HD6xx's to have decent usb input, I guess we'll have to get 1 for portable and 1 for home :)
Budget: Ideally under 500 for the set (like 150-200 for buds; 300 for AMP/DAC), but looking to be ultimate bargain master man.
Style: Like a fickle human, a bit of everything; from hip-hop, to EDM, classic rock, alternative / punk (I think this is new screamo?), and anything that has a good recording (I'm down to try classical). I can list specific bands and anything else that may help with this.
Thank you for reading this and for your time, Austin
Mar 12, 2018
Sennheiser
591
Sennheiser
Mar 23, 2018
bookmark_border
AjpharmA DAC generally doesn’t change the frequency response (we’re talking quantity of bass, mids, or treble here), but it affects the quality of changing digital bits back into organic-sounding analog (DAC stands for Digital to Analog Converter). Upgrading a DAC can result in a more believable, natural sound, with better distinction between notes and instruments playing at the same time, as well as revealing finer nuances that tell our brains how far or close a sound came from.
An amplifier’s purpose is to amplify an analog signal to proper power levels for a speaker (such as the driver in a headphone), and usually to provide volume control. A better amp will minimize loss from the signal quality from a DAC, and have enough power on reserve to allow a headphone to have a stronger impact, distinct differences between quiet and loud moments, and not mask small details.
We were pleased enough with the Apogee Groove USB all-in-one DAC/Amp to sell it in a combo package with our HD 650. As a student and probably someone who needs a device small enough to be portable, the Groove is one good option without being too expensive. More expensive units will often provide an upgrade, and often seasoned enthusiasts will spend more on their signal chain than in the headphones themselves. But, for starting out, the Groove is good.
For gamers, we also have the Sennheiser GSX 1000. It’s rated to have enough power output for headphones up to 150 Ω , so not the ideal choice for the HD 6XX which has 300 Ω impedance (the HD 58X Jubilee would be a better fit), but I’m trying it out right now with an HD 650 I have on hand, and it’s putting out a respectable, musical experience at 40% volume. The GSX 1000 features our Binaural Sound engine, which can really help people who are more used to speakers; without it, music sounds are centered in your head, but the Binaural Sound will make you have to double check your speakers are off because it creates a sense of the music coming from in front of you, out of your head. For gaming, it supports 7.1 input, with that same out-of-your head sensation but also letting you easily distinguish between sounds in front or behind you. Listening to the GSX 1000 and HD 650 right now, the Mars Volta, “Televators” has a little grain in the treble, but Massive Attack’s “Girl I Love You” has smooth twinkling treble and a strong bass foundation. If the processing sounds interesting to you, it may be worth checking out the GSX 1000.
Mar 23, 2018
Ajpharm
9
Mar 23, 2018
bookmark_border
SennheiserThis is really helpful, thank you! (I'm so excited Sennheiser responded to :D ) What about individual components? Does a dedicated DAC and amp provide better fidelity or as long as the circuit boards are wired together, it's the same, just in a package?
Mar 23, 2018
Sennheiser
591
Sennheiser
Mar 26, 2018
bookmark_border
AjpharmGlad to be of assistance! Discrete components will not always have better fidelity than an an all-in-one unit, for example the Sennheiser HDV 820 has very high fidelity performance, space and shielding between components to minimize interference, short signal paths to enhance fidelity, and the ability to serve as a pre-amp for other amplifiers or active speakers or accept input from other DACs. That said, let’s lay out the typical advantages of each type of component.
All-In-One vs Discrete components •The fidelity and performance of both will increase with better design.
All-In-One Pros: •A more straightforward setup for cable management and transportation. •Potentially smaller desktop footprint •Less concern about choosing cable accessories between DAC and Amp •Manufacture engineers’ tested pairing of DAC and Amp components. •Often (but not always) have the option to just be used as a DAC or Amp if you buy a discrete component in the future, to upgrade one component at a time.
Discrete Component pros: •Can upgrade one component at a time, as budget permits. •Choose your own pairing of DAC and Amp (though manufacturers often have an option for each), often with more input and output connector flexibility. •Sometimes a manufacturer specializes solely in DAC designs, or Amp designs •DAC technology is tied to computer advancements, and models with better speed, accuracy, and precision continue to be released with perhaps faster development cycles. •Easier to prevent interference
Mar 26, 2018
View Full Discussion
Trending Posts in Audiophile