I would get the maxxed and a set of Denon D2000 for around $250 or so -- you will have a hard time wiping the smile off your face with that for starters.
:rs1smile:
THEN, you can ride the slippery slope of "upfraditis" trying various cans, until you maybe (someday) fine your favorites. Happy hunting -- it never stops, for some....:blink:
Sorry about your wallet....
Not a bad idea. I may get the Denon's but I think I'll start off with the 701's because if you get a maxed Desktop, they basically give you a pair for $30
I'll start off with the 701's because if you get a maxed Desktop, they basically give you a pair for $30
this sounds like a good idea to me! and you have the option of either package deal that come with the 701's at the same price point. the fully pimped out Desktop w/ DPS or the fully pimped out Balanced Desktop w/ Balanced Headphone cables plus USB and Fiber Optic Cable.
I'm torn between the two as well for there is a feature I like about the Desktop that the Balanced Desktop does not have. being able to use it as a preamp
with the DAC in the Balanced Desktop you are ready to use your Laptop as a fully balanced source be it USB or Fiber Optic. sweet! q:O) also something sweet about the Balanced Desktop is that you can use it to drive to sets of single ended headphones when a friend is over with one plugged into the left channel and the other in the right channel. "Also provided is our new HeadRoom-engineered Balanced Stock AKG k701 cable which allows the headphones to be used in either single-ended or balanced-drive as needed" and ya don't plan on getting rid of your Senn's so you will already have two sets of headphones to use in a single ended situation and one as a balanced.
I like them both and there is no way I could steer you towards one over the other for both would be very nice to own. I want one!
I would say go with the Desktop Balanced. I would also take a look at the packaged system with the Sennheiser HD650s. I've heard that the Senns benefit the most from balanced drive. I've never heard this particular setup myself, but I've heard another balanced system and it is very transparent and high contrast.
I'm not making a recommendation, just reporting my own experience. I just purchased a Balanced Desktop Amp/Dac w/home module. I use use Senn 650's w/Stefan Art Equinox balanced cables. The sound is rich, clear, three dimensional, and fully present. The bass is no longer muddy and the mids and highs are nicely expressed without overkill (I found the K701 too bright and harsh) The famous 650 veil is greatly diminished and while I still would say these cans are warm I would not call them laid back or lacking in presence or attack. The sound stage is expanded and while I don't know it's comparative size to the K701s, I find it more true and natural (I found the 701 more synthetic and artificial) Voicies are much clearer and distinct, more upfront than single ended but here's were I think the 701 outshines them all.
Bottom line, IMHO, there is some quite special, vital and unique about the HR Balanced Desktop/Amp w/home module. Oh, and don't forget the package includes the astrodyne power system which seems to add to the clear sound. I haven't done enough A /B comparisons, used the single end access two at a time to see what that delivers. But as it is, with the 650 and the Equinox cable, from what I hear with my own ears and from what I've heard from other headfiers, there is nothing to be lost in going HR balanced. If you any of you want, come over and I'll buy the cookies. I got lot's of CDs. What about it Nose?
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