These look like brainwavz pads that are just labelled as being specific to the NAD VISO HP50. IME, the brainwavz pads are not a good fit with the HP50s, and they significantly degrade the sound.

Big improvement is subjective. Most report the difference as being pretty small and that's not surprising - there are vastly diminishing returns with price beyond a certain threshold for most things audio related. Users have suggested that the DFR is twice the cost for 20% better sound if that...

In Schiit's defence, it is the holiday season and they're probably swamped right now. That said... I'll bet if I emailed JDS right now they'd respond in less than 30 minutes. One of the reasons I decided against buying a magni was due to what seemed like a poor attitude by Schiit. The whole...

I can compare the DFB and JDS O2+OL-DAC combo. The DFB was my first introduction to a DAC/AMP beyond my desktop/laptop/phone. It opened my ears to better sound. So much so, I invested in a JDS O2 amp and OL-DAC combo. The former is fantastic. The latter is incredible. If you want your HD600...

For desktop use you might as well get a dedicated unit. I have the DFB and it sounds great, but with the DF series you're paying extra for portability and size. For home, I'm using a JDS O2 Amp with the OL-DAC. Fantastic transparent sound, not a hint of noise, great imaging, separation, etc...

It shouldn't be that difficult to tell between the low quality apple ear buds and $500 IEMs. If OP can't, either the source is terrible, or it's their ears.

What exactly do you want/need out of this system? There are a number of options under $500. I just bought a JDS OL-DAC and O2 Amp. I picked up their B-stock, so the both units came to $180 USD. It provides outstanding sound, but is very basic and doesn't offer much in the way of options.

Well this deal turned out to be lousy. After USD:CAD conversion and CC fees for international purchases, The phones were $45 CAD. Visions electronics had them for $28+$7 shipping tax which works out to $40 (didn't see this till after I ordered). Ok, no big deal, just another $5. However, Fed-ex...

No worries! We're all trying to help here, and learn a little on the way. I appreciate your input. :)

You need to consider the statement in it's entirety: I highlighted the parts where I specifically indicated that it depends on the headphone, and it might help here. It's not especially complicated, but my response - which gave four categorical ranges of frequency and suggested...

Naw, won't make a difference. Just enjoy. :)

Glad to help where I can - I'm still learning myself, and feel compelled to pass on a little of it to make it easier for others. :) If the headphones are underpowered, the bass may be more muddy and bleed into the mids more. Properly powered, it can tighten up. This is usually only a concern...

I get dead silence from my Dragon fly black from my laptop. Mind you my phone are very sensitive so I keep Windows volumes to 2-4% most of the time.

I'm sure you've tried it, but have you used a different USB cable and/or tried different USB ports? Sounds like a connection issue. Might be in the the USB port on the Modi, but could also be in the other hardware. Also, have you tried it on another computer?

Can thoroughly recommend the JDS OL-DAC and O2 amp. I'm using it to power relatively easy to drive headphones, but it really makes a difference in terms of cleaning the sound, lowering the noise floor, and imaging.