I went with the Gustard X-16 DAC and THX AAA 789 AMP. So far after approximately 1 day of listening, I am very satisfied. Definitely a significant upgrade :).

To be clear I have a Gustard X-16 but a THX 789 AMP, not the H16. I am now running my Arya (V1) (which I believe to be slightly harder to drive than the Arya SE) on the 6.35mm output with the volume slightly below 9 o clock (depending on the album). XLR input into the 789 (or output out of the...

A bit of an update, I am really happy with this set up so far. I am currently using good XLR cables from the X-16 to the 789, but am still awaiting my balanced headphone cable. I am running high gain with my Arya's. I think for me the Arya is already warm enough for this stack to not sound too...

I bought the 789 due to the big difference in price. I want to hear it for myself. It might be too sterile indeed as well for my taste, I guess I will find out :).

Thanks for your response! Today I bought the Gustard X-16 as I found one second hand for a price I couldn't resist. I am now in doubt about the amp. THX 789 I can get for almost exactly half the price of the H16 where I live so not sure which route to go.

Transportability is definitely no must for me, it has been nice with the Micro iDSD but I don't plan on moving a lot with my Arya.

I own the Micro iDSD (non-BL) and iPurifier 3 (I have heard a BL on multiple occasions too). I use a decent Supra cable with them to power my Hifiman Arya (V1). I read through this whole thread but I am still not sure what to think. I myself am also very curious whether a true desktop setup...

I realize that I'm a little bit late to the party but I am looking at this stack. Maybe a bit unrelated but I noticed that you also own an iFi Micro iDSD BL and I am very curious how you would say this stack compares to it. I have not been able to find any decent comparisons between the Micro...

Wow, congrats on your current setup! I am not going to be able to spend that much on a DAC and AMP however. I am wondering, how would you say the Gustard H16 compared to the A90? Also, why don't you think an uber clean stack suits the Arya? Just personal preference? I might add that mine are...

@brandonwhm I am wondering what you ended up getting and how it has been for you :D. I got my Arya not too long ago and I am thinking about getting a similar stack like the ones you're proposing. I currently have an Ifi Micro iDSD with an iPurifier 3.

Aah okay, good to know thanks! Funny enough I had been looking into those headphones just because they were in my budget and I don't have too much experience with closed backs, I understand out of other replies that the Fostex probably don't fit what I am looking for. Thanks to everyone with...

Thanks for your very helpful comment! I used to own the EL8 open back and the with the weight I didn't have a problem personally. Have you ever heard the open back and could you compare the closed back version? The Aeon Flow Closed is an interesting option. I briefly listened to the open back...

Thanks for mentioning that the Fostex would probably not be for me! I also didn't like the non removable cable. The Oppo PM3 I once considered years ago, before I considered myself an audiophile. Never heard it. I'll take a look at the Oppo and the Campfire Cascade!

Which Model are those? And how do those compare to other headphones, for example the EL8 or Aeon Flow I mentioned?

I am looking for a real good closed back headphone in addition to my HD800. The closed back I would use out and about and to listen to certain music that doesn't sound good on the HD800. Some bands I like but don't listen to too often, for example Boston and the Red Hot Chili Peppers don't sound...