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.

I wouldn't worry about that - the whole "dependent on a specific amp" thing is misleading. The main functions of an amp are to reduce the noise floor and provide more power to drive the phones. Your magni will do that in spades. You'll have WAY more power than those phones can handle, and I...

The AKG-712 are noted for their highly detailed and mostly flat sounding response (i.e. fairly uncoloured). They're not generally noted as a "fun" headphone, but instead a reference headphone. However, amping will almost certainly bring out a more dynamic sound from the headphones. That, and as...

Awesome sauce - I'm excited for you! My O2 amp and OL-DAC just arrived today BTW - I'm very pleased with the sound, and I think you'll be very happy with the similar magni 2 amp.

The AKG-7xx are claimed to be the K702 Anniversary edition, which in turn are claimed to be the Q702 with the updated K712 pads. (confused yet?) Here are the sound details of the AKG-7XX and the AKG712 from inner fidelity. Note the similarities. Of course, there's a lot more than just numbers...

I've not listened to either, so I can't comment. The general consensus from what I've read is that they're really similar - the AKG-712 edges out as the better phone, but just barely, and for someone who only listened to the 7xx they'd never realise what they're missing. The price difference is...

Actually the amp will play a bigger role in sound quality, imaging, detail, and texture than the DAC for the simple fact that beyond a certain point the differences in DACs are very questionably audible to humans. DACs have come a long way, and most "good" entry level DACs are arguably more than...

If your primary goal is gaming, as noted, the AKG-7XX might be your best bet as it has better imaging and sound stage. You'll still get excellent musicality from them. The HD6xx are more of a music focused headphone. I didn't hear a budget, but if you're trying to keep it inexpensive I would...

The difference is probably pretty subtle for the most part, so I wouldn't worry - if it sounds good, that's all that matters!

Actually they said they didn't read 256 pages. :) It's not as easy to find as you might think by searching this website, especially when you don't know what the problem is. There should be a stickied thread somewhere with info on the mobile phones and volume issues. More curiously - I'm not...

Cool thanks. Did you have a set of instructions on making the attenuators? I searched your posts and saw some images but nothing specific. Also, do you use the 3D printed pad clips or just your stock ones? I was planning to get 3D printed ones to save my stock pads.