[OldSkool]

Quote:

I agree about the DF. I have one and really like it. It performs better with higher impedance phones rather than IEMs (e.g. 16ohm Miracles). It's not a match for my Audio-gd NFB-5.2, but for its size it's excellent!

Another full review here: http://passionforsound.wordpress.com/2013/03/03/audioquest-dragonfly/

Nice review. Not trying to nitpick, but after reading it twice, I'm still unclear that the author realizes that the computer volume must be maxed to enable DF's dac mode and pass the signal thru to an outboard amp. You then control the volume on the outboard amp, should you choose not to use the DF's internal amp. Also, it might have been nice to mention the DF has a 24 bit ESS Sabre chip and uses Gordon Rankin's (Wavelength Audio) streamlength technology.  Lastly, unless I am misreading...I'm somewhat surprised the author was underwhelmed by SQ of DF to HD650s. 
 
IMO, I agree the DF isn't as resolving as my PS Audio DL3, but that monster doesn't fit in my briefcase, either.

 
Oh well, as always...YMMV.

 

[Loquah]

Quote:

Nice review. Not trying to nitpick, but after reading it twice, I'm still unclear that the author realizes that the computer volume must be maxed to enable DF's dac mode and pass the signal thru to an outboard amp. You then control the volume on the outboard amp, should you choose not to use the DF's internal amp. Also, it might have been nice to mention the DF has a 24 bit ESS Sabre chip and uses Gordon Rankin's (Wavelength Audio) streamlength technology.  Lastly, unless I am misreading...I'm somewhat surprised the author was underwhelmed by SQ of DF to HD650s. 
 
IMO, I agree the DF isn't as resolving as my PS Audio DL3, but that monster doesn't fit in my briefcase, either.

 
Oh well, as always...YMMV.

 
Hi Old Skool, the author was me and your points are all fair.
 
Are you sure that turning the volume to full actually bypasses the amp? By that reckoning, the amp is working as an attenuator given that the volume goes down when it is active (according to your logic as I understand it).
 
The SQ was good on the HD650s, but I would be misleading people to suggest that the DF gets the ideal sound out of the HD650s - it just can't compete (nor should it be able to) with full size amps. If someone were to be using the DF as their primary headphone driver I believe there are better headphone options available which will be maximised by the DF. As always, these are subjective opinions and my reviews are written from a practicality and enjoyment of music perspective rather than technicalities and specifics (which I enjoy reading from others, but don't feel qualified to speak about myself).
 
Long story short - I love the DragonFly for what it is - a super-compact and incredibly proficient USB-powered DAC/amp. But I'm also aware of its understandable and acceptable limitations. I use it daily to drive my K420s, Re272s, and GR07s and it does a stellar job.

 

[calipilot227]

Quote:

I'm sure that I'll get to hear the hd800 at the meet in May. I do need to fill in that gap in my journey. 
 
Honestly though, I don't see myself ever owning flagship hp's. I just broke my two hp rule and bought my he-4 back from the guy I sold them to. So I now have three very nice mid-fi hp's. Hd650, MD and He-4. So in theory, I could sell them all and own a flagship product. But the hi-end hp's that I've listened to always have a fatal flaw(s) for me. It's usually the weight. I dreamed about making the lcd2.2 with bamboo my end game. The sound signature lived up to the hype for me in every way. But it's simply just too heavy and clamps like a bear trap. The he6 also too heavy and too bright. 
 
I think that I'll stick with my trio of mid-fi for now and have the flexibility to enjoy different hp's when the mood or music strikes me. 

 
Understandable. I one day hope to own the HD800 (very light and comfortable, maybe even a bit lighter than the HD650), but I doubt I'll ever sell my HD650s.

 

[longbowbbs]

Another vote for the DF with the HD650's and a MBPro. Love the combo for being on the road.

 

[brunk]

Looks like I've overlooked the nuForces for some reason, I'll look into it. Thanks
Meanwhile it looks like the iBasso D6 might also be worth a look. There's also a Calyx Coffee in the FS section, but the reviews I saw weren't stellar.. though I do understand this is going to a compromise no matter what. My budget is admittably quite tight for a DAC/amp package. Amp only would be significantly easier(c421/c5, Neco, O2 and so on..) and there's a chance I'll end up going that route since a DAC is, at this point, not a necessity so much as 'nice to have'.

Please also consider the meridian explorer, hifimediy sabre dac, and centrance dac mini

 

[OldSkool]

Quote:

 
Hi Old Skool, the author was me and your points are all fair.
 
Are you sure that turning the volume to full actually bypasses the amp? By that reckoning, the amp is working as an attenuator given that the volume goes down when it is active (according to your logic as I understand it).
 
The SQ was good on the HD650s, but I would be misleading people to suggest that the DF gets the ideal sound out of the HD650s - it just can't compete (nor should it be able to) with full size amps. If someone were to be using the DF as their primary headphone driver I believe there are better headphone options available which will be maximised by the DF. As always, these are subjective opinions and my reviews are written from a practicality and enjoyment of music perspective rather than technicalities and specifics (which I enjoy reading from others, but don't feel qualified to speak about myself).
 
Long story short - I love the DragonFly for what it is - a super-compact and incredibly proficient USB-powered DAC/amp. But I'm also aware of its understandable and acceptable limitations. I use it daily to drive my K420s, Re272s, and GR07s and it does a stellar job.

Ahh, my apologies! Had I realized you were the review author, I would had PM'ed you instead of nitpicking your review. Please forgive me.
 
IMO, I didn't feel the DF drove my HE500 much past "adequate", but I did feel the DF/HD650 sounded terrific in my audio chain.
 
Although I am not associated with any companies involved here, nor have I ever met or even talked to Gordon Rankin, I am astounded by what he has designed. 107 components on a 0.6"x1.7" four layer board, 24 bit Sabre chip, 24/96K, 2 clocks, asynch transfer, all in the size of a USB thumb drive? Are you kidding me?
 
As I understand it, the DF was designed with a "digitally-controlled" 64-step analog volume control, as a pure digital volume control can potentially degrade SQ by destroying bits. As for maxing out the volume to enable dac mode, I'm sure I read it...but after searching, I cannot locate the link for you. Let me just say that I have used it in that manner and it's my understanding the DF was designed that way.
 
Best I can do right now is scenario7 from this article:
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/487-audioquest-dragonfly-review/
 
Again, my apologies for nitpicking your well-written review and sidetracking a HD650 thread. I thought since the OP was looking for a travel dac/amp, the DF would certainly fit the bill.
 
Cheers.

 

[molika]

i would be grateful for any suggestions for a decent dac for my hd650. my amp is a lehmann audio black cube (not the usb dac version) and am using a xonar essence st. looking at spending around $600. thx
 

 

[Flisker]

Quote:

Hi!
For starters: 'tis my first post on Head-Fi. WOOHOO!

I, literally, just got my hands on a used pair of HD650 delivered to my doorstep for $180, fifteen minutes ago. This is as far as I know, an absolute steal.
While I greatly appreciate the fact that I essentially paid for a bag of pretzels and got a (supposedly) great pair of cans, I feel that I somewhat missed out on the birth/burn-in period of 'em.

Upon first entering this thread and beholding it's incredible length I decided to skip the mindless searching for experiences and whatnot, and ask you all upfront:
Have I missed something?
Thoughts on amping?


Initially, to me with my references (PC -> Aune T1 -> AKG K550), they don't sound (or physically feel/look) like a can worth ~$500 and while I realize that great source and/or amping is key to making these sound great, I have a hard time seeing them go from night -> day. 'tis a good thing I got them for cheaps, for I know not if I'd keep 'em would they have cost me $350+.


Will see about getting some extensive private time with these before making any judgements.

 
When I first got HD650 and used FiiO E11 as amp ... I didn't like them at all compared to AKG K701 which was my first "real" headphones. 
 
Actually I was thinking same thing as you "how can this be 500$ headphone ?", was nearly selling them. Than I got Schiit Magni and Modi combo, since than, things changed a lot ... I didn't hear better headphones. Only one other that I really like and I'am still "testing" are Grado SR225i.
 
Proper amp makes world of difference with HD650 from my experience, like them so much now that I also already bought Schiit Lyr which should be even better match and is more expensive than headphones itself, when talking street price 

 
I'am thinking I'll never sell HD650's.
 
Just give them try on some nice amp before you decide whether you like them or not 

 

[Lorspeaker]

Quote:

i would be grateful for any suggestions for a decent dac for my hd650. my amp is a lehmann audio black cube (not the usb dac version) and am using a xonar essence st. looking at spending around $600. thx
 

http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/dac/NFB17/NFB17EN.htm 
check this out 

 

[devhen]

Quote:

Quote:

i would be grateful for any suggestions for a decent dac for my hd650. my amp is a lehmann audio black cube (not the usb dac version) and am using a xonar essence st. looking at spending around $600. thx

http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/dac/NFB17/NFB17EN.htm 
check this out 

 
That link is broken because you've got a space at the end . This one should work
 
http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/dac/NFB17/NFB17EN.htm

 

[traehekat]

Checking in. 

 

[fuzzybaffy]

Quote:

The 800's are wonderful and I get no fatigue from their treble. I cannot speak to anyone else's experience, but I can wear them (Happily!) for hours. 

 
 
Awesome. Thank you. Seems like it's one of those mythical criticisms, like the HD-600/650 "veil". 
 
That means the HD-800 are in my (far, far) future, then! 

 Thanks again. 

 

[longbowbbs]

Quote:

Quote:

The 800's are wonderful and I get no fatigue from their treble. I cannot speak to anyone else's experience, but I can wear them (Happily!) for hours. 

 
 
Awesome. Thank you. Seems like it's one of those mythical criticisms, like the HD-600/650 "veil". 
 
That means the HD-800 are in my (far, far) future, then! 

 Thanks again. 

No problem...FWIW, I never experienced a veil on my 650's...They are a wonderful HP as well.

 

[Mad Lust Envy]

So it looks like I'm returning my HD650s. Bought them used anyways, so I don't feel bad about it. The LCD2 just does everything better, and I find myself not finding the 650s that much more comfy while laying down. $360 for a very situational headphone doesn't make sense.

Don't get me wrong, I love them. But I don't see myself using them much.

 

[yokken]

FAIL! We'll see you in a few months, buddy. It's inevitable.