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DAC + AMP + Can combo?

post #1 of 5
9/8/08 at 2:43pm
Thread Starter 
Hi.

Long time reader, but a seldom poster..

It seems from a reading that the synergy of the dac + amp + can is very important to fully utilize the can.

I have about a budget of ~$3000, and looking forward to buy the entire setup. I used to listen to Senn 600, but I wasn't impressed at all, and the can is very uncomfortable for a long hours of listen.

I am either leaning toward trying different can, possibly Grado, Ultrasone, and etc. As for DAC, I am debating between DAC1 Pre vs. NM24.

With that said,

what would be the good combo that I would invest my money on?

NM24 = $1100 at *gon.
Can = > $500 && < $1000
That put me about $1000 to $1500 for amp.

What would you recommend in terms of can + amp that pairs well with NM24?

Thanks greatly in advance, and sorry if this is discussed before.
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post #2 of 5
9/8/08 at 9:32pm
If you find the comfort of the HD600 to be a problem then I doubt you will find Grado's or Ultrasones any better (if not a lot worse). How much of an issue is comfort?
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post #3 of 5
9/9/08 at 9:16am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by XXII View Post
If you find the comfort of the HD600 to be a problem then I doubt you will find Grado's or Ultrasones any better (if not a lot worse). How much of an issue is comfort?
I don't know if it was fatigue that caused me the uncomfortable feeling. I used the $250 dollar USB DAC/Amp --> Senn 600 from PC.

I know that my previous dac/amp wasn't a good combo for the can, but the part that hurt me the most wasn't just the hearing, but the band on top pressing down on me.

In any rate, I think the comfort level is somewhat important, but probably not as important as the absolute SQ.
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post #4 of 5
9/9/08 at 10:38pm
I own a Monarch NM24 DAC, have had it for about a month and I love its sound and versatility. You can use the line stage to drive a pair of cans and IMO it is a very nice sounding specially for cans w/ an impedence higher than 120 ohms. Although it will drive the K501 and K701 remarkably well.

I mention this because you will not have to get an amp right away. BTW, I would recomend you do do not opt for the headphone cable that Mr. Poon sells for $10. At $10 it is a major bargain but IMO you are better off contacting S2 Audio and ask them to build you a 3 foot long RCA to 1/4" female cable. I did and I am very happy with my $30 spent.

As far as a can I am partial to:

1. Used Grado RS-1 or RS-2
2. Denon D5000
3. Ultrasone PROline 2500 or HFI-780 (these are an acquired taste so test before you buy)
4. AKG K701 or K501

The first 3 listed cans can be had used for under $500, the last three under $200.

You should get a pair of good interconnects. If copper I favor the Blue Jean Cable at about $35. If silver the silver plated Sonic BL-1 are very nice and Moon Audio sometimes runs an special for about $75. While on cables I would also suggest that if you are in area w/ poor mains you consider a conditioner. You can find the Monster Power 3600MkII for about $225 on Amazon.

Anyways so far you would have spent about $1,600 to $1,950 depending on the can or cable chosen. For an amp I would also go used and here a lot would depend on whether you want tube or SS. But w/ a remaining budget of $1,050+ you would have plenty of amps to select from. Some perenial favorites are:

1. HeadRoom Desktop w/ max module
2. Singlepoer MPX3
3. RSA's HR2 or the Raptor
4. Rudistor NX-03 or the NX-33
5. Headamp GS-1 or Gilmore Lite w/ a Dedicated PSU
6. Graham Slee Solo (although the new Beta Novo is giving it a run for the money)

Anyways, the list above should get you started.
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post #5 of 5
9/10/08 at 8:18am
Thread Starter 
mrarroyo.

Really appreciate your response. That gives me a good start, I believe.

How good is the amp in the NM24? Is it better than a dedicated amp that costs below $300? or is it just a temporary solution until one invests on something more expensive?

Also, regarding the cables, what's the difference between copper and silver, and how much of difference one can expect to hear?

Thanks greatly for your response again.
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