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Headphones + Amp/DAC for around $500? - Page 2

post #16 of 27
4/12/09 at 10:05pm
I suggest stretching your budget to around $600-650. With this combo you won't be searching for new headphones or amp/dac for a long time, be plenty satisfied I think. For whatever music you listen to also.

I would get the Audio-gd Compass for your DAC/Amp combo. For $258 and if you live in the us, about $50 for shipping, this is a steal. Even a moderator on forums was blown by what he recieved for this price.
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/5592983-post5159.html

Then I would get the Sennheiser HD650 or HD600.

I have heard the D2000 and do not understand how people think they have good bass. Found it flabby and bloated personally.

But those are my opinions, good luck.
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post #17 of 27
4/12/09 at 10:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mbd2884 View Post
I suggest stretching your budget to around $600-650. With this combo you won't be searching for new headphones or amp/dac for a long time, be plenty satisfied I think. For whatever music you listen to also.

I would get the Audio-gd Compass for your DAC/Amp combo. For $258 and if you live in the us, about $50 for shipping, this is a steal. Even a moderator on forums was blown by what he recieved for this price.
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/5592983-post5159.html

Then I would get the Sennheiser HD650 or HD600.

I have heard the D2000 and do not understand how people think they have good bass. Found it flabby and bloated personally.

But those are my opinions, good luck.
Have you ever heard the D2000/5000's MarkL modded? Because if the flabby/bloated bass was your issue this mod would have taken care of it.
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post #18 of 27
4/12/09 at 10:30pm
Thread Starter 
I am seriously considering the Audio-gd compass but it is very pricey. I'd like to see what else is out there before I make my final decision.
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post #19 of 27
4/12/09 at 10:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by kejar31 View Post
Have you ever heard the D2000/5000's MarkL modded? Because if the flabby/bloated bass was your issue this mod would have taken care of it.
I've heard a modded D5000 compared to my stock, and while it does tame the bass it also changes the rest of the sound signature of the Denons quite significantly and makes the sound less upfront and, for me I think, less engaging. I'd recommend that the OP buy a stock D2000 and go from there.
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post #20 of 27
4/12/09 at 10:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mbd2884 View Post

I have heard the D2000 and do not understand how people think they have good bass. Found it flabby and bloated personally.

But those are my opinions, good luck.
I think this is only the opinion of people who are used to the tremendous roll off of nearly every open headphone out there. The frequency graphs tell the truth IMO. Especially with a bit of modding the bass becomes a bit tamed but still far more punchy than any open dynamic can I've heard.
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post #21 of 27
4/12/09 at 10:45pm
Thread Starter 
Alright guys--I knows it's easy for this to slip into a debate about headphones, but the decision has been made. Don't want to sound rude, but can we stay focused?

Debate about DAC/Amps!
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post #22 of 27
4/13/09 at 12:46am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Starguard View Post
Alright guys--I knows it's easy for this to slip into a debate about headphones, but the decision has been made. Don't want to sound rude, but can we stay focused?

Debate about DAC/Amps!
Yes...mbd2884 offer to help you with a good price.
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post #23 of 27
4/13/09 at 4:27am
I can't be much help in the choosing of amps, but want to warn you that the Compass will only be at this price until some time around May, so if you are planning on getting one you should do it soon before the prices go up. Good luck choosing your amp!
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post #24 of 27
4/13/09 at 4:46am
@Starguard

At that price range I will go for a compass rather than the Zero Dac. The Zero isn't that bad but to make it sound better you will laso get an HDAM upgrade which is alreay part of the compass. I have tried pairing the D2000 and a D5000 to a Zero and Compass. I find that the Compass is better both the Compass and Zros were using a SUN HDAM as a DAC Module.

If not for a DAC requirement I would have suggested the Headdirect EF-1 for an amp. It pairs very well with denons. i have tried a D2000, D500 and a D7000 on it.

Regarding the Use of a USB cable if your PC doesnt have a SPDIF source such as a Optical or Coax out the USB is the only way to go. It should sound better than a entry level sound card. =)
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post #25 of 27
4/13/09 at 5:01am
And noone mentions the Asus Essence STX, the best DAC/Amp combo you can get for $200 = $300 to spend on some awesome headphones.
The DAC used on the Asus Essence STX = WTF on a $200 product (as in awesomely good)

It is the best you can get for $200. Yes really. See massive thread that never dies in the 'computer audio' forum.
Yes, there are times when awesome beyond belief product pop up in the audio world for value e.g. Koss KSC-75, JVC RX700.
Essence STX is it for sources.
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post #26 of 27
4/13/09 at 9:23am
How does the compass compare with a DIY setup.

I was thinking building gamma 1 (Y1) DAC + CTH amp.

Besides the issue of having to build it, how would the final product compare?
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post #27 of 27
4/13/09 at 11:59am
Thread Starter 
Well, it looks like it's going to be the Compass. Should I do Earth/Sun/or Moon?
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