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Need to Upgrade Headphones for Ayre QB-9

post #1 of 4
11/29/09 at 7:04pm
Thread Starter 
I recently purchased an Ayre QB-9 USB DAC. My speaker setup is superb with no real glaring flaws (Threshold T2 Preamp, Bryston 3BST amp, B&W N804 speakers) but my headphone setup leaves something to be desired.

I use a Pro-Ject Headbox SEII amp to drive a pair of HD600 headphones. Volume control is provided via the Threshold (the amp is fed from the Threshold's alternative pre-amp output).

My complaints are that the sound is a bit thin and fatiguing--lacking in body.
Does anyone have any suggestions for upgrades?
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post #2 of 4
11/29/09 at 7:40pm
Quote:
dCS Delius DAC -> dCS Purcell Upsampler->Transparent Cable->Pro-ject Headbox SEII->HD600
Is your sig correct? Seems to me that the upsampler should be before the DAC.

Quote:
The Purcell is a processor, not a standalone DAC. The digital output of a CD player or transport is connected to one of the Purcell's inputs, and its output in turn is fed to a DAC capable of a minimum of 20/96, and preferably 24/192. dCS's Elgar DAC, Stereophile's 1997 Product of the Year, is said to be ideal for the purpose. The Purcell has all the standard input and output connectors, including RCA, BNC, and AES/EBU. An ST optical input is optional.
Stereophile: dCS Purcell Promises Hi-Rez Playback from 16/44 CDs

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post #3 of 4
11/29/09 at 7:45pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by omigawsh_lollercoaster View Post
Is your sig correct? Seems to me that the upsampler should be before the DAC.

Stereophile: dCS Purcell Promises Hi-Rez Playback from 16/44 CDs
That is my other system. The sig is wrong, obviously I have the upsampler before the DAC.
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post #4 of 4
11/30/09 at 12:16am
I'm using HD800 with QB-9, and I think they are good match. Hd800 needs as much information from the source as possible, and QB-9 is very competent doing that job.
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