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A Fork in the Road

post #1 of 4
2/3/10 at 3:28pm
Thread Starter 
I'll begin by saying that I am absolutely in love with my 650s. I'm quite happy with my setup as it is right now (in sig) but am wondering where to go from here. I am considering saving up to either:

1.) Upgrade my amp (perhaps WA6 SE)
2.) Upgrade my DAC (no considerations yet)

I am planning for an approximately $1,000 purchase either way. So, it boils down to which of these is likely to yield the highest gain in terms of sound quality or whether I'm nearing the land of "diminishing returns". From all that I've read it seems the general consensus that the 650s scale up fairly well, so I am considering this upgrade with them in mind. Any ideas/suggestions greatly appreciated!
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post #2 of 4
2/4/10 at 3:43pm
Go left. Or right. Personally, I'd go left, but right works too.
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post #3 of 4
2/4/10 at 4:07pm
Depends. Usually, while an upgrade to the source is better than down the line, if your DAC is already more than sufficient to provide quality output, you might as well go with a new amp. I find it's best to keep a balance of quality between the DAC and amp, since if one's great and another crap, the crap one will drag the great part down.
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post #4 of 4
2/4/10 at 4:48pm
I have a tin ear for digital - it all sounds like tin to me. If you can find a lot of music you'd like on vinyl, I'd suggest exploring analog sources. The HD650 works very, very well with quality vinyl.

Failing that, I'd say you have 2 main branches of amps to explore. You want a warmer, sweeter sound with a large airy sound-stage? Look at the GOOD OTL tube amps. The Zana is great, if a bit above your price range. The Manley shrimp might be an interesting option (have not hear it myself). The much maligned (and it's well deserved) Singlepowers can sound superb if they've been made safe. I'm sure there are many many others. The RKV Mk II is technically a hybrid OTL, but that thing took warm & syrupy to a 'whole new level with the HD650 - a bit too far perhaps, as some resolution was lost, but it sure sounded nice at times. OTL amps with bad-ass output stages can sound pretty ridiculously fast & clean, too.

You want a fast, clean sound with huge bass impact? Explore the dynalo/dynamid/dynahi/B22 offerings. The old dynalo builds (of which there are many) offer the bargain entry into quality 650 amps, if you dig this kind of sound. Some of the old maxed out PPAs or a nice M^3 will also fit into this bargain category - super sweet sounding with the HD650.
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