Got me a new NuForce Icon HDP - Page 3

agree here. But from what I read, the amp section in the FUN is better than the amp section in the HDP. That's why it's a hard choice to me.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sid-Fi 

X2 for sure regarding the HDP and HD 650 combo, which I am totally loving. I'm going to a local meet with weekend and look forward to testing out my HDP with more analytical phones like K702 and W5000. I'll report back impressions next week, but have a feeling my combo has great synergy that will be lost to some degree with those cans.

 

Also, I've been able to audition audio-gd c2c amp, which is a step up from FUN. I think the C2C is a solid amp and a nice value for the money. I wouldn't shy away from ordering audio-gd gear as it seems well built and well respected, but my impression from all that I have read and from owning HDP is that its DAC is likely significantly better than FUN. The audio-gd dac-19 however seems to get rave reviews and looks like a solid option for a dedicated DAC. 
 

 

From what I read, the M-Stage is better than the FUN's built in amp by a good margin. From first hand experience, I have compared the M-Stage and HDP headphone amplifier and they are comparable in quality though each do some things differently than the other.

x2
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by kite7 

From what I read, the M-Stage is better than the FUN's built in amp by a good margin. From first hand experience, I have compared the M-Stage and HDP headphone amplifier and they are comparable in quality though each do some things differently than the other.

Thanks kite7. I wish I have bought your hdp...by the way, what you are using now with your rs1 after the hdp is sold? Just curious, cuz I have the same headphone and trying to pair it with a "right" amp/dac.

I used the HRT Music Streamer II and M-Stage. I thought this combo added more sense of space, separation and more "air" between vocals and instruments. It also adds some low bass presence but the HDP has a harder slam. The sound sounds more complete with the M-Stage. It tames some of the upper mid peakness a little, the midrange is pushed back a tiny bit. The overall sound is warmer with the M-Stage, which to me fits the RS1.  Sometimes I felt the HDP sounded too centered with the RS1 but for the K701 it was no issue; at certain times it seemed like the sound was coming from in front of my forehead when it came to vocals for the RS1. Guitars sounded more edgy on the HDP though, which I liked. I can definitely see someone liking the HDP more or the HRT + M-Stage more simply because of presentation preference. HDP brings me closer to the performance, M-Stage pushes me back 2 rows or so. It's not like the RS1 sounds recessed on the M-Stage, it's still forward because it's still sound coming through a grado. I'm personally fine with either combo if someone chose for me.

Thanks kite7.

I use the NuForce Icon HDP and seen. HD650s and I love the sound signature.