Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Headphone Amps (full-size) › DAC/Amp for HD650
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

DAC/Amp for HD650

post #1 of 13
10/10/11 at 8:51am
Thread Starter 

Just got my new computer. It has the gigabyte sniper 2 board, which comes with thecreative x-fi/EAX 5.0 dedicated on board. The question is what would be a decent soundcard/DAC + amp combination for my HD650. I heard something about the NFB-12, is that good enough to drive the HD650 and what soundcard/DAC should I get for it. Any other thoughts? Let's say budget will be under $300, but if anything that would show significant improvement in the sub $500 range, I will consider it as well. gs1000.gif

Reply

Gear mentioned in this thread:

post #2 of 13
10/10/11 at 8:53am
Thread Starter 

asus xt / ht omega halo? are they good enough to drive HD650s?

Reply
post #3 of 13
10/10/11 at 9:45am

If you mean the Asus Essence ST/STX, it is ideally suited to driving the HD650s - the onboard headphone amp performs admirably into high impedance headphones such as the Sennheisers, whilst the DAC it includes is also of the very highest quality. Much better idea than something from AudioGd IMHO.

 

If you're looking for just a separate amp (no DAC) the Fiio E9 uses the same headphone amplifier chip as the Essence (TPA6120) and also performs superbly driving the HD650s.

Reply
post #4 of 13
10/10/11 at 4:41pm

I had posted this in a sperate thread, thought Id consolidate.

 

"As the subject line says, I am looking for the best marriage for my HD 650's.

 

My headphones are used with my PC. I have an Essence STX and HeadAmp4 currently. However I am under the impression there is much more I could squeeze out of my 650's. If you had $250 to spend on the problem, where would you spend your money. I was considering the Maverick D1 http://www.mav-audio.com/store/index.php/tube-magic-dac-d1.html, but I wanted to consult Head-Fi before I took that leap.

 

Thanks,

 

Jimmy"

 

So what i am gathering Willakan is that there isn't much improvment I could get since I have the STX?

Reply
post #5 of 13
10/10/11 at 4:46pm

For $250? Save your money, stick with your card. Maybe in the future get a pre-built Objective2 amp, but that would be most useful for you with low impedance headphones.

 

I'm in agreement with Willakan. I've not heard of a better product in the price range (objectively anyway) than the Essence STX, especially for high impedance headphones.

Reply
post #6 of 13
10/10/11 at 4:57pm

Thanks, looks like I am getting a new lens for my camera. :D

Reply
post #7 of 13
10/10/11 at 6:15pm
Thread Starter 

I thought I read somewhere the ST has better driver than STX, or does that not justify the high/low impedance issue? So, you guys are saying the e7 e9 combo is good enoug to drive the hd650? Not like I won't take your words for it, but I just want to hear more inputs. Thanks :)

Reply
post #8 of 13
10/10/11 at 7:08pm

i'm selling a pro-ject headbox se ii right now, works great with the 650s and drives them really well, bass is strong, details are nice, and they get loud enough to cause hearing damage. when i bought them, the box even had hd 650s in the pic lol

Reply
post #9 of 13
10/11/11 at 5:43am
Thread Starter 


If it's 50 bucks I'll try it lol given it works XD
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dubstep Girl View Post

i'm selling a pro-ject headbox se ii right now, works great with the 650s and drives them really well, bass is strong, details are nice, and they get loud enough to cause hearing damage. when i bought them, the box even had hd 650s in the pic lol



 

Reply
post #10 of 13
10/11/11 at 6:32am
For the HD650s I would get a more neutral amp/DAC. Also, if you're getting a USB DAC/amp, than you will bypass the sound card completely, meaning the actual sound card is near redundant.Lots of people recommend the E7/E9 combo for it, but I haven't had any experience with the hd650s, so don't take my word for it. I would recommend talking to someone who has had experience with the Fiio E9 and E7 as with the 650s.
Reply
post #11 of 13
10/25/11 at 3:18pm

Edited...


Edited by JimmyFrost - 10/25/11 at 5:51pm
Reply
post #12 of 13
11/6/11 at 12:12am

I currently have HD650 with E7/E9 combo, and I was simply blown away (FYI HD650 was my first "audiophile phone," so there could be some heavy bias).

Also, is it true that there are supposedly "silent upgrades" done on "old" HD650 to remove the veil on "newer" HD650?

Reply
post #13 of 13
11/6/11 at 2:33pm
Thread Starter 

Thank you guys for the replies! I bought the Asus Essence ST and HT Omega Calro Halo and tried out both with my HD650. In the end, I returned the ST and kept the Claro Halo. For the Claro Halo's sound being more full and fun and the better connection to my onkyo 609 receiver.

Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Headphone Amps (full-size)

Gear mentioned in this thread:

Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Headphone Amps (full-size) › DAC/Amp for HD650