Well, I've fallen in love with the HD650's. Yep, I love them more than the HD800, the LCD-2, the K-1000, and even the HiFiMan HE-6 and HE-500. Now, I don't have the money for something like a Woo Audio WA10 (I've heard the HD650's off of amps like the WA2, and yeah, I was blown away) or an extremely high end source. Since we have that out of they way, let's take a look at what I am looking at considering as well as what I am using right now.
So, right now I'm using iTunes - Valhalla - HD650.
Okay. Here is what I know I am going to be using for the future. I'll be hooking up my iPod Classic to the Pure I-20. The HD650's aren't revealing enough to show the micro detail out of a 24/192 kHz conversion rate, I've learned that after experiencing and A/B'ing different sources. So, the iPod's strict format of 16/44.1 kHz will be just fine for my needs. As for the amp, we already have that covered. The Valhalla filled a void I was missing, and that was more of a sparkly and better extended treble response. I loved feeling the music on the HD650, and the Valhalla seems to make the HD650's let me hear my music a little more.
So, what exactly am I looking for? I want a DAC that is under $500, sounds really good for the price paid, and has these attributes to feed my hungry HD650's:
1: A very large and wide soundstage. I adore the HD800's soundstage, and while the HD650 will never be able to scale up that well, I want more depth, width, and airiness.
2: A bit on the bright side. I still want to be able to feel the music and have a awesome listening experience, but also hear the music a little bit more as well.
3: More defined bass. While I love the HD650's bass, enough impact, power, and extension, it doesn't seem like the most controlled and fast response. A little bit of a speedier low end would be absolutely awesome.
4: While this may be a bit shallow, I'd like it to match the size of the Schiit Valhalla so I can place the Valhalla on top of the DAC.
The Bifrost seems like a really, really good candidate from what I have heard so far.
Now, let's move onto the cable. While the cable won't make a very big difference, I just don't want the HD650 stock cable, because let's be honest, it just looks plain ugly. Here's what I want for under $200:
1. A thicker cable. I don't what it is, but I like the look of a thick cable. Also, it needs to look good aesthetics wise and be pretty durable. Maybe cloth or some type of material that's just as good? I though the Zu Mobius looked like an excellent option, but can't find it for sale anywhere.
2: Something with a tad bit bigger soundstage, or even just minor overall frequency improvements.
Thanks everyone!
