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Newbie advice on two budget headphone amps - how big a difference does running in make?

post #1 of 2
1/19/12 at 9:19am
Thread Starter 

Hello

 

I've recently purchased a Pro-ject DAC and Pro-ject Headbox S. Initially, I paired the DAC with a Musical Fidelity V-Can headphone amplifier, but felt that, from a purely aesthetic point of view, the two Pro-ject boxes looked better together (same size, manufacturer, etc.).

 

However, in comparison to the V-Can, the Pro-ject box just doesn't engage me as much.

 

When I swapped the two boxes over (at an obliging dealership here in the UK) they revealed that the V-Can had been used as a shop demo, and had therefore had many hours burn-in. Unlike the Pro-ject amp, which was "fresh out of the box".

 

My question is, how much of an improvement can I expect once the Pro-ject has "burned in"? I don't have too much time before I can do another exchange and want to get it right.

 

Box amps get very similar (i.e. average) ratings in the British hi-fi press.

 

Incidentally, my headphones are a pair of Sennheiser HD540 reference IIs, although I am considering a pair of HD650s.

 

Best wishes

 

J

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post #2 of 2
1/19/12 at 4:36pm

Burning in electronics of this sort is somewhat mute.  I would not expect huge if any differences from new to fully "burned" in.

In regards to the HD-650's you are looking to purchase I found them too laid back sounding.  Many of us find that even though the HD-650 is an awesome can, it is inevitably too laid back.  It always sounds like you are listening through a thick pillow.  For me a pair of Beyerdynamic DT990 ( 250 Ohm ) or even Denon AH-D2000 was much more pleasing.  Making this change is something I will never regret.

Just trying to save you time and money in the long run as I have been down this road.

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