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Upgrading Amp, need help.

post #1 of 25
6/8/12 at 8:28pm
Thread Starter 

I was considering upgrading my HD650's for some HD700's LCD-2's or quite possible HD800's. But decided it's not time yet. However I am now considering upgrading my Amplifier/DAC. I currently have the Headroom Desktop Amp/DAC. Any suggestions to a good/better AMP/DAC or Amp and DAC? 

 

Don't know if it's the headphones or the amp, but I'd like my music to sound as natural and as awesome as possible.

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post #2 of 25
6/9/12 at 4:57am

What sort of budget do you have? Do you want a combo amp/dac or separates? 

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post #3 of 25
6/9/12 at 7:51pm
Thread Starter 
Im willing to pay if it means quality, but preferably less than $1000 USD. Whatever would be the best option (sound and other quality-wise).
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post #4 of 25
6/9/12 at 8:13pm
The Headroom stuff is really good. If you want a different amp for the sake of a different amp, go the tube route. I would recommend looking into the Schiit Valhalla or perhaps a used Trafomatic Experience Head One.
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post #5 of 25
6/12/12 at 3:28pm
Thread Starter 

Ok, well, for the sake of not starting a new thread, I'll post here.

 

I have decided that I'm going to upgrade to HD800s and I need an Amplifier/DAC or an Amplifier and a DAC.

 

Any suggestions? 

 

I mainly listen to Pink Floyd and such. Led Zep, Elton John, Dire Straits, etc. included.

 

So I want my music to sound as good as possible.

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post #6 of 25
6/12/12 at 3:34pm
Violectric V100 or V200 depending on your budget. Their synergy with the HD800 is legendary. It's also said the HD800s were voiced using the Violectric amps. And, some high ranking Sennheiser suit loves the V100.

If you want to go the tube route, perhaps a Woo 2, Woo 22, or Trafomatic Head One.
Quote:
Originally Posted by buddy39914 View Post

Ok, well, for the sake of not starting a new thread, I'll post here.

I have decided that I'm going to upgrade to HD800s and I need an Amplifier/DAC or an Amplifier and a DAC.

Any suggestions? 

I mainly listen to Pink Floyd and such. Led Zep, Elton John, Dire Straits, etc. included.

So I want my music to sound as good as possible.
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post #7 of 25
6/12/12 at 7:35pm
Thread Starter 
Ok ill check it out. Also, should i go balanced or unbalanced?

What about the DAC V800?
Edited by buddy39914 - 6/12/12 at 8:29pm
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post #8 of 25
6/13/12 at 9:16am
Thread Starter 

bump.

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post #9 of 25
6/13/12 at 10:35am

Nevermind.


Edited by hodgjy - 6/13/12 at 10:41am
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post #10 of 25
6/13/12 at 4:23pm
Thread Starter 

Ok, so I then bumped into the Stax SR-007 MK2s. They are about $1000 more.

 

Are they that much better than the HD800s?

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post #11 of 25
6/13/12 at 4:25pm

Electrostats sound completely different than dynamics, and you also need a different type amp.  The way I look at it is similar to cameras, like Nikon vs. Canon.  Once you buy into a platform, it's almost like being married.  You can get divorced and start over, but it's very expensive.  So, from the very beginning, decide if you want to go dynamic or electrostat.  It is very expensive to maintain both.  Plus, they have different sound signatures, so pick the one that fits your musical preferences best.
 

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post #12 of 25
6/13/12 at 5:56pm
Thread Starter 

Pink Floyd for example?

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post #13 of 25
6/13/12 at 8:12pm
Thread Starter 
Ok say I decide to buy HD800s with a WA2 amp. Can i use my headroom desktop amp/dac as a DAC for my WA2 amp? If not what would be an affordable option for a DAC for my amp.



Ok, what about this final setup?

HD800 + WA2 amp + Schiit Bifrost DAC
?
Edited by buddy39914 - 6/13/12 at 10:48pm
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post #14 of 25
6/14/12 at 10:01am
Thread Starter 
Bump.

I really need to decide now.
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post #15 of 25
6/15/12 at 8:56pm
Thread Starter 

Hate to post four times in a row and bump, but can anybody help? Don't want to start a new thread.

 

OK, so I bought the HD800's and have them now. I am using them meanwhile with my Headroom Desktop Amp/DAC, but I still want to upgrade.

 

 

WA2 + Bifrost + HD800

 

WA6SE + Bifrost + HD800

 

WA6 + Bifrost + HD800

 

Valhalla + Bifrost + HD800

 

 

Best, or any other suggestions?

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