Hi,
I would need help with choosing new DAC, AMP and headphones.
 
I'm not sure which headphones I finally pick, it will probably depend on DAC and AMP but I'm thinking of one of these: Audeze LCD-X, Hifiman Edition X, Sennheiser HD800S or Mrspeakers Ether.
Could you please recommend which one you think will be the best as multi purpose headphones (but mainly used for classical music and rock)  and/or propose some other models...
 
As far as DAC/AMP right now I'm considering to buy some of Schiit products. Would it be good enough to get Bifrost + Lyr 2, should I look at higher models or would you recommend entirely different brand (for the headphones I'm ​weighing up) ?
 
Thank you for help

martin155 said:

  Hi,
I would need help with choosing new DAC, AMP and headphones.
 
I'm not sure which headphones I finally pick, it will probably depend on DAC and AMP but I'm thinking of one of these: Audeze LCD-X, Hifiman Edition X, Sennheiser HD800S or Mrspeakers Ether.
Could you please recommend which one you think will be the best as multi purpose headphones (but mainly used for classical music and rock)  and/or propose some other models...
 
As far as DAC/AMP right now I'm considering to buy some of Schiit products. Would it be good enough to get Bifrost + Lyr 2, should I look at higher models or would you recommend entirely different brand (for the headphones I'm ​weighing up) ?
 
Thank you for help

Click to expand...

Too many variables.
 
These are all quality headphones, if you are not very picky you can't go wrong with any of them.
Same applies to the DAC/Amp, even a Modi2U/Magni2U stack will provide plenty of clean power for them.
 
That said, these are all slightly different headphones and personal preferences play an importat role here.
 
LCD-X surely packs more impact than Ether or HD800S
HD800S should provide wider soundstage (some people like this, some people don't)
HD800 should be airier and more analytical than HD800S
K812 has big soundstage and warmer sound signature than the Senns
T1s are normally superb all rounders as long as you can live with the slighlty sharp and contrasting presentation
 
Audezes are quite heavy.
Sennheisers are extremely comfortable but fit is on the loose side of things.
 
Pros and cons, you know...
 
Maybe you can share some more info about your preferences.

Agreeing with above I would add this to your consideration. The first two headphones listed lcdx and hex are made to be portable. If this is a factor, portability, with regards to dacs and amps. Chord electronics makes some quality portable dac/amp combo units that best or match many full size products of similar price.

The products are the mojo and hugo, depending on what you are looking to spend. They also make the desktop combo amp hugo tt but that is a bit spendy.

I would like them to have more neutral than warm sound (but not sharp) and not too much bass so they are not tiring after long time of listening, wider soundstage would be nice. What do you mean by : "LCD-X surely packs more impact than Ether or HD800S" ?
 
I don't really care if they are portable or not...
 
Edit: So Bifrost + Lyr 2 is good enough for "all" headphones and I don't really have to look elsewhere?

martin155 said:

  I would like them to have more neutral than warm sound (but not sharp) and not too much bass so they are not tiring after long time of listening, wider soundstage would be nice. What do you mean by : "LCD-X surely packs more impact than Ether or HD800S" ?
 
I don't really care if they are portable or not...
 
Edit: So Bifrost + Lyr 2 is good enough for "all" headphones and I don't really have to look elsewhere?

Click to expand...

Both HD800S and Ether are neutralish headphones, they won't provide powerful bass or at least not next to an Audeze LCD-X.
LCD-X is probably the most neutral Audeze but still an Audeze: great linear bass, lush midrange, soft treble, average soundstage, heavy, looks great
 
Have you tried any quality headphone in the past? (HD598 or better)

I will have a chance to listen all mentioned headphones except for Mrspeakers Ether, so would you say hd800s are better than Ether?
I have just hd558 and haven't heard any better...

martin155 said:

  I will have a chance to listen all mentioned headphones except for Mrspeakers Ether, so would you say hd800s are better than Ether?
I have just hd558 and haven't heard any better...

Click to expand...

 
I would pick HD800S instead of Ether, but that's me. Personal preferences play an important role here.
Many friends of mine don't like HD800/HD800S
Some of them prefer HE-560 over Ether.
 
Personal preferences.

martin155 said:

I will have a chance to listen all mentioned headphones except for Mrspeakers Ether, so would you say hd800s are better than Ether?


I have just hd558 and haven't heard any better...

Click to expand...

 


Would be best to try for yourself. I would try to get hold of Ether(purchase one/get one from the classifieds?) and bring it the 'chance'. Or, attend some meet ups, such as head-fi's 'can Jam's.

800(800s) and LCD-X are so different, yet both enjoy a sizable population of lovers (and haters). The worst part, IMO, is that you might find yourself not in full agreement with either side after listening to them extensively yourself.

I don't think the 560's come close to the Ethers. Your right personal preference has a lot to do with audio. Many people love the HD-650's i didn't love them there fine but just didn't move me too much I liked the 600's better. I like the HD-700's more than the 800's given I have the 700's and only a little time on the 800's. I will never let go of my Ether-C's though. One of the best things I ever heard was the Ether's thru a Yggy and Woo 5 with upgraded tubes it was just about magical. Going to CanJam SoCal so that might change. You need to hear them to decide.  

martin155 said:

  I will have a chance to listen all mentioned headphones except for Mrspeakers Ether, so would you say hd800s are better than Ether?
I have just hd558 and haven't heard any better...

Click to expand...

No one can say one is better than the other. It will depend on you. Most people that own one will say it is better because they own it and it suits them better but that depends on you and your preference. I am sure I can find 10 people that say that the 800's are better than Ether's and 10 people that say that the Ether's are better than the 800's. Audio is sooo subjective. It is a shame you can't hear the Ether's as I find them just to be great. That is me. You might hate them. When I started I wanted a Audeze 2(from reviews) after hearing them I'm glad I didn't but them. I didn't like the X or XC either. Your ears might be different.

OK and what about DAC and AMP - is Bifrost + Lyr 2 good enough?

Bifrost has a solid reputation and is upgradeable which is a nice bonus. Not sure how lyr2 does with more efficient headphones like ether, lcdx, etc. you could ask owner in the schiit thread in the full size amp section. It can be tube rolled or with schiits solid sate tubes be tuned to match the sonic characteristics of any of the headphones you choose.