[High_Q]

I do, I feel like it could sound much better.  I've reached a plateau, but I know it can bet better, but I guess current tech doesn't allow it?

 

[JxK]

Of course it can get better. Just pup on a good set of fullsize cans, then put on a good set of IEMs. Though the IEMs do have certain advantages, overall the fullsize cans blow the latter out of the water. Sadly for us, this means that the upgraditis but won't abate any time soon.

 

[rymd]

More like... current wallet size doesn't allow it

 

[kostalex]

Try better other sources - multibit DAC or vinyl. I sold my HDP after I heard HM-602.

 

[High_Q]

I don't measure SQ proportional to cost.  I'm not that naive.
 
Quote:

More like... current wallet size doesn't allow it

 

 

[EraserXIV]

In terms of portable audio or desktop audio?

 

[High_Q]

Both, but have been focusing on IEMs lately.
 
Quote:

In terms of portable audio or desktop audio?

 

 

[EraserXIV]

I think what it comes down to is the source. We can try as hard as we want, swapping out amps, headphones, DACs, etc. But at the end of the day, it can only sound as good as the source we are feeding this equipment. If a recording, (be it CD, vinyl, SACD, flac, mp3, etc) doesn't inherently have a particular level SQ that you are satisfied with, no matter what we do down the line to try to enhance it, there's no way you can artificially insert it in.
 
Also, you have to think about the limitations of headphones, IEMs, and even speakers. There's no way they can 100% accurately reproduce the sound of a live artist, band, instrument; it's a matter of physical laws. We just need to be content with what we can get 

.

 

[kostalex]

x2. Source first. I am more satisfied now with HM-602 > HD650 (stock cable) then I was with Pico > WooAudio 3 > HD650 (custom cable). And my WA3 was upgraded - $200 for Blackgates, $300 for tubes, total cost of amp was $1000+.
 
Quote:

I think what it comes down to is the source. We can try as hard as we want, swapping out amps, headphones, DACs, etc. But at the end of the day, it can only sound as good as the source we are feeding this equipment. If a recording, (be it CD, vinyl, SACD, flac, mp3, etc) doesn't inherently have a particular level SQ that you are satisfied with, no matter what we do down the line to try to enhance it, there's no way you can artificially insert it in.