Wasn't sure if there was a way to override the pre-amp circuit... Happy to hear that there is!

Not sure if I'm missing something, but was having a hard time confirming whether it was possible to use the iFi BL as a DAC only to feed a Bottlehead (and, subsequently, HD650)? Would also like to power a pair of LCD-2 and wondering whether I can cover these high and low impedance phones using...

Has anyone compared either of the ZMF dynamics to the Paradox Slants? Sounds like the Atticus may be quite similar, maybe with a little more bass activity? Potentially more laid back?

Perfect- thanks for the info, that confirms what I've been reading elsewhere.

Having gone the receiver route in the past, I think I'll be sticking with headphone specific gear for the time being. @Hansotek: You mentioned the LC edging out the Jot- is this in some aspect particularly or overall? One of the reasons the Jot is so appealing is that, using the internal DAC...

Should have specified my use and budget probably! Looking to spend up to $800 and it can be stationary. So far considering Jot, Asgard, and Liquid Carbon. I've had a few issues using vintage receivers in the past and would want to keep the finickiness to a minimum. Though, it would be nice to...

I mostly listen to second wave and atmospheric black metal (Mayhem, Blut Aus Nord, Satanic Warmaster, Paysage D'Hiver, Sapthuran, Ildjarn, etc) and have been enjoying my new Paradox Slants- much more engaging, impactful, and balanced sounding than my previous A900x. I am currently running them...

I've done some poking around and can only find a few outdated discussions on this topic. I currently own and love the AT A900X- it sounds much more accurate than my previous W5000 though without as much detail and space. Would love to find another closed headphone that would be comparable in...

PortaPro + more expansive sound stage is almost always what I'm looking for... Thanks all for the advice- the Masya, BK, and Asura all sound similar to what I'm looking for.

<150

If I may jump in... is there a bud that would be a significant step up from the Monk+ ? I enjoy the clarity, sparkle, and engagement of the VE but would love better imaging, musicality, and impact. Any ideas?

After even more research it sounds like the Ref1, Se846, and K10 are most in keeping with my preferences.  Anyone compared these three directly?  I know the former two are often compared favorably (@warrior, etc.)

Well, the Ref.1 sounds intriguing.  Anyone looking to sell? ;)

It looks like you tried the ref1 and went back to the 1plus2, can you speak to why?

I don't want to keep clogging this thread, but,.. I thought the SD4 hadn't been released? I can't find much information about it anywhere. Can you point me in the right direction?