https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/dac-with-volume/smsl-m500-mkii-dac-headphone-amplifier-es9038pro-xmos-xu216-bluetooth-50-32bit-768khz-dsd512-mqa-black-p-15890.html Below features section...

Yamaha AS-1100, works fine with Arcam SA20 as well. At first I had resistors box between but after I removed it sound exploded. Seems that way I went from AB to A class mode on both amps. Almost everything. Weight, authority, speed, timbre, leading edge definition, instrument separation.... If...

Just do it! You won't believe your ears:)

Wait, why this thread isn't in highend section? A know, it doesn't cost 4k and weigh 600g.

And, how believable are those crescendos in 1st movement?

That's easy, ATH-ADX5000, bit more than 2k though.

Has anyone tried the headphone output with HD800 or rather any headphones, any good?

I have AGD11.28 in the office and have tried it with Arya. Not a greatest synergy, AGD is dark sounding and Arya is somewhat darkish as well. Sufficient power? Sure and nice listen no doubt. To max potential? Not nearly there IMHO. At home rig, with more power behind, there's more dynamics...

So, pataburd, how AT sounds with your 'reference rig'?

Thank you KyungMin, although I meant on macro dynamics throughout the spectrum and not on bass quantity. For example, my Aryas probably have more bass than all 3 headphones (you've listed) yet orchestral crescendos sounds a bit anemic. HD800 portrays the same thing more dramatically even though...

Can anyone share some thoughts on slam and how hard hitting are these? How do you perceive intensity of orchestral crescendos etc..? If HD800 soundstage is 10/10 wide, how would you rate them in that regard? Thanks.

That has nothing to do with a cable, you went from 1360mw to 3120mw and thats it.

Lol, complaining about sibilance on reveling headphones is comical. So, you'd like some advanced AI in your headphones which should determine what sounds user could perceive as sibilance and remove those from spectrum? Either change your records or buy lover-end headphones till that happens.

I gave it another shot. Yup, it sounds flatter with loose low end timbre. Switching back to the big amp, I immediately noticed sharper attack, more natural decay, greater dynamics and tighter low end. It's worth mentioning that the big amp itself has similar signature to Marantz, buttery smooth...

I wouldn't agree. You can 'drive them loud enough to damage your hearing' with Schiit Fulla e.g as well yet that doesn't mean they are driven properly. I have Marantz HD-DAC-1 and it doesn't do justice to them, soundstage collapses far from desired volume levels and low end doesn't have anything...

I use that one for HD800 and its nice but with Arya you'll need to dismantle cables every time which doesn't work for me since I'll use it daily (home - office). Seems I need to go for a large, Pelican like case to accommodate the huge headphones. If anyone can suggest option for 'whole' Arya...

Okay. Obviously your accurate is not my accurate and that's totally fine.

..

Might be you need better for Arya.

Hmm thats interesting. I'm listening almost exclusively to classical music and coming from HD800 perhaps best gain in SQ is timbre. Tried many headphones in seven years, HD800 beat it all. Acquired Arya recently and at beginning didn't liked them that much but soon realized the more power I give...

DT880 have somewhat more neutral balance. They are true all rounders. DT990 on the other hand have perhaps to much bass, not entirely controlled. I had only brief listen long time ago hence I'm not fully competent to tell.

@Lucagfc your best bet is definitely DT880 / 32. HD6xx are to pricey these days. AKG K7xx can't be driven out of Mac. Between HD58X and DT880, I would take Beyers any time especially at today's prices. Your Mac won't be near full potential, although if you decide to invest further you are still...

Thanks lithiumnk, nice read. Can't wait to get a chance to try them. Listening to classical music exclusively, HD800 was always my 1st choice. Never heard top end Stax, although Lambadas are telling me they are not for me anyway. After many 'flagships' appearing throughout the years I wasn't...

No. Digital music have a bit depth and than its a matter whether R2R dac can read it or not.

Do you know how much they weigh? Can you tell us a bit about ergonomics in general? Tnx.