yes. The Dave is meant to complete with DACs costing $20,000 to $30,000. It is a true reference level DAC without the reference level price.

Been living with this combo for a week. Works great for all kinds of music. Very neutral as each recording sounds a lot different. Neither is fully burnt in (if that is a thing) but so far so good.

Can't believe that Stax will finally release a proper amp for their headphones after all these years! About time!

what kind of rock music?

Shure makes great earphones, IMHO.   maybe the Shure SE215-K might be the best for metal. They are just shy of $100 however. Sometimes you can find them for $89.   The Shure SE112m+-GR is more in your budget at $59   I would strongly suggest listening to these 1st before buying as with...

I am looking into getting a pair of Sennheiser HD650. The amp that I have is fairly cheap, you can get it for about $229 and it is a nice big heavy powerful Class A/B amp.   As long as you have enough space for it and give it plenty of breathing room it should work with a PC as well.    I...

I just saw the prices... holy moly!   Accuphase DP720 CD player $27,000   eek

It has that sublime 70's look that I think is the best. But you are paying a lot extra for the built quality and looks.   I haven't heard them but I am sure they sound great from their reviews.

What will be using this amp with? Stereo? PC? Portable?

The original ones cost $16,000 back in 1991. They are the very best headphones/amp combo that I have ever heard.   I am sorry but $55,0000 seem insane for these.   These are just for the billionaire who has everything type of gift.

If I remember, these were only released in Japan, right?   I never heard them myself, I think Audiocubes were selling them at one point, might be confusing these with the wooden counterparts.   A luxury item for sure!

  Nice review! BTW, I have heard the MDR-R10. It was a long time ago, so I don't remember the sound to be honest, I just remember that they were super comfortable. LOL.

As for what I'm looking for, I want clarity and detail and I don't want loose or boomy bass and with a good soundstage (I think that's the correct term).  With regards to low end, I want to be able to hear kick drums and bass lines.  I don't like headphones or earbuds with overly exaggerated...

  Really? How many have actually heard it? It was pretty rare back in the old days, it must be even rarer now.

You will only need a DAC if the sound from your laptop is not very good.   A good DAC will make your laptop sound a lot better, as long as the audio files are of high quality.   However a cheap DAC will sound about the same and will be a waste of money, and if you have a great sound card it...