I ended up trying the ifi go bar. Works pretty well. Interestingly, the balanced out works way better at driving these headphones. It’ll get “loud” on either, but unbalanced 3.5 sounds thinner and more harsh. Not sure of the reason, but it was noticeable.

I too just purchased a pair. Wow, great headphones. does anyone have recommendations for a portable DAC/amp to drive them? I have a setup in my office, but I’d like to take these places. I’d like something with an internal battery so as not to drain my phone super fast. I saw the mojo 2...

People debating the definition of soundstage, and I am just enjoying my virtual position not too far from the stage, enveloped by the music. :metal:

Jason - I have enjoyed all the Schiit I have bought, and as I have pursued better audio, you always have products available that pair well with what I am doing with pricing that makes it achievable...Including my new Jotunheim. :)

Gotcha. Thanks for making a great pair of headphones.

After about 60hrs of running these headphones (much of that just pink noise while I was at work) I noticed similar things. The mids and highs have opened up, and sibilance has settled a bit, which I was surprised by. I wasn't sure about the whole burn in thing, but MrSpeakers recommended...

I started with the black, and I’ve been having them burnin with pink noise for hours a day. Last night, I noticed the mids and up into treble were starting to increase, so I changed to one notch white and listened for a while. I am not decided on the best yet. I don’t want it too laid back...

Cool, I'll take a look @ it. I have an M2U, but it feels a bit bright/aggressive at times. I've heard good things about the Mojo.

Are you running the iDSD nano light or black label? or micro? Been hearing about them, but i've never heard one in person.

Joining thread. Just received my AFO and a Jotunheim (w/DAC). Running balanced. I've had the gear running burnin all day with some pink noise (not sure if it really makes a difference, but MrSpeakers said 200 hrs to burnin these headphones!). Anyway, listening to some tunes right now. I...

Hey all,   I've got a question that I haven't seen an answer to in this HA-2 thread (yes, I searched).   I have one of the newer AQ Dragonfly Red DACs, and I just bought a pair of PM-3 headphones.  They seem to benefit (things tighten up a bit, bass is better, treble also seems more...

Totally agree.  Happy I made the decision to get it.

What other planners are you finding to be less narrow?  (and what do you mean by that)

I will a/b them a bit more, but i was surprised to say the least!   I bought some velour pads for some Sony headphones I have, and they are exponentially better than the ones included with the hifiman set.  I may have to consider a mod at some point down the road.

So, I just tried changing from the pleather pads to the included velour. IMHO:  they suck.  Uncomfortable, and i really do not like the shift in the sound (less lows and low mids, brighter, unnatural).  Just wondering, have others tried them, and what are your thoughts?

what is the point of a "re-clocker" in this scenario?  I assume you are referring to a word clock?

Hmm, I'll have to call Al Gore and verify what you claim is true.

We just went from a discussion on headphones to Ted Stevens explanation of the internet.

interesting.  Maybe that's true for traditional dynamic headphones, but different for planar magnetic?  The HE-500s, while more efficient than some other planar magnetic models, like power.  Maybe someone with more in depth knowledge can chime in.

ah, gotcha.  I can't provide any help in that setup.  What do you think you are missing in the setup you have now?  The only thing I notice is that the Vali might be underpowered for the HE-500s to fully drive (at least based on the power expectations i've read around here).

or another tube amp?  or trying to get away from a tube setup?

So true, the cable is annoying (I am worried I may break it).  However, dropping another $150 for a new one - can't get myself there.

Great question, I have been trying to put my finger on it, but having difficulty describing it.  First, I find the highs detailed and articulate on both, but I find the Lyr sound more smooth and natural (maybe less fatiguing?).  In the upper mids, again, both do well, the Lyr mids are a bit more...

Now having spent a good amount of time with the HE-500s, I much prefer the Modi2U DAC over a line out from my mac, and the DAC on the E17 Alpen.  Also, I prefer the Lyr as an amp with them, although the Magni2U has plenty of power, and does a fine job as well. I have never heard the 560's but I...

Yea, I am going to order some y cables since I apparently don't any floating around.  Is there a recommended length to stay under?