Well, prices fluctuate, at the moment it is under 2000 euros at the cheapest shop.
But the carrying case on the other hand is very good. It came in handy when I went to audition.
Yes, it is. And it's not as large as the box suggests it might be - which came as something of a relief when unpacking!
Nah mate we get a great deal here in Aus, essentially paying €1350 or $1450 USD when most stores have them new for $2000 USD + tax so probably more like $2150
Valve amps don't appeal to me, but I have tried a few ss amps - some with better results than others. Of those I've liked, the Sennheiser HDV820 is among the best I think - a lovely combination of warmth and detail I think. The best from my point of view is the Moon 430HA - which is my only amp these days. I think it just does everything the Sennheiser does better - but it's twice as expensive. I got great results from my old Marantz PM11 integrated amp - not quite the detail of the Senn or Moon, but great weight. I use a Marantz SA10 as my source, on analogue interconnects to the amp. The SA10 has it's own amp - which is not bad - the ADX sounds great, but w/o the depth or imaging of the other amps. I think a good current source together with good voltage seems to produce the best results. I thought my SPL Phonitor was underwhelming - which surprised me.
Sorry I should have mentioned my budget is more like under $1,500 aud for both amp and dac. I also am happy to buy used.
You might pick up the HDV820 used for about that. The DAC section is very good I think (high rate PCM and DSD), although I think it's the analogue amp section that's the stand out. That said, the fact that the DAC is so nicely integrated does help to keep noise down - and allows the DAC to work at its best - I really do like the unit. It has a warmth about it which is unusual for ss I think - and I think it sounds distinctly different from the range of other smaller DAC/amps currently around - mainly from China. I've listened to a few of those - I must admit I struggle to tell them apart or remember which is which - but I think they're mostly excellent. I'm sure you know they measure very well too. To my ear they tend to bleach the ADX of a little colour and mid-range texture - which isn't the case with the Senn (and some other more expensive amps I've tried). I guess the Senn's relatively high output impedance (~45 ohms) is part of the equation here - adding some weight to the bottom-end. For classical music, which I listen to, it delivers a very natural sound I think - imaging is exceptional. However, I have heard others say they think it's a bit bland - so I guess musical taste could also play a part here.
Tbh it's one of the most uncomfortable things about this HP, the headband gave me a dent on the scalp. Since then I was looking for ways to make it comfortable with acceptable looks. I went with Audeze's leather headband part and tied it to the sides of the HP with a kevlar cord, never looked back! most comfortable upgrade that looks acceptable.
