[HaggisMacJedi]

I have $300 to spend and want to improve my sound and would like advice on how to best spend it.

I play my music through:
Mac Mini
iPhone 7
Kenwood Turntable/Yamaha Receiver from the mid 70’s

I listen through:
Eartech Triples custom IEM
ATH-M50’s
Grado SR-80e

Should I get a new set of cans or a headphone amp/DAC and can you make specific recommendations based on what I already have?

 

[Renato Fury]

I have $300 to spend and want to improve my sound and would like advice on how to best spend it.

I play my music through:
Mac Mini
iPhone 7
Kenwood Turntable/Yamaha Receiver from the mid 70’s

I listen through:
Eartech Triples custom IEM
ATH-M50’s
Grado SR-80e

Should I get a new set of cans or a headphone amp/DAC and can you make specific recommendations based on what I already have?

Look my dear, for headphones like these I would not spend more than $100 on a desk amp/dac, so I recommend buying the Schiit Fulla 2 and who knows the Sennheiser HD 598, with that amount to buy the two and there is still money left over.

 

[HaggisMacJedi]

Renato Fury, I see that the Sennheiser 598 comes open or closed back. Which of those do you recommend?

 

[Renato Fury]

Renato Fury, I see that the Sennheiser 598 comes open or closed back. Which of those do you recommend?

Open.

 

[Dulalala]

You could get the HD6XX instead with the Fulla 2. Comes out at $300 total.

 

[HaggisMacJedi]

Those are both better than Grados in the equivalent price range?

 

[Renato Fury]

You could get the HD6XX instead with the Fulla 2. Comes out at $300 total.

6XX with Fulla 2 ? bad choice, it has no power to drive 300 ohm.

Those are both better than Grados in the equivalent price range?

But with $300 you could buy the 6XX and the Magni 3, and in the future a dac, maybe the Modi Multibit.

 

[Monsterzero]

You have a bit of a dilemma.Your mobile devices need low ohm/high sensitivity HPs,meanwhile your TT+receiver combo needs the exact opposite,which it looks like you currently do not own.

It depends on what set-up you use most frequently.

 

[Monsterzero]

6XX with Fulla 2 ? bad choice, it has no power to drive 300 ohm.

But with $300 you could buy the 6XX and the Magni 3, and in the future a dac, maybe the Modi Multibit.

The 6xx would work real well straight from your Yamaha receiver,but you will need an amp for your other set-ups.

Those are both better than Grados in the equivalent price range?

What are your musical preferences?

 

[Dulalala]

6XX with Fulla 2 ? bad choice, it has no power to drive 300 ohm.

HD650: 1.68mW to reach 100 dB/SPL
Schiit Fulla 2: Maximum Power at 300 ohms, 40mW RMS per channel

Sure, Fulla 2 has not enough power. You can believe what you want, I'm here to try to help to OP. He can make his own decisions based on what information is given to him.

 

[TYATYA]

On Massdrop 200 for 6xx and 190 for Darkvoice336se.
It need 390, 90 is over but if 2nd unit I think its sure possible with 300 or less for TOTAL set.
Upgrade path later for 336 is very easy, and not cost much of money to bring sound like hdvd800.
I use my 336 more than my hdvd800

 

[JKDJedi]

I have $300 to spend and want to improve my sound and would like advice on how to best spend it.

I play my music through:
Mac Mini
iPhone 7
Kenwood Turntable/Yamaha Receiver from the mid 70’s

I listen through:
Eartech Triples custom IEM
ATH-M50’s
Grado SR-80e

Should I get a new set of cans or a headphone amp/DAC and can you make specific recommendations based on what I already have?

for the money a $300 amp will make them cans sound new and improved! Get the most amp you can get. ----> My recommendation. iFi AUDIO micro-iCAN SE

 

[HaggisMacJedi]

The 6xx would work real well straight from your Yamaha receiver,but you will need an amp for your other set-ups.



What are your musical preferences?

I have two degrees in music so honestly I like it all.

 

[HaggisMacJedi]

for the money a $300 amp will make them cans sound new and improved! Get the most amp you can get. ----> My recommendation. iFi AUDIO micro-iCAN SE

Is this the one that’s featured right now on the main Head-Fi page?

 

[JKDJedi]

Is this the one that’s featured right now on the main Head-Fi page?

no that is the mini black edition, the one I mentioned is a stand alone dac/amp that you have to plug in. If you want something mobile then the iFi AUDIO nano iCAN is the one you want. They sound clean and powerful. I use to have the prior and it ROCKS.