441879
500+ Head-Fier
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- Dec 21, 2015
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[QUOTE="Xyst, post: 14404829, member: 133498"
Also, is there an a general recommendation for a starter amp and DAC for these yet?
Touchy subject. My personal belief? Don't cheap out. If you can't commit to at least a Schiit Magni/Modi (USD 200) look elsewhere. These headphones need a reasonable amount of current to drive well (note the "well" - even some daps can be used with the Aeons, but they sound bland, flat and constipated...) Some of the popular gear used includes the iFi DSD Black Label (USD 600), the Schiit Jotunheim (USD 349). Massdrop occasionally runs the Cavalli Liquid Carbon or the CTH with an ODAC for about USD $349. Despite being closed, these are not really anything other than a desktop headphone. IMO etc.
Oh and they scale spectacularly - currently using a USD2,500 Naim Dac v-1. Sounds brilliant.
regards,
Giles[/QUOTE]
My experience is similar to yours with an AFC. Never heard an AFO so no comment there. The AFC is good enough to show pretty clearly what in your sound chain isn’t cutting it. On the upside, a good amp can really make these shine. The AFC isn’t that efficient so if an amplifier can deliver lots of current at 11 ohms, the dynamic richness and detail this headphone can deliver comes out. It’s also very neutral, some would say analytical, so it plays well with a good hybrid tube amp.
I run mine on a Lyr 3 paired with a 1952 Tung Sol 6SN7 GT. The combo suits my sonic tastes very well and delivers detail and microdynamics so good that it reminds me of the first time I heard something better than a “transistor radio”, Walkman, or school PA system.
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