Amp and DAC upgrade for Focal Utopia and Sennheiser HD800S
Apr 30, 2021 at 2:35 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 5

Unichu

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Hi,

I am currently using a pair of Focal Clears and a pair of Sennheiser HD800S with a Schiit magnius and modius stack. However, I plan on selling the clears and upgrading to a pair of Utopias. Thus, I would also like to upgrade my amp and dac to something a bit nicer for the Utopias. I have a budget of up to $4 and I would like to get an amp and dac that is stackable (same dimensions). Also, I would like it to have balanced output. Solid state or tube doesn't matter as long as they are stackable with a dac of similar dimensions. I am inclined to get a Jotunheim 2 and Bifrost 2 stack but apparently it doesn't pair well with Sennheisers? Another option is used Bryston BDA-3 dac with BHA-1 amp. Stuff I have ruled out include Topping, iFi, and Gustard products as well as the RME ADI-2.

Thanks,
Uni
 
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May 2, 2021 at 8:26 AM Post #2 of 5
I have both headphones and I can honestly say the Hugo 2 is the best portable solution I’ve used so far.
 

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Jul 5, 2021 at 4:08 AM Post #3 of 5
Hi. Thans for posting this question. I am having the same dilemma. I do have a Schiit Jotunheim DAC&AMP combo. I am looking for a better and more revealing AMP for my Sen HD650, HD800C, Focal Utopia and soon Hifiman Susvara. Anything between $500-$2500. Got a solution already? Thank for sharing.
 
Jul 5, 2021 at 4:10 PM Post #4 of 5
Hi. Thans for posting this question. I am having the same dilemma. I do have a Schiit Jotunheim DAC&AMP combo. I am looking for a better and more revealing AMP for my Sen HD650, HD800C, Focal Utopia and soon Hifiman Susvara. Anything between $500-$2500. Got a solution already? Thank for sharing.

Susvara are the hardest to drive and anything that works for them will work for the others. Susvara are also the most revealing of the set and you need a lot of power to drive them to their full potential. Most people choose a speaker amp to do this, it must be quiet and the unit of choice for most is the Benchmark AHB2. I also hear the Holo Bliss, a version of the Serene specifically tuned to power the SUS may be another good choice as well. I know others that use a Macintosh setup, some also like it on a clean Tube such as the Cayin HA-6A. All of these should really help drive the SUS as they are some of the cleanest options out there.

Those are the standard options for the SUS. Utopia is easier to drive and pretty much anything at this level is 10x more than you will need for the Sennies.
 
Jul 6, 2021 at 9:14 AM Post #5 of 5
For the Utopia i'd for for a smooth setup like R2R Dac + tubes while for the Susvara i'd go for a cleaner setup like DS dac + solid state amp. I think it's difficult to perfectly synergyze both.
 

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