[jdubsss]

Hey everyone
 
I've had an e7/e9 combo for my pc for the last year and a half or so and my e9 recently died so I'm looking to upgrade both components for my 650s and 598s.  I use the 598s for gaming (40% of the usage) and the 650s for everything else.  I've got a budget of $600 and would like to get another good amp/dac as I have no onboard sound card in my pc.
 
What can you guys suggest that would be a substantial upgrade from the e7/e9 (don't want to buy the updated versions) in that price range?  
 
Thanks in advance for any replies. 

 

[hodgjy]

Asgard and Bifrost should do it.  Excellent combo.

 

[jdubsss]

Quote:

Asgard and Bifrost should do it.  Excellent combo.

Thanks for the reply.
 
Since making this post I've ordered an asgard 2 and now I'm stuck on the DAC choice.  Currently contemplating either the HRT MS2 (140 from amazon) or shelling out the extra 200 for the bifrost.  For the bifrost I'm curious if the extra $100 for the USB is worth it (my pc has SPDIF out) which would put it at 300 more than the ms2.  Is it worth the price difference? 

 

[hodgjy]

The HRT MS II is one heck of a DAC.  Despite what people claim, there really aren't that drastic of differences between DACs.  The more expensive ones are a little more refined, but that doesn't mean the mid-fi ones suddenly aren't listenable.  

 

[Rune3400]

edit: nevermind

 

[TheGame21x]

Throwing in a vote for the O2+ODAC. If the 598 and 650 are anything like my HD600, they'll be driven very well by that combination.

 

[tdockweiler]

Keep the E9 and upgrade to the Modi. I prefer the Modi to the ODAC and HRT MSII. Not a huge difference between the Modi and ODAC though.
 
The O2 or Magni is probably not really an upgrade from the E9. More of a side-grade. Sure it's technically better and more transparent etc.

 

[Flisker]

600$ ? Schiit Modi and Schiit Lyr , just got Lyr and yea there is difference from Magni Definitely love my HD650 with Lyr & Modi.

 

[wolfetan44]

Bottlehead Crack + ODAC. Upgrade ODAC later.

 

[teknikk7]

WA6 or WA3 + DAC of your choice...

 

[hodgjy]

WA3 not a good match for the HD598.  Not at all.
 
Quote:

WA6 or WA3 + DAC of your choice...

 

[jdubsss]

Quote:

Keep the E9 and upgrade to the Modi. I prefer the Modi to the ODAC and HRT MSII. Not a huge difference between the Modi and ODAC though.
 
The O2 or Magni is probably not really an upgrade from the E9. More of a side-grade. Sure it's technically better and more transparent etc.

 
Well the whole point of me looking to upgrade is the fact that my e9 is dead and out of warranty.  I enjoyed the e7/e9 combo while it worked, but I'd get something towards the middle end of the audio spectrum rather than stay at entry level.