Amp/DAC for HD650 & DT990

[mysticstryk]

Hello! I am planning on either buying a Senn HD 650 or Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro within the next couple weeks. I am using my computer as a source so I need a DAC and an amp. They can be combined or separate, it doesn't matter. I would like to keep it under $600.

Something that I've been looking at is the Corda Cantate.2. Any good?

I hear darkvoice is also very good.

 

[punk_guy182]

Compass is a great Dac/Head Amp/Pre Amp combo that offer a very good price/performance ratio. I use it with my HD650 and I love the synergy.

 

[Godkin]

DARKVOICE amps are great with the HD650s. I can't say what they are like with the DT990s, but with the DT880s they are great as well.

The 3322 would be prefect.

 

[driftingbunnies]

that seems like exactly what I have set up except I gave my DT990 pros to my brother and got the 600 ohm version. I would say the compass is pretty good. Definitely a nice step up if you don't have anything right now. I would say go for a darkvoice amp or the audiotailor jade. The good thing about the jade is that it's relatively cheap and gives you different sound signatures depending on the socket and gives you a lot more power than the compass. If you get audiotailor, a nice DAC might be the DACmagic if you can find one for a little over 300 used. That would end up with ~650 for both.

The option above is assuming you get both the DT990 600 ohm and hd650. However, if you plan on just getting the hd650, the compass would not be a bad choice to just combine both. The only reason I got jade is to keep me from buying anything crazy before my friend finishes my b22 and to give the extra power my DT990 craves. So if you're planning on getting both for the long run, definitely go for tube amp + dac because the compass might leave you wanting more. I don't mean to discredit the compass in any way, shape, or form, but my DT990/600 definitely do much better on the jade. the HD650 sound great on the jade too.

 

[mysticstryk]

Anybody else have experience with the DT990 on Darkvoice amps? I would probably be getting (if I get the DT990) the DT990 Pro 250ohm version.

I'm taking a good look at the Darkvoice 3322. How does the Jade compare to it?

 

[mysticstryk]

Also, I will need a dac. I hear the Zero dac is a good match for the 3322?

 

[Godkin]

The 3322 would probably be a better amp than the JADE. I have the JADE'S larger brother, the HM-1, and the 3322 and it are very close in terms of sound quality, although the 3322 is more forward and dynamic compared to the smooth and relaxed HM-1.

I have a VALAB NOS DAC and it is absolutely great with the 3322.

 

[driftingbunnies]

The Jade is a good 150+ cheaper though. I have not tried the 3322 but I'd find it quite frustrating if you have two volume knobs. If you get the zero with the 3322, the zero would probably become the bottleneck.

 

[mysticstryk]

1. What would a good dac be for the 3322 that will not bottleneck the amp yet not break the bank either.

2. What about a dac for the jade, same thing, not bottleneck the jade, but not break the bank either.

 

[mysticstryk]

I just found out that I need a new timing belt for my car

So unfortunately I am going to have to wait on my build. However! I would like to start on it.

punk_guy182 said they liked the Compass DAC/Amp combo their HD650.

1) Anybody else think this is a solid DAC/Amp choice for the HD650?

2) How would it fair for the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro (250 Ohm version)?

 

[mysticstryk]

If there is something better than the compass in that price range that will be better for the HD 650, then let me know. (note: that I need an amp and dac)

 

[mysticstryk]

?

 

[driftingbunnies]

there's nothing better than the compass in that price range. go read some more threads. there's no need for people to be writing here when there's 500+ pages of information on the compass.

 

[Sparky14]

I'll have this setup in a couple of weeks....Ordered the DT900 660ohm today. My new Compass arrived from China with problems, so it is enroute to a repair shop. I've had the HD650 and HD580s, so I should be able to do some comparisons when the new gear arrives.

So, if you can wait a couple of weeks, I'll let you know what I think.

 

[mysticstryk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparky14 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'll have this setup in a couple of weeks....Ordered the DT900 660ohm today. My new Compass arrived from China with problems, so it is enroute to a repair shop. I've had the HD650 and HD580s, so I should be able to do some comparisons when the new gear arrives. So, if you can wait a couple of weeks, I'll let you know what I think.

Thanks, I'll keep my eye out for it!