[ThePhoenix924S]

I am considering purchasing a pair of Sennheiser HD650 audiphile headphones for use at home. I plan to be using it in conjunction with my Sony Vaio laptop to listen to my iTunes collection, which contains quite a few lossless albums.  As I have seen here on this forum and many other locations, a headphone amp is highly recommended for use with the HD650s. My question, like many before me, is what would be a good amp to use with them? I'd prefer not to spend a ton of money, but I do understand that one gets what they pay for.
 
I also understand that a DAC is recommended for use with a computer, so are there any solutions that have a DAC and amp in the same device? I listen predominately to soundtracks and classical music, if that matters. My budget is approximately $600 for both the headphones and whatever I buy. I know there are locations that sell the HD650s for significantly less than the $650 MSRP, and I am currently looking at buying them from Thomann.de, which has them on sale for approximately $320 including shipping to Nebraska (if anyone has any recommandations regarding this website, please tell.)
 
I know that $300 is somewhat prohibitive, but I am willing to put off buying a DAC and making do with just an amp if that would allow higher quality sound. I've seen good reviews on the Musical Fidelity V-CAN, but I also saw a few posts by members on this forum saying they were overly thick, which makes me rather leery of purchasing thim. I don't know of anywhere in Nebraska to try out different headphones and amplifiers, so I'm going predominantly off of recommendations of the internet.
 
Thank you very much for your assistance.

 

[kingtz]

What do you mean by "overly thick"?
 
While there are units that are DAC/Amp combos, I don't think they could ever compete with a standalone DAC and a standalone amp, which, of course, will run you more than the combo unit.
 
The cheapest combo that I can think of is probably a uDAC or uDAC2 + B-stock Schiit Asgard. This setup will run you around $300 to $380.

 

[Satellite_6]

My DAC/amp @ only $200 is good enough to power the HD 650s just fine and sounds MACH better than the sound in my laptop. . . I'm sure there are good DAC/amps out there at around $300, hopefully someone with more experience can point one out.
 
I do not think it would be worth getting the 650s if your only going to use the sound on a laptop. . . also if most of your library is lossy it might not be worth spending this much.

 

[ThePhoenix924S]

Would I use the NuForce uDAC-2 by itself? And I like what I'm seeing on the Schiit Asgard, but I don't see how I'd connect the uDAC-2 to the amp from the pictures I'm seeing, assuming I'm looking at the right product.

 

[kingtz]

You can use the uDAC1/2 by itself, but it's definitely not ideal for the HD650. You can also use the uDAC as a DAC only and output via RCA to the amp.

 

[Endless]

Now that I've gone down the dedicated amp and dedicated dac route, I think that getting a DAC/AMP would be a better investment. It gives room for an upgrade later on if you want an amplifier. I've been listening to static from my computer for the past couple months until I got my DAC. However, a point of criticism is that some people have noted that the uDac gives off a U shaped response. Honestly, I like the U shape response, but it might not suit your classical / soundtrack genre that well. 
 
Oh and +1 on the Schiit Asgard. It sounds amazing with my HD 650's. Get a B-Stock. 

 

[daleroyce]

Grace Design 902 DAC/Headphone Amp..  @ least listen to one.

 

[ThePhoenix924S]

What do you mean by a "u-shaped" output? And what is alternative to the uDAC if I would decide that this "u-shaped" output is a bad thing?

 

[Endless]

A U-Shaped output is basically an emphasis on highs and lows while covering all the mids. This means a reduced clarity for songs where drums and bass are prominent, especially in heavy metal and most mainstream rap music. Try making a U shape on your equalizer on whatever music player you use to play your music on your computer, you'll see what I mean.  
 
As for alternatives, I think the Audinst is a great DAC/AMP. 

 

[ThePhoenix924S]

Okay... Is the Audinst good enough to drive the HD650s by itself or would I still want a dedicated amp?
 
Oh, and is a Toslink connection better than USB in regards to quality? My computer has a Toslink connection, so if that would be a better choice, then what are my options there? I know the Musical Fidelity VDAC has optical, and, even though it's a bit outside my quoted budget, may be what I end up using unless if there is a better alternative that is also cheaper, which I'm guessing is pretty difficult.

 

[Endless]

The Audinst is good enough to drive the HD 650's, but I don't know your definition of "good," there is always something better. A dedicated amp coupled with the Audinst can potentially sound better. 
 
Regarding the Toslink, I have no idea, I have never used that component on my computer before. Apologies.

 

[CoryGillmore]

I'd go for the NuForce Icon desktop amp/dac. It also has an optical input. I've been recommended this amp/dac combo for my 650's from the fine folks in the HD650 appreciation thread. It's what I'm going to get when I can think of something else to sell

 

[ThePhoenix924S]

Is the NuForce $60 better than the Audinst? I saw somewhere that the Beresford 7510 or 7520 is a good DAC, but would it be appropriate in this context? Sorry for all the questions, but I want to make sure I get what is best for me and my budget.

 

[CoryGillmore]

Quote:

Is the NuForce $60 better than the Audinst? I saw somewhere that the Beresford 7510 or 7520 is a good DAC, but would it be appropriate in this context? Sorry for all the questions, but I want to make sure I get what is best for me and my budget.

Not sure man I haven't tried either one. I've heard good things about the NuForce paired with the 650 though.

 

[ThePhoenix924S]

Okay, sounds good. And I'm guessing the NuForce can always be paired with a dedicated amp for a better listening experience?