An amp or headphones? Denon D2000 maybe?

[lastmile]

May I ask you for advice? Since I started reading head-fi I’ve got myself 0404 USB and Audio-Technica A700.

The music I listen to is as follows:
Jazz
Blues
Classics (more and more)
Electronics – occasionally
Hard Rock – occasionally

I really like the sound of AT, especially when there are some jazz vocals on, but look forward to more clarity in complicated classical compositions, probably a bit more bass and improvement in overall musical listening impression. I just feel that in some records there is so much sound hidden. And I want it out!

But my quest for perfect sound has just started. I have several assumptions, what do you think of these?

1. As a DAC 0404 will suit me for a while. I should concentrate on other parts of the system so far.
2. The options are as follows – an amp purchase or headphones upgrade. Since I am on a somehow limited budget, I’d like to get the most it. I have a friend in Japan, so Denon D2000 will cost me around 210 USD, which is an bargain compared to HD650 local price of 520 USD… Or I can get a Lunchbox II for 190 USD (or for 140 USD in a form of a kit – and several hours of soldering fun as a bonus!). But I suppose D2000 will add more to listening pleasure even without proper amplification, rather than adding an amp to the A700, am I correct?
3. Next step will be an amp. Lunchbox II (the cheapest option for me!), Darkvoice or Little Dot IV. Also there are rumors that Lunchbox III is on the way, so may be I should wait for it. Will these tube amps get well with D2000?

Thanks in advance for your input! Any thoughts are certainly appreciated.

 

[moomooemu]

im kinda in the same spot. bump

 

[fordgtlover]

The single biggest benefit in SQ will come from the headphones.

I don't know how the Audio-Technica A700 compares to the D2000.

Simple principle, if your cans aren't up to it, it makes no difference how good your source or amplification is. The 0404 is a well regarded DAC. Combine the D2000 and 0404 with a reasonably priced amp and you will have very enjoyable sound reproduction.

I haven't heard any of the amps you mention.

 

[lastmile]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordgtlover /img/forum/go_quote.gif I don't know how the Audio-Technica A700 compares to the D2000.

Well, general impression here at headfi is that D2000 is on the higher level, compared to Audio-Technica A900, which in its turn is a bit better than A700 that i have.


Quote:

Originally Posted by fordgtlover /img/forum/go_quote.gif The 0404 is a well regarded DAC. Combine the D2000 and 0404 with a reasonably priced amp and you will have very enjoyable sound reproduction. I haven't heard any of the amps you mention.

As a DAC 0404 is quite good i suppose. But general impression is that the inbuilt amp isn't. Hence this topic.

The amp will follow suit, the question is what to start with - the headphones or the amp. Will i feel the difference between A700 and D2000 on 0404 only - without any better amplification, how do you think?

 

[outbreak123]

D2000 will be an upgrade over the A700, i think it'll make you happy for a while before jumping to high end headphones like HD650/K701/W5000.. besides D2000 IMO sounds great w/o an amp already, never tried it on an amp but i think it'll improve a bit

 

[fordgtlover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lastmile /img/forum/go_quote.gif snip As a DAC 0404 is quite good i suppose. But general impression is that the inbuilt amp isn't. Hence this topic. The amp will follow suit, the question is what to start with - the headphones or the amp. Will i feel the difference between A700 and D2000 on 0404 only - without any better amplification, how do you think?

I think that you will get a better result if you upgrade your headphones, and then find a suitable amp. The Lunchbox reviews well, but I have never heard it.

It might be worth searching or posting asking for an entry level amp that synergises with the 0404 and D2000. I suspect that is a reasonably common combination.

On a personal note, I have the K501, K701, HD580 and D2000, and I find that I listen to the D2000 almost exclusively at the moment. They are teamed up witha Monica USB DAC and DIY M³ and Millett Max (in heavy rotation). This may not be the world's best gear, but I enjoy it a great deal.

 

[lastmile]

Thanks for the valuable input, people, i think i better start with D2000, than get an amp! My wallet weeps, but no remorse on my side

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordgtlover /img/forum/go_quote.gif On a personal note, I have the K501, K701, HD580 and D2000, and I find that I listen to the D2000 almost exclusively at the moment. They are teamed up witha Monica USB DAC and DIY M³ and Millett Max (in heavy rotation). This may not be the world's best gear, but I enjoy it a great deal.

How does D2000 compare to K701 in classical music? I'm a bit worried about the bass nature of D2000, althought proper bass is one of the two things i lack in A700.

 

[fordgtlover]

I don't listen to classical, but I'd bet that you will be able to find previous posts on this.