Audio-Technica ATH-WP900

[Nommag]

Any particular reason you want a stack rather than integrated DAC+amp? Separate components will inevitably cost more, and given your price sensitivity you might be better off with something like a Topping Dx3 Pro+ or SMSL C200

I like the idea of a stack because it means in the future the possibility to upgrade or repurpose pieces. The topping Dx Pro+ is about $350nzd here so about $220 USD, which would be a cheap option and maybe the correct option. The SMSL is about the same price as the signature range ifi stack. I'll do some research on the Dx3 Pro+ would be nice if someone had tried it out with the audio technicas.

 

[marekm]

Regular iFi stack - Ok, the "dedicated" versions - IMHO overpriced and not very practical.

I use my WP900 as a mobile headphone with iFi Go Blu, but occasionally I connect them to my MacBook Air via iFi Go Link and they sound great

 

[Nommag]

Regular iFi stack - Ok, the "dedicated" versions - IMHO overpriced and not very practical.

I use my WP900 as a mobile headphone with iFi Go Blu, but occasionally I connect them to my MacBook Air via iFi Go Link and they sound great

Thanks for your feedback on the stack - I guess I wouldn't have even looked sideways at the ifi stack but it's literally half price, so the deal seemed good.

Those little pocket blue tooth amps are great but since. I don't get out much now I work from home it's not as appealing.

I think I will grab the topping dx3 pro suggested previously, the reviews are great and it also has bluetooth.

 

[marekm]

ATH-WP900 are easy to drive, so iFi ZEN DAC would suffice.

Later on, as your headphone collection grows, you could add iFi ZEN CAN

iFi ZEN DAC & CAN offer 2 balanced and 2 SE headphone outputs. Difficult to beat versatility.

And Burr Brown sound is soooo sweet. Of course YMMV.

 

[Nommag]

ATH-WP900 are easy to drive, so iFi ZEN DAC would suffice.

Later on, as your headphone collection grows, you could add iFi ZEN CAN

iFi ZEN DAC & CAN offer 2 balanced and 2 SE headphone outputs. Difficult to beat versatility.

And Burr Brown sound is soooo sweet. Of course YMMV.

I think i've convinced myself the topping DX3 pro plus is the go, its $40nzd cheaper, has good reviews and bluetooth.

EDIT: I have now found a IFI zen dac v2 for $60 less than the Topping, that changes everything. Topping dx3 pro plus vs IFI zen dac 2, which one do I grab?

 

[Thomasr]

I think i've convinced myself the topping DX3 pro plus is the go, its $40nzd cheaper, has good reviews and bluetooth.

EDIT: I have now found a IFI zen dac v2 for $60 less than the Topping, that changes everything. Topping dx3 pro plus vs IFI zen dac 2, which one do I grab?

Don't underestimate the convenience of Bluetooth. Yes there's a hit to sound quality, but in my experience only when you actively listen for it - mostly you just forget what source you're using.

 

[povidlo]

Between Topping and iFi, I'd go with iFi for WP900. Topping will have better subbass extension which would complement WP900 well. However iFi has a warmer signature and WP900 likes warmth as they're somewhat cold due to recessed low mid and also slightly peaky in low treble. They will sound more musical and smoother through iFi. I've noticed great synergy with the likes of go blu and gryphon.

 

[Hyde00]

I think i've convinced myself the topping DX3 pro plus is the go, its $40nzd cheaper, has good reviews and bluetooth.

EDIT: I have now found a IFI zen dac v2 for $60 less than the Topping, that changes everything. Topping dx3 pro plus vs IFI zen dac 2, which one do I grab?

Between Topping and iFi, I'd go with iFi for WP900. Topping will have better subbass extension which would complement WP900 well. However iFi has a warmer signature and WP900 likes warmth as they're somewhat cold due to recessed low mid and also slightly peaky in low treble. They will sound more musical and smoother through iFi. I've noticed great synergy with the likes of go blu and gryphon.

Yeah I would agree with this, basically at this point you're looking more at 2 different sound signature. Topping would have more neutral/linear sound and iFi would be warmer sound.

It's really preference but in general I prefer the more colored sound as oppose to the flat sound. So I'd go with iFi.

 

[Scubadevils]

Spent a large part of today listening to my WP900 via the Cayin N7, fantastic synergy. I’m not a fan of the stock cable however, any recommendations for an alternative, ideally in Europe?

 

[Nostoi]

Spent a large part of today listening to my WP900 via the Cayin N7, fantastic synergy. I’m not a fan of the stock cable however, any recommendations for an alternative, ideally in Europe?

Been through a whole stack of WP900 cables. Within EU, I would recommend Forza Claire Hybrid for portable use, or Forza Noir HPC for home use.

 

[Scubadevils]

Been through a whole stack of WP900 cables. Within EU, I would recommend Forza Claire Hybrid for portable use, or Forza Noir HPC for home use.

Cheers - which option do I select for the connector?! I was actually looking at Forza but no idea which to choose with Audio Technica not being in the list.

 

[Nostoi]

Cheers - which option do I select for the connector?! I was actually looking at Forza but no idea which to choose with Audio Technica not being in the list.

You'll have to drop @Matez a line by email. He has them but they're not listed. The plugs work perfectly on the WP900. I would ask for semi-transparent if you go for Claire Hybrid, incidentally - will pair very nicely with WP900!

 

[Scubadevils]

You'll have to drop @Matez a line by email. He has them but they're not listed. The plugs work perfectly on the WP900. I would ask for semi-transparent if you go for Claire Hybrid, incidentally - will pair very nicely with WP900!

Ok perfect, will do - very happy with my Noir Hybrid on the D9200 and would buy again from Matt without hesitation. Thank you

 

[Nostoi]

Ok perfect, will do - very happy with my Noir Hybrid on the D9200 and would buy again from Matt without hesitation. Thank you

Noir Hybrid's a good one, indeed. Glad you finally got the D9200, btw! Oddly (or maybe not) I'm actually dealing with an inept PostNL experience myself right now....ugh.

 

[Scubadevils]

Noir Hybrid's a good one, indeed. Glad you finally got the D9200, btw! Oddly (or maybe not) I'm actually dealing with an inept PostNL experience myself right now....ugh.

Yes eventually arrived completely unexpectedly, the tracking never updated after about 5 weeks… worth the wait, they really are fantastic. Sorry to hear, hope you get it sorted - they are a serious pain in the ass.

Btw, it does seem I’m officially on the slippery headphone slope…