[jeremy205100]

Hi,
 
Currently my setup is as follows:
Mac mini > Schiit Bifrost Multibit > Schiit Asgard 2 > Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium 600 Ohm
 
I'm currently looking at headphone upgrades, and after this I don't have any intention of upgrading for quite a few years. I strongly considering the new DT 1990 Pro, but am concerned since it is only single ended. I fear that this will limit my options in the future if I choose to upgrade other parts of my setup. What do you guys think about the whole balanced vs. unbalanced debate? Can any of you who have used the same headphone with the same amp in both modes comment on if there are really any differences? I've been reading quite contrary information all over the internet. 
 
Thanks!

 

[PurpleAngel]

My two cents.
Get the DT1990 Pro now.
In the future, when you want balanced, replace both the amp and the headphones.

 

[jeremy205100]

  My two cents.
Get the DT1990 Pro now.
In the future, when you want balanced, replace both the amp and the headphones.

That's what I'm thinking of doing. Thanks for your opinion. Does anyone else have any thoughts?

 

[Mr Rick]

 
That's what I'm thinking of doing. Thanks for your opinion. Does anyone else have any thoughts?

 
You might be able to cover any future balanced headphone purchases with an upgrade / sidegrade to the Schiit Jotunheim, I have one, as well as the Cavalli Liquid Carbon, which I use with single ended as well as balanced cans. 
 
I've used my HD650, HD800, HE400i and HE400s in both balanced and SE form and have heard little or no difference in sound quality.

 

[jeremy205100]

   
You might be able to cover any future balanced headphone purchases with an upgrade / sidegrade to the Schiit Jotunheim, I have one, as well as the Cavalli Liquid Carbon, which I use with single ended as well as balanced cans. 
 
I've used my HD650, HD800, HE400i and HE400s in both balanced and SE form and have heard little or no difference in sound quality.

I've had the Asgard 2 for a few years now and am quite happy with it, although I'd probably get the Jotunheim if I was buying today. Personally, I've never had the opportunity to use a balanced headphone. So it's quite confusing reading some people like you say that it makes very little difference while others insist that it's a big upgrade. But surely if the HD 800 isn't seeing an upgrade from single ended to balanced the DT 1990 wouldn't. It seems like you have a lot of experience with balanced headphones, so do you have any other comments on the whole single ended vs. balanced debate?
 
Thanks!

 

[Mr Rick]

 
I've had the Asgard 2 for a few years now and am quite happy with it, although I'd probably get the Jotunheim if I was buying today. Personally, I've never had the opportunity to use a balanced headphone. So it's quite confusing reading some people like you say that it makes very little difference while others insist that it's a big upgrade. But surely if the HD 800 isn't seeing an upgrade from single ended to balanced the DT 1990 wouldn't. It seems like you have a lot of experience with balanced headphones, so do you have any other comments on the whole single ended vs. balanced debate?
 
Thanks!

 
Yes, I have related my experience. Yours may be totally different. I got the Liquid Carbon and Jot to see for myself what the differences might be. I heard none.