[theveterans]

Ha yeah I know almost nothing about this stuff but even I can hear a difference between the HiBy FC5 and my new iFi xDSD gryphon

I like the breakdown from the link that was posted here about the short High End DAC comparison. I've heard some of them myself and generally agree with the grouping at least in the tonality side. When it comes to pairing your Audeze LCD-2, definitely recommend the DACs that are either neutral or bright in the tonality table

 

[Luke Skywalker]

I like the breakdown from the link that was posted here about the short High End DAC comparison. I've heard some of them myself and generally agree with the grouping at least in the tonality side. When it comes to pairing your Audeze LCD-2, definitely recommend the DACs that are either neutral or bright in the tonality table

Thank you, my friend. I’m actually thinking of buying some endgame headphones with a desktop “rig” (for lack of a better word…). I figure it’ll cost me me like $8,000 to $10,000 but who knows. The LCD-2 were a good started pair of headphones but I’d like to move beyond them

 

[iFi audio]

The LCD-2 were a good started pair of headphones but I’d like to move beyond them

If I may ask, in what direction? LCD-2 are known as fairly thick, dark and round. Are you after something similar?

 

[Luke Skywalker]

If I may ask, in what direction? LCD-2 are known as fairly thick, dark and round. Are you after something similar?

I have to admit, I’m really not sure. I haven’t auditioned any high end headphones but I have to think that something like the Focal Utopia would be superior in terms of overall sound quality.

I know one thing… the Gryphon drives my LCD-2 effortlessly

 

[iFi audio]

I have to admit, I’m really not sure. I haven’t auditioned any high end headphones but I have to think that something like the Focal Utopia would be superior in terms of overall sound quality.

I know one thing… the Gryphon drives my LCD-2 effortlessly

Utopias are known to represent the opposite sound in comparison to your LCD-2, so they're more open, spacious and resolving. Let me ask differently: are there any things in particular you dislike about your LCD-2 at the moment?

 

[Luke Skywalker]

Utopias are known to represent the opposite sound in comparison to your LCD-2, so they're more open, spacious and resolving. Let me ask differently: are there any things in particular you dislike about your LCD-2 at the moment?

That sounds pretty great. I just want to see what I might be missing that higher end headphones might offer. A few years ago I happened to be going past an audio store and listened to the Audeze. I’d never listened to expensive headphones and was blown away

 

[Speediey]

I feel I can, especially over time the difference became more and more noticeable to me. I have however found that there are bigger differences at higher price ranges - and not just that higher end dacs sound better / different than lower end ones. At the high end, there seem to be bigger differences within the competition at those price points compared to for example dongles, where the differences that exist as minor to non existent sound wise - just my 2 cents.

 

[iFi audio]

I feel I can, especially over time the difference became more and more noticeable to me. I have however found that there are bigger differences at higher price ranges - and not just that higher end dacs sound better / different than lower end ones. At the high end, there seem to be bigger differences within the competition at those price points compared to for example dongles, where the differences that exist as minor to non existent sound wise - just my 2 cents.

We all perceive audible disparities between products in a different way. To some folks affordable dongles change a lot from one model to other, while to others they're all like. Some consider top level DACs as waste of money, while others consider them noticeable upgrades over stuff worth several times less. It's all realtive to one's taste and experience, which makes this hobby fun

That sounds pretty great. I just want to see what I might be missing that higher end headphones might offer. A few years ago I happened to be going past an audio store and listened to the Audeze. I’d never listened to expensive headphones and was blown away

As I've said, Utopias are very different from Audeze LCD-2 (especially pre-Fazor models), but if you can listen to decent headphones which sound unlike your Audeze, please do. That will expand your palette and then you should know which sound profile you like more and why

 

[esmse]

I have to admit, I’m really not sure. I haven’t auditioned any high end headphones but I have to think that something like the Focal Utopia would be superior in terms of overall sound quality.

I know one thing… the Gryphon drives my LCD-2 effortlessly

I would also have a look at the Final D8000 if you're able to audition them. The Pro's are more technically capable but the regular D8000 might be a sweet spot in terms of musicality and technicality...

 

[iFi audio]

D8000 might be a sweet spot in terms of musicality and technicality...

I haven't heard the Pro version, but D8000 was amazing as far as its techniccal capabilities go.

 

[tlite]

I feel I can, especially over time the difference became more and more noticeable to me. I have however found that there are bigger differences at higher price ranges - and not just that higher end dacs sound better / different than lower end ones. At the high end, there seem to be bigger differences within the competition at those price points compared to for example dongles, where the differences that exist as minor to non existent sound wise - just my 2 cents.

What do you consider high end?

 

[Lolito2]

only when the dac sound different. When 2 dacs sound the same, I can not tell any difference, LOL.

 

[TheMiddleSky]

Assuming same headphones, no EQ, and same amp- can you really hear a difference?

I really wanted to but just can't.

I'm leaving no 3rd option- just yes or no and if in the middle pick which one you think is the most honest...

(Bonus points if you post what DAC's you could or couldn't tell the difference between... FWIW I have tried a Motu M4, Dragonfly Red, and iFi ZenDAC v2, usually on Sundaras or HD6XX. I don't hear much of a difference, if any at all between those three.)

If you live in a city with decent or good audio store that has demo unit available, I believe you will easily say they are different.

Even DACs from same company (like various DACs from Topping), they don't identical one to each other. Let alone DAC with different topology such R2R Ladder or FPGA Pulse Array.

 

[AnalogEuphoria]

If you live in a city with decent or good audio store that has demo unit available, I believe you will easily say they are different.

Even DACs from same company (like various DACs from Topping), they don't identical one to each other. Let alone DAC with different topology such R2R Ladder or FPGA Pulse Array.

Setting up level matching in an audio store would be a pain

 

[IanB52]

Setting up level matching in an audio store would be a pain

IMO the need for perfect level matching is more for beginners who aren't able to do a real qualitative comparison and will prefer the louder sound. But if you know what specifics to listen for, small volume differences aren't really going to change that.