[spencexxx]

This is my first starter post ( I think )
I have looked and read and researched for hours and hours, but I still feel the need to ask for opinions.
I now own a Senn 545 with a broken driver

, Westone UM2 and an AKG K240m that I bought at a thrift store for 13 bucks (!) I like the sound from the AKG a lot and though about the K701 (weak bass though).

I originally wanted to get the Senn 650, then the Beyer 880 (both open

, then the Denon D5000...now it seems that the Denon D2000 seems the best option for a closed, quality, bass detailed headphone.

I live in Germany so testing things out seems to be limited to the Senns and Beyers (but the stores here don't jump up to let you test and I won't buy here in Europe.)

I am going back to the states in 1.5 months and will probably buy the D2000. I have decided (I think) on the MicroDAC and thought about the stack, but it seems from research that the SR-71 or Hornet might sound better. (Can't figure out what is wrong with the MicroAMP exactly)

I need USB and would like optical line in (therefore the MicroDAC) but also like detail and seperation. I am looking for opinions about something that sounds really detailed and powerful. It should also be good for all my other headphones. I would like to be able to plug it in too (if possible) but sound is trump.

I will use is 50-50 desktop-portable. Any opinions appreciated.

Also, I have read a bit about Firestone (find them ugly/bulky) and this:
http://www.go-vibe-headphoneamp.com/Home_Page.html Govibe 5 and now 6.

I can spend up to 400ish for the amp and I know that MicroDAC is 300. Does the GOvibe hold up to the Ray Samuels and Meier stuff (soundwise as I can see the build quality is less)

Its all so confusing! Been a member for a year or so and have enjoyed reading. When I get set up I will post my findings!
Thanks!

Cans: AKG 240m, Sennheiser 545, Westone UM2, Sony BoomBassBuds
Sources: Macbook Pro, Iriver H140 (Optical Out

)

 

[Hardwired]

I have the Micro Amp/DAC with the custom Headroom bags/straps for them and for sheer convenience they can't be beat, and the amp sounds great with my Denons. There are other amps that reviewers say sound a little better but I don't know how they carry them. I shuffle mine back and forth to work each day so grabbing a couple of neat bags that don't have to be unpacked to use them is a treat.

 

[spencexxx]

I read a little more about the Micro stuff and found the thread about the new stuff coming out soon.. Now I have NO IDEA what to do!! I could get the new Micro stuff for home and a cheap (govibe or xin) for my pocket...Grrrr...silly hobby this is!

I guess you're right about using the Microstack from the nicely stuffed bags at home and at work.
(Speaking of nicely stuffed bags, nice Avatar!)

My real ideal would be an AMP Dac combo portable with optical line in and usb.

It seems I'm not the only one looking for this magic combo that doesn't seem to exist.