[Anda]

A (better/good) DAC to get quality signal. A (better/good) amplifier to power the headphones.

 

[Drsparis]

Curious about the pairing, I just picked up a pair of HE-500's and will be investing in a Emotiva mini-x. and one of the audio gd products looked tempting as a DAC. 
 
I'm guessing OP has combo now. How do you like it?

 

[conquerator2]

Quote:

Curious about the pairing, I just picked up a pair of HE-500's and will be investing in a Emotiva mini-x. and one of the audio gd products looked tempting as a DAC. 
 
I'm guessing OP has combo now. How do you like it?

I have the HE-6 (feel free to subs for the HE-500) + the Mini-X + NFB 3.32
I think it is a really good starting setup.
The amp is excellent. Enough power for anything with lots of headroom. Transparent and neutral. The instrument separation is great the soundstaging is slightly speaker like (left - right - center, but also in between, so kinda 3D with slight tilt towards 3 blob imaging) nonetheless decent and for the money excellent
The DAC is also pretty good. Very neutral and transparent. provides both visceral bass and great midrange as well as precise  airy vocals.
Soundstage is slightly intimate so not the hugest but again really good instrument separation.
The amp is not as revealing or detailed as the higher end offerings but makes almost anything listenable thanks to that.
I think this combo is really good. Honestly, the best sound I have heard so far.
For a starting setup, with budget dac+amp, you cant ask for much more. Very satisfied.
 
Check my sig for the full review (HP review, amp and DAC impressions)

 

[Drsparis]

Thanks for the quick update on this oldish thread glad to hear it, so far i have a 0404 on it's way ( a suggestion from LFF) eventually I will upgrade and for now this is the way I will go i think, unless another better ''budget'' DAC comes out within the next 6 months, might upgrade cables and amp first then look at new DAC to replace the 0404 but I think it will be good for a while as it seems to have a great and uber silent DAC in it (It just happens to be ugly)

 

[conquerator2]

Quote:

Thanks for the quick update on this oldish thread glad to hear it, so far i have a 0404 on it's way ( a suggestion from LFF) eventually I will upgrade and for now this is the way I will go i think, unless another better ''budget'' DAC comes out within the next 6 months, might upgrade cables and amp first then look at new DAC to replace the 0404 but I think it will be good for a while as it seems to have a great and uber silent DAC in it (It just happens to be ugly)

You are welcome
As long as you like it, everything is magnificent
My next DAC will probably be one with the Sabre ES9018 or PCM1704UK if still used by that time
The amp alone is a bargain already so I recommend going with the Mini (which is not so mini after all...)

 

[DutchGFX]

I just ordered a MiniX for my 5LE. The Kyr sounded alright but not fantastic. The Burson Soloist sounds good but it's congested because it lacks power for the cans.you think he MiniX will satisfy me?

 

[conquerator2]

I just ordered a MiniX for my 5LE. The Kyr sounded alright but not fantastic. The Burson Soloist sounds good but it's congested because it lacks power for the cans.you think he MiniX will satisfy me?

Yes it most definitely will.
It is an amazing amp for the HE-6/HE-5LE/HE-500 for the money

 

[DutchGFX]

If it works well, I might end up getting a speaker amp for maybe more like$500 because I know that's all I will be thinking about haha, KT-120's

 

[conquerator2]

Quote:

If it works well, I might end up getting a speaker amp for maybe more like$500 because I know that's all I will be thinking about haha, KT-120's

 
Sure, but do keep in mind that more expensive doesnt always mean better. Its always better to do a little research before purchasing the said amplifier,
That sad, good luck with the Mini, its a proven amp. I am sure you will like it

 

[driver63]

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[driver63]

Quote:

So DACs would be need if I wanted to use said headphones on a PC?

A DAC is simply a digital to analogue converter. It takes the digital signal from your PC and converts it to an analogue signal which is then sent to your headphones through your amp.

 

[tiabyuzhou88]

do you know ARCE MDAC 5 or probably ARCE MDAC 3

 

[DT770owner]

Just bought the island from alo audio will pair it with my Fiio e9