[rebbi]

Greetings,
I am using these cans with a Chord Mojo for desktop and semi portable, on the go music, and they sound very nice, but I am looking for a desktop unit that might better the Mojo when I’m not going anywhere. Budget is US$500 or less. Eager to hear your thoughts.
Many thanks,
Steve

 

[rebbi]

No thoughts at all?

 

[someguyontheinternet]

A Modi3+ into Magni Heresy / IEMagni Drop / THX AAA 789 should be transparent, if you don't mind two devices.
For combo units maybe the Fiio K5.

 

[rebbi]

A Modi3+ into Magni Heresy / IEMagni Drop / THX AAA 789 should be transparent, if you don't mind two devices.
For combo units maybe the Fiio K5.

Hey, many thanks for your response, I do appreciate it. I would go for the Modi DAC along with one of the amplifiers you mention except for the fact that I do have several DSD format albums, end it seems a shame to go to the trouble of buying a stack or a single unit that won’t play some of my favorite files. I will definitely check out the FiiO unit though.

 

[iFi audio]

Greetings,
I am using these cans with a Chord Mojo for desktop and semi portable, on the go music, and they sound very nice, but I am looking for a desktop unit that might better the Mojo when I’m not going anywhere. Budget is US$500 or less. Eager to hear your thoughts.
Many thanks,
Steve

Although it's not for us to say whether they're better than Mojo or not, within your budget we have several desktop options that might seem interesting. What are your cans if I may ask?

 

[rebbi]

Sorry, it’s in the subject line; Dan Clark Aeon 2 Closed

 

[iFi audio]

Sorry, it’s in the subject line; Dan Clark Aeon 2 Closed

Understood, those are great cans. However, DACs are rather universal devices that work with all headphones out there, but can greatly impact overall sound. The more important question to ask now would be about aspects you would like to have different.

 

[rebbi]

To me, lately, it’s sounding a bit “dull“ and closed in, which I know is not the way these headphones can sound with the right amplification. So I am thinking of a match that would sound more open and lively, without being sibilant or harsh in the upper registers.

 

[iFi audio]

To me, lately, it’s sounding a bit “dull“ and closed in, which I know is not the way these headphones can sound with the right amplification. So I am thinking of a match that would sound more open and lively, without being sibilant or harsh in the upper registers.

Just a thought, but your amp might be causing this, not your DAC. I'd check which one is more responsible for that dull profile.

 

[rebbi]

I also have a sneaking suspicion it’s the amplifier more than the DAC.