Dissapointed with current set up. Reccomendations?

[Q Who?]

Current set up:

Flac / 320 kbps MP3 > Foobar > Asio > Nuforce Icon > HD650

The difference in sound with this setup compared to the Senns straight into my iPod is negligible. Yes. I said it.

There's definitely a difference but it amounts to pretty much just a slightly better sound stage and maybe a bit more clarity. Presentation is still laid back and the sound is veiled, with a dash of harshness (unless eq'd for generous low end).

Maybe the Icon isn't capable of driving the HD650s very well?

If this is the case, would it be worth using the Icon as just a DAC and adding a Graham Slee Solo into the mix to drive the Senns better?

I'd be looking at almost £500 (amp plus a decent 3.5mm to RCA cable) so I want the difference to be like night and day; otherwise, I'm not going to bother.

The other option would be to return the Icon and go for a new stand alone DAC and a Graham Slee Solo.

Thoughts? Musings?

Anything?

 

[DaMnEd]

You may want to find a Graham Slee dealer near you and test the amp before you buy it, this way you avoid having any more disappointment, or, you'll have assurance you like it, either way, you win.

 

[Kane-DK]

Adding a Solo to the mix will be something different. Wether the difference is like night and day, only you could be the judge of that.

You don't have a chance to audition before buying?

 

[jujulio]

Or the little dot mkv for a little less expensive solution (better bass and sound stage but the solo is better regarding the treble if i am correct) i plan to buy one after i get my zero dac

edit: the Gilmore Lite is said to be good too for the same price range, maybe someone could share his experience with it

 

[BigTony]

I'm pretty sure dropping a Solo into your setup wont be a 'night/day' improvement, the amp works with the source and the cans, and i'm not sure if the Icon is a source on par for the solo.

 

[jujulio]

Some say that zero dac with opa627 sound very nice with the hd650, maybe you could get one, you could improve your setup afterwards by getting a dedicated amp, meanwhile you could enjoy the decent amp section of the zero.
Or you could better the nuforce icon with a HDAM (it is possible right?)
wish i could help you with the zero but i will have it only in 10 days and then it would need some burn in :s

 

[FallenAngel]

Well, the DAC in that Icon isn't all that great and I wouldn't trust it to do that great of a job at driving HD650 anyway. If you're using it for speakers, by all means; otherwise, get a DAC and a dedicated headphone amp. For DACs, in my personal opinion, stay away from cheap "modern" DACs, grab something that's about 10 years old that's selling right now for 1/5th of it's original price and be happy. Lots of older DACs sell in the $200-$300 range and will beat most "modern" DACs under $1000 (which was their original price before anyway).

For an amp, having listened to my SOHA2 prototype for quite a few hours straight last night and today with my HD650, I'm going to have to conclude that it's the best amp close to it's price for driving HD650.

 

[DaMnEd]

I agree with BigTony.

The Icon is a fairly basic USB DAC (PCM2706), you will be limited by it's performance.

Since you where not impressed with the amp in the first place, why keep it? It's not performing to your expectations, return it and invest that money elsewhere.

 

[Q Who?]

Ok, I think I'm gonna send the icon back and get a Graham Slee as long as I can afford a decent new DAC to go with it.

How much would I be looking at for a good USB dac? Any model suggestions?

 

[DaMnEd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Q Who? /img/forum/go_quote.gif Ok, I think I'm gonna send the icon back and get a Graham Slee as long as I can afford a decent new DAC to go with it. How much would I be looking at for a good USB dac? Any model suggestions?

With about 160£ you can get the new Musical Fidelity V-DAC

You can read few remarks about this DAC here: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/5139851-post508.html (Comparing with the Stello Signature, also a very good DAC)

You have more impressions about that same DAC in the same thread from a German review (last pages), and how does it stack against the DacMagic (other option), although I wound not recommend the DacMagic at this point, from the reviews I have read, many are not happy with how it sounds, it has many functions and looks pretty, but is lacking in the more important department, the sound.

I think the Musical Fidelity V-DAC is your best option with USB and it is easy to get in the UK, this DAC uses a very good sounding DAC chip, one that is used by Bel Canto no less, a DAC is more than the chip it uses, but it is certainly a good start.

 

[argentum]

Anadin recommends Musical-Fidelity V-Dac very strongly, it price is around 150 £ + - couple of quids. Cambridge Audio DAcMagic is 200 £ and then there is the Beresford DAC.

 

[DaMnEd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by argentum /img/forum/go_quote.gif Anadin recommends Musical-Fidelity V-Dac very strongly, it price is around 150 £ + - couple of quids. Cambridge Audio DAcMagic is 200 £ and then there is the Beresford DAC.

The Beresford does not have USB capability however.

 

[Q Who?]

Ok guys. I think I'm going to go for the Musical Fidelity V DAC with a dedicated tube amp.

May opt for this

Would this be a decent match? A sizeable improvement from my previous setup? It is a lot of money, after all.

I suppose I could go for a cheaper option for the amp but Sennheiser demo the HD650 with this amp so I'm guessing it's a great piece of kit to go for; if you have the cash.

 

[DaMnEd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Q Who? /img/forum/go_quote.gif Ok guys. I think I'm going to go for the Musical Fidelity V DAC with a dedicated tube amp. May opt for this Would this be a decent match? A sizeable improvement from my previous setup? It is a lot of money, after all. I suppose I could go for a cheaper option for the amp but Sennheiser demo the HD650 with this amp so I'm guessing it's a great piece of kit to go for; if you have the cash.

The Solo is not a tube amp, it is a great amp non the less.

But I would probably go the NOVO model instead, it is cheaper and many say it is on par for the most part with the bigger brother, the SOLO, so I could not justify the price difference, personally. Some prefer the SOLO still... so, your decision.

Many reviews on the NOVO (many comparing with the SOLO) can be found here, great read: Rock Grotto Audio Forum - Beta Novo Amp In The House! (Reviews from BETA to FINAL product)

 

[moodyrn]

I would start out with a decent source like a zero or valab. That will leave you enough in your budget for a fairly decent amp. This would be a significant upgrade from what you have now.