[AppleheadMay]

Orthodynamics do well with tubes.

 
IMO dynamics do better with both tubes and ss.

 

[You Kay]

No the HD 6xx is just a colour change. Same build as hd650. Would ortho dynamic headphones such as the LCD 2 be a better match than the HD650?

 

[AppleheadMay]

No the HD 6xx is just a colour change. Same build as hd650. Would ortho dynamic headphones such as the LCD 2 be a better match than the HD650?

The lcd2 was the Audeze I liked least, so no for me.

But the Zana is great with anything you throw at it, no real need to look for matches if you ask me.

 

[bazelio]

You should really state your preferences instead of soliciting advice about what is "better".  I think I would probably prefer the HD600 to the HD650 on my ZDS, but I'd prefer the HD650 to the HD600 on my Torpedo 3.  I like a touch of warmth, but not too much.  
 
Also, Gungnir Multibit is not sharp nor bright as previously mentioned.

 

[Liu Junyuan]

Can the ZDS drive the LCD-2? Yes. Is it going to be an ideal pairing like with a high-current SS or hybrid amp (say Mjolnir 2)? No.

There is zero question about the synergy between the HD6xx variants and the ZDS, so it should not be asked. And if you already knew it was almost universally endorsed, why did you ask? As Bazelio pointed out, much of this depends on taste. I prefer a well driven HDxx to a well-driven LCD-2. YMMV.

This amp thrives with dynamic headphones. There are more suitable options for orthos.

 

[Pawn]

Between your Torpedo and Zana, which one do you like better?

 

[bazelio]

Between your Torpedo and Zana, which one do you like better?

 
The ZDS.  But that's not to say I don't like the T3.  I like it a lot.  It's an excellent amp that does so much right and has such a high bang for the buck.  The ZDS is just preferable in certain ways to me.
 
And, +1 to sticking with dynamic headphones here.

 

[Pawn]

I knew it. Amps with more tubes usually sound better. It's 5 vs 2 for this case.

 

[vc1187]

I knew it. Amps with more tubes usually sound better. It's 5 vs 2 for this case.

Also, amps with bigger tubes sound better too 

 

[Pawn]

It'd be cool if someone could compare a cheap little dot mkii with the torpedo

 

[bazelio]

It'd be cool if someone could compare a cheap little dot mkii with the torpedo

 
No need.  
 
And don't fall in to the more tubes or bigger tubes == better amp line of thinking.

 

[Pawn]

I meant generally, not always. There are exceptions. That has always been the case when I try them.

 

[You Kay]

Hi,
 
I just wanted people impressions of the headphones with the ZDS. I am currently torn between HD650 with a toxic silver widow cable or a HD800. Both with the ZDS running a Schiit Gumby and Wyred 4 sound recovery.
 
Can anybody offer their impressions of the these particular headphones. I would obviously like the most open sound but not at the expense of a natural sound i.e good midrange and bass presence.

 

[bazelio]

  Hi,
 
I just wanted people impressions of the headphones with the ZDS. I am currently torn between HD650 with a toxic silver widow cable or a HD800. Both with the ZDS running a Schiit Gumby and Wyred 4 sound recovery.
 
Can anybody offer their impressions of the these particular headphones. I would obviously like the most open sound but not at the expense of a natural sound i.e good midrange and bass presence.

 
The HD800 is bright and lean.  I prefer the HD650 with a ZDS given a neutral 6SL7 tube pairing.  The RCA red base would probably be a good choice for my preferences.  The HD800 wins in soundstage and detail resolution, but I simply do not like its tonality and that's a killer for me.  Properly modded, and with a warmer tube, the HD800 is tolerable but I personally can't live with a lean headphone no matter what other positive traits it might have.  And I've heard a few improperly modded HD800s that sounded like s.h.i.t., too.  It seems easy to overdampen and create a muffled/wooly low end.  The HD650 should be modded as well, but it seems easier to mod (?) as I've yet to hear one sound super s.h.i.t.t.y.

 

[You Kay]

Thank you, I managed to read through a few posts and they said exactly what you have said.

I think you have helped my decision to go for the HD650. I will add a toxic silver widow to smoothed out any harshness and hopefully add some excitement if I find it a little laid back. I doubt I will mod as I'm terrible at such things.