[kylewit]

I have purchased the Senn HD800 hp, HDVA600 amp, DacMagic Plus dac, connected through USB2 to Acer Chromebook R11 on 320 kbit/s spotify premium stream. The HP and amp are endgame for me. I have neither upgraded to lossless format nor upgraded cables (incl. CH 800 S). I am wondering whether my chain is lacking in SQ in any obvious or significant way due to any part of my chain. Does anyone have any suggestions for improvements for noticeable or important differences? I prefer almost absolute neutral sound for detail/clarity/soundstage, but slightly warmer and smoother.

 

[yong_shun]

One upgrade would be getting lossless format. It can upgrade the SQ significantly. If you like warmer and smoother sound signature, you can consider replacing your HDVA600 by a tube amp. Tube Amps tend to give more neutral and warmer sounding. I would say source is more important than cable, upgrade the source first

 

[kylewit]

Thanks! I'll probably give the Tidal 6-month free trial a try to see the difference. Cables will probably be the very last thing I upgrade when I am completely satisfied with everything else.

 

[marcussmj]

Don't see any possible upgrade path from then on unless you are willing to drop thousands again. But in my opinion, transducer (headphone) upgrades come first before the others. That is where you would experience the most significant change. If you are happy with the sound right now, don't dwell too much on it and enjoy the music. Go to meets or demo at stores instead to audition your potential upgrades. Don't waste money blind buying hoping to hear a large difference or improvement in your case.