[loregnum]

Trying to decide what to pair with my Stellias. A Cord Hugo 2, Qutest + Topping A90, The Arche (my store still has 2 available) or the Oppo HA-1. What would you guys recommend? I haven't heard the Questest(heard the dac is nearly identical with the Hugo 2 just slight changes), and the Topping A90. Everything else in this list I heard, and liked.

I have the A90 paired with my Stellia and it does what it is intended to do: provides a clean, uncoloured and powerful output to the headphone. I'm one of those Head-fi heretics though that actually thinks gear that measures in distortion and other areas above any human hearing threshold will sound the same, including DACs. Only when gear measures poorly and introduces artifacts or is purposefully altering the signal would it sound different and by simple logic means it is not outputting the source as it is intended/recorded. Saw someone claim the stellia sounds "lifeless" with the A90 and I just have to laugh and shake my head.

On a different note, I also think burn-in is complete bunk based on my experience with both the Stellia and other gear as well as the science that shows it is bunk.

Again, I'm a Head-fi heretic.

 

[jlbrach]

the a90 is a 499 dollar amp and as such does a fine job...compared to higher end and yes more expensive amps it simply doesnt measure up as is to be expected....I know because I won the a90 as a portable travel amp and TOTL amps

 

[TooFrank]

Great matching with the iFi iDSD Signature connected with the Black Dragon balanced cable.

the big brother Pro iDSD isn't bad either with the Stellia's (AC Signum+ cable). Havne't heard the Signature, but the BL is really good too

 

[iFi audio]

the big brother Pro iDSD isn't bad either with the Stellia's (AC Signum+ cable). Havne't heard the Signature, but the BL is really good too

Thanks!

 

[chaz_flhr]

My favorite pairing with Stellia. Simply a stunner each time I use this system.

Ok gotta ask what is that

 

[jlbrach]

looks like the sony

 

[bigbeans]

Ok gotta ask what is that

Sony DMP Z1

 

[Rob49]

My favorite pairing with Stellia. Simply a stunner each time I use this system.

Is this your actual pic, because @Damz87 posted the exact same pic on the DMP-Z1 thread months ago.....

 

[Damz87]

Is this your actual pic, because @Damz87 posted the exact same pic on the DMP-Z1 thread months ago.....

Mine’s different I’ve never heard a Stellia before unfortunely. Nice pic though @bigbeans !

 

[iFi audio]

Mine’s different I’ve never heard a Stellia before unfortunely. Nice pic though @bigbeans !

Lovely setup!

 

[liujun050612]

Used my stellia almost everyday for a year. The longer you listen, The greater you love. The only downside is the headband completely darkened. It is almost black on the top now, even cleaned once every month. Once it gets darker, never come back.

 

[lumdicks]

Interesting pair up of my Stellia.

 

[noplsestar]

Interesting pair up of my Stellia.

How is the synergy with the C9? Not too much (mid)bass?

 

[Spedinfargo]

@ZekeAdebayo, what store in Mpls area has the Arche you mentioned? Is it also where you got your Stellias?

 

[TooFrank]

Used my stellia almost everyday for a year. The longer you listen, The greater you love. The only downside is the headband completely darkened. It is almost black on the top now, even cleaned once every month. Once it gets darker, never come back.

I have tried to even the color out by rubbing gently to my forehead before every use. So mine is dark brown on all sides and to me looks really nice