[metrathon]

What’s the best bang for the buck, if I have HD 650 + $1,000?
 
That is, should I get transporter + dac/amp or go simply for an all-in-one cd player (Marantz etc). What’s gonnna give me the best sound in this budget?
 
Please keep in mind using laptop/ipod/desktop as a transporter is excluded, I’m listening to cds and I want to keep it this way.

 

[angle_sh00ter]

For the amp part I'd look at concerto or burson160

 

[FallenAngel]

Gamma2 DAC + PPAv2 or M^3

 

[metrathon]

So what you're telling me is that for this budget, I'm better off with components vs. the cd player, right?

 

[Ypoknons]

Well, you want a strong headphone amp, right? I haven't seen too many CD players with an amazing headphone out. 

 

[fishski13]

Quote:

Gamma2 DAC + PPAv2 or M^3

i've not heard the PPAv2, but the y2 and M3 are an easy recommendation.
 

 

[JamesL]

Quote:

i've not heard the PPAv2, but the y2 and M3 are an easy recommendation.
 

I'll fill in for the PPAv2.. love it with my hd650's.

 

[El_Doug]

you could probably do a Buffalo II and Woo6 for that budget

 

[FallenAngel]

You aren't likely to build a Buffalo2 under $600, just boards/psus/transformers are $468+shipping.  That doesn't include chassis, connectors, wiring and incidentals.

 

[Dojomoto]

 Oooh! A chance to spend other peoples money! Sounds like fun!! I'd get a nice amp for a kilo buck. Here are some on my list, in no particular order/preference:
 
1.) WooAudio WA6-SE    - $1050 http://www.wooaudio.com/products/wa6se.html
2.) WooAudio WA6         - $620 http://www.wooaudio.com/products/wa6.html
3.) Burson Audio HA-160 - $$699 USD http://bursonaudio.com/burson_headamp_160.htm
 
 From my research here on Head-Fi these all have good synergy with the Sennheiser 6XX seies. The 1st would obviously burn the whole amount at once, but I've read those that have the SE just love them. I would choose any of the above, personally. If you needed a few $$$ left over for a DAC and any other items, then either of the bottom two would work better for your situation. Good luck with the purchase, and enjoy your new gear!

 

[gbacic]

I'd say tubes of some sort.
You'll probably get quite a bit of Woo Audio or Darkvoice/La Figaro recommendations.

 

[metrathon]

Quote:

Well, you want a strong headphone amp, right? I haven't seen too many CD players with an amazing headphone out. 

 
Well, I want good sound. I don't know if I necessarily need a strong headphone amp for that or a better cd player will do it.
 
For example now I'm listening from a very old Denon cd player and I cannot go over 40% of the volume. It's loud, clear, strong lows, etc ... I mean I might not be a good judge but it doesn't look to me like it has problems pushing the 650s.
 
That's why I asked what's the best value in this budget, a middle pack cd player or components. I would hate to spend $1,000 only to get the same sound I'm getting now.
 
From your replies, I can only deduct that components will do a better job.

 

[LingLing1337]

RETURN IT? How has that not come up yet? Then when the waiting period is up and if it's not claimed THEN blow it stuff for you... that could be someone's rent payment before they get evicted, or some other sad thing like that. Come on, dude. Unless you found it in a brown paper sack with an ounce of weed, then it's yours.

 

[metrathon]

Actually I love hiding cash around the house and find it months later, after I totally forgot about it. Gives me the impression I'm one lucky person ...