[TheEldestBoy]

My current set-up is as follows:

• iPhone/Macbook -> Fiio Q1 -> HD600

I have a budget of approx $400 - $700 CDN, and am considering one of the following two options:

1. Upgrade my Fiio Q1 to a Fiio Q5 (soon to be released), a Chord Mojo, or an ifi Black Label.
2. Keep the Fiio Q1, and instead purchase an additional set of headphones (I'm strongly considering the Monolith M1060).

I love the HD600's; they suit my preferences very well (neutral, very non-fatiguing). I'm wondering if upgrading the amp/dac will bring noticeable improvements in the SQ (btw - I listen at relatively low volumes)? Or if I'll get more enjoyment by adding a new (different) set of cans to my set-up?

I don't listen to these headphones outside of my home, but I do need to be portable within my home (be able to move from room-to-room while listening). This is why I'm sticking with portable dac/amps.

 

[xeriminox]

Boy, there's a lot of psychology in play within your question. What I can offer is that the Mojo does pair nicely with the HD650 in my stable. I've little reason to believe your HD600's would be any different.

However, if this is more of a case of upgrade-itis, then the only cure would be the Monolith upon which your heart is set.

Good luck!

 

[Xinquan Lin]

There are some recommendation talking that balanced HD600 has great improvement. You can try to buy a balanced cable and try dac/amp with balanced dock.

 

[ProtegeManiac]

My current set-up is as follows:

• iPhone/Macbook -> Fiio Q1 -> HD600

I have a budget of approx $400 - $700 CDN, and am considering one of the following two options:

1. Upgrade my Fiio Q1 to a Fiio Q5 (soon to be released), a Chord Mojo, or an ifi Black Label.
2. Keep the Fiio Q1, and instead purchase an additional set of headphones (I'm strongly considering the Monolith M1060).

I love the HD600's; they suit my preferences very well (neutral, very non-fatiguing). I'm wondering if upgrading the amp/dac will bring noticeable improvements in the SQ (btw - I listen at relatively low volumes)? Or if I'll get more enjoyment by adding a new (different) set of cans to my set-up?

I don't listen to these headphones outside of my home, but I do need to be portable within my home (be able to move from room-to-room while listening). This is why I'm sticking with portable dac/amps.

If you listen at very low volumes the Q1 likely isn't distorting (much less clipping), so switching to another amp or DAC-HPamp will barely make a difference (if any at all). Maybe a bit less noise and some improvement in imaging precision. Chances are you might not notice these if they're even there.

Might as well just get a Grado RS2e.

 

[serman005]

Personally, I feel that the Mojo is a significant upgrade from your Q1. The HD600 does scale well, IMO. I would go for the Mojo. Can't go wrong with the M1060, though... ---)

 

[Headzone]

I would try O2 amp, then a cheap dac will do.