HD800 DAC Pairing

[Luke Thomas]

You might also consider one that has MQA capability

 

[PointyFox]

You're drinking the measurement kool-aid. Which is all good if it's just yourself involved, however you're dishing out advice based on things you have not actually heard.

You're correct. I've not actually heard any DACs that weren't perfectly neutral. They've all sounded the same, from my $100 Schiit to my $1200 Violectric.

 

[JTori]

If you want to kill two birds with one stone, I'd consider the Benchmark DAC3-DX or DAC3-HGC. In purchasing one of these, you'll get both an outstanding DAC and headphone amplifier. I was contemplating selling my HD800S phones but can't now, as they really shine with the Benchmark. By Benchmark's own admission, the DAC3 doesn't sound that different from the DAC2, so if you can find one used, add it to your list to try. In my case, I wanted a top-notch DAC and was torn between the Yggdrasil, Gugnir Multibit and Benchmark. I'm hyperanalytical but, in the end, settled on the Benchmark and I'm glad I did. As a DAC, I use it to drive my Bottlehead Mainline, Bottlehead Crack/Speedball and Koss ESP-950. By itself, though, it gives up nothing in performance. It's beautifully engineered and built, and it sounds sublime with the 800S. There is punch, drive, truth of timbre. I'm not selling the HD800S now. If I haven't already been effusive enough, the Benchmark has my vote.

Joe.

 

[dspigs0705]

I've decided on the Topping D50s DAC. Seems to have great reviews, and everything I'd like to tinker with in DSP as well. Plus, I saved some cash!

 

[AlanU]

Thank you will take a look for sure.

Any experience with Resonnesence?

The HD800 would allow your ears to bleed with extended listening periods with the Concero or Concero HD version.

You must tame those headphones with a non hyper detailed dac.