[i019791]

Quote:

And how do you buy their stuff?

If you are in USA there is no convenient agent and you should buy directly from Audio gd.
The process is described at their site - you start by sending an email and it works much faster than you might initially think.
Having to send the amp back to China in case of malfunction is a reasonable concern. All I can say is that none of the 5 Audio gd gear I got has ran to any kind of problem.

 

[wes008]

Audio-GD actually has great customer service. It is kinda unconventional to order, but it's not difficult and you won't have to wait long (for the actual order process) 

 

[isagreg]

1. Looks like NFB12.1 is discontinued.
NFB-15.32 is $235 + $35 shipping (DHL). Total $270.
Is it worth it?
 
2. Is Schiit M&M really bad with Q701?
 
3. More opinions/ options?
 
Thanks

 

[i019791]

Quote:

1. Looks like NFB12.1 is discontinued.
NFB-15.32 is $235 + $35 shipping (DHL). Total $270.
Is it worth it?
 

Actually it will be 3,2% more (Paypal fees), still worth it IMO

 

[Brooko]

This ^^
 
I was listening to CC Coletti's new binaural album with my K701 via the NFB-12 last night, and it still amazes me how good the unit sounds for the cost.  The 15.32 is supposed to be similar sounding - just with a different USB implementation.  If you're using either coax or optical (based on what I have experienced with same headphones OP is considering), I'd say it is very much worth it.
 
I haven't heard the new USN implementation - but even if you're using that, it still should be a great unit.

 

[Chris J]

TrollDragon, a few questions:
 
1. E09K is just an amp, what is that back USB for?
 
2. The specs say:
Headphone impedance range 16 - 600 ohms
Output Power ≥ 900 mW (32 ohms loaded)
                     ≥ 150 mW（300 ohms loaded
What about 600 ohm?
 
3. And how do they handle the warranty service if needed? One sends the product to China?

 
Hey man, I own a man of DT880, 600 Ohm and I have the E17 and E09K. I don't think the amp runs out of power (well, it's actually Voltage!) driving even the 600 Ohm cans. The 600 Ohm DT880 work very, very well with the E09K amp and E17 used as a DAC. Recommended, especially for the $$$. I've tried the E17 alone with the 600 Ohm DT880s, this works OK, but can get marginal with loud volumes and/or BASS! heavy music.

 

[Chris J]

I would prefer to stay with solid state amps. So Aune T1 tube amp is out for now.
 
Regarding the budget. The mentioned phones are in $300-400 price range. I'm having tough time justifying spending more than $250, OK $300 max. If I had HD800 for example ($1,500) then $1,000-1,500 DAC/ Amp would make sense.
 
If Magni does not have enough "juice" then what about Asgard 2? Will it be better with Q701, DT880 and HD600?
 
There are these too:
JDS Labs Objective 2 amplifier + ODAC (one ugly device though)
Matrix M-Stage (don't even know if this works with 600 Ohms)

 
The Matrix M Stage.............................well..............................there's a story! The M Stage has NO problem driving the DT880 to insane volume levels. But I just don't like using it with my DT880/600. OTOH, It's a GREAT amp for driving Q701! And, for the money, rumor has it that it is not the greatest DAC.

 

[TheAnalogman]

Quote:

 
The Matrix M Stage.............................well..............................there's a story! The M Stage has NO problem driving the DT880 to insane volume levels.....

 
This is quite true, I have both. Getting back to the OP's question, the only Dac/ Amp combo I can think of that I've listened to and liked for 250ish was the Fubar IV. I have one of them too.

 

[isagreg]

I'm kinda hesitant about ordering from China, maybe it'll pass and I'll come to my senses.
 
If I bump up the budget to say $1,000 what are my options? That is for DAC 24/192 and Head Amp for 32-600 Ohm.
 
Thanks

 

[Chris J]

I'm kinda hesitant about ordering from China, maybe it'll pass and I'll come to my senses.

If I bump up the budget to say $1,000 what are my options? That is for DAC 24/192 and Head Amp for 32-600 Ohm.

Thanks

The Audiolab M-DAC goes for under $1000.
I've tried with a pair of 600 Ohm DT880s......fantastic!

 

[isagreg]

I can't find a US distributor. UK only?

 

[Chris J]

I can't find a US distributor. UK only?

Try Planet Of Sound.
I'm sure there are US outlets.

 

[isagreg]

Planet Of Sound is in Canada.
I'd like to stay local , no China or Canada...
 
Why most of the manufacturers don't publish Amp section specs?

 

[wes008]

Quote:

Why most of the manufacturers don't publish Amp section specs?

What specs aren't published? If you mean the drive capacity or power into a certain ohm load, some manufacturers don't publish that because it can vary on things like the power going into it, or impedance swings in the headphone. Most places publish things like the frequency response, the THD, etc.
 
P.S. If you have expanded your budget (prospectively) to $1000, for exactly that price, you can get a Woo Audio WA7. It's a tube amp with a built in 32-bit dac. It's completely designed and manufactured in New York by a family that have been making audio products for years. It looks gorgeous, and while I haven't heard it myself, I'm told it drives most headphones beautifully. It's almost end-game gear (more than enough for most people). Might be worth saving for. Here's the thread: http://www.head-fi.org/t/649097/woo-hoooo-wa7-fireflies  And the product page: http://www.wooaudio.com/products/wa7fireflies.html

 

[wes008]

Or, if you like the idea of a Woo amp, but $1k is a little too much, you can get a WA3 and a ODAC for under $700. Both made in the US, both fantastic products. Woo Audio WA3: http://www.wooaudio.com/products/wa3.html  JDS Labs ODAC: http://www.jdslabs.com/item.php?fetchitem=46