[preproman]

Pretty good all in ones  -  I have no idea if they pair well with the 500s or not:
 
http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/Reference10/RE10EN.htm
 
http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/NFB27/NFB27EN.htm
 
http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/Compass%202/Compass2EN.htm
 
and the:
 
http://bursonaudio.com/Burson_Conductor.html

 

[WizardKnight]

Both the Reference 10 and the NFB-27 have a maximum output of 6,000 miliwatts at 50 ohms and the Compass 2 is 2,000 miliwatts at 50 ohms. The Burson Conductor is 4 watts a channel. I wonder if I tried to make room for both a separate DAC and Amp would I get much better sound quality?

 

[preproman]

I don't know what your budget is but If that's the case take a look at these:
 
http://schiit.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=0&products_id=10  
 
with this:
 
http://schiit.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=0&products_id=11
 
or this:
 
http://bursonaudio.com/Burson_Soloist.html
 
Also a lot to choose from at Audio-gd.
 
http://www.bryston.com/products/headphone_amps/BHA-1.html

 

[OPrwtos]

Quote:

Both the Reference 10 and the NFB-27 have a maximum output of 6,000 miliwatts at 50 ohms and the Compass 2 is 2,000 miliwatts at 50 ohms. The Burson Conductor is 4 watts a channel. I wonder if I tried to make room for both a separate DAC and Amp would I get much better sound quality?

nfb-27!? how do they come up with these names.

 

[WizardKnight]

I think NFB stands for negative feedback. I am still searching to find out is there really a huge difference in sound quality going from an all in one unit or having a separate DAC and Amp. Would consider paying $2-3K at max.

 

[asmoday]

I received mine on Saturday, so far I am very impressed! 
 
Not sure if its the HiFiMan sound or just Ortho's in general but the sound these produce is something I really enjoy. As much as I love my HD650, I think so far these might surpass those and become my favorite. I am still using the pleathers as I want to get to know that sound before switching to the velors so I can tell what the difference in sound is for myself. Its almost like the sound jumps out from the black background. 
 
Really enjoying these so far!!

 

[pp312]

Quote:

Its almost like the sound jumps out from the black background. 
 

 
 
Scary!
 

 

[asmoday]

Quote:

 
 
Scary!
 

 
Probably poor choice of wording on my part, I have a very hard time using words to describe sound. 

 

[Happy Camper]

I think it's stated quite well.

 

[conquerator2]

Quote:

 
Probably poor choice of wording on my part, I have a very hard time using words to describe sound. 

 
I heard great things about the velour pads....
 
You better try them out now, to get even more scared! 

 
No seriously, enjoy them Im a soon to be owner myself, so looking forward to your impression.
 
I will hook em up to a mini speaker amp though, but the sound should be similar

 

[asmoday]

Quote:

 
No seriously, enjoy them Im a soon to be owner myself, so looking forward to your impression.
 
I will hook em up to a mini speaker amp though, but the sound should be similar

I thought about going the mini speaker amp and might too at some point, but I just got the Lyr/Bifrost combo and want to get some use out of it first. It seems to be doing a great job, at least from not having heard them on anything better. I will take the ignorance is bliss approach on this for awhile. 

 
Quote:

You better try them out now, to get even more scared! 

 
I really want to try them, but I also want to get familiar with the pleather sound first. So that way I can really tell what the difference between them are. 

 

[conquerator2]

Quote:

I thought about going the mini speaker amp and might too at some point, but I just got the Lyr/Bifrost combo and want to get some use out of it first. It seems to be doing a great job, at least from not having heard them on anything better. I will take the ignorance is bliss approach on this for awhile. 

 
 
I really want to try them, but I also want to get familiar with the pleather sound first. So that way I can really tell what the difference between them are. 

 
Sure your setup is perfectly suited for them as well. I wanted to go the Bifrost way, but will get the NFB 3.32 instead as it is 100 cheaper with the usb in as well as "flavor" settings which change filter/OS settings little, depending on your preferences.
 
Both are tremendous value/performance and Im sure Bifrost is no worse! Maybe even better.
 
I also wanted to get the Lyr, but then opted for the SA-31, doe to not wanting to experiement with the tubes (never had a tube amp before and judging by that, it could turn quite expensive)
 
But then in the ends, I ve decided to go the speaker amp way, as it will be much more budget friendly and might even deliver a hell of a performance for the value!
 
But hey, Im still 2 months away from that, so here goes my assumptions
 
Anyway enjoy your setup mate, good buy !!!!
 
Best regards, Luke

 

[Audio-Omega]

Is HE-500 a step above HE-5LE ?

 

[preproman]

I see it like this.  HE-6 > HE-5LE > HE-500.  I have no experience with the HE-400 so can't comment there.

 

[hifimanrookie]

I don't know what your budget is but If that's the case take a look at these:

http://schiit.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=0&products_id=10  

with this:

http://schiit.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=0&products_id=11

or this:

http://bursonaudio.com/Burson_Soloist.html

Also a lot to choose from at Audio-gd.

http://www.bryston.com/products/headphone_amps/BHA-1.html

Never thought i would say this..but i actually bought a tube amp after hearing him with my he500 WITH velour pads...its the only full tube amp i can say it pairs wonderfull with the he500 if u put the right tubes in it..i by accident stubled upon that combo...a darkvoice 337 with the right set of tubes in it..guys..i always were a solid state man and wanted to buy a lyr..but my god..this monster of 17 kg has enough power..2watts rms ...i never ever go beyond 12 o'clock..i have to admit i changed the standard silver cables for a custommade double helix quicksilver copper cable (see my pics for the beauty of that cable)..so that will probably make the sound less harsch and more complete..but guys..i am a believer now..if anyone swears to me tube amps dont go well with electro dynamics..then they will be in for a shock when they hear the beauty that comes out of my (modded) darkvoice..to be honest..i tried the little brother..3322 and it sounded horrible! Even to a point of getting headache within a few minutes listening..now i can say..the 337 with the right tubes are a perfect pair with the he500..and ofcourse his sister the lafigaro 339.