The ESS 9018 is the overall much better DAC. The reason you see a preference over it is that the Wolfson chips are well, colored. Which also makes it it's biggest downfall. Here is a very long video about sigma-delta dacs along with very easy to understand explanations why the recent ESS chips are overall better. If you would like to tame a brightness that you don't like, talk to Jerg about his recommendations towards a fix as he seems the resident HE-500 expert.
Thanks brunk for the explanations and the link..I am leaning towards the ESS9018 and NFB 28. I hope someone is out there who have listened to these with the HE-500. More advise on the Audio GDs welcome too
Thanks brunk for the explanations and the link..I am leaning towards the ESS9018 and NFB 28. I hope someone is out there who have listened to these with the HE-500. More advise on the Audio GDs welcome too
Yep, you're welcome There is such a wealth of knowledge in that video too. I have watched it twice now and still learned things from it. Just wish I had the "insider goods" though!
I can't believe I forgot about Neutrik connectors. I use them all the time! You don't even have to solder, there are screw down versions available, and they are like $3 each from parts express.
Thanks. if you can, please post the parts. It will be a help, especially the screw down versions. Let me dig this also, even though it makes more sense for me to order the kit from Audio GD because I do not live in the USA and I can pretty much get this get this without shipping if place the order along with the Audio GD DAC/AMP.
Yup, that certainly is the cheapest way to go balanced. Headphones which have two separate wires going to L/R earcups are "balanced", but terminated to single ended. all you need to do is change the 1/4" termination to a 4 pin XLR, or two 3 pin XLRs, and bam, you got a balanced cable. =) Done this many times, and is definitely the cheapest, and very easy if you can use a soldering iron. Even if you can't, its a good way to learn!
I own a few tube amps, the 337SE ,Lyr ,EF-5 and a couple of budget amps (Bellari and etc.)
I just picked up a Fosgate Signature Series amp. An amp that does not seem to get much notice on here, but it is absolutely the best sound I have heard to date. I bought it to pair with the HD800(perfect synergy) , but it sounds fantastic with everything I have tried it with. It is right in the mentioned budget.
@hfmrookie: You do talk a lot about your amp, indeed. That is no lie. It seems some of us might be slightly annoyed reading long posts saying pretty much what we already know.
@hfmrookie: You do talk a lot about your amp, indeed. That is no lie. It seems some of us might be slightly annoyed reading long posts saying pretty much what we already know.
It's incredibly versatile, much like the Beyer T1. The only genre I'm not crazy about with the HE-6 is classical music recorded in a large setting. That's where the HD-800s shine, the huge soundstage. However, there's always crossfeed plug-ins should you desire a larger stage, or better yet actual speakers for that genre lol.
I cant even begin to tell you how much I am enjoying it, and it matches my game room
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My only compliant is I spent so much money finding the perfect tubes to my ears with the Lyr that I feel like a recovering addict that is relapsing. At least 12ax7's are not as pricey as other tubes.
The difference is somewhat subtle to be honest and can only be picked up side by side, The amp section of the previously mentioned AGD wunderboxes have more of an impact on tonality than their DAC sections. I consider both DAC chips flagships when implemented properly. The Sabre DAC's are usually a little more expensive but that has to do with it's implementation and it's unit cost, not that it's marketed as the better choice.
Some nice observations there. Now I wonder if the Audio GD amps are warm or bright or neutral. Of course most often neutral is the word I hear about AGD.
Some nice observations there. Now I wonder if the Audio GD amps are warm or bright or neutral. Of course most often neutral is the word I hear about AGD.
Yeah they're fairly neutral. It's really difficult given there are like a thousand amps out there and we don't have a baseline for what "neutral" is.
I'd say that I don't inherently notice a lack of bass, too much, nor do I notice rolled highs or shrieking brightness compared to some of my other favorites. The Schiit Mjolnir when paired with Gungnir is a tad bright but it's a welcome addition to the LCD-2 signature anyway. When paired with HD800 it still sounds amazing.
A well executed amp shouldn't really receive praise, it's like telling the shovel "good job for digging holes" IMO. The happiest audiophiles usually are the ones who don't post and thats how I was feeling for a while actually. I haven't bought any new gear in almost 8 months. The hobby stops being expensive once you find stuff you like and sit on it for a long time heh.
A well executed amp shouldn't really receive praise, it's like telling the shovel "good job for digging holes" IMO. The happiest audiophiles usually are the ones who don't post and thats how I was feeling for a while actually. I haven't bought any new gear in almost 8 months. The hobby stops being expensive once you find stuff you like and sit on it for a long time heh.
I chuckle at the shills that preach for every new release and claim it's profound influence. Often times before it's ever heard. The wise hobbyist learns how to ignore the noise and choose equipment to provide pleasure without fear of obsolescence. Amps are one of those new and improved things that haven't changed in decades. A new case, a couple filters and ta-da, a breakthrough. A cable, new sheathing, a proprietary metal mix and stunning results. :rolleyes:
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There is such a wealth of knowledge in that video too. I have watched it twice now and still learned things from it. Just wish I had the "insider goods" though!
