I am looking for a darker sound... I think!

[tinman96]

Hello,
 
I am new to headphone listening, been into 2ch full size gear for a long time. But the wife never lets me turn it up all the way.  So I have been down sizing and trying to sell my full size gear.
 
Back in November 2012 I dove in headfirst...... Bought the Schiit Vallhalla and the bifrost uber upgrade and paired them with Senn HD 600, still using the factory cable. I have been very pleased, but I want to expierment with some new headphones and possibly try another Amp.  I am looking for a darker sound I think? I love tight base and the midranges are my favorite, I am looking to add punch with detailed, but not bright highs.
 
How should I start my upgrade process? Headphone Cable, Headphones, Amp, or DAC?
 
My source is usually CDs ripped ALAC and a few HDtracks (FLAC) streaming from a Core Duo SSD laptop. I am using Jriver media 18 as my player.
 
Thanks
Tinman96

 

[tinman96]

I forgot to mention the headphones I was looking at.  I want to spend around 700 -1000.  I have been checking out Audeze and Hifiman.   I still need to learn what amps are best suited for these headphones.

 

[Makiah S]

  I forgot to mention the headphones I was looking at.  I want to spend around 700 -1000.  I have been checking out Audeze and Hifiman.   I still need to learn what amps are best suited for these headphones.

Hmm you know the LCD 2 might pair nice with the Valhalla! The best way to get the sound you want is to change your headphone first. ALthough :/ looking at the power specs of the Vahalla I'm not sure at 210 mW would be optimal for the LCD 2, I hear 1W is ecommended. and from when I owned the HE 400 [another planar] with about 4w I noticed a improvement to the conhereance of the sound. 
 
That said, I might try the LCD 2 with ur valhalla. Volume wise you'd have no issues, although you might want to try an amp like the Asgard 2, which can run 1w into 50 ohms.
 
Either way, a new headphone would be a smart move! Try for the LCD 2 and maybe sell your HD 600 to pay for a new amp 
 
Oh also Audio GD makes a nice Combo AMp Dac nit for around $300 that should have at least 1w into 50 ohms... although your dac is nice so no need to upgrade that atm
 
Yes I would try the LCD 2, and an amp like the Asgard 2. The best thing about Head Fi is if you buy used from our members [which we have the best prices usually] you can usually re sell gear you do not like pretty quickly [never for profit though please]
 
So try a used LCD 2 and an amp like the Asgard 2, either way going with Azude will give you a nice darker sound that you want, look into amps that pair nicely with it too :3 
 
Other than that, I'm not a Dark headphone fan at all so xD I won't be to much help... 

 

[tinman96]

Thank you for the reply.....  Its great to hear this forum community has s good classified section.  I am on a couple denim forums and we love to buy sell and trade.  It is a great way to try different products with out breaking the bank.  I am going  to do some further research on pairing an amp with the LCD 2.  I was thinking about the asgard route, but I figured it my be fun to try another brand since there are so many out there.  You know expand them horizions!

 

[Makiah S]

  Thank you for the reply.....  Its great to hear this forum community has s good classified section.  I am on a couple denim forums and we love to buy sell and trade.  It is a great way to try different products with out breaking the bank.  I am going  to do some further research on pairing an amp with the LCD 2.  I was thinking about the asgard route, but I figured it my be fun to try another brand since there are so many out there.  You know expand them horizions!

Good idea, I think with your budget there's not going to be TO much... how ever...  let us know what you end up finding!