I don't buy into the idea that solid state electronics benefit from hundreds (or even tens) hours of burn in. So I can't help you there. There is a lot to suggest that this is simply not true, although I do think there is some benefit of using electronics a good bit while still in the store return period, just to make certain that it's working properly.
As for the difference in audio quality? Now you have experienced the rule of greatly diminishing returns with audio electronics. :etysmile:
There are many in the
sound science forum on Head-Fi that would argue that there might be no audible difference, given how well the DX50 measures. At some point as you go up in price/performance value, DAC/amps measure so well that they are already accurate within the range of human hearing. As long as the headphone is driven well by the amp, there should be no benefit in spending more in that circumstance.
Then, assuming there is an audible difference, keep in mind that there are those on Head-Fi for whom audio equipment is a hobby. They strive for absolute perfection. They listen to their equipment through the music. If you listen to your music through the equipment instead and don't pay much attention to the electronics, then what is a significant improvement for them as they search for that perfection may be minute to you. I know that I can even greatly enjoy a piece of music with my Sansa Clip Zip (as long as I use headphones that it can drive properly), and switching to my DX50 doesn't improve on that much.
So sure. We all evaluate equipment differently. But you are certainly at that place with the DX50 that spending more might not be worthwhile to you. You are not crazy
Just curious. What headphones do you use with it?
