[TonyRS]

Hey guys,
 
In a little bit of a pickle. Currently looking for a DAC/Preamp to pair up with my HD650 and AirMotiv 5 for under $500. Any suggestions?
 
Currently using the M&M stack, but I would like to control the AirMotiv's volume when I'm not using headphones.

 

[kookoo]

have you looked at the Cambridge audio dacmagic or the newer model dacmagic plus, it has dual output XLR and RCA

 

[Ryukun]

  Hey guys,
 
In a little bit of a pickle. Currently looking for a DAC/Preamp to pair up with my HD650 and AirMotiv 5 for under $500. Any suggestions?
 
Currently using the M&M stack, but I would like to control the AirMotiv's volume when I'm not using headphones.

 
I currently have the Airmotiv 4's + HD 600 and I use them with my Audio GD NFB 10ES2. It gives the headphone/speakers a nice neutral sound, plus you'll be able to utilize the balanced cables for both of them .

 

[Jd007]

the new matrix mini-i and mini-i pro look very sleek

 

[ghandler]

I have a DacMagic Plus running off a Macbook Pro into AirMotiv 5s via the XLR connects.
The RCAs run to a Schitt Lyr 2 with a pair of matched NOS Telefunken E88CCs. This powers my LCD-2 phones.  
It sounds sweet and powerful through both the AirMotivs and the LCD-2s.
I highly recommend this config.

 

[mark-g]

I've got an older DacMagic up-scaling model (no internal amp one with filter selection button) all be it with internal tweaks, paired with a recently restored Pioneer SA7100 and I can certainly say the HD650's sound amazing on that setup. I tend to find the HD650's a little flat and dull for want of a better word on other stuff but I fell in love with that combo. I'm into Gothic / Metal and Industrial and prefer other cans for the heavy stuff but have found nothing better yet for vocals - now to steal my mates HD650's