Yes, it has headphone out plus line level analog out, which is connected to the 789 inputs. So if I don't detect any difference between the headphone output on the Marantz and that on the 789 (i.e., same DAC, different headphone amp), then the amps are equivalent?
The 789 is a little faster sounding to my ears, at least compared to my tube amp. The bass is tight and the rest of the music doesn't lag behind. The tube amp is looser and more relaxed. Also the size of the soundstage and imaging might be different if you really try and listen.
With a little more listening time, I have noticed a bit more detail in some complicated full-orchestra passages using the 789, in comparison to my Marantz HD-DAC1 (the Marantz serves as the DAC in both cases). For example, the 24/96 download of John Williams in Vienna sounds a little muddy in certain passages, but it's much clearer with the 789 as to what various instruments are actually playing.
Try and find some balanced cables for the 650 - that will get you a lot more power. I can get to gain 3 with the 650 on single ended for normal, quiet background listening, but my DAC is at -20dB.
This amp is really sterile i wonder why. I guess negative feedback is really harmful. Are there any good measuring amps with minimal negative feedback ? I know the Asgard 3 at high gain has low negative feedback but it's too loud for modern sensitive headphones.
Spot on about this amp being sterile. For similar price point or cheaper, I'd recommend going with Schiit amps as alternative. Or just go with LP for better engaging sound. I really don't get the hype behind these amps.
For those have ample experience in hearing and looking at measurents would know that measurements values beyond certain digits isn't an indicator of amps performing well audibly. There is no direct correlation. It's just marketting.
After listening to my 789 for a few days (source: Marantz HD-DAC1; Focal Clear headphones), I haven't found it sterile at all. It reproduces complex orchestral details in a way that isn't lean at all, and I find listening much less fatiguing than the headphone output of the Marantz.
After listening to my 789 for a few days (source: Marantz HD-DAC1; Focal Clear headphones), I haven't found it sterile at all. It reproduces complex orchestral details in a way that isn't lean at all, and I find listening much less fatiguing than the headphone output of the Marantz.
I've tried zen dac and zen can combo and like it better than my e30 thx 789 combo for Ananda. It's kind of warm, bright and dynamic at the same time. THX 789 sounds kinda effortless and soft.
The SE pass is a line-level output, so you can connect it to a receiver. Works fine--I set up my amp that way. HOWEVER, according to the two-page manual, the SE pass doesn't work if your source is a balanced connection from a DAC--it only works with a DAC if it's a single-ended connection.
The SE pass is a line-level output, so you can connect it to a receiver. Works fine--I set up my amp that way. HOWEVER, according to the two-page manual, the SE pass doesn't work if your source is a balanced connection from a DAC--it only works with a DAC if it's a single-ended connection.
Just picked one of these up to pair with my Focal Clear. Running balanced it is just plain effortless. Crisp and clean highs, tight bass, soundstage is greatly improved over the Magni Heresy I was running with. I'm pretty happy with it so far.
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