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I just bought D1+ with the full upgrade. I am hoping to use it flat out but if I have to I will pair it with my E9 for my K702 Anniversary and my soon to order HE400. Not sure if I need the E9 at all with both headphones but the added warmth of the tube upgrade, does it color the sound? Will hopefully be a nice pairing for both headphones.
The tube output makes a major difference in the sound, and each tube will "color" that sound and add a unique flavor. Same with op-amps.
Just don't become a tube whore like me ... <G>
I switch to the standard analog out every now and then just to see what I'm not missing. I seldom use headphones, so can't be much help there. One of the major benefits of the D1 series for me is the analog out so I can get that tooby goodness from my turntable via an external phono stage also. Wouldn't need that for a cassette, R2R, or other analog unit that has adequate output. As always, experiment.
My progress report ... been putting some miles on the D1+ and it's breaking in nicely. I got it with the basic tube and op-amps and plan to switch to the upgraded components that came with the D1. Got to hear the Chinese 6N3 for the first time. It came in 4-5db lower than the tubes I've been using out of the box, but caught up at around 20 hours. Good overall performance, but a bit cramped compared to what I've been listening to, even with the improved USB output from the Tenor stage. Also had some ringing.
Switched to the GE 5Star and that woke it right up. Wider stage, improved dynamics across the band and the mids and vocals gained a whole bunch of zing. Listened to Borodin's 2nd last night, and it's never sounded better. Next part of the plan - switch to the OPA627 op amps and see what happens there.
NOTE >> I mostly use the D1+ USB stage fed by my shiny new HTPC. jRiver Media Center allows me to adjust the resolution on the fly - right now I've got everything set to output at 88/24 to the Maverick. I don't use S/PDIF (coaxial/optical) as the RealTek chipset on the motherboard has "issues". Even the D1's lower resolution USB stage ran rings around that for overall sound quality. Something for yall to keep in mind out there - it's a system, and everything has to play nice together. I suppose somewhere along the way I could start playing with add-on cards to change the S/PDIF chipset, but as well as the USB is doing, there's not much incentive. It sounds very very choice as is. And yes, the Tenor stage is a major improvement, in resolution and dynamics, and overall satisfaction. Even using the basic tube and op-amps, it keeps right up with the D1 with all the upgrades. As mentioned, it's already pretty outstanding with the GE 5Star tube, and I haven't even swapped to the better op-amps and "premium classic" tubes yet. I expect major improvements with those.
Short version ... I LIKE IT I LIKE IT!