Mid range setup centered around AKG K612 Pro or HiFiMAN Sundara.

[592909]

I have edited this question, as I didn't think the previous options (Sennheiser HD 560S or HiFiMAN HE400SE) would be enough of an upgrade over what I have.

I'm thinking about buying a midrange setup that will give me room to expand to higher end/harder to drive headphones in a few years. This includes a new pair of headphones as well as an amp and DAC to drive them.

The most I can spend in one go is €350, with more expensive options being bought in 2 orders, as follows: Headphones + Amp (1st order) then DAC (2nd order).

I'll be listing my available options in each category and their price below.

Headphones:

• AKG K612 Pro (€150)
• HiFiMAN Sundara 2021 (€241)

Amp:

• iFi Audio ZEN CAN (€121)
• Topping L30 II (€131)

DAC:

• iFi audio ZEN Air DAC (€81)
• Topping E30 II Lite (€101)

Amp+DAC combo:

• Fiio K11(€121)
• Fiio New K3 (€121)

Right now I'm gravitating towards the AKG K612 Pro with the iFi ZEN stack, as I like the features of the iFi on paper, but the Topping stack offers more power and perhaps better sound quality at the cost of flexibility with I/O.

I'm also considering the HiFiMAN Sundara, assuming I can drive it with one of the combo units, but that would likely mean less expandability. Though I might also be able to buy them and run them through my dongle for now, then buy a stack later. So the main question really boils down to which headphones to go for, as it usually does.

 

[Lindholdt]

Will you be using them on the go? Of yes, consider the Fiio FT1, as closed backs are super nice when moving around.
Consider them either way, actually, for the price they are fantastic, better than the DT770 Pro, IMO. (I have both)

 

[dunring]

At the price range, Hifiman has refurbished (new pads) HE5XX at a great price. They're comfortable, don't need equalizing, and can power them with an Apple 3.5mm adapter. More comfortable than the HE400SE if you have a larger head.

 

[592909]

Will you be using them on the go? Of yes, consider the Fiio FT1, as closed backs are super nice when moving around.
Consider them either way, actually, for the price they are fantastic, better than the DT770 Pro, IMO. (I have both)

Thanks for the suggestions once again. I have increased my budget and I'm also looking at the FT1, alongside a new source.

At the price range, Hifiman has refurbished (new pads) HE5XX at a great price. They're comfortable, don't need equalizing, and can power them with an Apple 3.5mm adapter. More comfortable than the HE400SE if you have a larger head.

Thanks once again for the reply. With the increase in my budget I can also look at these and get an amp and DAC. Though I might go for the Sundara, depending on how they compare.