New Beyerdynamic T1 (2nd Generation)

[nordkapp]

I'm currently a T90 owner and have loved them for years. Thinking about pulling the trigger on the T1gen2 but from what I read earlier in the thread, I'm worried the T1gen2 might have too much in common with the T90 to warrant the purchase. Anybody own both and can comment more on the differences/similarities?

I own both. For me, and this is just my opinion, if you like acoustic music regardless of genre, classical, folk, jazz etc of any sort, then the answer is a resounding yes. The T90 is every bit the equal on other genres such as rock, electronic & anything of fast rhythm and bass prominent. That being said it is still worth the upgrade for everything, especially if you are playing hi rez files. I have watched some you tube reviews comparing the two. Check those out. Good luck.

 

[MacedonianHero]

I own both. For me, and this is just my opinion, if you like acoustic music regardless of genre, classical, folk, jazz etc of any sort, then the answer is a resounding yes. The T90 is every bit the equal on other genres such as rock, electronic & anything of fast rhythm and bass prominent. That being said it is still worth the upgrade for everything, especially if you are playing hi rez files. I have watched some you tube reviews comparing the two. Check those out. Good luck.

 
Can I ask what gear you're using with the T1 V2?  The T90 is a great bang for your buck headphone and I do like it, but on the right system, the T1s pull ahead for me by a good margin (and I listen mostly to rock).

 

[nordkapp]

Can I ask what gear you're using with the T1 V2?  The T90 is a great bang for your buck headphone and I do like it, but on the right system, the T1s pull ahead for me by a good margin (and I listen mostly to rock).

Jriver, Resonessence Concero HD, CIAudio VHP-2 with VAC-1. Bryston BHA-1 arrives tomorrow.

 

[MacedonianHero]

Jriver, Resonessence Concero HD, CIAudio VHP-2 with VAC-1. Bryston BHA-1 arrives tomorrow.

 
I had the Concero HP and while I liked it...it wasn't the last word for the T1...looking forward to your BHA-1 impressions! I suggest you get the balanced T1 cable too! 

 

[nordkapp]

I had the Concero HP and while I liked it...it wasn't the last word for the T1...looking forward to your BHA-1 impressions! I suggest you get the balanced T1 cable too! 

No, I am aware of better dacs but the budget is tight. It's small footprint fits my limited space. For a little box it has no business sounding that good. Jazzed about the BHA-1. I do plan to get the balanced cable too. I'll post some very brief thoughts on the amp at some point. It could be my game ender amp. Any thoughts on it?

 

[MacedonianHero]

No, I am aware of better dacs but the budget is tight. It's small footprint fits my limited space. For a little box it has no business sounding that good. Jazzed about the BHA-1. I do plan to get the balanced cable too. I'll post some very brief thoughts on the amp at some point. It could be my game ender amp. Any thoughts on it?

 
I agree, on a budget the Concero is quite good! And the BHA-1 is one heck of an amp...you should be very happy with it! Congrats!

 

[nordkapp]

I agree, on a budget the Concero is quite good! And the BHA-1 is one heck of an amp...you should be very happy with it! Congrats!

Awesome, thanks.

 

[Peter Hyatt]

Thanks!  

 

[TJ Max]

  Question for T1 (2) users....
 
Since pairing T1.2 with the A20 and in listening heaven, I am going to get a stand-alone DAC with some credit I have from Amazon.  
 
Suggestions?
 
Bifrost is suggested, with good reviews.  (not currently at Amazon, however).
 
Stand alone DAC (no amp)  Price tag is under $500, seated permanently with the A20.  Beyer recommends one with RCA connection in their Q & A, while avoiding any specific recommendation.  
 
I am hoping from an opinion, specifically, from the Beyerdynamic T1.2 fans, since matching synergy would be helpful.  
 
Thanks!  

 
 
Well I'm pairing my T1 with a Teac UD-501 dac. I think a used one might be around $500, but in all honesty a $180 Schiit Modi 2 uber might be sufficient.

 

[Peter Hyatt]

Thanks, TJ Max,

 

[TJ Max]

  Thanks, TJ Max,
 
I will look into it.   
 
Right now, I am thinking Bifrost, but unfortunately, it is not for sale at Amazon currently (where my credit awaits me), so I am looking for something of similar quality.  
 
 
I am amazed how nice the T1.2 is, with the A20, and for work, I sometimes have them on for hours at a time and they are so comfortable.  I did not think I would like the synthetic leather more than the leather, but I do.  
 
Any other recommendations close to the Bifrost?
 
 
Elementary question:   Since I am happy with the A20 amp, I assume I should get a DAC only, not DAC/amp combo.  I don't want to do anything to interfere with the beautiful sound of the A20.  Is this a correct assumption?  Or, is a Dac/amp ok to get?  (I wonder if the Wolfson DAC in the a200p is the same one in more expensive DACs....)

 
Generally people say that each component should be seperate. On dac/amp combos, the headphone jack is usually under powered. I currently  have my Teac dac connected to a Beyerdynamic A2 (big brother of the A20).

 

[cjs001]

  Thanks, TJ Max,
 
I will look into it.   
 
Right now, I am thinking Bifrost, but unfortunately, it is not for sale at Amazon currently (where my credit awaits me), so I am looking for something of similar quality.  
 
 
I am amazed how nice the T1.2 is, with the A20, and for work, I sometimes have them on for hours at a time and they are so comfortable.  I did not think I would like the synthetic leather more than the leather, but I do.  
 
Any other recommendations close to the Bifrost?
 
 
Elementary question:   Since I am happy with the A20 amp, I assume I should get a DAC only, not DAC/amp combo.  I don't want to do anything to interfere with the beautiful sound of the A20.  Is this a correct assumption?  Or, is a Dac/amp ok to get?  (I wonder if the Wolfson DAC in the a200p is the same one in more expensive DACs....)

An Amplifier increases the power/strength of a signal. Usually an Analog signal for our case.
 
A DAC decodes the signal from Digital signal to Analog.
 
It's entirely possible to feed Amp/DAC into another Amp, you probably end up having the volume lower on an Amp/DAC > AMP chain to get whatever volume you desire as opposed to a DAC > AMP chain.
 
Any DAC on it's own will affect the sound of your A20 anyway, let alone Amp/DAC. so if you do not want to colour the sound of your A20 Amp, then you will want to get a fairly neutral DAC or neutral Amp/DAC combo. 

 

[vlach]

Thanks, TJ Max,

I will look into it.   

Right now, I am thinking Bifrost, but unfortunately, it is not for sale at Amazon currently (where my credit awaits me), so I am looking for something of similar quality.  


I am amazed how nice the T1.2 is, with the A20, and for work, I sometimes have them on for hours at a time and they are so comfortable.  I did not think I would like the synthetic leather more than the leather, but I do.  

Any other recommendations close to the Bifrost?


Elementary question:   Since I am happy with the A20 amp, I assume I should get a DAC only, not DAC/amp combo.  I don't want to do anything to interfere with the beautiful sound of the A20.  Is this a correct assumption?  Or, is a Dac/amp ok to get?  (I wonder if the Wolfson DAC in the a200p is the same one in more expensive DACs....)

Here's my take; you have a flagship headphone in the T1 and as such i urge you to consider a DAC slightly outside your desired budget range in order to get the most out of your rig, do justice to the T1 while keeping the cost reasonable. The $799 Lite DAC-68, tube output, legendary PCM1704 chipset, R2R architecture and extensive power supply. It will add body & bloom to the somewhat lean T1 and you will never look back or feel the need to upgrade.
I pass on to you years of experience and trial & error in my recommendation. I settled on the Monarchy NM-24 which has a lot in common with the Lite DAC.

You are welcome in advance

 

[ostewart]

For a nice DAC check out the iFi Audio iDAC2, great DAC with a very natural sound and it won't affect the end sound very much if any.
Check out some reviews and see if you think it would be suitable.

They know how to design stuff.

 

[Peter Hyatt]

Is "upgradable" a strong recommendation?