chuck8403
Head-Fier
- Joined
- Feb 5, 2014
- Posts
- 76
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- 27
Quick comparison of the different amp signature sounds if you dont mind?
Sure, just my opinion. The headphones I have include:
Sennheiser HD700, HD650, HD498, HD439, HD280 PRO, HD201, RS180, RS170, RS120, PXC 450
Beyerdynamic DT770 PRO, DT770M80
MrSpeakers Alpha Prime
HiFiMan HE-500
Sony MDRV6
Audio Technica ath-m50
Fostex T50RP Modded
Bose QC15
Parrot Zik 1.0
The Magni and Vali are in one class. The others are in a different class.
The Magni is clean and powerful for it's price. I think the sound is just slightly warm. This is based on my experience with other amps (O2, ODAC, EF5, Bottlehead Crack, FIIO E09k, and FIIO E12). Should work with most headphones. For lower impedance headphones, it may be all you need. If you have a higher impedance headphone, and like it loud, you will need something else. With that said, most would be fine. I primarily use this in my bedroom with the ATH-M50s and HD439. I find the HD498 too bright with these. The DAC on this is the Modi. This amp has a good size and I typically will take this or the ODAC when I travel.
The Vali is very similar to the Magni. Maybe a little more noise and a little less power. You do have to get use to the microphonics. To me this seems to be smoother and the bass is just a tad better. I love the sound through the DT770 PRO. Seems to be a good match to me. I use this at work and again the DAC is a Modi.
If I had one amp to choose from between the Magni and Vali, I would go with the Magni.
For the next three amps, I use a Bitfrost Uber.
I love the Asgard 2 (and Asgard), Valhalla 2 (and Valhalla) and the Lyr (Don't have the Lyr 2 yet, lol). Each I use for different headphones and mood or music.
If I am listening to classical, rock, pop or music in general, I like the Asgard 2. The sound is crisp and clean. Drives all of my headphones well and does really well with low impedance headphones. It is my general amp that I use most of the time. (35%) Like most of the Schiit, it seems slightly warm, but this one is closer to neutral than the others. Solid amp. Works well with all of the headphones I have. I like it most with my HD700.
I use the Lyr primarily with the HE-500s or when I really want to listen to music loud. Good power. I have a pair of Philips E88CC SQ tubes in it. Like the sound. I have tried some other tubes, but tube rolling isn't for me. Not trying to chase the next great thing on tubes. With tube amps, tubes can change the sound and you have to be careful with reviews from people. Good or bad could be as a result of the tubes. The stock tubes for this amp are fine. You can tweak the sound a bit with changing the tubes. Just not for me. With the tubes I use, this amp is warmer than the Magni, Valli and Asgard. Could be the tube choice. The power really opens up the HE-500s. I can only use this combination if I am the only one in the room. With the Alpha Prime (just got them the other day), the sound is awesome and should only get better. Works well with the HD650 also. Just a bit noisy with the HD700 (could be the tubes!).
I use the Valhalla with my HD650 primarily. Great sound combination. So smooth and relaxing. Just love the sound. I use the standard tubes most of the time. Sound just fine to me. I have bought some other cheap tubes for swapping, but I just don't find the need. The amp is smooth with the HD700s as well. Overall, I like this amp with Country, Jazz and other mellow music.
Not real technical, as I just can't write a great review with real descriptive details. I like music and I know when I like the sound. At this point I don't think I will buy very many more amps or headphones. I am pretty happy with what I have now.
The great thing about having the different amps is that I can change an amp and headphone each day and think, WOW, I can get rid of the others. Then the next day I change it up and have the same thought. Each combination brings out something in music I like. I am sure eventually I will have a few favorite combinations. Just enjoying the ride for now.
Hope that helps!