(Old)NewB Help

[CDLehner]

So...I'm a recovering 'phile, looking for some focus on a "first", "good" HP setup. I say "first" and "good", because at some point along the way...I picked up a pair of AKG K272s; which I'm sure are mid-fi in this world, at best (more like...once upon a time they were mid-fi, now probably not even that. I just kind of got them, "because"; good price, and I knew AKG was a "reputable" producer). They're...OK. I'm not sure if it's the cans, or the fact that they've never been mated properly, etc. Probably both. Anyway...

I'm looking to step-up, a bit anyway; into something more solidly in the mid-fi, current day. I've done some research...and yes, the answers to my questions are undoubtedly documented; but...I'm going to ask and frame, in a more pointed way just for yours truly. Even though it may be well-covered ground, any feedback and advice is appreciated.

So, for the cans...I seem to be looking at likely either an HD6xx (literally, the DROP 6xx...or 600, 650, 660S2s) or, the HiFiMan Edition XS. So...I guess based on that, my budget is like $200-500. For the HPs, I welcome feedback...but I'm probably not looking, to really go down a rabbit-hole; as I don't know much about Audeze, or Meze...Feliks, Fezz (why so many ZZZs in the headphone world, lol), etc.

As for an amp...that may be a different story (that I'm open to a bit of digging). I should mention...I'll probably just run source, from my Eversolo DMP-A6 (even if I switch, down the road...maybe "step-down" to a WiiM Ultra or BlueSound Nano...I'm anticipating not needing/wanting, a DAC/Amp combo). Amps that I've considered so far: the iFi CAN Signatures, for the HD and HFM (no...these amps, didn't drive my selection for the HPs; more like the other way around). Looks like they're both $200 right now. Or maybe something (tube-y), like an xDuoo TA-66...or a Singxer SA-1. Or a Topping something...or an Aune something; or...

I should mention, in my reformed-audiophile system...I have an Emotiva BasX A2M Flex, at the other end of the Eversolo. I've seen, (especially if you jump it)...it can be a helluva powerful, HP amp. Now...I assume, as in the world I'm more familiar with; powerful, doesn't necessarily mean "good". But...I thought I'd put it out there, as a bird-in-hand option.

CD

 

[CDLehner]

Oh, also...

the main reason, I am now a recovering/reformed hobbyist...is diminished hearing, has made justifying 5-figures in kit difficult. It's mostly fluid...and while there's been some permanent roll-off, when I'm in a reclined position (as I can do with Phones); fluid rolls out of the canal a bit, and volume and highs return somewhat.

I guess my point is...I don't think, a little hi-FR excitement, is going to be a deal-breaker (and might even be welcome).

Thanks,

 

[ursine 122]

Hey mate, if you’re just looking at the HD 660S2, the iFi Zen DAC V3 is a fantastic option. I’ve got the stack, and it pairs beautifully with the HD 660S2. The Zen DAC V3’s xBass feature is a real game-changer—not just a gimmick, it genuinely boosts the bass in a great way.

My recommendation would be to grab the Sennheiser HD 660S2 with the iFi Zen DAC V2 or V3. If you don’t need the DAC, the Zen CAN is also an excellent choice. I’ve got the V3 setup, and I’m super satisfied with it!

Have a great day

 

[dunring]

I've heard most of what's on the market today. My daily driver is the Hifiman Edition XS equalized for the Harman curve using Autoeq and just stock tuning for gaming. Put one in an SMSL DL100 or DL200 and you're cruising without melting down a credit card. The Topping L30 II/ E30II lite is just as good, depending on form factor you have room on the desk for. Buy used and under 400 beans will sound great.

 

[CDLehner]

^ Thanks gents. So ursine...you're saying a Can 3, even more-so than a Signature (HD or HFM)? I said an awful lot, in that OP...but I did forget to mention what I've gleaned, about Harman curves. I don't think I've ever employed it, but I'm pretty certain the DMP-A6 has PEQ (as does the WiiM, if I'm not mistaken). So...instead of the "curve designed specifically for those HPs"; if you can get there another way, the Can 3 is "better" otherwise? (I do see it has more power; 2,000mW against 1,600).

Thanks also dunring. Yeah...I think it's a close call, between an HD something and the XS. I have been watching, some Joshua Valour...and he just loves the XS at the price! I should mention, I'm not a gamer...and therefore, of course, not buying for that purpose. It's funny...I had an E30 II/L30 II (non-Lite) combo. I didn't use it much...because I thought the 272s had no balls with it. I didn't give it much of a chance, and just moved it on to a good home; but it's likely just the way the cans sound. I've actually got an FiiO SR11/K11 stack now. I was going to go a whole new route...to go with new HPs; but maybe I try XSs with it, before I give up on it (SR won't serve me much. I'm fairly technical, but it's been a bit tricky pushing UPnP to it. Not to get off-topic...but I run a PLEXserver, for Video and PLEXPass (audio) in my car; and it's been said, you should be able to push the PLEXPass to the SR11. But again, I'll be damned).

 

[earmonger]

I've seen a lot about the XS and it often comes with caveats about comfort. And the HD6** series seems to have a limited soundstage.

Comfort, transparency, natural sound, space: ATH-R70X. It was specifically designed to one-up the Senn HD600 series.
https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/6/17535412/audio-technica-r70x-review-professional-headphones
https://headphones.com/blogs/reviews/audio-technica-ath-r70x-review-a-sense-of-space

They need an amp but nothing $$$ -- Monolith Liquid Spark, Schiit Magni, JDS Atom, ICan. I've done fine with them on an iBasso DC04 dongle (but not the Apple dongle, not enough power).

Get them from someplace with a return policy -- but you won't use it

 

[CDLehner]

Wow; without even trying...I'm falling down the rabbit hole (just a bit). The Meze 105 AERs have caught my eye (although it sounds like maybe the sound-signature is a bit of a V-curve, which doesn't much appeal to me); as have the FiiO FT3/5, Aune AR5000...and now the AT ATH-R70X (and, naturally, the Apos x Refine).

No wonder you headphone guys, have sooo many cans! Speaking of which...who's got the best return policy? Looking like an "in-home audition" is in order.

 

[CDLehner]

So...I think, I'm leaning toward a Topping A70pro for the amp. Probably more amp than I "need"...but it's in my budget, and at least it doesn't seem I'll outgrow it right away (unless someone wants to chime in an say why I shouldn't?).

As for a good return policy...I saw Headphones.com, offers 365-days!? Although, there sure seem to be a lot of cans out-of-stock.