project86
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2007
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The EHHA is a nice amp but I agree that you can do better - Concero is surprisingly capable in terms of not being the weakest link among fairly expensive gear.
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Having both here to play with, I'd say it really depends on a few things. First - what's your plan for getting a signal from computer to the D18? Because depending on the direction you go with that, it could make the D18 a considerably more expensive choice.
I doubt either option would push things into overly-bright territory. Concero is neutral-smooth and D18 is warm-smooth, with bigger bass and a larger soundstage but less detail. Honestly, either could probably satisfy.
Project86,
I am currently using a just completed EHHA rev. A as the headphone amp, which is why I am able to change input impedances so easily. Based on what I am hearing so far, I think I need a better headphone amp... I am sure Concero can sound better than what I am hearing at the moment. Next on the build list was a Bijou, but I am not sure Bijou and Concero will play nice with each other as they are both on the smooth side. Maybe something solid state would work better.
The EHHA is a nice amp but I agree that you can do better - Concero is surprisingly capable in terms of not being the weakest link among fairly expensive gear.
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Great thread everyone. I've been reading with interest. I'm in the process of upgrading my system and adding a computer-based capability. I'm researching DACs in the sub $750 range and have stumbled upon this Concero as an interesting option. I'm acutely aware of good system matching - but am by no means an expert. My setup won't be including a headphone rig for now, but instead has an EL34 tube integrated and some tube-friendly tower speakers. The speakers are fairly neutral across the frequency range - with perhaps a slight bump after 5kHz, but it's very minor.
So, with all this in mind - What would be the "better" match - the Concero or something like the Yulong D18? From what I've been reading (and I haven't heard either at this point), the Concero is more neutral, while the D18 is warmer. Now, I enjoy the warmth of the tubes....but don't want to overdo it, and lose too much detail etc. On the other hand, I don't want something that will over-brighten the system either. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers.
Having both here to play with, I'd say it really depends on a few things. First - what's your plan for getting a signal from computer to the D18? Because depending on the direction you go with that, it could make the D18 a considerably more expensive choice.
I doubt either option would push things into overly-bright territory. Concero is neutral-smooth and D18 is warm-smooth, with bigger bass and a larger soundstage but less detail. Honestly, either could probably satisfy.