How do people here feel about the idea of pairing one of the bigger Schiit amps like the Valhalla with the Modi DAC?
I am interested in eventually updating the setup at my desk - especially if I am brought on full time as I may be soon... it would be a great way to celebrate, but I really don't want to have to go through the hassle of having IT install drivers on my company laptop for a USB2 DAC like the Bifrost, where the M+M required no input or approval at all due to being so simple. That, and I'm not entirely convinced the price difference wouldn't be better spent on the cans. Uberfrosting ain't cheap, Modi is.
Semi-Offtopic:
Additionally, although this is the Schiit thread, I'm in the market for a better set of closed-backs than my current Senn HD439s. They're absolutely remarkable for the price, but having HD580s at home, they just don't sound quite as good in comparison, even running the 580s off a BitHead. I'm looking for a set of closed-backs which have the level of detail found in the 580s (seriously, you can hear the performers breathe with even just a BitHead), and with the same velour-cup comfort. I wish I could go open, but... cubicle farm. I've been recommended a few things in a thread I posted, and the most promising item is the Beyer DT70, which is more expensive than even an HD650... so nobody can blame me for balking there. A pair of closed backs from a brand I've never tried, for the cost of both HD650s and new 650 pads for my beat-up HD580s? Eeeehhhhh
Considering my M+M and potential interest in a Valhalla, do any of you Schiitlords have a recommendation for good, comfortable circumaurals that won't piss all my co-workers off or make my head sweat(pleather cups etc)? I'd love to just bring my 580s in, but you might as well strap speakers to your skull. Leakage is an understatement. The HD493 I have are great*, but especially with a gear upgrade I could do better... and I'm worried about using cans designed to get nice volume out of an iPhone with the Valhalla (should I be?)
*seriously, given burn-in, the HD493s are shocking. They're stylish and open-back-themed closed-backs for $100, with startlingly crisp clarity for the price, almost like baby $250+ open-backs in a way. Detail-wise, they walk all over the same-price HD280s, lagging behind only in ~beatz~. The bass reaches low, tight and fast, but unless you crank it, they're not bass cannons. I love these things, and highly recommend them for anyone in need of a cheap pair of closed cans with a more open-back high detail profile. Also, in something that makes a huge difference to me, they have velour cups. $100 for stylish looks, velous comfort, tight and controlled bass, sparklingly complex detail rendering, and removable cabling. They take a 30-50h burn-in to warm up (and I do mean warm, it's a very enjoyable warmth) and to have any access to the bass... but I recommend these very highly after a week living with them, for their price bracket. There's no better can-phile option at that price point. Once burned in so they can do bass and warmth, these sound like a lot more than $100 of 'phone.