Nice. How big/noticeable would you say the improvement over your onboard audio was? Also, I saw one review that said it clips at max volume; is that an actual issue or not really since it never needs to be at max volume?
The big difference for me was against the output of my NAD 3120 amplifier, which has a high impedance. The bass of the HD 598 sounded bloated with that amplifier. This is because the HD 598 itself has much larger impedance at low frequencies than at high frequencies. With the Dragonfly, the bass bloat disappeared.
The _Stereophile_ review (http://www.stereophile.com/content/audioquest-dragonfly-usb-da-converter) explains that a pre-production version clipped at higher volume, but the production version does not. Audioquest recommends setting the volume to max when using the Dragonfly as a DAC that inputs to a separate amplifier. (I sometimes do that with a small tube amplifier.)
The big difference for me was against the output of my NAD 3120 amplifier, which has a high impedance. The bass of the HD 598 sounded bloated with that amplifier. This is because the HD 598 itself has much larger impedance at low frequencies than at high frequencies. With the Dragonfly, the bass bloat disappeared.
The _Stereophile_ review (http://www.stereophile.com/content/audioquest-dragonfly-usb-da-converter) explains that a pre-production version clipped at higher volume, but the production version does not. Audioquest recommends setting the volume to max when using the Dragonfly as a DAC that inputs to a separate amplifier. (I sometimes do that with a small tube amplifier.)
Thanks. With regards to the note in the StereoPhile review about having to manually switch sample rates using iTunes and some other Mac programs...do you know if that's still an issue in OSX? If so, which players work on the fly (preferably free, like VLC)?
The big difference for me was against the output of my NAD 3120 amplifier, which has a high impedance. The bass of the HD 598 sounded bloated with that amplifier. This is because the HD 598 itself has much larger impedance at low frequencies than at high frequencies. With the Dragonfly, the bass bloat disappeared.
The _Stereophile_ review (http://www.stereophile.com/content/audioquest-dragonfly-usb-da-converter) explains that a pre-production version clipped at higher volume, but the production version does not. Audioquest recommends setting the volume to max when using the Dragonfly as a DAC that inputs to a separate amplifier. (I sometimes do that with a small tube amplifier.)
Thanks. With regards to the note in the StereoPhile review about having to manually switch sample rates using iTunes and some other Mac programs...do you know if that's still an issue in OSX? If so, which players work on the fly (preferably free, like VLC)?
Just got my HD598 and was wondering from those of you who have them or have listened to them how much better the HD800 is than the 598. What are the differences? Thanks!
They are substantially better. Are they 10 times better? Meh, I don't know it's hard to quantify. But it's along those lines. As far as differences, that I can tell the HD800 has more bass and extends quite a bit deeper and it also has more treble boost, mids are similar but obv sharper and clearer on the 800. The absolute biggest difference is soundstage and imaging, as open as the 598 sound the 800 make them sound closed in comparison, also huge difference in detail retrieval, I've never thought of the 598 as detail monsters which is fine, but the 800 really are. 598 are more laid back and smooth as silk and dont need nor get much better with high end equipment. I think the hd600 is a good middle ground and would be a better buy than both, price factored in.
Well, as someone that has both the HD-598 and the HD-650, you are dead wrong about that assertion. The 650 is a whole new world, after the 598, even though I love both sets of cans. Many would consider the 650 superior 'phones over the HD-700.
I had 600, and currently have 650 and 598. 598 sound considerably more lo-fi than either the 600 or 650. It's a pretty big upgrade in my view. And HD700 sounded pretty bad in comparison to either as well
I had 600, and currently have 650 and 598. 598 sound considerably more lo-fi than either the 600 or 650. It's a pretty big upgrade in my view. And HD700 sounded pretty bad in comparison to either as well
I agree that the HD600 and the HD650 are significantly better than the HD598. Of course, that is if they are proper amped. The HD600 and HD650 don't have any "wow factor" - they play everything quite safe IMO. It is the subtle details that keep people coming to these. The HD600 and the HD650 need time to show their true value.
No offense or criticizing that anyone here has "noob" ears, but the HD598 is always a solid choice for beginners. With less bass, more details than cheap Chinese headphones but an overally warm sound sig, the HD598 easily wins the heart of non-audiophile. My non-audiophile friends always find that the difference between the HD598 and the HD6x0 to be not enough to justify the price difference. Of course everyone has their own taste, but IMO the HD5x8 line, while offering very good value, can't compete with the HD6x0 in terms of SQ.
However the same goes to the HD700. It need to be proper amped as well.
Well, as someone that has both the HD-598 and the HD-650, you are dead wrong about that assertion. The 650 is a whole new world, after the 598, even though I love both sets of cans. Many would consider the 650 superior 'phones over the HD-700.
Thanks anyway. I'm getting all sorts of mixed advice here and at /r/headphones...one guy just told me specifically to avoid the Dragonfly but didn't elaborate as of yet. It seems like it should be a good buy for $100 + shipping.
HD600 is considered by many a better headphone than the 650. And obviously miles ahead of 598. But the 598 is still a great place to start in the lower midrange segment. And upgrading to 600 or 650 depending on sound signature preference is the logical next step and well worth it. And HD700 being twice the price just means that it's overpriced and there really isn't much correlation between price and actual performance
They are substantially better. Are they 10 times better? Meh, I don't know it's hard to quantify. But it's along those lines. As far as differences, that I can tell the HD800 has more bass and extends quite a bit deeper and it also has more treble boost, mids are similar but obv sharper and clearer on the 800. The absolute biggest difference is soundstage and imaging, as open as the 598 sound the 800 make them sound closed in comparison, also huge difference in detail retrieval, I've never thought of the 598 as detail monsters which is fine, but the 800 really are. 598 are more laid back and smooth as silk and dont need nor get much better with high end equipment. I think the hd600 is a good middle ground and would be a better buy than both, price factored in.
Yes... welcome to head-fi ... sorry about your wallet (that's what that really means
).
FWIW, while I don't own the HD-700, I've auditioned them and I like them, but the HD-650s are go-to cans for a much larger audience (including many folks that have gone farther up the chain and then back down, expense speaking). YMMV, as always, but the HD-650 is sort-of a head-fi right of passage that you need to experience first-hand to appreciate.
HD600 is considered by many a better headphone than the 650. And obviously miles ahead of 598. But the 598 is still a great place to start in the lower midrange segment. And upgrading to 600 or 650 depending on sound signature preference is the logical next step and well worth it. And HD700 being twice the price just means that it's overpriced and there really isn't much correlation between price and actual performance
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