[CaptainFantastic]

Thanks for the explanation. I see indeed that the Asgard 3 has a AK4490, while my K5 Pro (1st Gen, not the ESS) has a AK4493 chip. Huge difference between the two?

Zero audio difference per the knowledgeable people at RME.

 

[gefski]

Zero audio difference per the knowledgeable people at RME.

+1. For me, since dacs involve design, parts quality, and implementation of everything in them, chasing sonic personality of different dacs can be fun and rewarding. Chasing chip “sound” not reliable.

Just a quick comment on the ongoing discussion, excuse me for derailing the 650 thread.

 

[nuxos]

Zero audio difference per the knowledgeable people at RME.

Thanks for the reply! So 0 difference for the DAC, but a difference with the Asgard 3 Amp? Because I feel that I have way enough power with the K5 Pro Amp. Or I have to look at tube's amp but would would be a different type of sound rather than an upgrade?

I've seen a few recommendations with Darkvoice amps so I was also questioning about it.

Otherwise I would be happy to "just" change the cable!

 

[ColdsnapBry]

Thanks for the reply! So 0 difference for the DAC, but a difference with the Asgard 3 Amp? Because I feel that I have way enough power with the K5 Pro Amp. Or I have to look at tube's amp but would would be a different type of sound rather than an upgrade?

I've seen a few recommendations with Darkvoice amps so I was also questioning about it.

Otherwise I would be happy to "just" change the cable!

Just to add that I had an Asgard 3 with built in AK DAC and didn't love it on the 6XX. I then upgraded to the Modi 3+ and an Asgard 3 and still didn't love it on the 6XX. It wasn't until I upgraded to the Bifrost 2 to Asgard 3 that I thought the 6XX sounded great on. Just fyi.

 

[Runrunsmithfly]

Just to add that I had an Asgard 3 with built in AK DAC and didn't love it on the 6XX. I then upgraded to the Modi 3+ and an Asgard 3 and still didn't love it on the 6XX. It wasn't until I upgraded to the Bifrost 2 to Asgard 3 that I thought the 6XX sounded great on. Just fyi.

No Bifrost 2 but I did like the Modi multibit, Asgard 3, and 650 combo. I also like the new Modi 3E much better than the Modi 3 or 3+. In fact I like the 3E more than my Modius.

 

[jasswolf]

Thanks for the explanation. I see indeed that the Asgard 3 has a AK4490, while my K5 Pro (1st Gen, not the ESS) has a AK4493 chip. Huge difference between the two?

Zero audio difference per the knowledgeable people at RME.

It's the implementation, which is horrible in all in-built DAC offerings with the Asgard 3. Needs an updated design for that, though that may have come through last year.

Would be worth looking into if the K5 Pro weren't already in the mix.

 

[dakanao]

+1. For me, since dacs involve design, parts quality, and implementation of everything in them, chasing sonic personality of different dacs can be fun and rewarding. Chasing chip “sound” not reliable.

Just a quick comment on the ongoing discussion, excuse me for derailing the 650 thread.

Even DACS with the same exact chip will have a different implementation in the end product, thus having a different sound..

You can’t just listen to a “chip” alone

 

[tafens]

Just to add that I had an Asgard 3 with built in AK DAC and didn't love it on the 6XX. I then upgraded to the Modi 3+ and an Asgard 3 and still didn't love it on the 6XX. It wasn't until I upgraded to the Bifrost 2 to Asgard 3 that I thought the 6XX sounded great on. Just fyi.

Similar experience here, I really liked the Lyr3 with built-in multibit dac card, but felt there was something missing. When upgrading to the Bifrost2 dac however, it all came together. A great combo those three: Lyr3, Bifrost2, and HD6XX!

 

[eswng679]

A great combo those three: Lyr3, Bifrost2, and HD6XX!

I'd throw in a balanced set up with the Jot 2 / Bifrost 2 in the mix for a great combo with the HD6X0. The Sennheiser veil is lifted on a balanced setup, the bass is more authoritative but still retains buttery smooth mids. I've considered selling my HD650s since I started dabling with planars but after the Jot 2 / BF2 combo (+new stock pads), I am very glad I decided to hang on to them.

 

[GearMe]

Yep...people that sell their 650s often repurchase them 650 / 6XX (speaking from experience)

 

[gefski]

Yep...people that sell their 650s often repurchase them 650 / 6XX (speaking from experience)

I’m a real audiophool. Re-bought both 650/600.

 

[nuxos]

I'd throw in a balanced set up with the Jot 2 / Bifrost 2 in the mix for a great combo with the HD6X0. The Sennheiser veil is lifted on a balanced setup, the bass is more authoritative but still retains buttery smooth mids. I've considered selling my HD650s since I started dabling with planars but after the Jot 2 / BF2 combo (+new stock pads), I am very glad I decided to hang on to them.

That's exactly what I am looking for : to lift the famous veil, and to get a little bit more bass while preserving the wonderful minds.

I've made some little extra researches and saw the Topping EX5 to mainly use with a XLR cable. Also love the design in black

 

[Silver Wolf]

Introducing yet another SW-HD6xx variation SilverWolf HD6xx EXTR with microfiber pad.... I have no idea lol...my custom/modded treated HD6xx,...meh they look like this..lol.

 

[ColdsnapBry]

That's exactly what I am looking for : to lift the famous veil, and to get a little bit more bass while preserving the wonderful minds.

I've made some little extra researches and saw the Topping EX5 to mainly use with a XLR cable. Also love the design in black

Yea, I'd say the Jot 2 can punch through the HD650 veil. So can a Bottlehead Crack and a SW51+ and a Feliks Echo. I heard a lot of amps that can push through the hd650 veil.

 

[schmalgausen]

My 50-cent DIY OTL also improve the veil.