[yokken]

Quote:

Seems to be the same one from my Asgard. I'm pretty sure it's supposed to be "white" which really turns me on, because i'm in the world of building computers and computer parts. I am extremely used to green/blue LED's on everything. It's a breath of fresh air that Schiit uses white(ish) LED's, I think they look very sleek and classy, just like the unit.

 
I'm also glad not to see a colored LED. White is great but like I said, I wish mine were the same hue. But as I also said, it's not a big deal. I kind of want to open up my Lyr and figure out how to disable the LED. I want to see just the tube glow. 

 

[networkn]

If I have a Asus STX which has an Amp and Dac built into it, then I shouldn't need another DAC, so I could just buy the Asgard for $249 and that would cover me and be a really good amp for the 650 right?

 

[longbowbbs]

Quote:

Took some pictures today, hope you guys enjoy!
 
 

 

 

 
This stack always looks great!

 

[avengernoonzz]

To whoever is reading - name three recommended amps/DAC/soundcards for the HD650.

I want to start of with the Asgard but I'm not quite sure if I should try something else first.

 

[yokken]

Quote:

 
This stack always looks great!

 
It's just so clean. Beautiful.

 

[networkn]

I went to have a listen to the 650's for the first time today. It was hooked to a nice CD player and a Lehman amp (Not sure what model but it was silver and was retailing for around $1400USD.
 
I was just so blown away. I wasn't too impressed immediately, but after about 5 minutes I was pretty sold. They also had the 800's next to it and the 558/598. The 800 sounded like I was listening to the music from across the street, I am sure something was misconfigured as I was so unimpressed. My 555's sounded better!? The 598/558 are very capable I liked them a lot, but they aren't even in the same universe as the 650s, I am completely sold. I am just hoping I don't need $2000 Amplification to make them sound like that! I have listened to Celine Dion - Falling into you, probably at least a few hundred times, and I know it sounds cliché but I've never really "heard" it.

 

[longbowbbs]

Quote:

I went to have a listen to the 650's for the first time today. It was hooked to a nice CD player and a Lehman amp (Not sure what model but it was silver and was retailing for around $1400USD.
 
I was just so blown away. I wasn't too impressed immediately, but after about 5 minutes I was pretty sold. They also had the 800's next to it and the 558/598. The 800 sounded like I was listening to the music from across the street, I am sure something was misconfigured as I was so unimpressed. My 555's sounded better!? The 598/558 are very capable I liked them a lot, but they aren't even in the same universe as the 650s, I am completely sold. I am just hoping I don't need $2000 Amplification to make them sound like that! I have listened to Celine Dion - Falling into you, probably at least a few hundred times, and I know it sounds cliché but I've never really "heard" it.

 
Another convert!....Send him the T-Shirt!

 

[jtaylor991]

Another convert!....Send him the T-Shirt!

I never got one...

*mutters*I went to the dark side and I didn't even get a lousy t-shirt....ehh....*mutters*

 

[longbowbbs]

nono....Planers are the dark side...

 

[grokit]

To whoever is reading - name three recommended amps/DAC/soundcards for the HD650.

I want to start of with the Asgard but I'm not quite sure if I should try something else first.

Here's four other combos worthy of consideration:

• HiFiMAN EF2A: HD650 on a budget.
• Nuforce Icon HD: A step up, HD650 mid-fi.
• Schiit Bifrost/Valhalla: Now we're talking...
• Burson HA160D: HD650 rocks!

 

[jazzerdave]

To whoever is reading - name three recommended amps/DAC/soundcards for the HD650.
I want to start of with the Asgard but I'm not quite sure if I should try something else first.

The Asgard is a great amp, and pretty versatile IMO, but if you're only concerned about powering the HD650's, the Schiit Valhalla is probably the better match. The Decware CSP2+ is probably my favorite match but costs more than the HD650's themselves.

To be honest, if you're trying to find a match for the 650, you'd be wise to try an OTL tube amp. They can make great matches. Here's a brief list:
- Schiit Valhalla
- Decware CSP2+
- Woo Audio WA3
- Woo Audio WA2
- Bottlehead Crack
- Little Dot mk II, III, or IV

There are plenty of other options, but it's a great option for making the 650 sing. Many of these options can be had for at or under $250. Good luck.

 

[grokit]

+1 on the Crack and WA2 but you still need a DAC and I thought we were talking about combos here.

 

[jazzerdave]

+1 on the Crack and WA2 but you still need a DAC and I thought we were talking about combos here.

Yeah, I tend to forget about DACs every now and again. I tend to do a lot of listening with my turntable or CD player. I often neglect to mention anything for media servers or listening via computer or iPad/Pod/Phone. I personally use the Schiit Bifrost for most of my digital needs. The Bifrost --> Valhalla --> HD650 combo is an excellent one.

 

[avengernoonzz]

Woooops, I should have mentioned my Sennheisers will be used with a PC only and nothing else.

Since I don't have a lot to spend for something like a DAC + AMP how would the ASUS Xonar Essence STX do with a HD650? or is there something that is much better and around $200-300 for PC use only?

 

[jazzerdave]

The Xonar Essence STX should be okay with the 650, but I would suggest you use that as the DAC and use the RCA outs into one of the OTL headphone amps I mentioned earlier.