Should I get a Mjolnir?

[mackat]

Hi guys!

I currently have an iMac to a Gungnir to a Bottlehead Crack to my HD650's.

So I won a really nice balanced cable that I don't have yet, but I am wondering if the Mjolnir running fully balanced with the Gungnir and the 650s would be worth the improvement over the Bottlehead Crack. I really like the sound currently, but I think I can do a little better. So do you guys think the Mjolnir would be a good replacement for the Crack? I like the warm sound of the Crack, but think I could use a teensy bit more detail, while keeping so,e of the warmth.

Thanks!
Ben

 

[skeptic]

Respectfully, I doubt that the crack is the real bottleneck in your system as far as details go.  I love the HD650's, and have never seriously considered selling mine off, but they simply don't reproduce tiny details beyond a certain point relative to the top tier 'phones.  
 
Bearing in mind that my speedball crack is modified a bit from stock (film caps, much better pot, etc.), when I plug my HD800's into the crack, there's a whole 'nother layer or detail there to be heard that isn't there with my 650's.
 
I don't mean to be presumptuous about what you are or are not looking for in an amp.  I just thought my experience as far as detail retrieval goes might be helpful.  Cheers!

 

[mackat]

Thanks for the advice! But the HD650 is the only headphone that I feel 99.9% comfortable with, it's the headphone I've kept longest (1 year and 1/2!). I think I'll listen to the Mjolnir at the upcoming meet and then make a decision and start selling off stuff if I do decide to get it!

 

[Neogeo333]

I have a Mjolnir for sale but I would still not recommend using it with the HD650.  In my opinion the Mjolnir is geared more towards orthodynamic phones.  It can drive the 650 easily but high impedance and Mjolnir doesnt go well in my book.   You already have a excellent high impedance amp in the Crack.

 

[WilCox]

Quote:

I have a Mjolnir for sale but I would still not recommend using it with the HD650.  In my opinion the Mjolnir is geared more towards orthodynamic phones.  It can drive the 650 easily but high impedance and Mjolnir doesnt go well in my book.   You already have a excellent high impedance amp in the Crack.

 

  What didn't you like about the HD650 with the Mjolnir?  I have been listening to my HD650 (as well as HD580) for the past couple of weeks with the Mjolnir and have been most delighted with the "de-veiling", thanks to the Mjolnir.  I know we all have different priorities, but I could easily live long-term with the HD650 and the Mjolnir.  As a matter of fact, if I'm still as enthralled with my HD800, 650, 580 out of the Mjolnir in several weeks from now as I am today, I may consider selling off my Audeze and Stax systems.
 
I would be very interested to understand what you don't like about the HD650 Mjolnir combo.

 

[mackat]

That's good news, WilCox! I am wondering what you don't like however, Neogeo333. Thank you both for commenting!

 

[Neogeo333]

I just prefer the HD650 and other high impedance cans with tubes.  For my taste the HD650 is too dark.  It has a "slow and veiled sound"  I had the opportunity to try the Mobious cable from Zu audio with the HD650 and that silver cable took care of some of the veiled sound but it still was present.  Selling the Audeze I understand but a Stax setup for the Senn cans and Mjolnir?  You my friend have found your end game setup.   

 

[WilCox]

Quote:

I just prefer the HD650 and other high impedance cans with tubes.  For my taste the HD650 is too dark.  It has a "slow and veiled sound"  I had the opportunity to try the Mobious cable from Zu audio with the HD650 and that silver cable took care of some of the veiled sound but it still was present.  Selling the Audeze I understand but a Stax setup for the Senn cans and Mjolnir?  You my friend have found your end game setup.   

I actually had two Stax Omega systems.  A few months ago, I sold my SRM-717/SR-007 MkI since I wasn't using it that much.  I might do the same with my SRM-007ta/SR-007A MkII.  I have been a Stax owner since the early 1980's, but either my tastes are changing or the technology of dynamic phones and amps have closed the gap significantly.  In any event, right now I like my Mjolnir (and my Bryston BHA-1) very much with all of my Sennheiser headphones.

 

[cizx]

Yes.  But, it won't make what you have sound better.

 

[paradoxper]

The HD650's with Mjolnir most definitely sound great. And yea, it will be a upgrade from the Crack.