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Suggested Upgrade from Schiit modi + magni stack

Apr 13, 2022 at 6:44 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 13
bulkkot

bulkkot

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Hello,

Currently I have been using a modi magni stack but I think it's time to upgrade. Ultra-realistically, I probably don't need to do so but I really want to get some higher end headphones but I feel that I'm being irresponsible if my source can't support it. Currently, I have a pair of sundaras and the OG clears, but some other headphones I want to expand to in the near future are the ZMF children and possibly the Arya v3 to replace the sundaras. Personally, design is really important for me as well, so I would appreciate suggestions that look nice. I think I am thinking around 1200 for both amp and dac, but open to suggestions that may push it a bit.

Thanks guys!
 
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Apr 13, 2022 at 8:35 PM Post #2 of 13
Burson Conductor 3XP. Sound is excellent, design is phenomenal, it drives both my ZMF cans and my planars really well
 
Apr 14, 2022 at 8:07 AM Post #3 of 13
bulkkot said:
Hello,

Currently I have been using a modi magni stack but I think it's time to upgrade. Ultra-realistically, I probably don't need to do so but I really want to get some higher end headphones but I feel that I'm being irresponsible if my source can't support it. Currently, I have a pair of sundaras and the OG clears, but some other headphones I want to expand to in the near future are the ZMF children and possibly the Arya v3 to replace the sundaras. Personally, design is really important for me as well, so I would appreciate suggestions that look nice. I think I am thinking around 1200 for both amp and dac, but open to suggestions that may push it a bit.

Thanks guys!
Click to expand...
The best musical pairing I've heard this year is the Drop THX 789 with a Topping D10s with it's sharp filter for music. Drum hits so distinctive and engaging for music. The Topping E50 is even better and much more sleek and elegant sitting on top of it. I didn't need the features so kept the more humble looking D10s a while. I buy and sell so get to pair stuff up all the time. The thx 789 E50 would be nice since with single ended cables since it internally clips if you don't do a -7db reduction to get it down to 2.1v input.
 
Apr 14, 2022 at 1:25 PM Post #5 of 13
dunring said:
The best musical pairing I've heard this year is the Drop THX 789 with a Topping D10s with it's sharp filter for music. Drum hits so distinctive and engaging for music. The Topping E50 is even better and much more sleek and elegant sitting on top of it. I didn't need the features so kept the more humble looking D10s a while. I buy and sell so get to pair stuff up all the time. The thx 789 E50 would be nice since with single ended cables since it internally clips if you don't do a -7db reduction to get it down to 2.1v input.
Click to expand...
Ah, that part about the -7db reduction is really interesting, did you find that out yourself? I've definitely thought about the Drop THX 789, I'll check it out more.
 
Apr 14, 2022 at 2:23 PM Post #7 of 13
bulkkot said:
What is the general consensus on amp/dac combos? They seem really convenient
Click to expand...
Depends on the combo. Some people will not even consider a combo. I think a lot of it is because you can't upgrade just one of them; if you want to go to a crazy DAC like a Holo Spring, you're basically making the DAC portion of your combo unit obsolete. However, I find I really like combo units, and the Conductor is my bedside driver for the foreseeable future.
 
Apr 14, 2022 at 2:40 PM Post #8 of 13
someguyontheinternet said:
The RME ADI-2 is hard to beat, if you're willing to spend that amount of money.
Click to expand...
It is an outstanding DAC but the amp section does not do a great job with 300 ohm Sennheisers, so unlikely to be a good choice for ZMFs.
 
Apr 14, 2022 at 3:54 PM Post #10 of 13
someguyontheinternet said:
I have had no problem driving my HD600 with the ADI-2 even at very loud levels. Given that the maximum output is 1.5W I have a hard time believing that there is a lack of power.
Click to expand...
Very loud yes, very well, no. There is a lack of voltage.
 
Apr 14, 2022 at 4:10 PM Post #11 of 13
Apr 15, 2022 at 10:07 AM Post #12 of 13
dunring said:
The best musical pairing I've heard this year is the Drop THX 789 with a Topping D10s with it's sharp filter for music. Drum hits so distinctive and engaging for music. The Topping E50 is even better and much more sleek and elegant sitting on top of it. I didn't need the features so kept the more humble looking D10s a while. I buy and sell so get to pair stuff up all the time. The thx 789 E50 would be nice since with single ended cables since it internally clips if you don't do a -7db reduction to get it down to 2.1v input.
Click to expand...

This music sounded best on my E30+THX789 stack. It somehow sounded unbearable/fatiguing on my other setups. THX 789 is really fast and have a nice grip+definition. It feels like it lacks a bit of impact but i think it's because of clean and definitive edges. You may get more impact with other amps but you can't make out the definition and you may loose the control/grip.
 
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Apr 16, 2022 at 6:46 AM Post #13 of 13
bulkkot said:
Hello,

Currently I have been using a modi magni stack but I think it's time to upgrade. Ultra-realistically, I probably don't need to do so but I really want to get some higher end headphones but I feel that I'm being irresponsible if my source can't support it. Currently, I have a pair of sundaras and the OG clears, but some other headphones I want to expand to in the near future are the ZMF children and possibly the Arya v3 to replace the sundaras. Personally, design is really important for me as well, so I would appreciate suggestions that look nice. I think I am thinking around 1200 for both amp and dac, but open to suggestions that may push it a bit.

Thanks guys!
Click to expand...
Have you been happy with the Schiit? If so, just get a Bifrost2/Jotunheim2 and call it a Day.
 
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