[Painkiller13]

Quote:

 
 
You will get very little if any improvement when using DX as a DAC instead of the Denons built in DAC circuitry. Same as for the amp. Now I don't have experience with Schiit amps, but I've compared my own <500$ headamps and many more expensive DAC/amp combos against receivers and integrated amps, and they didn't perform as well. High impedance cans, mainly the 600 ohm beyers absolutely LOVE the outputs of integrated and receivers, because they can get virtually limitless power out of them.

So if I understand your post correctly, I will not gain any noticeable quality in sound over just using my receiver alone?

 

[liamstrain]

Quote:

So if I understand your post correctly, I will not gain any noticeable quality in sound over just using my receiver alone?

 
 
 
Quality of sound is hard to say. The Valhalla will probably sound very slightly different than your receiver due to its architecture (better/higher quality is harder to define) - and of course, you have the benefit of it being a separate system - so you could have that at your office, or bedroom or something. 

 

[derbigpr]

Quote:

So if I understand your post correctly, I will not gain any noticeable quality in sound over just using my receiver alone?

 
 
From my experience, not only did I dedicated head amps not sound any better, but they sounded worse than integrated amps and receivers, and I'm not talking high end stuff, I'm talking entry level stuff, <500$ amps and receivers from decent manufacturers.  My Onkyo A-5VL amp with integrated DAC for 400$ beat in A-B testing the Cambridge Audio DACmagic+, Asus Xonar Essence One, Teac UD-H01, Little Dot Mk5, Bellari HA540 tube amp. None had NEARLY as much power either. Onkyo get the headphones as loud a 30% of volume as other did on full volume, and it sounds more controlled, more punchy, more powerful, soundstage bigger, sound smoother, etc.
 
But I don't know how Schiit amps sound, some praise them and lift them to the sky, others say their name fits them, so...you'll have to try and see.

 

[Sonic Defender]

Can't agree with you there, my Valhalla sounded nicer than my Creek Evolution integrated amp which had a nice headphone section in it. If your receiver is decent enough, you may not get any large sound quality gains, but you should certainly get some. Not to mention, amps are voiced differently and the Valhalla has just a touch of that harmonic warmth tubes are known for. I say don't worry about what other people say, use your own ears and decide, Schiit has a fair return policy so you should be fine. Good luck.

 

[Chris J]

If you want a different sound than what your receiver or integrated amp provides, then get a good tube headphone amp.

 

[firev1]

Jaben carries a pro 600 ohm, wonder what is the difference

 

[zeinharis]

Quote:

Jaben carries a pro 600 ohm, wonder what is the difference

 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/506963/dt880-600ohm-bs/345#post_8645984
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/513393/guide-sonic-differences-between-dt770-dt990-models-more/1020#post_8681910
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/513393/guide-sonic-differences-between-dt770-dt990-models-more/1020#post_8682001
 
just my 2cent

 

[liamstrain]

I thought the pro was only 250 ohm. (edit - I see for whatever reason, there is a 600 ohm pro for the asian market, but not the european/US). Also fit and finish on the premium is better (nicer headband, etc.)

 

[firev1]

Beyer's marketing is weirdddddd, and its line up is so ridiculously confusing. 

 

[zeinharis]

you should enjoy it rather than to think about beyer's marketing plan

 

[firev1]

If I do get them that is, wonder if the drivers are actually better matched for pro models?

 

[liamstrain]

Quote:

If I do get them that is, wonder if the drivers are actually better matched for pro models?

 
There is no indication they would be. Especially since the pro models are at a lower price point. 

 

[Zombie_X]

Hi,
 
Probably not. You can buy all the materials from beyer directly and make a franken beyer.  I did one and made a 600Ohm pro DT990 with a premium models headband and had a black grill. You can buy all the parts by themselves and assemble the headphone cheaper that way.
 
Quote:

If I do get them that is, wonder if the drivers are actually better matched for pro models?

 

[firev1]

Thats pretty new to me, I imagine I will have to order a few drivers to match them nicely though.

 

[Zombie_X]

Hi,
 
I believe they match them if you buy a pair. You cna build a DT880 PRO 600Ohm for under $200, so to me it's worth the time and effort. Also it's a fun DIY project and give you a better feel for the headphones.
 
Quote:

Thats pretty new to me, I imagine I will have to order a few drivers to match them nicely though.