[Condocondor]

Currently have Jot2 and D30Pro. Sounds pretty good. With $600 available for an upgrade, would a new DAC such as A70Pro Octo improve SQ over the already pretty good D30Pro? And what about the Jotenheim 2? Would the amp or dac provide the best bang for $600? Suggestions Assuming, I could sell the existing equipment for $250ea. non-inclusive of the additional $600.

 

[pbui44]

If you don't mind used, then get a Schiit Ragnarok, then sell the Jotunheim 2 for an AKM DAC, with chip model based on how much you have left:

https://www.head-fi.org/classifieds/schiit-ragnarok-2.51991/

https://www.head-fi.org/classifieds/schiit-ragnarok-1-5.47176/

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650002370-schiit-ragnarok-integratedheadphone-amp/

If you want some speakers for day time listening, then you can get this speaker set for pretty cheap as well:

https://www.amazon.com/Dayton-Audio-T652-AIR-Speaker-Tweeter/dp/B07777GY34/

 

[Condocondor]

If you don't mind used, then get a Schiit Ragnarok, then sell the Jotunheim 2 for an AKM DAC, with chip model based on how much you have left:

https://www.head-fi.org/classifieds/schiit-ragnarok-2.51991/

https://www.head-fi.org/classifieds/schiit-ragnarok-1-5.47176/

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650002370-schiit-ragnarok-integratedheadphone-amp/

If you want some speakers for day time listening, then you can get this speaker set for pretty cheap as well:

https://www.amazon.com/Dayton-Audio-T652-AIR-Speaker-Tweeter/dp/B07777GY34/

Thanks for your suggestion. Have you heard the Rag vs. the Jot2 yourself or have you read about the comparisons?

 

[pbui44]

Thanks for your suggestion. Have you heard the Rag vs. the Jot2 yourself or have you read about the comparisons?

I have not heard the Jotunheim 2, but I have heard the Ragnarok 1 on several occasions and it is quite the legendary headphone amp and will power active and passive speakers with authority. As for comparison, the Balanced XLR section of the Ragnarok 1 will top at 15W @ 32 ohms and the Balanced section of the current Jotunheim (2?) will top at 6W @ 32 ohms, according to these links:

https://www.stereophile.com/content/schiit-audio-ragnarok-integrated-amplifier-specifications

https://www.schiit.com/products/jotunheim-1

Also, the Balanced XLR section of the Ragnarok 2 will top at 24W @ 32 ohms, which is really high and will power a Susvara with a whole lot of control:

https://www.schiit.com/products/ragnarok-1

I left out the Topping A30 Pro out of selling because it's technology is still very new and will very likely get close to the power of the Ragnarok 1's single-ended section with less power consumption, so that in itself warrants the keeper ribbon.

 

[Condocondor]

I have heard the Ragnarok 1 on several occasions and it is quite the legendary headphone amp

I heard the Ragnorok 1 with a Yggy at a meet and I was like Wow! I was listening to an Edition X v1 with it. That's when I knew I wanted a HiFiMan headphone. I came home and ordered an Edition XX from Massdrop. I love them.

 

[dunring]

I have a D30Pro and you won't do any better with audible difference. The A30Pro is really great, and also have the A90 and A90 discrete. All of which will be an upgrade, but the original A90 is my favorite. Simple to use, and the sound stage is bigger than the A30Pro (even though that has full power on all connectors which is a plus). The discrete is good, but not worth the extra money unless you need the features. Digital volume control is ok, but when you have low gain mode it's not an IEM issue. Using the Simgot EA500 now on the SE side and half volume in low gain mode, it's perfect.
The A70Pro has even more balanced power if you have to get the Hifiman He6se, but that needs a 5 volt DAC more than anything else. The original A90 I'm on sounds amazing in detail and soundstage, you'll be happy. Apos still has a couple of them with warranty, the one I got from them just came in today.