[Dogbane]

I currently have three pairs of headphones (HD650 for maximum open SQ, GMP 8.300Ds for closed, and ATH-AD900s when comfort is the top priority.)
I have a Little Dot MK V, and my source is an Onkyo CD changer.

What should I try now to get to the next level? Recable? Tube amp? Better CD player?

All suggestions welcome.

 

[Stitch]

A DAC seems the next logical step to me.

Whats the budget?

 

[Dogbane]

Budget could range from $300 to $1000, depending on how long I save up before buying.

 

[Ashirgo]

That is a good boy

I would consider changing the source, too. Maybe a decent USB DAC for better versatility and cost-effectiveness?

 

[Dogbane]

Would a USB DAC work with the output from my CD player? I don't ever use an ipod or computer as a source.

 

[jawang]

you should reconsider. a computer gives you so much versatility for the price, especially if you have no shame in terms of music downloads

 

[Ashirgo]

If your CD player has any digital outputs, and if these outputs are compatible with digital inputs of a given DAC....

)

A side note: they usually are, the only requirement is to have any.

 

[Dogbane]

The more I think about it, the more sense it makes to get a new CD player. After all, if I buy a DAC, I get only a DAC. A better CD player has both a better DAC and a better transport.
Since my MK V is a dual-mono design, it makes sense to choose a CDP that maximizes stereo separation with dual DACs.
Some of the Cambridge and Marantz stuff looks really good. I also wonder about professional equipment (eg Tascam.) After all, if it is good enough for studio engineers and DJs, I expect it is good enough for me!

 

[oqvist]

Music? Am I booring now

.

 

[Ninkul]

Not really my place to say since i dont actually own any but.. If you're finding your equipment satisfying, maybe try electrostats?

 

[jjsoviet]

Electrostats or more professional equipment might do the trick. Try the STAX series.

 

[Dogbane]

I have too much invested in my headphones and amp to replace both with an electrostatic system. (Indeed, I have trouble justifying the price of my other two phones since I listen almost exclusively to the HD650s, and I love them. Recovering some of my investment by selling them is apparently not an option, since my AD900s have been posted here for weeks without so much as a nibble.) That is why I am only interested in enhancing what I have.

I should add that I am in no way dissatisfied. Far from it, in fact. I just like the idea of making my system sound even better. Improving the source seems like the best approach (or possibly a recable), since I think the 650s have even more to offer than I have heard so far (especially in terms of imaging.)

My musical tastes run the gamut (except for rap, which totally sucks.) The bulk of my collection is jazz, new age, world music, electronica, and prog rock.

 

[krmathis]

+1 for upgrading the source.
Either by replacing the CD changer or getting a nice standalone DAC to bring it to new heights.

 

[Dogbane]

Thoughts on Tascam?

 

[wallace]

I haven't used my $3,000 Naim CDP since i got an MF V-DAC and downloaded Spotify...Dont know if you guys over the pond can get that thou'. Just enjoy your music for a bit.and dont look at headfi.

.
There doesn't have to be a what next!!!