[darmccombs]

I am generally happy with my setup. To my ears, it doesn’t have any glaring issues soundwise, but at times I wish the highs had a little bit more air, and sometimes I think the sound is just a little veiled. Overall I am really having a good time though.

Here is my setup:
iphone or iPad Pro (usbc), playing Qobuz high res -> basic usb cable with ferrite core -> chord mojo -> Sony Z7m2 with stock headphone cable.

What would you say is the weak link? I am not keen on changing out the source for a few reasons. I would like to stick with the iphone or iPad Pro. I am open to changing out the mojo, cables, or headphones.

Some of the thoughts I had include:
1) Sell the Mojo and buy a Dac/Amp (desktop or portable is ok) for ~$630.
2) Keep the Mojo as a DAC, and spend $350 on an Amp (desktop or portable is ok).
3) Cable upgrades?
4) I considered a DAP, but it sounds like a headache to deal with the andriod OS, apps, etc. I’d like to avoid a DAP unless my source is really bad in comparison...

I can spend $350 new/used, plus if I am upgrading something (like the mojo for example) I would have have $$$ from that sale too.

 

[NA Blur]

What you’re probably after is just a change in sound signature. If you really want a gear change something like the HE-400i may suit you quite well.

It’s a planar so you’ll receive that linear deep bass, responsive treble, and the drivers are pretty large so you should get some decent bass impact. I currently have them as one of my end-game headphones and they sound and measure way above their price point.

 

[Monsterzero]

There's nothing wrong with using the Mojo as a DAC/amp for mobile use. Keeping it plugged in and using it as a desktop device however is a problem waiting to happen. The battery will eventually fail. I know. I did it. So,if thats your case you may want to look into a proper desktop solution.

I agree with the above suggestion that most likely a new headphone.
AKG K701/K702
HifiMan Ananda(used)
Verum 1

All have to varying degrees, a more spacious,airy,detailed sound signature

 

[darmccombs]

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

To clarify, I am overall happy with the sound signature. I think the Z7m2 is doing a lot of things right, and I need to stick with closed back. I am looking just to clean things up a little bit and maybe add a little air to the highs.

I am fine with the Mojo battery. I don’t leave it plugged in all the time, only enough to get it charged.

 

[TS0711]

Try to find an upgrade for the stock Sony cable...

https://www.surfcables.com/collections/cables-1/products/sony-mdr-z7

 

[Monsterzero]

To clarify, I am overall happy with the sound signature. I think the Z7m2 is doing a lot of things right, and I need to stick with closed back. I am looking just to clean things up a little bit and maybe add a little air to the highs.

The conundrum of closed backs. Air typically isnt associated with them.
Maybe you need more treble? The Mojo is a warm-ish sounding device. Maybe go down to a local Best Buy or Guitar Center and try out the Beyer DT770. Treble galore.

 

[darmccombs]

What you’re probably after is just a change in sound signature. If you really want a gear change something like the HE-400i may suit you quite well.

It’s a planar so you’ll receive that linear deep bass, responsive treble, and the drivers are pretty large so you should get some decent bass impact. I currently have them as one of my end-game headphones and they sound and measure way above their price point.

The conundrum of closed backs. Air typically isnt associated with them.
Maybe you need more treble? The Mojo is a warm-ish sounding device. Maybe go down to a local Best Buy or Guitar Center and try out the Beyer DT770. Treble galore.

Thanks for the suggestions. I did go to Guitar Center and tried all their headphones before buying the Sony Z7m2, including the DT770. I like the Sony's more than everything I heard at guitar center. It could be the dac/amps they had in thier display wasnt great sounding. Out of the Guitar center haedphones, my favorite was the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. I also tried the headphones at the 1 high end Audio store in town, but again, I like the Sony more.

At this point, I would hate to try different headphones as I found a pair that I think are comfortable. And I like the sound signature. And to top it off, I have no way of comparing other headphones aside what I tried here in town already, short of buying online and hoping it works out. I do understand why you recommended a headphone change. Out of a music chain, the headphone (and possible source material) has the biggest impact. I'm just at the point where I'd like to improve the basic sound signature that I have, not make a big sound signature change that I may or may not like.

But, I am here to learn, and you have me thinking. I really appreciate your inputs.

 

[darmccombs]

Try to find an upgrade for the stock Sony cable...

https://www.surfcables.com/collections/cables-1/products/sony-mdr-z7

Thanks for the link. There are less expensive than other cable upgrades I've seen.

 

[Monsterzero]

The best closed back headphones Ive yet to hear might give you what you want,but I doubt it. Further therers no way to audition them short of going to a CanJam.

Focal Stellia
ZMF Verite Closed

You wont like the price tags either.

Its been my experience that cables can make a slight difference,but not enough to make as big of a change that you seem to be after.

Im out of ideas.

Keep us posted as to what you decide.

 

[darmccombs]

The best closed back headphones Ive yet to hear might give you what you want,but I doubt it. Further therers no way to audition them short of going to a CanJam.

Focal Stellia
ZMF Verite Closed

You wont like the price tags either.

Its been my experience that cables can make a slight difference,but not enough to make as big of a change that you seem to be after.

Im out of ideas.

Keep us posted as to what you decide.

Thanks for the ideas...

From your earlier post, it sounds like you think that the Mojo is fine for Dac/Amp purposes and there wouldn't much use in changing that out, or adding a desktop amp. Is that correct?

 

[Monsterzero]

Thanks for the ideas...

From your earlier post, it sounds like you think that the Mojo is fine for Dac/Amp purposes and there wouldn't much use in changing that out, or adding a desktop amp. Is that correct?

I used to own the Mojo,and found it be a bit warm. I have had other DACs that were warmer,and then again others that were brighter,however its been my experience with mid-fi gear,and even some hifi gear that a single DAC isnt going to change the nature of a headphone. The sound will be better perhaps,but you can spend a million bucks on an amp/DAC and you still will be unable to get a Denon or Fostex headphone to sound like a HD800. Its just not going to happen.

Your inability/unwillingness to use open backs are the main sticking point here. You want open backed attributes out of a closed back design.
The Verite closed is the best headphone Ive ever heard,open or closed,and even it most likely wont satisfy your needs.

 

[darmccombs]

Terrific. Thank You. This is very informative.

I'd love to be able to go with an open back, but I need the sound insulation.

 

[Monsterzero]

To further expand upon my previous post...

This hobby is a journey. A journey of mostly trial and error. A journey of discovering what sound that you prefer. A journey of learning . A journey of an empty wallet.
I own both the Verite open and closed for a reason. Check out this segment of the video review I did of the Verite closed vs. the Verite open. Notice I use the terms 'airy' and 'open' when describing the open version.



Regarding the amp dac issue. You might get better quality of sound from doing an upgrade in that area,but for the price,the Mojo is a nice bit of kit. To notice a significant upgrade you will need to drop 4-digits. Anything less than that and it will most likely be a sidegrade rather than an upgrade,and even then there's no guarantee that you will dig the sound of your new mega $ amp/DAC.

EDIT You might explore one of the THX amps,or the gilmore Lite Mk ll. Both have a very clean transparent sound. Personally I found the Gilmore to sound too sterile for my tastes,but you may like it,and perhaps thats what youre missing?
Unfortunately its quite difficult to be able to hear amps and DACs in N.America. So buying w/o hearing is the norm rather than the exception.
Browse the for sale section of this site and you will see a lot of fine sounding gear for sale for this very reason. People cant hear before buying. They get it home and it doesnt suit their personal preferences,so off to the classifieds it goes.

You also might like the Mr.Speakers Aeon Flow closed. Great tone and comfortable,but IMO it lacks bass rumble and impact,and the texture is virtually non-existent. It does sound clean and tight though.

 

[Tsukuyomi]

Option 1.