Where do I go from here?

[tylercaulfield]

I have a problem and I'm fully prepared to acknowledge it is an addiction. I am addicted to great sound and now don't know where to go to improve it. I'm not sure if it's more a headphones, sources or format problem. I'm going to explain how and what I use. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
At home I mainly use AKG Q 701 and Beyerdynamic DT 880 premium 250 ohm. I use them with either my Schiit Modi and Magni set up with a mix of flac files I made off CD's and aac bought from iTunes or on portable I use a Fiio x3 with the same files and occasionally I use a Sony xba4.
 
Now here is my question, I love my AKG headphones but don't like the bass they produce, some would say lack, I love the Beyerdynamic sound but don't hear as much instrument separation and soundstage. I love my xba4s but want more depth especially to strings. So in your opinion which way should I go?
 
I'm looking for more of everything, more depth of music, more instrument separation, more clarity, and decent bass but nothing overloaded.
 
I've thought about upgrading my DAC, maybe going that route first, then an upgraded amp like the Valhalla or Lyr. Or is this completely wrong because I've got to start with much better headphones?
 
Can it also be that I'm not even able to hear these differences if I do go higher in quality? Basically I'm searching for a sound I've never heard. In other words, would I tell the difference between my music jumping from a Magni amp to a Valhalla?
 
Please any help would be great!

 

[NA Blur]

Have you listened to a pair of Sennheiser HD800s?  Even if you do not end up with them in the end they are worth a listen as many of us find them to be one of the best headphones and a natural upgrade from something like the AKG K701 etc.

 

[manbear]

You should upgrade your headphones. A new amp or DAC can definitely make small but noticeable improvements in bass and soundstage, but neither will make you think you have new headphones. 

 

[tylercaulfield]

Ok, so Sennheiser HD 800? I have been looking at those for a while. Just wasn't sure if they were worth the money. I will definitely keep my eyes open for some on Ebay. Would the Modi and Magni be a good fit at least for a while as the DAC and amp? Or should I expect to sell off most of that and get ready to spend much more on another DAC and Amp?

 

[Claritas]

What genres do you listen to? Have you tried planars?

 

[tylercaulfield]

I listen to a little of everything but mainly go for acoustic and music with heavy strings. I love the sound of cello and violin. I have not tried planar headphones but have thought about the hifiman headphones. I've also thought about trying the Beyerdynamic with Tesla. I had some 1350's and liked the sound but couldn't handle the clamping on my ears. Would you recommend planar?

 

[Claritas]

I listen to a little of everything but mainly go for acoustic and music with heavy strings. I love the sound of cello and violin. I have not tried planar headphones but have thought about the hifiman headphones. I've also thought about trying the Beyerdynamic with Tesla. I had some 1350's and liked the sound but couldn't handle the clamping on my ears. Would you recommend planar?

I thought of it because you want more bass whilst retaining clarity, so yes consider Hifiman and modded Fostex. You might need a better amp for the former till they release new models.