Who has an end game setup?

[kurochin]

I've downsized my collection massively over the last 6 months, partly because I was moving but mostly because I suddenly evolved into some kind of weird neat-freak and couldn't stand the clutter anymore.

Discovered the Fostex TH-900 around 4 months ago (yes, I realize I haven't had this for 1 whole year yet, but I'm sure I will) and realized that I'd sort of reached my end-game cans after auditioning it for a week. Returned the LCD-3 I was also auditioning and sold off my LCD2, T1, HD650 and D7000 shortly after. Also sold off my Luxman DA200 and GS Solo II. Currently shopping for a new amp and DAC for the TH900. I have a few loaners but haven't yet decided on what type of amplification I want. I think I'll be happy with the TH900 for a while, or at least until Fostex or some other manufacturer that employs bio-cellulose drivers releases something better. They just sound so effortless and organic.

Also kept a TMA-01 that I got as a Xmas present a year ago, but I hardly use them. Still shopping for a set of earbuds for my smartphone, but that's not really a priority since I tend to drive most of the time.

Edit:
Oh, I suppose software also figures into an end-game setup. Discovered Linux and MPD about a year ago. Now I just use MPD to send the unfettered audio directly to a DAC, bypassing whatever internal sound server the system incorporates. Also discovered this cool new console front-end application for MPD called ncmpcpp, and it's the sexiest thing ever. Makes me feel that I've been throwing money down the drain with all the "audiophile" players on OSX and Windows in the past.

 

[CybDev]

Let us know what DAC you end up with for your linux/mpd setup

 

[DannyB]

Original Moth 2A3 with RCA monoplate 2A3 tubes. 
Woo Wee
Jade electrostatic headphone
Cary 306 SACD
Micro Seiki RX1500VG turntable
Pass Labs XP25 phono preamp

 

[kurochin]

Let us know what DAC you end up with for your linux/mpd setup

 
Yeah, the main issue with Linux is the DAC compatibility. Most manufacturers don't bother testing with Linux, even though they might be using a compatible chipset/receiver. Less of an issue these days I suppose, since any device that's USB Audio Class (1 or 2) certified should work, or at the very least get itself autodetected.
 
I'm currently testing the Bladelius USB DAC. Borrowed it from an acquaintance. Works well, sounds very good for a USB-powered unit and also supports asynchronous transfer and bitrates up to 24/192. Uses an XMOS receiver; http://www.bladelius.com/products/bladelius/usb-dac/
 
At the moment, I'm trying to limit myself to a USB-powered DAC + wall-powered amp for now, since I'm short on space and wall outlets at my new place. Made a thread here asking for recs, so feel free to chime in if you have any.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/685417/amp-dac-for-fostex-th900
 
Other DACs I've tested on Linux are the Violectric V800, the 24/96 USB add-on card for the V200. The Tenor receivers support 44.1, 48 and 96kHz, but don't support 88 for some odd reason. Also tried my Audioquest Dragonfly, which works flawlessly.
 
Note that you might need a newer kernel if you're running a "stable" type distribution. Some kernels between 3.6 - 3.9 had some bug (I can't recall what it exactly was) that caused jitter and skipping under asynchronous transfer. I'm also doing some research on setting up a Raspberry Pi to handle music streaming duties, and found a distribution called Raspify. If you're curious about Linux-friendly DACs, they have a page with some supported models listed; http://www.raspyfi.com/raspberry-pi-usb-dac-and-raspyfi-supported-dacs/
 
Will update this post if/when I get any more DACs tested.
 
Cheers
 
Edit:
CybDev, I just looked at your profile and noticed you're a Linux sysadmin, so I assume that most of what I stated above is irrelevant, since you probably know more than I do about all this stuff. Sorry.
 
I'll just leave the post as is in case someone else needs the info. Btw, I noticed the QNKTC AB-1.2 USB DAC listed in your profile. Another one I need to check out, though I don't think it's easy to find where I live.
 
Thanks.

 

[CybDev]

Haha, I had no idea it existed til I met the guy who makes it in an audio store while I was checking out a Bryston BDP-2 (which uses MPD as playback software incidentially) and we started arguing DAC chips and linux development

Sound quality wise I'm not sold on the QNKTC, but it's an open project I wanted to support

 

[ericfarrell85]

Almost done here...finally. 
 
The Balancing Act + Dynahi (with others which are mostly redundant now, except maybe the Zana) > HD800, T1, LCD 2, etc...
 
Odyssey Stratos Plus > HE6 
 
KGSS > HE60, SR007
 
Source #1: Lampizator Gen 4 Lev. 4
Source #2: PWD or Master 7 
 
Remaining: Offramp, SR009, BHSE = Done!!!!

 

[dc-k]

I'm really happy with my home set up and I can't see it changing barr an enormous cash windfall. I have LCD2.2 (18 months); Schiit Lyr (15 months) and Bifrost (only 8 months, but steady).
 
I do have a bit of a tube habit, but that hardly counts, surely...
 
My DAP is pretty much as I want it, DX-100 (20 months) but my ears on the move (currently Sig Pros, 6 weeks and great but far from end game) and my entire portable and use in a hotel set up (amp/DAC tbc, and Alpha Dogs, bought but not delivered) is still up for grabs...

 

[kiertijai]

Mine is Aristaeus amplifier + HE90 (B759 as drivers) for electrostatic
for dynamic and other : JPS Abyss, TakeT H2, new Jecklin float QA driven by speaker
amplifier Berning Zotl ZH230+ Zotl Preone

 

[ericfarrell85]

Mine is Aristaeus amplifier + HE90 (B759 as drivers) for electrostatic
for dynamic and other : JPS Abyss, TakeT H2, new Jecklin float QA driven by speaker
amplifier Berning Zotl ZH230+ Zotl Preone

 
How do you find the Floats and Abyss versus the electrostatics? 

 

[SoupRKnowva]

Now that I have my Sr-009s, KGSSHV, and Master 7 I'm done. Sure the total rig has only been done for less than a month, but I'm complete now

 

[MacedonianHero]

Now that I have my Sr-009s, KGSSHV, and Master 7 I'm done. Sure the total rig has only been done for less than a month, but I'm complete now

 
I'm right there with you except for sub out the Master 7 with a Bryston BDA-2. 

 

[SoupRKnowva]

I'm right there with you except for sub out the Master 7 with a Bryston BDA-2. 

Haha now that I've gotten to compare the Neko DAC to the master 7, which by the way doesn't get nearly enough press here on headfi, that dac is amazing, I need to go talk to my dealer about borrowing the BDA-2

 

[MacedonianHero]

Haha now that I've gotten to compare the Neko DAC to the master 7, which by the way doesn't get nearly enough press here on headfi, that dac is amazing, I need to go talk to my dealer about borrowing the BDA-2

You're right....looks like an intriguing option. 

 

[SoupRKnowva]

You're right....looks like an intriguing option. 

It really is amazing, it has a smoothness/clearness to it that the m7 doesn't have, it doesn't have quite the detail or soundstage or the m7, but it brings some things to the table that other dacs don't. It deserves a lot more attention on here for sure

 

[ericfarrell85]

Boy you guys seem really thrilled with your KGSSHV's. An amp for my electrostats is really the very last thing I'm looking for. The KGSS just does so well with my SR009 and HE60, that I worry about losing that with an "upgrade". It's the SR007 that's problematic, as I feel it's so close to ditching the cuffs and coming alive, but it never does.