Who has an end game setup?

[preproman]

  It seems that you have different opinions from Isquirrel 

Maybe so.  This is the world of audio we live in.  Different strokes for different folks..  

 

[uchihaitachi]

 
I also had the HE1Ks.  I sold them because I liked the Abyss better.  The HD800s are top for classical music.  However, the other two ( Abyss and 009s) are very capable as well.  I just like them all for different things or different music.  I'll have more info once the BHSE comes in.  

Do you EQ HD800 for classical?
 
It has great imaging for sure, but due to the spike all the string instruments sound tin like.

 

[obobskivich]

I think mentioning EQ opens another can of worms - is that just another "tweak" or is it a bona fide component of achieving the end goal? I know for me, I will sometimes play around with EQ settings (and other processor features like spatializers, exciters, etc) with gear that I enjoy, but imho the gear should be able to "stand by itself" too. IOW to my ears, W5000 don't need to be "fixed" in order to be enjoyed, but sometimes I like a little sugar in my coffee.

 

[preproman]

 
Do you EQ HD800 for classical?
 
It has great imaging for sure, but due to the spike all the string instruments sound tin like.

Nope, no EQ for me.  I didn't know string instruments live up there.  They don't sound tin like on my rig, they sound like, well string instruments. 
 
Can you provide an example so I can test out what you're hearing?

 

[lojay]

  I'm getting very close.  
 
Rig #1
With the BHSE on the way (with in the year or early next year who knows) to pair with the TotalDac and the 009s.  Right now the KGST is doing a fine job.
 
Rig #2
Was just completed.  The GS-X mk2 paired with the Bricasti M1 and the HD800s - Is my top rig for classical music.
 
Rig #3
The Pass Labs INT-30A and the Abyss - Still haven't decided on a DAC for this rig.  Looking at the La Scala mk2, Pavane, or the Yaggdrasil.  I have the La Scala home now for a demo.  I'm liking it more than the Yggdrasil but still haven't heard the Pavane yet.
 
All rigs are in different locations.  

 
Darryl, will the HE6s be re-introduced into your end game rigs or has the Abyss permanently replaced it?
 
Nice to see you are digging the HD800s for classical. 

 

[preproman]

Hey Jason,
 
You know, if the Abyss never existed I would have eventually went back to the HE-6 in place of the HE1Ks.  But the Abyss is holding on something good.  Anyway, I sold the HE-6 and reserved to right to buy them back. 

 
 
I'm thinking about going back to the DP-777 SE.  I really want to hear one.

 

[pervysage]

Probably would have an end game setup by now if the Canadian dollar wasn't absolute garbage right now! 

 

[lojay]

  Hey Jason,
 
You know, if the Abyss never existed I would have eventually went back to the HE-6 in place of the HE1Ks.  But the Abyss is holding on something good.  Anyway, I sold the HE-6 and reserved to right to buy them back. 

 
 
I'm thinking about going back to the DP-777 SE.  I really want to hear one.

 
The DP-777 SE is truly unobtainium, as you know I just couldn't wait for the upgrade. 
 
My T2 will be here soon. I think that would be quite end-game! 

 

[purk]

   
The DP-777 SE is truly unobtainium, as you know I just couldn't wait for the upgrade. 
 
My T2 will be here soon. I think that would be quite end-game! 

 
Yup, by far.  Congratulations!  The T2 with either the SR009 & SR007 system is nothing but spectacular.  My T2 is equipped with the HE90 jack and the combo is out of this world as well.

 

[doyouknowSBmean]

   
Yup, by far.  Congratulations!  The T2 with either the SR009 & SR007 system is nothing but spectacular.  My T2 is equipped with the HE90 jack and the combo is out of this world as well.

Have you ever compared T2+Omega with T2+HE90?

 

[purk]

  Have you ever compared T2+Omega with T2+HE90?

Not the Omega.  I had a chance to buy one long ago for $2800 and didn't even go for it.  I'm pretty happy with the SR009 though.

 

[Earspeakers]

Yeah, I've got almost every Stax headphone, but the Omega is the one I won't touch. Too fragile and expensive, plus I think for my tastes I won't like it as much as the others. 

 

[longbowbbs]

 

 
I also had the HE1Ks.  I sold them because I liked the Abyss better.  The HD800s are top for classical music.  However, the other two ( Abyss and 009s) are very capable as well.  I just like them all for different things or different music.  I'll have more info once the BHSE comes in.  

It seems that you have different opinions from Isquirrel 

Welcome to the world of personal audio (or Audio in general!) Everyone finds the things they each enjoy. Nice to have a lot of great choices!

 

[minimus]

My end game setup is the Apex Teton driving HD800s with a Cardas cable upgrade Todd sold me at a reasonable price. I have stuck with the Perfect Wave MK2 DAC and PW Transport through thick and thin as my source. Despite all the hoopla, I think the marginal benefit of each dollar spent on DACs is lower than for any other audio component, having auditioned quite a few DACs, including Bricasti and EAR. I liked both, but not enough to feel an itch to buy either. If I wanted to spend another $10K, I would skip the latest and greatest DAC and just plunk my money down on the SR009 and the BHSE.

I have not bought a new component for my rig in at least 18 months. (I did buy the EC 445 in early 2014 but don't really consider it part o my end-game rig. It is my $5K backup amp in case the Teton needs to be repaired. I know lojay has a different opinion about the merits of the 445. No need to rehash that debate here.)

Stax might be better in some regards, but It is really nice to just deeply enjoy what I have without ever thinking "what is missing?" Or "what could be better?" My Teton rig reminds me of my Singlepower Extreme Platinum, in that it connects me to music emotionally in an unparalleled way. It is nice to no longer care much about the latest and greatest new (or old) product that has become an object of lust on Head-Fi. Getting to where I am was not cheap, and a lot of very expensive headphones are just slowly oxidizing (LCD-2, JH Roxanne, JH 16, DX1000...) but the contentment is worth it. I am really grateful to Todd Green and Pete Millett for what they have created with the Teton.

 

[feifeiqph]

There is never an end, until you're bankrupt