I'd recommend Schiit Jotunheim. Solid state and well under your budget but don't be fooled by it's price and it's a great match with the Verite. I've heard great things about the Lyr as well but I've not heard it so won't comment further on this pairing.
FYI, ZMF has a Cayin close out special on that Cayin running now, which may help vs budget and cross-border shipping (given that it’s from a company perhaps):
I did notice that listing! It would be cheaper overall than what I'd pay for here for sure. It does show as out of stock at the moment though but also reads "Coming soon" so I'm not quite sure what's going on with this. I figured it already ran its course and I was too late.
That's exactly what I thought at first, it looks like Blacwood burl. Beautiful, congrats!
Easy. Schiit Jotunheim. I have a $3500 Holo Bliss, and if I didn't have that, I would have a Jotunheim. I spent a lot of time with different amps, and the Jotunheim is better than just about all the other amps I heard, other than the Bliss (assuming you don't have any insane headphones like a Susvara). I had a Ferrum Oor/Hypsos for a time but sold it because it wasn't much better, or maybe better at all, than the Jotunheim despite being $3000. I even tried out the $30,000 Lina stack at canjam, and I liked my Jotunheim better.So I've been thoroughly enjoying the VO Blackwoods for the past few days. Unfortunately, the DAC portion of my JDS Element stopped working on one channel and now I'm stuck with a replacement until it gets to JDS and they tell me if it can be repaired or if I'll have to purchase a new one. At this point, trying to keep my options open. Currently I purchased a SMSL C200 off Amazon just to tide me by, but man this amp is not it. I was always under the impression amps won't affect the sound that much unless it was a tube - boy howdy was I wrong, and now I really miss my Element.
If the JDS can't be repaired, anyone have any recommendations for SS amps? I know tubes are recommended but I do have other cans I want to be able to use (DT1990 and LCD-2) and my current budget is about $5-600 USD. Open to all suggestions! So far I'm seeing the Singxer SA-1, Cayin iHA-6, Topping A90, Aune s9c, and Topping A70 come up.
As for DACs, I currently also have a Modi 2u in my possession. Not really looking to upgrade this just yet as my wallet is destroyed after the ZMF's
That was one of the reasons I went with the ironwood.
Shoot- sorry to get your hopes up but I saw Zach is checking if he might have another open-box unit so my fingers are crossed for you!
No worries! I sent him an email 5 minutes after he posted and now I am furiously refreshing mine, he's a busy man though!
Thanks for the advice
I found the sound changed on my Aeolus as well after burn-in. I'm sure I am going to love the VO. I heard the VC at a CanJam an very much liked the sound signature of it. I still prefer open backs though. I will report back after I get some time with them. Still haven't shipped.
Haha - that's funny. I had the B-stock page open and was debating which ones to get, particularly between the ones you got and these. I went to get yours and they were gone (beat me by that much....) so I got these. I'm just as happy with mine. Cannot wait to get them. Did you get a timeframe?
Cool! Nice pair as well. I was looking at those. I ultimately went with the silver grill VO because I already have an Aeolus with a black grill. I didn't get a timeframe, but after looking at the ZMF November HeadFi Thread, Zach said it may take up to 5 weeks to ship. Lets hope it's not that longHaha - that's funny. I had the B-stock page open and was debating which ones to get, particularly between the ones you got and these. I went to get yours and they were gone (beat me by that much....) so I got these. I'm just as happy with mine. Cannot wait to get them. Did you get a timeframe?
Yes - love the silver too but this is my first pair so love the black equally. And thanks - I'm down under so it will be even longer for me no doubt.Cool! Nice pair as well. I was looking at those. I ultimately went with the silver grill VO because I already have an Aeolus with a black grill. I didn't get a timeframe, but after looking at the ZMF November HeadFi Thread, Zach said it may take up to 5 weeks to ship. Lets hope it's not that long
