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Newbie HiFi Headphone & Amp pairing suggestions

Hi Gang,

I know headphones and headphone amp pairings are very subjective and vary person to person. Being new to the HiFi world of headphones, I've narrowed down (I think) a new headphone purchase to:

• Audeze LCD-X
• HiFiman Arya
• Sennheiser HD800S

I've not had open ear headphones before but have a relatively quiet office in the house (when the kids aren't around) and am excited to explore the HiFi headphone world. 

So, I'm curious if any of you have had any experience with the above and would make any recos either way and if so, what amp you reco pairing with it. I have a buddy who has the Viiolectric V281 and swears by it but it seems impossible to find (and quite pricey).

Lastly, is there any hope of getting a great DAC and headphone amp in the same unit or would you reco separates for longevity's sake?

Cheers
fourminutesong

Showing 11 responses by fourminutesong

fourminutesong OP
31 posts
 
I should mention that this is all really for my home office desk setup. So can't fit mega huge gear on this desk. Appreciate any recos!
fourminutesong OP
31 posts
 
Appreciate that, soix,. Doesn’t look like the RME plays MQA files either. I’ve also been looking at the Mytek Brooklyn Bridge but looks like there’s a new one coming out in June that is a Roon core as well. 

Too many options.
fourminutesong OP
31 posts
 
@umn how does it sound to you? do you miss not being able to play MQA? that one is on my list too. not sure how the DAC compares to the Mytek....
fourminutesong OP
31 posts
 
Thanks! I tend to like a warmer, fuller sound but I'm still new to figuring out what all of the different sound signatures mean. But sounds like I may be drawn to the Audeze and HiFiman more with that in mind.

I'd love to find an all in one amp/DAC solution to drive them to sit on my desk as well.
fourminutesong OP
31 posts
 
Thanks, soix as well. Appreciate the insights on the Arya's! I'll check out that review of the amp as well. 
fourminutesong OP
31 posts
 
What do you guys hear about the RME ADI DAC 2 FS for the combo headphone amp and DAC? I think Darko has this on his setup as well.

That with the Audeze LCD-X may be the ticket.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081CWQXGD/?tag=headphonesty0420-20#customerReviews
fourminutesong OP
31 posts
 
Wow, I have found a lot of conflicting feedback on the Audeze LCD-X. Anyone here have any experience about them? Debating if I should reconsider the LCD-2 Classic or LCD-2 instead.
fourminutesong OP
31 posts
 
What do you all hear about the Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 as far as headphone amp and DAC go?
fourminutesong OP
31 posts
 
Thanks, @arafiq and @umn 

The one drawback I've heard about the Audeze is the weight. Did you find that an issue? I've heard good things about the LCD classic.

What do you guys use for desktop DAC?
fourminutesong OP
31 posts
 
Went with ordering the LCD-2Classic. Excited to get them.

What do you think of the Mytek Brooklyn Dac or Brooklyn Bridge? I need the headphone amp and a DAC so thought they may be good together. 
fourminutesong OP
31 posts
 
Thanks, @arafiq. The RME was definitely on my list. I went for the Brooklyn Bridge for now due to the extra functionality that will come in handy. I have 60 days to try it with music direct. I hear they are coming out with a newer version in July that is also a Roon Core which is interesting.

What you mention here about ESS chips is interesting. Are there chipsets you are aware of that give a warmer tonality?
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