2. headphones
  3. 164384-156002

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 2 responses by soix

soix
8,648 posts
 
If you’re looking for a warmer, fuller sound the RME DAC isn’t your best option IMO. 
soix
8,648 posts
 
I recently entered the HeadFi world myself. My goal was to replicate as much as possible the sound characteristics I love about my big rig, which include; clean and detailed yet natural treble, excellent imaging and soundstage, disappear as a sound source, and overall neutrality with good tone and balanced bass. After reading many reviews I ended up with Hifiman HE400S headphones driven by an Audioquest Dragonfly Red, and I was surprised how much I got of what I was looking for. I’m finding the headphone experience to be very fun and rewarding in its own way.

If this at all sounds like what you’re looking for I’d strongly consider the Aryas. They do require some power, but I think something like the Singxer SDA-2 DAC/Amp would pair really well with them and costs under $700.  Just saw the guy at audiophile-heaven review site just reviewed the SDA-2 and the Aryas were one of the ‘phones he used during the review so might be worth reading.  Haven’t heard the others you listed so can’t really help there, but hope this at least gives you something to go on and best of luck in your search.
More to discover