Thanks guys. I'm thinking I need to get a DAC/headphone amp that better matches the Empyrean headphones. I see one suggestion above but 'new' the DAC is $2K. Looking for headphone/amp/DAC (ideally all in one, ideally small) that is $2,500K or less all-in. Thoughts? Ideas?
Empyrean Headphones/Sennheiser HDVD 800 + 'what DAC'?
I have a great setup in my sound room w/ tube amp, DAC and speakers but looking to set something up in another room that is a bit more portable. I already have the headphones & headphone amp listed above but looking for the right DAC. Would a Dragonfly Red or Cobalt be a good fit, or some other compact DAC? Opinions/Advice??
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- 15 posts total
Again I must ask the key question, what improvements are you looking for and what sound characteristics are most important to you? Without this critical info it’s impossible to make a meaningful recommendation. |
The Empy is a warm headphone and mates well with a neutral headphone amp. I had the following unit and it was good with the Empy. Matrix Audio Mini i-3 Pro Streamer, DAC & Headphone Amp (headphones.com) This unit is one of the most versatile pieces of gear I have used. You can stream from Ethernet (best), Wifi, Bluetooth. The unit is almost like a portable headphone amp.
I also tried the Topping A90 with the Meze, but you need the DAC and streamer to go with that. Topping A90 Headphone Amp for Desktop (headphones.com) It is also a good match. The best match was the Benchmark HPA4. It is super clean and so quiet. The Meze love the HPA4 the most but the other 2 were very good for the price. Benchmark HPA4, silver For Sale - US Audio Mart
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The Matrix has the weakest headphone section but the most versatile everything else. Yesterdday, I bought for the second time the Topping D90LE ($799). That with the A90 headphone amp will get you close to the Benchmark level. I had the A90 before. You would need a streamer though.
What I did back then was buy the Matrix and the Topping A90. That was very good. |
- 15 posts total