You might also add the QuickSilver headphone amp to your list as it’s highly regarded and at $1200 is attractively priced, but one potential downside is it’s not balanced if that’s a requirement. Just another option FWIW.
Advice needed for upgrade path
I need some advice on how to proceed with a HP system upgrade. It's for a second home, a condo, where a good 2-channel speaker system just isn't practical. In 5 years or so my wife and I will downsize and the condo HP system will then be it for critical listening. I currently have a set of HD650s. For the interim I could simply buy a used Naim Uniti Atom HE and enjoy that with the Senn's until the dreaded downsizing. Or I could start to put together a HP system for critical listening. How to start, though? Maybe get the Naim and a couple of mid-priced used cans from TMR. Take my time listening to a few different brands like Audeze, ZMF and Meze. I've visited the HP room at Axpona the last two years but just did not find that setting helpful. And then there are amps, days and streamers. My head hurts at the options. Suggestions? Thanks.
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@soix Yes, I've heard good things about the Quicksilver. For some reason neither the Quicksilver nor Felix Echo amps are balanced. I would prefer balanced, but at this point it's not necessary. Thanks. |
The Quicksilver is a great amp. The added cost and complexity is why Mike of Quicksilver prefers not to offer balanced on most of his amps. He will do it on some products but at a significant upcharge. Conrad Johnson, single ended since day one. I'm pretty sure they have never had XLR on anything. Call John at Audio Connection in NJ. He sold me mine, at the time he said if I didn't like it I could return it. Having owned other Quicksilver gear I was confident it would be great and it is. |
After much research and dithering my short list of headphone amps is: Felix’s Echo 2, Quicksilver HA, and Schiit Mjolnir 3. The headphone for now is the HD650. The streamer will be a Wiim Ultra and initially I will use its dac. Eventually I will select an R2R dac. That is my start. Any help on deciding between the three amps would be appreciated. |
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