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Help me spend $$$$

I recently decided to put together a headphone system for my office. I usually listen to my 2-channel system but it sits in my living room and my wife's office is adjacent so I can't listen to it most of the day and sometimes in the evening if she's working. I'm not looking to spend a ton but want something that sounds nice. I started by getting a used pair of LSA HP-1 (kennerton) headphones. I like open planars that are easy to drive. I'm currently using a Bluesound Node 2i as an all-in-one streamer/dac/amp. It sounds ok but I'd like to upgrade. Space is an issue as I don't have a huge desk, so I'd prefer an all-in-one. I'm ok continuing to use the Bluesound as a streamer but would like to get a better sounding amp and dac, but if I can also find something with airplay and Roon that would be best so I can use the Bluesound elsewhere and remove 1 box from the equation. My budget is about $800. Obviously would like to spend less but also willing to spend more if there's a great deal on something (max $1500). Always prefer to buy used as well.

Current top contenders are:

Matrix Element X

Mytek Brooklyn+

Audio GD -- so many models -- R28, R29, D28.38

Aune N7D

 

Any other suggestions?

abd1
kofibaffour
718 posts
 

Get the Matrix

freediver
1,458 posts
 

Aune S9c Pro Reference..I listened to a ton of amps/DACs at the last Dallas Can Jam & have owned the AGD R28(2020 version)..If I needed an AMP/DAC this is where my $ would go..Naturally organic,absolutely zero harshness or grain & will drive any conventional can you could own..

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,516 posts
 

I have been pursuing the best headphone system I could get for many decades as technology changed. I have found they are very similar to your main system. They can be as engaging as your main system. In fact I am listening to my system right now. You can see it under my user ID. 

So, the electronics, and in particular the headphone amp is critical. Just giving them enough power is one thing... feeding them massive, musical, as strong midrange can be life changing. I highly recommend looking at Woo amps. They only do headphone amps and they are at the top of the list of the best available. Highly recommended. I used to have a huge system, much hidden under my desk. This is a good way to get around the space problem. Consider a Woo amp and use the Bluesound streamer DAC. Put every penny you can into an amp. Then later you can upgrade the DAC and maybe later the streamer. 

abd1 OP
206 posts
 

I like that approach, but I first want to see how much I use the headphones. I tried this once before and didn't use them much but I didn't have a dedicated office either. I'd put some speakers in here but its too small so trying headphones.

Does Woo only make tube amps? I love tube amps and my main system has a Line Magnetic LM845 Premium and LTA ZOTL Reference 40+ amps in rotation. However, I live in Scottsdale now and heat is an issue. We already have $$$$$$ ac bills in the summer months and my office is pretty small so I don't want a space heater of an amp. Otherwise I might be looking at a Woo or Cayin or Feliks or some sort of tube amp.

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