If you buy anything but Schiit, you'll spend much more for the same quality. No distributors to deal with so they can sell at a lower cost but with outstanding sound quality.
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?
- ...
- 32 posts total
I am in a similar boat as you. My wife and I are now sharing our office and I had my speaker system in the office. I’ve sold off most of my speaker gear and have upgraded my headphone system. I started focusing on headphones a few years ago and have tried quite a few headphones, headphone amps, and a few DAC’s. Currently was just able to upgrade to a fabulous Woo WA5-LE. For what you are looking for, I would consider a Chord 2Qute or Denafrip Ares DAC and pair it with a LTA MZ2 headphone amp. I’ve worked my way up the LTA line and they are excellent. The way the tube circuit works, it doesn’t put off a lot of heat. The Chord 2Qute is small for your desktop and if I remember correctly it will function as a Roon endpoint even though it’s not officially listed. Another option if you want to stay in the Bluesound ecosystem and a lower budget would be to get a Hub or Nano and then pair it with a device like the Fiio K13 R2R. I have not heard the Schiit Mjolnir 3, but it gets very good reviews. It is quite large, but Schiit just came out with what is considered it’s baby brother in the Asgard X. You can even get it with a Mesh DAC card. One other product that I just picked and am quite impressed with is the Cayin RU9. Regarding headphones, if you like open planars, you might check out Sash Tres. Two more you might put on your radar are the new HEDD D1 and ZMF. Good luck with your search.
|
@travelinjack I use the A26 DAC currently and occasionally use the network renderer. I had no idea this product existed. It appears that it uses much of the A26 components. This would fit exactly what @abd1 is looking for all in one unit. |
Sometimes a feature, or comfort will be more important than 'the best' I had some Folding Wireless Headphones that I used in my main system late at night, and when I was in the hospital for 11 days, I wore them over ear plugs to get better rest in the ICU which is the last place to go for rest. Wireless freedom of movement; snug enough to stay on while moving; not too tight. Get a Haircut! |
- 32 posts total