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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
snookhaus
23 posts
 

@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. 

elliottbnewcombjr
7,746 posts
 

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!

abd1 OP
203 posts
 

I appreciate the great recommendations from the community. I feel like the world of headphones and associated equipment is another audiophile rabbit hole I can easily fall in to. I've been using the LSA HP-1''s with the node and it sounds pretty good. I like how comfortable the headphones are which is a big deal for me and my big head, so I'll probably stick with them for a while. I did order a Matrix Element X from TMR to try out. It was a "flagship" product from them a couple years ago and the price was outstanding compared to historical second hand market sales so it was hard to turn down. If I don't like it they have a return window and then I may try something else but we'll see how this sounds. I'm hoping it is a significant upgrade from the node.

soix
11,236 posts
 

Be interested to hear your thoughts. 

yyzsantabarbara
5,556 posts
 

@abd1

I am going to this headphone meet this Friday. I made a list of things to listen to since it is only a 1-day event.  There are more items showing up to the meet, but the list is what I will focus on. I am going to hear a lot of headphone gear. I know much more about 2-channel than headphones. I am taking my RAAL SR1a and the Immanis and Magna will also be there, but I already know all about them.

Next week there should be a lot of comments posted about the gear on the following thread.

Colorado Winter Head-Fi Meet -- January 10, 2026 | Page 13 | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org

Headphones

1) Audeze CRBN2
2) ZMF
    - Caldera
    - Verite
    - Atrium
3) Audio Technica ATH-ADX7000 
4) DCA Stealth 
5) Meze
6) SR-009D Electrostatic Earspeaker

DACs

1) Chord DAVE
2) PlayBack Designs MPD-8
3) Allnic D-1500 Signature OTL/OCL
4) T+A DAC 200
5) Bricastic m19 SACD transport into the Meitner Ma3i DAC
6) dCS Lina stack

7) Imersiv D-1

Amps

1) Solaja Audio Vortex amp
2) Allnic Headphone amp

More to discover