eeyoredave

Have the DT880 (600R) and the AD700. Firstly, the AD700 only comes in metallic purple. Secondly, I recommend that you select you system, which will probably include a headphone amp, based on the headphone first. Choose the one you like the sound and price of, and then work backwards. The amp will be different for each headphone. I find the DT880 very detailed, crisp and analytical. I find the AD700 a little more 'mushy', but more musical. It isn't as revealing. Can't say about the others. If you can find one within your price range, I'd recommend the HD650, as it is (to my ears) a perfectly well balanced headphone; warm, musical and revealing. On the note of headphone choice, I seriously recommend that you consider comfort. Based on head shape, ear size, listnening position, etc. I currently used a pair of EM4, which are custom moulded to my inner ear, and they are by far the most comfortable I have used. The HD650 was better for me than the DT880 (mainly cause I have big ears...). If you do decide on the DT880, you need to pick the impedance. Basically, the lower the impedance, it requires more current and less voltage, and the higher the impedance, the more voltage is required. I chose the 600r version, cause almost all of my headphone amps are tube amps, and they are able to produce more voltage easier than current. Whereas solid state devices are better at pushing out more current. that is why some high end headphone amps, like the Violectric and the SPL Phonitor operate at 60V+. Also, that is why portable audio headphones are almsot always low impedance, cause they can't really provide the voltage to drive higher impedance cans. Hope that helps.

Have wondered about the same question. But also considered, in that price range, Mytek DSD-DAC Preamp for less money and even more features.

Hi all, this is my first posting to this forum, but have been following various threads for some time. A little bit of an introduction. I am primarily a headphone centric user, and currently using (and enjoying) the Earsonics EM4 customs. Beyond that, my other main headphones (not with me) are the HD650 and DT880. These have been powered by kit and DIY tube headphone amps of various designs (see signature below). I recently relocated to Hong Kong for work and have a young family. So time for music is limited; but an important part of my routine to unwind from work and relax. Currently, I am looking for a competent setup to bridge between my Macbook Pro and the EM4. All of my music has been ripped into AAC Lossless and stored on an external drive, and have just started into HD and have purchased 24/96 tracks. I am currently exploring between Amarra Mini and Audirvana as the player of choice, after trying out some of the others. My requirements for the system are the following; 1. Maximum two box plus two cables between computer and headphone. 2. The boxes can't be full size (i.e., 19") and should be relatively small. 3. Price is not in the equation yet... 4. Sound and quality that will last, I don't plan on upgrading or replacing anytime soon. To this end, I ask for your help in suggesting some solutions and sharing your experiences with similar requirements and/or setups. As you may see, I prefer tube amplification, but with the EM4, noises is an issue. Currently, my short list of items to consider are; 1. Weiss DAC-202 2. Mytek DSD-DAC Pre 3. Halide Bridge (I know it is only USB-SPDIF) 4. Metrum Octave/Quad (again, it is only a DAC with no computer connection or headphone amp) 5. Some sort of DIY DAC, but time and patience is limited, so will probably not be a real option. To provide example, I have all parts and Amplimo transformers for the Twisted Pear Buffalo II and Legato, but yet, unbuilt. All thoughts and suggestions welcome and will be appreciated!