HmJ Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Hi all, first message on this forum. Happy with my hifi equipment, now I want to push further for better headphone system - but maybe also pre-amp and DAC. Current setup: Computer (Mac or PC): ALAC lossless files USB cable: Wireworld Silver Starlight DAC: Cambridge Audio DacMagic XLR cables: Cairn XLR Integrated amp: Cairn 4808A (30W class A) Headphone: Sennheiser HD600 plugged on amp (Speakers: B&W 804) Now I'm looking seriously at Sennheiser HD700 and HD800. What I'm looking for is a more streamlined chain between computer and headphone first. For example there's that new Oppo HA-1: it's a DAC and a headphone amp. Wouldn't it be appropriate for me, or will I miss another element? Computer > HA-1 > HD700/HD800 Also, would the HA-1 DAC, despite being aimed at headphones, be a better DAC to be used with my speakers ? Computer > HA-1 > Cairn 4808A int amp > B&W 804 I'm really looking to good overall balance, thank you all for your advices. Link to comment
Kelly Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Hi all, first message on this forum. Happy with my hifi equipment, now I want to push further for better headphone system - but maybe also pre-amp and DAC. Current setup: Computer (Mac or PC): ALAC lossless files USB cable: Wireworld Silver Starlight DAC: Cambridge Audio DacMagic XLR cables: Cairn XLR Integrated amp: Cairn 4808A (30W class A) Headphone: Sennheiser HD600 plugged on amp (Speakers: B&W 804) Now I'm looking seriously at Sennheiser HD700 and HD800. What I'm looking for is a more streamlined chain between computer and headphone first. For example there's that new Oppo HA-1: it's a DAC and a headphone amp. Wouldn't it be appropriate for me, or will I miss another element? Computer > HA-1 > HD700/HD800 Also, would the HA-1 DAC, despite being aimed at headphones, be a better DAC to be used with my speakers ? Computer > HA-1 > Cairn 4808A int amp > B&W 804 I'm really looking to good overall balance, thank you all for your advices. The Oppo should do exactly what you want it to and it is well reviewed at. I haven't heard it so can't say first hand I like the BMC PureDAC (which I own) which costs more at $1800. It has less features than the Oppo but is superb (and while I haven't compared directly, I'd suspect it is better.) For headphone use with the BMC you want to be sure and have a balanced cable for the headphones. It has independent volume controls for headphones and DAC output. A lower cost alternative would be the ifi micro iDSD which is coming out in a few weeks. It is tiny but made to be used as a desktop or portable DAC/headamp. It should be very good at $500. iFi has developed a cult-like following (myself included) in a short time by delivering very high value stuff. Micro – iDSD One thing tho, the Senn HD800 is a rather finicky headphone to pair with an amp. If you are set on the HD800 then use it to evaluate any unit you are considering prior to buying. Roon ->UltraRendu + CI Audio 7v LPS-> Kii Control -> Kii Three Roon->BMC UltraDAC->Mr Speakers Aeon Flow Open Link to comment
HmJ Posted July 16, 2014 Author Share Posted July 16, 2014 For headphone use with the BMC you want to be sure and have a balanced cable for the headphones. It has independent volume controls for headphones and DAC output. Thanks for the reply. Just learnt about headphones balanced cable, surely will give a try later on. Didn't know about the BMC, also investigating the Cambridge Audio 851D that seems quite close to the Oppo. Anybody with experience with HD700 / HD800 high impedance headphone and above mentioned equipment is welcome to comment. Link to comment
HmJ Posted July 21, 2014 Author Share Posted July 21, 2014 I'm coming back to you regarding your answer. I listened to HD800 paired with Sennheiser's own HDVD800 and decided that's the cans I want. Now I am looking for the dream DAC, "powering" HD800 300 ohms high impedance and also going to my Cairn / B&W 804 in parallel. I think Oppo HA-1 would be good but probably too feature rich for what I want (no need of bluetooth, 24/192, 16/44.1(/24/96) will probably be enough): power stage and balanced circuitry are most critical to me. Therefore I think your BMC PureDAC could be an excellent choice. Did you happen to try it with HD800? I wish to get as many comments as possible, focusing on HD800. Thank you. Link to comment
dalethorn Posted July 21, 2014 Share Posted July 21, 2014 Check out the Lehmann Black Cube Linear for the HD800. Link to comment
HmJ Posted July 21, 2014 Author Share Posted July 21, 2014 Check out the Lehmann Black Cube Linear for the HD800. Thanks. I'll sure give it a try, but that's pure headphone amp, no DAC stage that I can also use with my integrated amp & speakers. Also, I'm realizing I need XLR out for my amp as well as balanced headphone output. Link to comment
burnspbesq Posted July 21, 2014 Share Posted July 21, 2014 Thanks. I'll sure give it a try, but that's pure headphone amp, no DAC stage that I can also use with my integrated amp & speakers. Also, I'm realizing I need XLR out for my amp as well as balanced headphone output. There is a Black Cube Linear variant that has an internal DAC, but it tops out at 48/16, and the line outs are single-ended on RCA. The Resonessence Invicta has all of the features you've mentioned, but it's almost $5k. The Lynx Hilo (which I own) has all of the features you've mentioned save one, at $2k, and the one it's missing (balanced headphone output) is, IMO as a long-time HD 800 user, the least important. Office: MacBook Pro - Audirvana Plus - Resonessence Concero - Cavailli Liquid Carbon - Sennheiser HD 800. Travel/Portable: iPhone 7 or iPad Pro - AudioQuest Dragonfly Red - Audeze SINE or Noble Savant Link to comment
HmJ Posted July 21, 2014 Author Share Posted July 21, 2014 There is a Black Cube Linear variant that has an internal DAC, but it tops out at 48/16, and the line outs are single-ended on RCA. The Resonessence Invicta has all of the features you've mentioned, but it's almost $5k. The Lynx Hilo (which I own) has all of the features you've mentioned save one, at $2k, and the one it's missing (balanced headphone output) is, IMO as a long-time HD 800 user, the least important. Yes, it seems that only Oppo HA-1 has both 2x XLR + 1x headphone balanced output. I hear your comment for HD800. I heard "a" difference between both but I'm sure if that's worth it, thanks for the feedback. Link to comment
Kelly Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 Thanks for the reply. Just learnt about headphones balanced cable, surely will give a try later on. Didn't know about the BMC, also investigating the Cambridge Audio 851D that seems quite close to the Oppo. Anybody with experience with HD700 / HD800 high impedance headphone and above mentioned equipment is welcome to comment. Haven't heard them together but here is an impression (you may have already found it.) Headphone Bliss: B.M.C. Audio amazes with PureDAC | Confessions of a Part-Time Audiophile Roon ->UltraRendu + CI Audio 7v LPS-> Kii Control -> Kii Three Roon->BMC UltraDAC->Mr Speakers Aeon Flow Open Link to comment
HmJ Posted July 22, 2014 Author Share Posted July 22, 2014 Haven't heard them together but here is an impression (you may have already found it.) Headphone Bliss: B.M.C. Audio amazes with PureDAC | Confessions of a Part-Time Audiophile Thanks. Yes I had read it when you mentioned BMC, unknown yet to me. Looks like a good match. Link to comment
maelob Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 I love the Benchmark series of DACs- great dac and headphone amp Link to comment
HmJ Posted July 22, 2014 Author Share Posted July 22, 2014 I love the Benchmark series of DACs- great dac and headphone amp Thanks. Did you match one with a HD800? Also no balanced headphone output, right? Link to comment
maelob Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 No balance headphone out on the Benchmark Link to comment
HmJ Posted July 27, 2014 Author Share Posted July 27, 2014 Went to Akibahara area in Tokyo and tested two Oppo HA-1 units. Both excellent, though the two shops environment wasn't as quiet as my home for a perfect test. The sound is simply phenomenal, tested with Sennheiser HD650 and HD800 and Oppo PM-1. Benchmark DAC wasn't available for comparison but BMC PureDAC and a Chord Hugo were. In the end I found the Oppo perfect to my ear, possibly also due to some placebo effect: both classical and jazz samples sounded just right, pop music wasn't as aggressive as some other units I tried. Bought an Oppo, will receive it late August (Japanese specs). Thank you all for your advices. Link to comment
jcreigan Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 Was there a reason you didn't want to go for the HDVD800? That would be your amp and DAC and you could also use the CH800 S balanced cable too! Link to comment
mav52 Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 One thing tho, the Senn HD800 is a rather finicky headphone to pair with an amp. If you are set on the HD800 then use it to evaluate any unit you are considering prior to buying. Go that right, I own the HD800 and use a Woo Audio WA amp, perfect combination. The Truth Is Out There Link to comment
HmJ Posted July 28, 2014 Author Share Posted July 28, 2014 Sorry I forgot to mention: yes I also tried HD800 with both normal and balanced cable to an HDVD800. There was more power to drive the HD800 it seemed, but the sound wasn't spectacular, only analytical. It's a very high level amp but I had at least a good experience with the Oppo. Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now