2. amps-preamps
  3. 150980-96

Help me put together a $1000 (give or take) headphone rig -- new or used

I've put my big rig to rest for awhile due to life, kids, etc., but I still have a desire to listen to high-quality audio -- Alexa just ain't cutting it.  So I've decided to put together a decent headphone setup until I can rebuild and actually listen to my big system.  BTW, why doesn't A'gon have a discussion forum dedicated to the headphone crowd (hence why I'm posting this in the amps/preamps section)?  Argh. 

Anyway, I'm looking to replicate, as much as possible, the qualities I've built into my stereo system in a headphone setup.  The problem is that I know precisely squat about the headphone world.   So, what I'm looking for mainly is that holographic 3D soundstage with neutral, well-balanced, and natural detail and tonality.  I DO NOT want any artificially boosted bass/mids nor rolled-off or overly "polite" highs.  For you audiophiles, I'm looking for more of a mid-hall/spacial/atmospheric/3D perspective rather than a front-row, in-your-face/head immediacy (unless it's absolutely recorded that way).  Like many of you I'm fairly obsessed with research and reading reviews, so given what I'm looking for I have of course identified some components that sound like they may deliver in large part what I'm looking for.  But I'm also experienced enough to know that what you read can often deviate from real-world performance, so that's where you headphone guru guys come in.  I'm gonna list what would be my "dream" setup based on what I've read, but I'll also list some other highly-regarded components that might actually be better (or maybe even cheaper) than my theoretical ideal system.  So here goes:

Theoretical ideal system: HiFiMAN Sundara, Metrum Amethyst amp/DAC

Yeah, that's all I got.  The BIG benefit of going this route is that I'm seriously considering upgrading to an R2R NOS DAC in my big rig once I get that back up and running, and the Amethyst, which offers a good amount of the proprietary Metrum technology found in their pricier DACs, would be a nice entry into that realm and seems to excel in many of the areas I'd like to improve in my stereo system.  However, you'll probably notice I have not listed any way to get content to the Amethyst, and that's because I'm pretty lost there.  At this point I really just want a streamer that can handle hi-Rez stuff from Tidal, Qobuz, etc. in a high-quality way.  I'd love to put in an Innuos Zen, Lumin, etc. in there, but that would obviously blow out the budget and I'm willing to put that in the "add later" column when additional funds (and wife approval) are available.  Can I start with something as simple as a Google Chromecast Audio thingy for streaming, or what else?

On the other extreme, here's a system on the lower end of the price spectrum that may also largely fill the bill, or at least come pretty darn close, at a much lower price:

Low-cost alternative: Drop HD58X, IFi Nano or Micro

To complicate things further, here are the other components that sounded interesting to me that could possibly be better and/or cheaper than either of the systems above:

JDS Labs Atom
Ayre Codex
Burson Soloist SD2 w/Modi or other
LTA MZ
Chord Mojo or Hugo
Massdrop Liquid Carbon + SDAC
Schiit Modi
Massdrop Cavelli Tube Hybrid w/Modi or other
Bryston BHA
Woo Audio WA6
Drop HD6XX
Sennheiser HD600
Audioquest Nightowl Carbon
Beyer DT990

i have to say the Burson Soloist SD2 has also captured my interest, so pairing that with a good DAC could also be a very interesting option to me.  I know I threw a lot of stuff at you guys here, but I'm really interested in your suggestions given what I'm looking for, especially if you have personal experience with any of these components.  Thanks for thoughts guys (and girls)!

soix
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,669 posts
 
wouldn't something like the Schiit Valhalla, or even the lyr with the DAC module be something to look at both would leave you more then enough for a good set of phones.

I also like the idea of using a bluesound node as a streamer DAC. 

 I've been happily surprised at the Schiit products I have bought. Grungnir MB and Loki. Schiit did make their start in the headphone amps and DACs after all. 
ajnackman
60 posts
 
+1 for the valhalla 2/bluesound combo. The DAC in the bluesound is actually quite nice, especially given the price. It uses a burr brown chip if you are at all familiar with those. I would think for moderately priced headphones it would work well. I've got one in my stereo setup, however I use an external DAC. I've heard streamers sound better but you'll pay up for it. Something like the stack audio link would be the next step up - but the volumio software isn't great for playback, I much prefer blueOS. Keep in mind the bluesound sounds much better with a wired ethernet connection.
rego
378 posts
 
Cost effective ... PC or MAC if one is available for use.
Laptop > Cobalt USB DAC leaving $700 for Cans of choice.
soix OP
9,456 posts
 
So, my bias right now I'd to minimize cost to get up and running now with the intention of upgrading components in the future.  My first shot at a very cost-effective system would be:

Chromecast Audio > FX Audio DAC-X6 > Sundara phones

This is going on the premise that the phones mucho important and that the Sundaras are not too hard to drive.  This setup would only cost about $450 and would get me started.  Nobody has commented on the Sundaras, but from what I've read they would be better for the things I'm looking for than the Sennheiser 6XX although I am concerned a bit about their reliability.  Anyone out there with experience with both the Sundaras and HD6whatevers?

Alternatively, there's the used Node 2 with Sundaras that would probably up the cost by about $100 or so.  This sounds like money well spent until I realize I'll probably replace the Node with something like an Innuos and Amethyst when I get more serious about this down the road, which brings me back to going with the minimum cost option above.  Thoughts?

The Schiit options also sound really good, but now I'm starting to up the cost factor, which I'm loathe to do since I'll end up superseding them with better components not too far down the road.  Anyway, thanks again for all the good recommendations and looking forward to further thoughts.
big_greg
6,630 posts
 
Why do you think you’re going to be replacing the Bluesound before you’ve even heard it? If you want to upgrade it, consider adding an external DAC down the road rather than replacing it. I have a Node 2 in my main system and I’m happy with my entire system. For now anyways, LOL.
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