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Beginning of a new journey...

I had never been a headphone guy, up until very recently. My main rig in my home office is built around Harbeth P3esr, Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II, Cambridge Audio Azur 851D, and Bluesound Node 2i. I'm extremely satisfied with the performance of this system, and cannot ever imagine parting ways with the P3esr's. They tick all the right boxes for me.

Having said that, my headphone journey started with my wife buying me a Bose Soundlink pair of headphones about a month ago. I put those on, and the first word that came to mind was 'meh'. I tried them with and without amplification, but the result was always the same. Meh! I concluded that maybe headphones were not for me. But then a friend of mine told me that Mass Drop (now just Drop) were running a special on the Sennheiser HD6XX headphones. With the first-timer discount, and free shipping, the cans were going to run me $175 + tax. I figured why not. I am in love with the Harbeth midrange and smooth sound, so 6XX's sounded like the right choice.

Now, I also have a Naim Unituque (V1) that was in my system before I upgraded to the Cronus Magnum. The display light had started to fade and eventually went out completely. So much for Naim quality! Anyways, I was hoping that the Naim would be a good match for the HD6XX's. But nope! Not at all. The sound was anemic, slightly better than running them straight from my iPhone, but not that much better. The bass was almost non-existent. I guess headphone amplification was an afterthought on the Unitiqute. I wasn't sure if it were the 6XX's, or just that the synergy with Naim was not optimal.

On a whim, I hooked the cans to the Cronus Magnum's headphone out, and immediately they came alive. The bass was much tighter, the midrange, vocals, treble -- everything was noticeably better. I can see why these headphones have achieved such a legendary status in the world of affordable hifi equipment. They definitely scale with better equipment, unlike the Bose. So now, I need some advice regarding a good headphone amp. Given the limited room on my desk, I would prefer something with a smaller form factor, and a single box solution with preamp/amp/dac. It will be a bonus if the unit can have a built in streamer, but not a must. I want to stay between $500-800, new or used. I'm sensitive to high frequencies, so tubes will be my preference but don't want to rule out smooth sounding SS amps.

Any advise is greatly appreciated!
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arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,681 posts
 
@soix TBH, I wasn't even aware of the Lyr up until now. Will definitely look into it. Right now, I'm seriously considering either the Quicksilver headphone amp or the Feliks Audio Espressivo Mark II. But will definitely check out the Lyr's reviews as well.

@davehg I would love to get my hands on a Woo Audio amp but they're just too rich for my blood. I haven't seen a used WA22 anywhere. Let me know if you know someone who might be selling it.
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,878 posts
 
Sorry for the delay.  I just picked up the RME AD1-2 DAC and in the short time I've had it , I haven't used it's headphone jacks.  I have listened to the Quicksilver with the RME as the source and it is an incredible combo.  This DAC has a firm grip on the bass and the QS amp's bass is quite improved over my last DAC.   

 So as I write this ,  I had to plug into the RME headphone amp.  Its OK,   I dont think it's as good the Rupert Neve RNHP.  It does not compare to the Quicksilver.  Not even close  

The Quicksilver is the best sounding amp I've ever plugged into.  I think in terms of sound quality it is better than the SPL amps that are twice the money. It has zero features and one input so that can be a deal breaker for some.    I'm using Klipsch HP3 and it is such a great sounding combo.  Can easily drive 20 or 600 Ohm just as claimed.  I have used a number of different phones and this amp has balls !!!
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,878 posts
 
As a DAC the RME is phenomenal.   It sounds great,  I would have to say it's the best sounding DAC ,actually best sounding source I've owned and I have a number since the early days of DACs.    It's not a bad headphone section,  it is good but I have been spoiled by the Quicksilver .  If you have a good source, ie DAC your money is well spent on the Quicksilver.   For a one box solution the RME is great but when I say the Quicksilver is special it's because it is.  It is worth every penny.  I like separates and the Quicksilver's sole purpose is to be an amp.   
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,468 posts
 
I'm using something called the Blockhead by HEADROOM.  They also have many other brands both new and used.   I would call/send an E-mail and evaluate his response.
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,681 posts
 
@oddiofyl Thanks for your response. As a matter of fact, based on your experience and a few others, I ended up buying the Quicksilver HP amp a few months ago. I will say it's one of the best audio purchases I've made in a long time. I'm just surprised that there is so little information out there on this amp, and virtually zero pro reviews or youtube videos. Go figure!

I kind of went on a shopping spree and ended up buying a Sennheiser HD6XX, Hifiman Arya, Focal Clear and the Quicksilver amp all within a space of a few weeks. Right now, I'm using the Bluesound Node 2i as a streamer and DAC. I know that's probably the weak link in the chain but I need to slow down and stop sabotaging my retirement plans. Hopefully I will upgrade to a better DAC in a few months. I will keep the RME in mind when I get there. Good to know that you found good synergy with the QS amp.
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