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Newbie HiFi Headphone & Amp pairing suggestions

Hi Gang,

I know headphones and headphone amp pairings are very subjective and vary person to person. Being new to the HiFi world of headphones, I've narrowed down (I think) a new headphone purchase to:

• Audeze LCD-X
• HiFiman Arya
• Sennheiser HD800S

I've not had open ear headphones before but have a relatively quiet office in the house (when the kids aren't around) and am excited to explore the HiFi headphone world. 

So, I'm curious if any of you have had any experience with the above and would make any recos either way and if so, what amp you reco pairing with it. I have a buddy who has the Viiolectric V281 and swears by it but it seems impossible to find (and quite pricey).

Lastly, is there any hope of getting a great DAC and headphone amp in the same unit or would you reco separates for longevity's sake?

Cheers
fourminutesong
docknow
303 posts
 
@fourminutesong

I recently got a pair of RAAL-requisite SR1a’s and a Schiit Jotunheim R amp for them, with a multibit DAC card installed. These are not actually headphones, more like "earspeakers". They are exceptional and game changing audio reproduction devices. Makes a great desktop system fed by a computer.

They cost more new than your choices above, but I have seen used pairs with the Schiit amp trade in the $2500 range over the last month.

Lots of reviews that you can look at to get perspectives into them.
fourminutesong OP
31 posts
 
What do you guys hear about the RME ADI DAC 2 FS for the combo headphone amp and DAC? I think Darko has this on his setup as well.

That with the Audeze LCD-X may be the ticket.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081CWQXGD/?tag=headphonesty0420-20#customerReviews
fourminutesong OP
31 posts
 
Wow, I have found a lot of conflicting feedback on the Audeze LCD-X. Anyone here have any experience about them? Debating if I should reconsider the LCD-2 Classic or LCD-2 instead.
soix
8,729 posts
 
If you’re looking for a warmer, fuller sound the RME DAC isn’t your best option IMO. 
fourminutesong OP
31 posts
 
Appreciate that, soix,. Doesn’t look like the RME plays MQA files either. I’ve also been looking at the Mytek Brooklyn Bridge but looks like there’s a new one coming out in June that is a Roon core as well. 

Too many options.
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