2. amps-preamps
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DAC, amp & headphones 1k

I would like to put together a small 2 channel tubed system
for my wife . At present it would use a cable box for the source using either a digital audio out or optical audio out connection . I would like the cable box to feed a DAC and then go to a headphone amp and a set of good headphones . I do not want to use any speakers at this time .

Of course I want the best sound that I can give to her but keep the cost down to $1,000 total . While the DAC and amp can be used I would prefer new headphones .

I have done some research and found Sennheiser HD650 and AKG 701 headphones to be the most recommended .

Amps and DACS seem to be seperates and also combined units . Either would be fine for now .

She prefers tubes to SS and was instrumental in choosing my first tube system consisting of a Cayin A88T integrated with Reference 3A Di Capo i speakers . She prefered these speakers to Von Schwiekert and Usher . I would like to get her something with good extension , dynamics , detail and musicality .

She has always prefered 60's , 70's and 80's pop . I would like to introduce her to blues , jazz and the standards as well .

I would like the amp to have at least two inputs so that I could add a CDP later should this take off for her . Right now it will be just the CD quality music channels from our cable service .

Any suggestions ?

Thank you .
saki70
ironmine
41 posts
 
I have Denon AH-2000, my friend has Senn HD650. We compared these headphones in the same system. The conclusion is that Denon D2000's famous bass cannot be beaten by Senn HD650. But, on the other side, Senn HD650's famous midrange cannot be beaten by Denon D2000... You choose, but models are real hi-end amount headphones.

If you choose HD650, I recommend a tube headphone amp WooAudio WA3. If you prefer D2000, take a look at WooAudio WA3+. Both combinations are real killers.

Be careful with AKG phones, they have a very specific sound which many will find not to their liking...
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
You may like this:

Cayin Audio has released a new integrated headphone amplifier with a built in DAC called the iDAC-1, priced at $795. Like Cayin's HA-1A integrated headphone amp, the iDAC-1 is tube powered, though it uses two 6N1 tubes rather than the HA-1A's two EL-34s, 12AX7 and 12AU7. The iDAC-1 is rather unique in that it uses two different DAC chips, a TDA1543 for the first set of analog outputs, and a PCM2706 for the second set which can be controlled by the volume buttons, allowing the iDAC-1 to act as a preamp.
4est
507 posts
 
The Benchmark DAC-1 is known for having a great headphone output- $600 used and a very "safe" investment. I would go to a site such as Head Fi for the most complete research...
saki70 OP
907 posts
 
Thank you for these suggestions .

Ironmine... are you in the U.P. ?
Can you describe the "very specific sound" of the AKG's ?

I have read where the Senn's need more power than what is normal for headphones . Is this true ?

Keep'em coming please .
I have visited the Headfi site and find it a little daunting . I was hoping to narrow , at least one area down , so as to take the research in one direction only .

Thank you .
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
I have the 650's and both the Benchmark and Antique Soundlabs Tube Headphone amp - both sound awesome; better soundstage depth with the Antique SL, warmer, more romantic sound. I do enjoy both very much. On my earlier post, didn't realize the Cayin was USB only (DAC).

The Senns don't seem to be power hungry in my setup-very easy to drive, great extension and bass is great.
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