Topic: Purrin's DAC Chart of Awesomeness. (Read 55399 times)

BassDigger · « **Reply #370 on:** September 09, 2015, 09:22:24 AM »

I've got to agree with lm4der's point, about amp comparisons; things like impedance matching rarely matter for dacs; the main consideration is the sound.

But an amp has a particular job to do, and first it has to match well with the transducer that it's connected to.
So, this makes it much more complicated to make comparisons; each amp would have to be tested with at least 3 different headphones (just to cover the basic impedance range)!
Even with what should be similar (as an electrical load) headphones, one amp may sound better on one set, whilst another sounds better with the other. All because one pair's electrical characteristics will slightly favour one amp over another! The electrical load difference, between different headphones is just too big.

It'd be an interesting read if it were possible though.

lm4der · « **Reply #371 on:** September 09, 2015, 03:29:00 PM »

Quote from: BassDigger on September 09, 2015, 09:22:24 AM

But an amp has a particular job to do, and first it has to match well with the transducer that it's connected to.

That's basically what I was worried about, but perhaps that is Anax's point in saying that this could be done for SS amps. I believe that most SS amps these days are < 1 ohm Zout. Does that mean that impedance\damping interactions are almost nill, and therefore doable?

Priidik · « **Reply #372 on:** September 09, 2015, 08:03:43 PM »

Quote from: BassDigger on September 09, 2015, 09:22:24 AM

The electrical load difference, between different headphones is just too big.

I don't see a significant issue in this. There are exeptions, but i'd think mostly in the lower end of amps.
Every other pirate has or has owned HD6xx or HD800, add some decent ortho in the mix and results should translate well.
Even otl-s seem to work well with some orthos. Overrated this output-z thing. Sennheiser amp (~50ohm) is anemic as shite in bass to HD800 compared to a DIY Cavalli i have here with out z in milliohms. Leaque matters, imo.

DrForBin · « **Reply #373 on:** September 09, 2015, 08:38:03 PM »

hello,

an amp chart would be awesome.

perhaps one that takes into consideration best parings/most parings (ie. what amps at what price points would be a jack of all trades solution.)

if you don't have the means/space for multiple amps, what should be on the short list for a one or two amp solution? (to drive a variety of cans well. albeit not perfectly.)

this could be a very good way to prevent people doing the crazy side-grade thing.

Eric_C · « **Reply #374 on:** September 09, 2015, 10:15:18 PM »

Quote from: DrForBin on September 09, 2015, 08:38:03 PM

what should be on the short list for a one or two amp solution? (to drive a variety of cans well. albeit not perfectly.)

I'm guessing SS and hybrids? That should cover both dynamics and ortho.

Anaxilus · « **Reply #375 on:** September 10, 2015, 12:28:32 AM »

Quote from: Priidik on September 09, 2015, 08:03:43 PM

I don't see a significant issue in this. There are exeptions, but i'd think mostly in the lower end of amps.
Every other pirate has or has owned HD6xx or HD800, add some decent ortho in the mix and results should translate well.
Even otl-s seem to work well with some orthos. Overrated this output-z thing. Sennheiser amp (~50ohm) is anemic as shite in bass to HD800 compared to a DIY Cavalli i have here with out z in milliohms. Leaque matters, imo.

Boom! ^This. I think it's a nice general topic for beginners, but that's not what most of us hear or talk about. We've been over the whole 120ohm IEC thing long long ago. Marv made a box and published the results somewhere many moons ago.

Quote from: Eric_C on September 09, 2015, 10:15:18 PM

I'm guessing SS and hybrids? That should cover both dynamics and ortho.

I'd lean toward a hybrid as well if I was still searching for my transducer.

Thenewdude007 · « **Reply #376 on:** September 12, 2015, 11:42:08 PM »

If someone is disappoint with the Sennheiser HD800 bass & midrange & feels they are veiled, which of these three DAC would you guys recommend:

Matrix X-Sabre
Schiit Gungnir
Concero HD

Purrin's DAC comparison here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1afiapBDggk_9hziQywD4mIRi9vKvTb_tliQXspsm2cQ/edit#gid=0
stated the Gungnir was great with bass, though it lacked the fine details retrieval of Matrix X. He rated it overall as a better DAC. Makes it sound lik a very good pair with the HD800

The Concero HD was said to be a cheaper mini Matrix X.

On the other hand, Maxvla, on the Matrix X Sabre impressions thread, absolutely hated the Gungnir
http://www.head-fi.org/t/650686/matrix-x-sabre-dac-review-and-impression-thread/150#post_9227733

Quote (selected)

X-Sabre vs Gungnir

No contest. X-Sabre takes resolution to the next level. Smoother, more open, more detailed, more air, even better bass control and texture. No downside in upgrading from the Gungnir, except the price of course.

A few guys on the HD800 thread also recommended me these two much cheaper amps
Mousai MSD192 DAC Wolfson
http://www.amazon.com/Mousai-MSD192-Wolfson-WM8741-16-24Bit/dp/B00W5AA6SO

LITE DAC-60 24bit VACUUM TUBE DAC
http://www.cattylink.com/page157.html

Would the Gungnir & Matrix X be way above those two cheap DACs & where would the Concerto HD fit in all of that?

thegunner100 · « **Reply #377 on:** September 13, 2015, 12:41:06 AM »

The Schiit Gumby is the Gungnir with the multi-bit upg. It should significantly sound better than the regular gungnir (just read impressions around). The X-Sabre is pretty good for DS and has a overall laid back sound with good detail retrieval. It is an alternative to the gungnir, but no match to the gumby.

I'd recommend just getting the gungnir for now if you don't have enough money for the multi-bit upgrade. The gumby will get you the mid-range and bass that you're looking for with the hd800s. What amp are you using?

Thenewdude007 · « **Reply #378 on:** September 13, 2015, 02:42:34 AM »

Quote from: thegunner100 on September 13, 2015, 12:41:06 AM

What amp are you using?

Undecided.
Went through a few mid-tier ones & still contemplating between a few higher end ones.
Anyways, my end game amp will definitely be a on the warm side tube amp.

I searched some more & looks like Purrin said this about the Gungnir:

Quote (selected)

Gungnir is very hard hitting - not good with HD800's 6k peak and overall elevated treble.

So non multi-bit Gungnir is a no go?

Haven't found any used Gumby's & don't want to pay retail from Schiit's site, especially since they charge CA tax.

Thenewdude007 · « **Reply #379 on:** September 13, 2015, 03:33:12 AM »

Damn, saw Purrin's ranked list.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/693798/thoughts-on-a-bunch-of-dacs-and-why-delta-sigma-kinda-sucks-just-to-get-you-to-think-about-stuff

He must have been talking about the Gen 1 version when he said it was not good with the HD800?

Gungnir Gen 2 was rated well above the Matrix X Sabre.
Maybe Maxvla was talking about the Gen1 version when he trashed it comparing it to the Matrix X?

So the Gen2 version is that much better than the Gen1 version?
Especially for adding fullness to the HD800 body of bass/mids (that's the only real thing I want).

Author Topic: Purrin's DAC Chart of Awesomeness. (Read 55399 times)

BassDigger

Re: Purrin's DAC Chart of Awesomeness.

lm4der

Re: Purrin's DAC Chart of Awesomeness.

Priidik

Re: Purrin's DAC Chart of Awesomeness.

DrForBin

Re: Purrin's DAC Chart of Awesomeness.

Eric_C

Re: Purrin's DAC Chart of Awesomeness.

Anaxilus

Re: Purrin's DAC Chart of Awesomeness.

Thenewdude007

Re: Purrin's DAC Chart of Awesomeness.

thegunner100

Re: Purrin's DAC Chart of Awesomeness.

Thenewdude007

Re: Purrin's DAC Chart of Awesomeness.

Thenewdude007

Re: Purrin's DAC Chart of Awesomeness.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Author Topic: Purrin's DAC Chart of Awesomeness. (Read 55399 times)