With the GO 450 priced at $129 on Massdrop, I've been thinking about my first dedicated DAC and having the option of using my HD600s in a transportable setup. I have a few questions if anyone has the time to help me out?

- As far as sound quality, how would the GO 450 compare to the Modi2/Wyrd setup? I'm interested in the Modi2 uber so that I can use my Creative Soundblaster Omni soundcard with it (for virtual surround). But the idea of being able to use my HD600s away from my desk if I wish is also quite tempting. As for desktop use whatever I buy with be paired with my Vali amp.

- Would Wyrd really make a difference in the sound of the Modi2 if I'm not currently having USB noise issues? My Macbook Pro 2014 was giving me trouble with the Omni before, but it seems to have been fixed when I updated to Yosemite.

- Has anyone tried the Schiit Fulla with the HD600s? If I decide to shell out for the Modi2 uber I might consider that as a transportable option.

- Extra: If I've been lurking enough, the usual suspects for good budget-ish iems are the Tenores, DBA-02s, and the RE400s. Which model would have the most reliable build quality? The cable on my Etymotic HF2s was splitting, eventually exposing good bit of wire. I could also get the ER4 for $179, but from what I understand it doesn't play well with lesser sources like my Clip+ or worse, my smartphone.

Just got a Sonett (mk1) and I have a few questions. Firstly, it sounds absolutely fantastic. I'm using it with my Zero Carbo Tenore IEM's until my new cans arrive. I noticed I need to turn up the volume to about 6. Is this normal for efficient IEM's? How much will I need to turn up the volume with 300ohm Senns and 600ohm Beyers? I also noticed they're doesn't seem to be a change in volume when switching from low to IEC. Is this normal? I'm using stock rectifier and 6H30D-PR. Thanks.

Pretty normal with Sonett.  Even with sensitive IEM's you get to use a significant portion of the volume pot, which is a good thing.  About same range of volume pot usage with Senn HD650 and HD800 headphones if I remember correctly.

Dear people,

I have been doing some silent reading in this forum and this topic of vintage DACs with ladder chips are interesting me. Is anyone familiar with the Parasound 1100HD? I think I have a chance to buy one but the problem is it has been modified, I'm not sure about the technical details but its analogue stage has been replaced with a discrete part.

If it helps, IIRC this is the original sales ad: http://www.head-fi.org/t/548272/fs-modded-parasound-dac-1100-hd

As always I thank you people for your kind advice.

Regards,
Jeremiah

Item was sold 4 years ago.

- Has anyone tried the Schiit Fulla with the HD600s? If I decide to shell out for the Modi2 uber I might consider that as a transportable option.

- Extra: If I've been lurking enough, the usual suspects for good budget-ish iems are the Tenores, DBA-02s, and the RE400s. Which model would have the most reliable build quality? The cable on my Etymotic HF2s was splitting, eventually exposing good bit of wire. I could also get the ER4 for $179, but from what I understand it doesn't play well with lesser sources like my Clip+ or worse, my smartphone.

If you're looking for a super reliable pair, the RE400s probably aren't it unless they changed something about the build quality since I last owned them. They sound good, but the left channel cut out within 2 weeks on me so I've never gone back. If you're looking for a fun sound, I quite like the RHA 750 and T10.

- Extra: If I've been lurking enough, the usual suspects for good budget-ish iems are the Tenores, DBA-02s, and the RE400s. Which model would have the most reliable build quality? The cable on my Etymotic HF2s was splitting, eventually exposing good bit of wire. I could also get the ER4 for $179, but from what I understand it doesn't play well with lesser sources like my Clip+ or worse, my smartphone.

I've used RE400 for an hour 3x/week at work for 9 months and it's still fine, but I've read too many cases of cable failure so don't take the chance. Tenores are built better but can develop channel imbalances. Although that can be fixed, I can't recommend a product with that sort of problem. ER4 is a real hassle to get right.

Bottom line: for build quality, I would go with one of the GR07s--probably the BE. If necessary, see if you can modulor mod it with a tiny piece of felt behind the eartip. Best luck!