Dilemma: to spend money on the Geek Out v2+ or Liquid Carbon. Uses: GOv2+ would be primarily with UERM, Liquid Carbon would be primarily with HD800. I am pretty happy with what I have (Leckerton for UERM, Valhalla 2 for HD800) but I don't want to get complacent. Also, curiosity.I had put a question into the liquid carbon thread about whether it is a good application of balanced voodoo for the HD800, but that really belongs here. Its part of the consideration for both of these actually, GOv2+ can play with balanced UERM, liquid carbon can play with balanced HD800. I am curious but not enchanted by balanced amplification. Both seem like decent creations, both are relatively affordable, and both are similarly priced. Both also involve a delay between placing order and satisfaction.Responsible me is wearing the skin right now, so only one can be acquired at this point. I am curious what people think.
What DAC are you using?
You are probably saying, “Oh no, not another ‘HD-800 and what amp?’ thread!” I am sorry but in some ways it is that, and for other specifics, it is not.Primary headphone:• Currently have HD-800 as my primary headphone and I love it but it is not achieving near its true potential, so an amp upgrade is the logical solution.I have no self-control, like the rest of you:• While testing some amps, I tried a few other headphones (I know, I should be focused on the amp only but when there are so many headphones readily available for you to try, how do you not?). So I tried the Ed5, HE-6, HE-560, AKG 812, LCD-3, LCD-X, LCD-XC, TH500, TH600, TH900 and maybe a couple of other more. So now I am very tempted to get the LCD-XC.My rig:• Currently using two Line Magnetic pieces in my rig. The DAC is LM-502CA and the integrated tube amp is LM-Mini-218IA. Although I did give it a listen today and they are not too bad. Just a little too 'clean'. Perhaps I could try rolling the tubes first to see what it can do but buying a new amp is just easier to do and I have been preparing my wife to expect a significant new addition, so I don’t want to waste all that hard work.Amps I am considering:• Seriously considering the Schiit Ragnarok, Bryston BHA1, and Questyle CMA800i. • The Ragnarok is the front runner because of great reviews, has balanced and it can run speakers. The BHA1 looks better and also has balanced but cannot run speakers and the CMA800i is the cheapest but doesn’t have balanced and cannot run speakers.• I recently lost my mind for a couple of days and thought about breaking my budget and considered the McIntosh MHA100 and the MXA70.Amps I have tested recently:• Recently tested ALO Studio Six, Senn HDVD 800, and Hifiman EF-6. The Six was good but for me, it didn’t warrant the extra dollars and not having the option for balanced and speakers takes this off the consideration list. The HDVD 800 was not bad and will get a little more listen time since I only heard them for about 15 minutes.• I will be going to the shop next week to test the BHA1, CMA800i, and HDVD 800. The Ragnarok, as you all know, is not available for testing and purchase at this time.Other bits to consider in making my purchase:• Living in Hong Kong so I would like to limit my choices to what I can get here to avoid hassle and huge shipping fees.• Spending the coming summer in Toronto but voltage will be an issue if I bring an amp from TO to HK. But headphones will not be a problem.• I would like to get a tube amp if within my budget but the Eddie Currents and others are out of my budget range.I would appreciate any suggestions, advice, recommendations, etc. regarding my future purchase.Thanks
1. Do your wallet a favor and stay away from LCD-XC, unless you must use a isolating closed-back headphone. But even then I would buy the TH900.2. Don't wrap your head around over whether a headphone amp is single-ended or balanced or what not. Balanced doesn't necessarily mean better and there are a handful of well-designed SE amps (such as ZDSE, HPA-21, HPA-3000 or L-2) that stomp mediocre balanced amps pushed by HF idiots as high-end (WA22 comes to mind).3. Out of your considerations, the Ragnarok is undoubtedly your best bet especially if your headphones are HD800. Even better than Studio Six, not because it's balanced but because of its excellent implementation.4. McIntosh MHA100 was a bitter disappointment for me. With that kind of money I would rather purchase a TOTL Eddie Current or Rag/Yggy and call it a day.5. If you want a tube amp, then the new Zana Deux Super should be worthy of consideration at $2300... not sure if that's within your budget though. I haven't heard the Super version but can vouch for it based on my experience with SE.
Gungnir gen 2 usb for desktop, a17 is sole source for portable. I know go v2 won't take an analog line in, so I would be switching back to phone/laptop as source if I get go v2.
Maybe the simpliest to do is to list what's you real Choice in HK and then ask us what we would pick in the bunch. My 2 cents.
I don't own these, but have heard them all. Right now the best I have heard is the TOTL EC 2A3 Mk IV (Marv's unit The Studio) with the Yggy. End game for me. (If I sold most of my speaker gear, which is not going to happen.) The other I would consider is the EC Zana Deux S with Yggy DAC. If you only looking at the HD800's. Read up on what headphones play well with the Zana Deux. The HD600's also sound excellent with this combo. Last on the end game is EC Black Widow with Yggy. Might be within your budget. My end game. Until the goal posts move. You might have noticed I have paired all with Yggy as I only have heard them with the Yggy. Great DAC. Seems to pair well with every amp I have heard with it, no matter price range or type. Hybrid, tube, SS. One of my favorite pairings I have heard is the Project Ember (mine) with the Yggy on the HD800. I felt it held it's own with the Ragnorak. I am sure others would disagree, but that's what this place is all about.
