Soldato
what headphones do you own thread - i own dt150's :)
- Thread starter garyfl
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Soldato
Just read your reply, trouble is I ordered Modi & Vali about an hour before you posted on Tuesday 
It will do just fine for me, my hearing isn't as good as it once was so I'm not aiming too high up the hi-fi ladder - besides, I've got the fidgets for a GTX 970 or two
It will do just fine for me, my hearing isn't as good as it once was so I'm not aiming too high up the hi-fi ladder - besides, I've got the fidgets for a GTX 970 or two
Last edited:
Associate
Aww, I've got a ValiAlthough you missed the key reason to get it over the Magni is that it'll keep your hands warm in the winter
And curse you for mentioning the Matrix Mini, that's something else that's on my DAC list now. I'm getting further away from making a decision every time I look at the internet
Haha sorry for the added confusion
Just to spin you around some more, the Fostex HP-A4 is also a very good DAC/amp (not the most powerful amp but as a DAC it's brilliant). The FiiO X5 is also another solid option, works pretty well as a DAP (not the best UI or button layout) but I find myself using it more as a portable USB DAC/amp for my laptop when I'm travelling for work. Finally one product that has caught my eye recently is the Ifi Nano iDSD, a very high res DAC/amp combo that has been getting a bit of praise.
The mid-fi market is a very nice place to be in right now
Just read your reply, trouble is I ordered Modi & Vali about an hour before you posted on Tuesday
It will do just fine for me, my hearing isn't as good as it once was so I'm not aiming too high up the hi-fi ladder - besides, I've got the fidgets for a GTX 970 or two
Ah no worries, it's not a terrible amp by any means. I probably have some negative bias towards it as well due to the initial batch (mine including mine) had some serious microphonics issues due to poor physical dampening of the tubes. The new ones now ship with sorbothane pads to reduce the length of the ringing sound that occurs when you turn it on/plug headphones in/tap the chassis/bump the table/etc...
Also don't bother using IEM's with the Vali, the noise floor becomes far too noticeable.
Soldato
I've already got about six hours on the little stack so far and am actually extremely impressed.
Initially I had a problem with the Modi, it was picking up a lot of interference but I solved that by moving my router - totally silent now.
The Vali initially had awful channel imbalance, I had to push the MusicBee balance slider 40% to the right to centre things up. Strange thing is after a couple of hours that had dropped to 20% and it's now at 10% and still dropping, so I'm hoping that it will disappear after a little more burn in.
As for microphonics, I have a very small amount but it only happens when I first put the headphone jack in or really thump the case and disappears after 5 to 10 seconds anyway.
Absolutely loving the sound, compared with the Aune and the STX the bass is a lot punchier and cleaner and while the midrange isn't quite as smooth and creamy as with the Aune (with Mullard 6DJ8), it is a lot more detailed. I think it's the highs that have made the most difference, they are more detailed, crisper and cleaner than the Aune and much smoother than the STX. Overall the M & V stack seems to be a really good match for the HD 650's and because of that I haven't stopped grinning.
As for what headphones I'll use, it will just be the HD 650, AKG K702 and DT 990 pro, all of which are high impedance so no worries about the noise floor.
I think I'm going to be very happy with this setup for quite some time.
Initially I had a problem with the Modi, it was picking up a lot of interference but I solved that by moving my router - totally silent now.
The Vali initially had awful channel imbalance, I had to push the MusicBee balance slider 40% to the right to centre things up. Strange thing is after a couple of hours that had dropped to 20% and it's now at 10% and still dropping, so I'm hoping that it will disappear after a little more burn in.
As for microphonics, I have a very small amount but it only happens when I first put the headphone jack in or really thump the case and disappears after 5 to 10 seconds anyway.
Absolutely loving the sound, compared with the Aune and the STX the bass is a lot punchier and cleaner and while the midrange isn't quite as smooth and creamy as with the Aune (with Mullard 6DJ8), it is a lot more detailed. I think it's the highs that have made the most difference, they are more detailed, crisper and cleaner than the Aune and much smoother than the STX. Overall the M & V stack seems to be a really good match for the HD 650's and because of that I haven't stopped grinning.
As for what headphones I'll use, it will just be the HD 650, AKG K702 and DT 990 pro, all of which are high impedance so no worries about the noise floor.
I think I'm going to be very happy with this setup for quite some time.
Caporegime
- Joined
- 21 Jun 2006
- Posts
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I've already got about six hours on the little stack so far and am actually extremely impressed.
Initially I had a problem with the Modi, it was picking up a lot of interference but I solved that by moving my router - totally silent now.
The Vali initially had awful channel imbalance, I had to push the MusicBee balance slider 40% to the right to centre things up. Strange thing is after a couple of hours that had dropped to 20% and it's now at 10% and still dropping, so I'm hoping that it will disappear after a little more burn in.
As for microphonics, I have a very small amount but it only happens when I first put the headphone jack in or really thump the case and disappears after 5 to 10 seconds anyway.
Absolutely loving the sound, compared with the Aune and the STX the bass is a lot punchier and cleaner and while the midrange isn't quite as smooth and creamy as with the Aune (with Mullard 6DJ8), it is a lot more detailed. I think it's the highs that have made the most difference, they are more detailed, crisper and cleaner than the Aune and much smoother than the STX. Overall the M & V stack seems to be a really good match for the HD 650's and because of that I haven't stopped grinning.
As for what headphones I'll use, it will just be the HD 650, AKG K702 and DT 990 pro, all of which are high impedance so no worries about the noise floor.
I think I'm going to be very happy with this setup for quite some time.
What you gonna do with the AUNE T1?
Soldato
It's sitting in it's box as a backup at the moment though I may use it off my laptop in the bedroom
Associate
I've already got about six hours on the little stack so far and am actually extremely impressed.
Initially I had a problem with the Modi, it was picking up a lot of interference but I solved that by moving my router - totally silent now.
The Vali initially had awful channel imbalance, I had to push the MusicBee balance slider 40% to the right to centre things up. Strange thing is after a couple of hours that had dropped to 20% and it's now at 10% and still dropping, so I'm hoping that it will disappear after a little more burn in.
As for microphonics, I have a very small amount but it only happens when I first put the headphone jack in or really thump the case and disappears after 5 to 10 seconds anyway.
Absolutely loving the sound, compared with the Aune and the STX the bass is a lot punchier and cleaner and while the midrange isn't quite as smooth and creamy as with the Aune (with Mullard 6DJ8), it is a lot more detailed. I think it's the highs that have made the most difference, they are more detailed, crisper and cleaner than the Aune and much smoother than the STX. Overall the M & V stack seems to be a really good match for the HD 650's and because of that I haven't stopped grinning.
As for what headphones I'll use, it will just be the HD 650, AKG K702 and DT 990 pro, all of which are high impedance so no worries about the noise floor.
I think I'm going to be very happy with this setup for quite some time.
As long as your happy, that's all that really matters
If you do continue to have channel imbalance issues, send it back for a replacement. Usually it's just an issue with one of the tubes but since they're soldered on they're a pita to replace (and I believe Schiit will void the warranty if you try). If you got yours from Electromod, just email Mark, he's a pretty decent guy.
Associate
Don't hold your breath but I might be willing to organize some kind of tour with my Vali (it's basically just sitting collecting dust at the moment).
Associate
Finally picked up some balanced cables
Soldato
So does balanced sound better than unbalanced?
Associate
It must do, if it looks better it surely must sound better
I will be interested to hear a more sensible answer though.
Soldato
I would also like to know more about these cables, NP - particularly those on your LCDs, and how they compare to Audeze's stock
Soldato
well according to science balanced is only important over distance. but i have no idea 
and am also interested
but they do look fantastic as do those headphones.
and am also interested but they do look fantastic as do those headphones.
Soldato
I know that balanced is mostly useful in studios for recording as it apparently reduces the susceptibility to noise but for short runs in an audiophile setup I'm somewhat sceptical.
Soldato
Probably easier to start a new thread
What are your listening preferences? ie. type of music, are you a bass head, that kind of thing.
Also, what are your source components going to be? ie. PC, soundcard, DAC, Amp, etc.
What are your listening preferences? ie. type of music, are you a bass head, that kind of thing.
Also, what are your source components going to be? ie. PC, soundcard, DAC, Amp, etc.
Both are excellent. The HD650 is warmer, mellower with a more fluffy low end. It's quite bassy with a very nice mid range. It's detailed and quite accurate with it's image. Vocals are fantastic but for faster music it's not the best.
The HD600 is warm but not as warm. Mids sound more balanced with the bass and treble. It's lush, warm and relaxing to listen to. It has a better sense of speed and snap than the 650. I think technically the 650 is more resolving but the HD600 is more extended in the treble. They are similar, I think the HD600 is a better all rounder though but I prefer the HD650. I do like listening to the HD600 more though as it's more genre friendly.