HDVA600 deals, questions

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by Ty89m, Feb 28, 2016.

  1. Ty89m

    Ty89m New

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    With some new HD800 S soon to be headed my way (when Jan gets more stock) I'm looking into investing in another amp for them. Taking the advice of those with more knowledge here, I've currently got the Bifrost 4490 and Valhalla 2 (which I'm loving with my HD650's)

    With the discontinuation of the HDVA600 I can get into one for around $850-950 and am 1. wondering if it's worth it over the Valhalla 2 (would like to give SS a try)

    and 2. Is running HDVA600 with the Bifrost 4490 worthwhile seeings as my Bifrost is not balanced and would be running RCA to HDVA600?

    Anything to be gained running the balanced headphone cable from HDVA600 -> HD800 S if not running a fully balanced system?

    I'd consider upgrading to a DAC with balanced outs down the road, but would like to stick with Bifrost 4490 for a bit longer.

    Thanks!
     
  2. Thomas Crown

    Thomas Crown New

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    Question, where do you had this info about the discontinuation of the hdva 600?
     
  3. kirayamato

    kirayamato Friend

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    from what i heard you need to run balanced on the hdva 600 for max performance so you would be better of staying as is and valhalla 2 should perform great I would recommend you splurge on the black widow as that is really good bang for the buck
     
  4. Priidik

    Priidik MOT: Estelon

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    The HDVA 600 is meant to be used balanced output wise. Input can be se for goog results. Keep in mind that it wont be much use to anything but hi z Sennheisers and Beyers. It has some tube-like qualities but lacks in dynamics, transient edge and resolution compared to best. It's unoffensive and has some foggyness going on in upper midrange to low treble that hides some HD800 flaws. All things considered it wont press on HD800 strenghts enough, at least it didn't for me.
     
  5. Ty89m

    Ty89m New

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    Thanks guys, I intend to stick with the Sens for the time being, so can tailor as amp to those particular headphones. HD650 and HD800 S (when it arrives). Sounds like I wouldn't be gaining a whole heck of a lot buy dropping $900 on the HDVA600 if I've already got the Valhalla 2. Perhaps I should continue saving and make this a worthwhile upgrade. Who knows, maybe my new HD800 S will be just fine with my Val 2 and I'll be content (but we all know how that goes!)
     
  6. Ty89m

    Ty89m New

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    Various websites are showing it and discontinued and no longer available - also, Headroom (headphone.com) is local for me in Bozeman, and they confirmed as well. Sounds like they'll only be offering the HDVD800 from here on out, so was going to take advantage of some deals as I heard its a decent pairing with the 800's.
     
  7. techboy

    techboy New

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    Not that I've tried any of these, but why not also consider the Mojo 2. You'll have tubes and LISST, so very versatile. And you get balanced outputs as well.
     
  8. Ty89m

    Ty89m New

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    I will certainly consider it, especially with the 15 day trial - though I've heard it's not the best pairing with the HD800. Problem is though, no one but me will be able to make that call, and with how difficult it is auditioning gear there's no real easy way to find out. Do like the Schiit gear, and loved reading Jasons "Schiit Story". For now may send my Biforst in for MB upgrade, and have ordered a Botlehead Crack + SB to toy around with. HD800S have shipped so will see how I get on with the Val 2 for time being and go from there.
     
  9. Psalmanazar

    Psalmanazar Most improved member; A+

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    I don't know if it's being discontinued. Remember the HD 600/650 being discontinued rumors from years ago? Amazon was sold out of the HDVA 600 and just got another in stock. So who knows. Maybe it's just out of stock at Sennheiser USA's warehouse and they need to get more from Germany? Maybe they just want to do a new black SKU to jack the price back up to the $1700 MSRP for the black HD 800S instead of the standard around 1000 retail/street price? Who knows.
     

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