Apogee Element 24 Dac/Headphone amp

I needed something to record my vinyl with and also wanted to try something different with my HD650s (current drive head amp). It's thunderbolt 2 only with no physical controls - I am fine with this as I wanted to use it strictly with my Macbook.

My other gear is Woo WA8, ifi Nano iDSD and Sound Devices Mixpre 6.

So how does the Element sound through my HD650? Unlike anything else I've heard - in a good way. At first I was worried it was a bit lean (i like things warmish), but it's not, it's just neutral.

I'm reviewing this as DAC>Head amp>HD650s only

Pros
* Its very resolving and clear, details are vivid but presented smoothly. it's Sabre but well implemented - I can't detect sharp/nastyness/glare/digitus.

* I'm sure It fucks with the frequency curve of the HD650 - the plump mid bass is squashed, sub bass is added (which is delicious and tighter than a butler's cuff) and mids opened up, top treble extended a bit. I like it. Is this the current drive?

* Seems to grip the HD650s and control it unlike anything else I've heard (Woo WA8 maybe close, but different sound) - it opens it up and turns it into a different headphone essentially for me. I always heard the HD650s as a slightly plump, bit lazy and a friendly hp out of solid state. The Element turns it into a precision instrument - just feels like everything is flattened out, soundstage becomes large and focused, frequency extends on both ends etc - smooth and not harsh however. I can easily discern the loudness levels between instruments for example without straining.

* Black background, calmness and no digitus - all instruments have their space and silence around them. It's difficult to describe this, it's both clear and relaxed at the same time. Where I feel my Woo Audio WA8 blunts some of the edges to make things sound more relaxed, the Element shows you those edges (only if they are there in the source) but they don't hurt.

* Not your typical blunt tool studio interface - I do feel it adds a touch of romance/smoothness to the conversion compared to other "pro" sources I've tried.

Cons
* No physical controls, but software controls are well implemented (mac volume controls work). Apogee's focus was sound quality, so I'm fine they saved costs on hardware buttons and knobs.

* Doesn't sound great with balanced armatures - dry, can be lean. I assume output impedance is high.. IEmatch works ok

* Doesn't hide audio imperfections - it doesn't rip your head off but you will hear them if they're there.

* I do wish maybe for a touch more warmth.. just a touch

I'm pleased with it, I wasn't expecting this level of performance with my HD650s, eventhough ultimately I prefer my Woo WA8, the Element gives me something else when I want a more accurate listening experience. As a bonus I also get a high quality digitising solution for my vinyl rig. For the price of around $550 I think it's a good deal

Has anyone else had a chance to hear it?