The All Purpose Advice Thread

I'm thinking of upgrading from the BiMB in my main speaker system to the Yggdrasil. The input is fed from a Marantz SA8005 via coax and the output is single ended to a tube preamp (Dynaco PAS4 that I upgraded/refurbished, which feeds into a SE 300B amp). The issue with the BiMB is that it is slightly lacking in mids and dynamic range on some recordings. The Marantz feeding analog to the preamp directly fares better in both aspects, and actually quite better when it comes to dynamic range. (Of course, both fall short compared to the TT feeding the preamp.) If it weren't for the killer staging of the BiMB, I would have simply gotten rid of it in the system. The Marantz is no slouch here, but the BiMB has extra depth in its staging (think Z-dimension). Basically, on some recordings the BiMB wins and on others the Marantz wins, and the problem is that it is a priori difficult to decide which one is going to perform better on a given CD. Finally, the sound signature is so different between the two, both me and my wife can easily tell (blind) which one is feeding the system.

So, I can upgrade to the GuMB, but based on @atomicbob 's observations, the two DACs are quite similar when it comes to SE output. Is Yggdrasil then the way to go here?

Thanks!

 

Hi can anyone give some input on how mjolnir 2 compares to torpedo iii especially for hd650 and some efficient planars? things im wondering are which is more resolving and what are the differences in tonality.

 

It's not from my own experience, but I recall someone saying something along those lines. Using the GOv2's balanced outputs for a dac sounds like a hassle to me.

 

I'm currently deliberating between the Schiit Ragnarok and the Eddie Current Black Widow (with balanced Cinemag input transformers). Headphones I have: Audeze LCD-2.2 (non-fazor), Sennheiser HD650 & HD800. In your opinion, which one would give the better listening experience? In your opinion, which one should I choose to purchase as my "end-game" amp? I have Yggdrasil as a source.

Costs:
BW with balanced Cinemag input transformers: $1589
Schiit Ragnarok: $1699

 

BW. Especially with the LCD-2.2.

 

Anyone else grab an HD598 "special edition" during Amazon's lightning deal for it? I got one for my kid, but I don't know, it kind of sounds shittier than I remember the ugly one sounded when I tried it a couple of years ago... it did pass Sennheiser's online counterfeit check.

 

Either/both could be the case I suppose.

Of course my kid was overjoyed nonetheless, she was like "it's amazing, it sounds like they're performing all around me!" so it's still a win.

 

Are there any SBAF approved portable/transportable amps capable of appropriately and pleasantly driving the HD650? Right now, I've got a HD650 at home, HD600 in the office. I could go for 2x Schiit Magni U. Other option is the GO V2, but honestly, it looks kind of fragile, I don't always have my laptop open, don't have balanced cables yet, etc.

 

Would you say that the Schiit Ragnarok's presentation is more precise/exacting/true to source and would give a better listening experience for well recorded tracks than the EC Black Widow though?

 

You could wait for the new GOV2+ to start shipping in larger numbers and see what comes up for sale. All metal now, so should be more durable than the 3D printed chassis. Plus you get the benefit of the battery and easier use with a phone as a source. I'd offer to sell you the one that is supposed to be coming to me, but I have no idea when it will ship.

 

What's a fair price for HD 580?

 

I liked the HD650 with my Oppo HA-2 quite a bit, although it's something I only used for one evening recently as I don't usually have the 650 at work (maybe I should tho...). I'll defer to more seasoned 650 owners though, only had mine 2 weeks.

 

I'm pretty terrible at comparing soundstage. The BW is more resolving and warmer/fuller than the Rag, though.

 

I grabbed these. Over all, they sound pretty good to me. Their tonal signature is, in broad terms, very similar to the hd6x0, and I find that very pleasant. Compared to the hd650, the 650 is like taking the 598 and bringing it into finer focus, by a couple clicks or more. I notice this most on treble, such as violins. Violins can sound more indistinct, almost like a bell ringing rather than a string, on the 598. But basically overall, the 598 is just a bit "fuzzier" in resolution than 650. At least to my ears. I have never heard the ugly one to compare to.

Edit: I also have the hd558, and the 598 is noticeably better in every way.

 

Wish I could hear it together with HD800S

 

OK. My impression was brand new right out of the box, and today I let it play for several hours today on iPad song repeat (burn in, never know).

I vaguely remember comparing the original one to the HD600 and while I liked the wide soundstage of the HD598, I was more interested in the more real-sounding and relative neutralness of the HD600.

Anyone hear the HD-26 Pro? I like that straight out of iDevice in a pinch when sounds needs to be blocked out. Yes I'm a Senny slut.