Merrick

I've had both (not at the same time though), and while I enjoyed the HD600's I do prefer the modded HD650's. New authentic pads are well worth it, and I found the HD650 headband pad to be much more comfortable than the HD600's (HD600's headband pad caused a pressure point on the top of my head).

You know, you could 'abuse' Amazon/Best Buy/BH/whatever return policy.... ;-)

@TRex I'd sooner borrow someone's pair or bring my amp to them for testing.

@jowls I just looked the Decas up, the pricing in the IEM sector is nuts.

@Merrick no doubt. It's getting worse. Price:performance recommendation for IEMs definitely goes to UE4.

@jowls The UE4 has been recommended several times here recently. Tempted to try to get some impressions done in LA at UE next time I'm down there.

Congrats! Unpacking is my least favorite part. Until I realize we still have to hang curtains...

Portland for the win. Been thinking we need to have a meet up here for a while.

@SoupRKnowva Oh, it's on!

Welcome to PDX....Do I smell a mini meet?

Between this and USB-free audio from low power linux devices, this is really a fantastic time for digital audio.

I also have and enjoy a RPi 2 for audio, though i havent hooked it back up since I got back from Korea, once that new SPDIF hat comes out I will

Modi Multibit is super good. Very balanced and seamless.

Ugh, well Volumio isn't without its own bugs.

as I've heard 2.5 of the 3 DACs, prediction: Gold- Momby. Silver- GO2A. Bronze- dual 4490 module. but don't let that sway you. ;-)

Having heard the original GOV2 and the Joti DAC, and a Bifrost Multibit, I suspect you'll be correct. The question is will I need the gold medalist or can I be satisfied with silver?

I just spoke with the buyer of my Bifrost Multibit, and that will be staying with me long enough to join the comparison. I'm going to be so sick of switching inputs by the end of this it's not even funny.

Poor pairing with Jotun, I agree. Will be interested to see what you think of them on my rig in November.

I came to the same conclusions, Merrick. The thing is... bass.

@TMoney Unfortunately I won't be making it to the November meet. :(

Haha saw that! I'm guessing that means Jotunheim was impressive enough? Can't wait for the comparison between its DAC and Modi Multibit.

The Joti ticks so many boxes for me, it would have had to really fall flat on its face for me to pass on it. The most important thing about it to me was how well it played with the HD600 and I'm happy to report it passed that test with flying colors.

http://sd.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/i/keep-calm-and-Gungnir Multibit-on.png

But Bifrost Multibit with the Valhalla 2 is spectacular.

This happens to me from time to time. Just a psychological thing, I suspect. But I'll take it!

I agree, I think it is psychological, because the effect goes away when I begin to focus on other things.

Once and a while I will be in just the right state of mind and the music grabs me like never before. Best tweak in audio can't be regularly reproduced...

Nice gift.

Must be a good friend. I just hope that he appreciates how good the Vali 2 is! The problem with giving someone good Schiit out of the gate is that they don't have any context with which to differentiate between it and components of inferior quality. Gaining that perspective can be pricey, but it's a worthwhile aspect of the experience in its own right.

He's one of my best friends, is one of three people I know IRL with musical tastes that closely match mine. We're going to see PJ Harvey live tomorrow and since he's just getting into audiophilia right now I wanted to start him off right. He is giving me three of the Beatles mono vinyl reissues in exchange so it's not totally altruistic. ;)

Interesting, I've only spent significant time with all BA IEMs.

Find myself needing more meat on them bones, more often than not. Almost pulled the trigger on a Spartan, but past lack of enthusiasm for the Supra stayed my hand. Demoed Jupiter and thought it was okay.

For the most part I like the Spartans, gobs and gobs of resolution, but yeah not the most bass in the world and some piercing highs sometimes.

Is your hd650 your daily driver? I plan on having a VS between my Modi Multibit/Vali2 and Bifrost4490/Valhalla2. Just waiting on the Modi Multibit to arrive.

HD600

I decided to hold onto my Valhalla 2 as originally planned. Spending time with both, I just end up enjoying the Valhalla 2 more with the HD600. And I have the ALO Rx Mk.III-B for my orthos and IEMs, which makes the Vali 2 superfluous.

The 2011 ape of the former? I should get that 2014 CD.

What do you think of the more recent Big Big Train releases?

2016 reissues of both albums, but Skylarking does use the 2010/2011 polarity corrected mastering.

I have not heard the Big Big Train releases.

And discovered I already had a few more mono records than I realized!

Sadly despite having an account I don't have access. Is that locked to people with a certain number of posts?

Oh, hmm. I'm not sure.

Iron Maiden time is a good time \m/!

Good luck!

@Smitty Thank you!

@Mystic I agree. However, I actually have an easier time picking apart DACs over amps. I'm sure I'm not the only one? Especially since people always harp that the chain of importance goes transducer > amp > DAC > source, I find that DAC > amp.

I found the difference between the GOV2 and the Bifrost Multibit to be immediate, but I'm not sure I'd necessarily find the difference between a Bifrost Multibit and Gungnir Multibit, or Gungnir Multibit and Yggdrasil as obvious. The difference between the Vali 2 and Valhalla 2 was obvious too, but it wasn't night and day.

And I agree that the Vali 2 is a remarkable amp for its price point, given that it can handle anything from IEMs to TOTL planars without collapsing. There are better amps out there, but for the money the Vali 2 is an incredible deal.