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HD800s DacAmp Advice, Balanced worth it? (Using onboard rn)

Discussion in 'Advice Threads' started by Manjeet Kandohla, Dec 7, 2020.

  1. Manjeet Kandohla

    Manjeet Kandohla New

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    Currently using an ALC1220A on an Asus B450F motherboard.

    I really like the look of the element 2 due to the metal construction and big knob.

    Is balanced worth it that much on them? Element 2 isn't balanced though and I got the hd800s with the 4.4 balanced connector.

    Budget let's say under 400 but the lower the better.

    Thanks
     
    Manjeet Kandohla, Dec 7, 2020
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  2. dncnexus

    dncnexus Friend

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    Since you asked me why I disliked, I will link the relevant threads.

    https://www.superbestaudiofriends.o...purpose-advice-thread.19/page-501#post-328099

    https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/new-members-introduce-yourself.17/

    https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/what-is-sbaf-10-articles-for-behavior.5555/

    You have not made an introduction post yet, there is a all purpose advice thread for this type of questions, and you need to review the behavior best practices.

    You are creating threads for no reason that just messy up the threads when there are already places to post that. You would have known that if you read the introduction threads.

    Hope that explains my reasoning.
     
    dncnexus, Dec 7, 2020
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  3. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    There are amps that will better take advantage of the HD800S' capabilities for less than $400. Think of this as a 2020 recommended amps for HD800S list for under $400.

    Project Horizon: warm and thick tone
    Vali 2+: neutral with a bit of tube bloom
    SWT51: neutral and transparent with small tube bloom, harder to obtain
    Magni 3+: (if you want SS)

    However, you like the big knob on the Element, get the big knob. Balanced doesn't matter at this level. In most instances, balanced is mostly a gimmick designed to trick noobs.
     
    Last edited: Dec 7, 2020
    purr1n, Dec 7, 2020
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  4. atomicbob

    atomicbob dScope Yoda

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    I wonder how much of the tube bloom is due to combination of output impedance and output type:
    Output Impedance / type:
    Project Horizon: selectable 1.5 / 3.5 / 120 R - hybrid with capacitor coupling
    Vali2+ 1.54 R - hybrid with capacitor coupling
    SW51+ 54 R - transformer
    Magni3+ 0.2 R - DC coupled

    Also wonder if Project Horizon thick tone comes from 12V plate voltage as opposed to 60V plate voltage for Vali2+.
     
    atomicbob, Dec 7, 2020
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