Thanks for the kind words, I’ll be sure to update here when I get new pieces
I try not to get too attached to my gear and am more than happy to let stuff go once I get something better, but if I decide to stick to estat only, it will be bittersweet.
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I need to share this here, just tried a bass port mod on the HE6se v2 and i am blown away by the results. Took me 5 minutes to complete the mod, just remove the pads, apply 2 layers of a thick double sided tape (i used gorilla’s) on top of the hooks and attach the pads back on using only the double sided tape glue.
This mod creates a gap between the cups and the pads allowing the membranes to move without the resistance from a seal, it is similar to what the Abyss 1266 does, not all planars have a resonance peak in the low end like these two but for the 1266 and the HE6 this works like a charm!
For real, if you like bass slam just try this! The bass on my HE6 now is only second to the 1266. Keep in mind this causes a big rolloff on subbass, so there is a tradeoff but i am happy to pay that price myself, it will depend on the style of music you listen to.
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@krack we expect a 25k word breakdown of different gap sizes on 4-screw and 6-screw by EOD
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… nah
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In case anyone is interested in what the mod does to the frequency response, here is the result. It is pretty similar to what breaking the seal on the Abyss 1266 does.
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I am really impressed with the recently aquired Norne Vygarde. Its given the HE6se some added treble extension as well as bringing the mids slightly forward to a very nice effect. Also, improved bass giving a bit more grip. Over-all I’d also say detail retrieval has improved - Not quite Susvara or HEKv2 detail but very very nice indeed. With all aspects combined together it (HE6se) is pretty impressive actually.
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I think the HE6 is the best bang for the buck in this hobby for those with powerful enough amps, really extraordinary.
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I’d love to get an Arya at some point, loved the way it sounded and fit/felt. Plasticky? Great. It was light as hell and I was not nervous. I have a range of other cans. These would be used in my office where I have a BF2 that I intend to keep as THE DAC. I have a Lake People G111 that I’m enjoying lots for high-Z headphones which can end up on the SE output of BF2.
I run an Asgard 3 as the main amp now, and that’s what I’d look to upgrade. I’d like this piece to accept XLR in, and work well with lower-Z headphones (Arya, Clear) well. It needs to function as a preamp, do not want a dac built-in it. I’d love if it could output XLR and RCA at the same time, would adore if it accepted multiple analog inputs (one XLR, one RCA just fine). Simple is better for me, and I understand compromise from some of these things will happen — XLR in and some type of preout is a must. What should I tune into?
I can’t keep up with all the old/new Violectric models, but that’s something I’ve thought about (I guess V550 would be the current model I’d be looking at?). Burson Soloist 3x. Jot 2 would be the floor - I do like Schiit aesthetic/build and seems this has an agreeable feature-set for me. Who am I missing? Soundwise - I’d be looking for something to play some counterbalance to the G111, but I think suitability for lower-Z applications is the foremost thing I’m worried about. I’ve always tended to like neutral-bright type headphones and a touch thicker-warmer source chain equipment, but I’m very open. I pray not to rise above HFM Arya (future), have Clear, 8xx. Also have HD600, HD6xx, DT880-600Ω, 560v4, Sundara, T50rp mk3, AKG K340, K712, SR225e, SR60, etc etc etc. I have lots of other headphone amps, so this specific role as the main headamp/preamp alt to G111 where I spend my most time listening (unfortunately) is that flavor of day.
You wanted a shorted post? Too bad! Help me help me help me.
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What about a used bryston bha-1? Excellent value, and a great pairing with the og arya (and most of the headphones you have actually), and would likely be an an amp you would enjoy. I also think a used v281 would be a very solid pick if you like the g111 but wanted better performance with a bit more of a warmer lean (also a good pairing with most of your headphones). I will say though, I personally think these 2 amps don’t pair the best with the bf2 since imo it gets a bit too warm and soft for my preferences. The v550 or 380 (although not heard that one) would likely be a better match for the bf2 and be a more balanced pairing.
While I do like the soloist, I think the aforementioned amps would rather be my preference unless you wanted a very strong focus on grip, control, and impact and slam (and I wouldn’t exactly call it warm either)
I also think if you could find a used auralic taurus mk2, they can be a really solid value and would pair well with most of your headphones. Also, while I wouldn’t call the amp warm, I do see them getting pretty cheap and good value used these days, the gsx mini could potentially be worth consideration although I might worry about some brightness
You didn’t really mention a budget, but I’d assume it’s more around the 1-1.5k range new or used being able to push to around 2k, although I don’t know if spending more than 2k on an amp here makes sense in this situation. Do you have any specific sonic goals you are looking to hit with this new amp outside of the functional ones?
Or did I entirely misread this and you are looking at another amp within the similar range as the g111 lol
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Having had both a v281 and a BF2 at at one point I am going to +1 what M0N said. It was not as bad for me as others report but there was just something about it that said, try another DAC. On the other hand I currently have a v550 and by chance another BF2 that I tired together, and they went along nicely. I can easily see running the BF2 as the DAC with that amp if I did not have another already and a use for the BF2 elsewhere.
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I really liked the Arya with the GS-X Mini, seems to be in budget. Used prices are close to $1K which is amazing value imo
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Adding-to-list! They look awesome.
The 281 looks like it might be a good all-purpose amp that would be duplicative/override the G111.
I do think that certain pairings (R70x) from BF2/G111 already have come across a bit too husky already.
Seems like the newer Vio’s made having broad input/output options more expensive than before.
I think you’re dead-on, I’m fairly open from $400 to that upper-range you mention - always looking for a deal of course. I do not think it makes sense to go past this range, hell — it probably doesn’t make SENSE for me to be discussing this range - but alas. Sonically, because I’d like to utilize it with a headphone I don’t yet own - it’s hard to make demands. I think an amp that does well with microdetail, natural timbre, speed, space and instrument separation are in order - probably lean a little more analytical with this one in perfect world. I’m not treble averse, and not much of a bass-head.
A lot of GS-X Mini recs. I had very limited time using it and was not blown away from a touch/feel perspective and I wouldn’t say that I had time to assess its own audio properties much. I’d be willing to look again, it does seem like a feature set that makes sense. It comes in a garish green color too. I haven’t looked into its sonic virtues enough to understand its position in the spectrum.
If I’m actually thinking in the future, the thing I said that I should actually get is the circumaural Raal I liked so much. They make the little transistor box (T1-1a) that lets them function off of standard amps. I should be smart and buy an amp that would at least allow that to run to full function.
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Yeah that would be more a replacement
Well, the newer ones aside from the signature change also got a bump in technical ability, and that’s really more what you are paying for there
I would agree on going past, but I think the headphones you have can definitely take advantage of this sort of gear
Gotcha, well out of that list then I do think new violectric and bryston fit that bill pretty well, although I do think they are more neutral warmer leaning than analytical (moreso the bryston, the new vio would likely fit your desired signature better).
Gotcha gotcha, sound wise I’d personally call it a more analytical amp, slightly bright, but it is also reasonably dense and has some warmth, kinda almost v shaped to me lol. Focuses more on depth than width stage wise, a more macrodynamic focus, pretty well detailed, great speed and separation, good timbre. I do find it kinda jarring when it comes to both dynamics and stage that give it a more flat feel to me, but it still has solid characteristics and would pair pretty well with your bf2 as well, think it’s still worth looking into
Can’t really comment on that, but I guess it would have to be powerful then lol
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Then perhaps consider the ifi iCan Signature Pro amp. It’s got some nice stuff going for it as well.
While I haven’t heard the signature, personally I didn’t think the original pro was up to snuff compared to some of the aforementioned options, but it does have every feature you might want, hopefully the signature was a good performance bump over the original
Haven’t heard the original but the Signature will play nicely with the Arya and the Sennies for sure and does offer a lot or options to play around with. It can also serve as a good start for higher end headphones if it gets to it although I wouldn’t stick with it for long if he ends up going over the Arya.
In the under $2K personally I’d still take the gsx fot the Arya, I really loved that amp and will own one again for sure
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The new G111 mkII is out. I dotn think is going to be much of a difference though.
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Def interesting to see what that offers, same with the new g103s, I’d like to hear both, although I’m not in a big rush to do so, wonder what’s changed sound wise
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I’m inclined to agree - I got mine for $499 from the latest Adorama sale and I’m pairing it with my SMSL D1se DAC and Schiit Ragnarok 2. I know I haven’t scratched the surface on good amps/pairings but the Ragnarok powers it sufficiently and I’m really blown away by how musical they are. Just a really great all-around headphone. As much as I love Focal’s dynamic drivers, I’m at the point where I’m just not sure you can beat well-implemented planars.
My biggest gripe - always - with HiFiMan is their build quality. Using the same headband as on their lowest tier offerings is ridiculous, there’s no way they can justify the MSRP on this thing. But the sound is absolutely awesome.
While we’re at it, anyone have any DAC suggestions? I would be lying if I said I didn’t want a little more “umph” in the bass - unfortunately I sold my BF2 some time ago. I could grab another one if it’s a great pairing with the Rag and the HE6se, but I’m prepared to go to a higher tier if the payoff in sound is justified.
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If you plan to stick with the Rag, you really might as well go with a yggy og a2 lol, really kinda perfect match there. Considering you can find them used around the 1.6 range sometimes or a bit higher depending on the usb card, it’s a no brainier if you’re after bass impact and fun
Another option that’s awesome for bass is a rockna wavelight but that’s another price class and I don’t know if I’d make that step yet lol
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