Thanks for the input!
It’s definitely a synergy issue:
DAC2 (neutral-bright) + v550 (neutral-warm) + HD800s (bright)
Right now, I have the HD800s and Focal Clear OG. I can get an enjoyable pairing with the Clear using my warmest-sounding cable. This doesn’t apply to the HD800s. It sounds great, but it doesn’t grab me, and I keep skipping tracks.
Im assuming by DAC2 you mean Alpha Series 2 rather than Weissdac, and im also asuming youre using a good DDC.
This probably falls over budget but it might be worth it, have you considered Denafrips?
Moreso than a recommendation im curious on whetever youve considered them and why.
Ares II and Pontus II were in my opinion too “rich” and “hazy”, they were a lot harder to paor than say BF2; but I think the pontus 12th and 15th might just be what your looking for.
It seems like they learned something from schiit since these new models sound like they took a ton of inspiration from them.
With 2nd gen denafrips you would sacrifice a good chunk of detail and clean presentation vs schiits mainly because of Frips’ hazyness and in order to get more warmth and fun but they changed.
Pontus 15th is seriously great even new at $2000 retail.
People must really be enjoying them, since in 7+ months I havnt seen a single Pontus 15 used, I think they should be about $1500 when they do come out. 12th are arouns $1300 and $1400.
My friend got his v550 which to be honest is pretty flexible even with cheaper dacs, but that lead to the illusion that because it sounded good on random dacs and I had to convince him to upgrade, pontus 15th + v550 is absolute fire; again for us not ready for a rockna/mojo yet.