Calling all Audiophiles

[cerberus]

For those interested, I've started a Sennheiser import thread, which can be found here: Sennheiser Import

 

[must4rdgas]

What source are you running them on at the moment?

Essence STX.

Considering a pre amp, or possible the Essence One pre amp/DAC.

Also a place in Cape Town have valve pre amps for around R2k for a decent one.

Either that, or I'll just stick with the Essence STX. Only reason I'd upgrade is because apparently it's under-powering the HD650's.

 

[Ko7Ad]

so just for interest sake, how do those HD650 compare to HD25's?

 

[Fishfly]

so just for interest sake, how do those HD650 compare to HD25's?

hahahaahaha you comparing one of the second tier headphones to an standard level headphone?

That's like comparing a Toyota to a Aston Martin

Here's a great site to compare headphones:

Head-Fi.org - Headphone forums and reviews for audiophiles

 

[cerberus]

so just for interest sake, how do those HD650 compare to HD25's?

The hd650 has a much larger dynamic range than the HD25, deeper bass, calmer mid range and clearer highs.

The 650 is also open ended vs the hd25 being closed headphones. That results in a more natural, airy sound than the 25, with a much wider soundstage and better separation of instruments in the recording.

The 650 is much more comfortable than the 25, has bigger earpads and a softer headband.

The 650 is also more laid back than the 25 and without proper amplification, can sound dull on faster music.

 

[AmB3r]

Yep, can't really compare the two, they have completely different applications for use. I saw a guy selling HD595's now, albeit a bit expensive. Might be importing the HD598's in a month or so

 

[cerberus]

Just remember that the 595's has been discontinued by Sennheiser and replaced by the HD598.

So that means they are going to get vintage soon, hence the slightly inflated price

 

[AmB3r]

598 > 595, it's very sexy. Only reason I'd 595's would be if the price fitted my pocket + I'm way too lazy to import. If I did import though, it would probably be 598/650 + D2000 and just get all my needs sorted simultaneously.

 

[cerberus]

Just a small update:

I'm auditioning a little dot I soon to replace my Xonar ST.

I'll post my impressions with it as soon as I can.

 

[arf]

Awesome cerberus, cant wait to see what you think. My HD598's are currently running on a Xonar D1 (non amplified), but im also very keen on getting a DAC/AMP.

 

[cerberus]

@Arf

I'm going to test them out later today

I'd recommend first going for a higher end xonar (St or Stx), as the 598 doesn't benefit greatly from amplification, but the difference from onboard is massive already

 

[arf]

Ah okay, awesome.

Yeah the diff between my Xonar D1 and onboard is night and day. Perhaps with your little DAC, you might be willing to let go of your ST? ^_^

 

[AmB3r]

The Little Dot is just an AMP afaik.

 

[cerberus]

@arf

The little dot I've got (picked it up this afternoon) is only an amp, but there are dac models available.

My Xonar ST is still in for RMA, with a return estimate date only being in March

 

[cerberus]

Here's a few pics of my latest addition: (higher quality pics to follow tomorrow)

Introducing the Little Dot I

 

[must4rdgas]

Price?

 

[cerberus]

Price?

I got the little dot second hand off the forum, pm me if you want the price for it

 

[cerberus]

Finally, my little dot has shipped

And I found something very special for my HD650 today, crossing all my fingers and toes that I get it

 

[must4rdgas]

And I found something very special for my HD650 today, crossing all my fingers and toes that I get it

 

[cerberus]

I'll lift the veil in just under 3 days

But at least the little dot is on its way, can't wait for it!

 

[cerberus]

Sad sad day, I lost an auction for a Zu Mobius MK2 cable, almost had it for a song

O well, saves me a few R for my DAC.

 

[g0nt4du]

Sad sad day, I lost an auction for a Zu Mobius MK2 cable, almost had it for a song

O well, saves me a few R for my DAC.

Bid or Buy or eBay? You should use a bid scheduler for eBay!

 

[cerberus]

Ebay, the auction is still ongoing, just too rich for my blood now. It's already at $250+

 

[g0nt4du]

Ebay, the auction is still ongoing, just too rich for my blood now. It's already at $250+

Use a bid scheduler and there you can set how much maximum you're willing to pay and it'll put it in in last few seconds if the price hasn't already exceeded what you'd like to pay! Then sit back. It works like a charm!

 

[The Philosopher]

How did they only calculate the vat @ R260?

 

[cerberus]

I present to you: The little dot MK III


Another shot Ah, I love those golden tubes!


Back panel shot. Every connector feels solid and is really high quality.


I got the unit for a song off ebay, brand new and shipped to sa Tax free in 7 days!

The build quality is just magnificent, everything looks/feels weighty and very expensive The machining is excellent and I have yet to find a physical flaw with the unit.

Once I switched it on a few things immediately became noticeable:

For one, the tubes started to glow, which is a good sign btw


Next there was a distinct hum/whine while the unit was powered on, which I've traced to an emi issue with the Xonar I use.

Sound wise I've yet to get a hour of listening in with it, so I'm reserving my review till I've got at least 50+ hours on it (excluding burn in).

I'll start experimenting with the gain switches once the unit has burned in.

Now all that's missing from my life is its twin sister: The little dot DAC_1 (Can I hear a hell yes for balanced?)

PS I'll post better pics once I get my hands on that elusive dslr.

 

[cerberus]

@ The Philosopher Customs are extremely lazy The past few times I've imported items (amp/cables) they've just taken the declared value without inspection of the items and multiplied it with 14%, not that I'm complaining

 

[Cyzer]

VERY nice! Ditch the xonar and import an Auzentech Hometheater HD audio card.

 

[cerberus]

I'm going to try for a little dac I, just need to negotiate with the seller a bit first I'm not really interested in another soundcard.

 

[Cyzer]

I'm going to try for a little dac I, just need to negotiate with the seller a bit first I'm not really interested in another soundcard.

True that, once you go dac there's no going back