Not yet, looking at the bottle head
Cool. IMO a tube amp is needed to fully appreciate the 6XX.
2 Likes
I’m new to this and looking to buy HD6xx. I currently have a audioquest cobalt > meze 12 classics iem running from iPhone using Tidal. I’m looking to go to headphones and have pretty much decided 6xx over Meze noir to get closer to audiophile ($200 budget). Keeping setup of phone and dac. I want a good clear rich smooth sound but not looking for a surgical amp (like THX amps). Looking at these three amps:
-
Drop Cavalli CTH: really like the idea of hybrid cause I want a tubish sound but some clarity from solid state.
-
Schiit Asgard 3: No tube but really impressed from the reviews of power and sound for the price.
-
Schiit Valhalla 2: This was originally out of my price range but I’m really thinking about splurging. Most reviews rate it very well on tube sound, clarity and versatility pushing most cans/iems.
I really think the Valhalla is what I’m looking for but can’t personally test anything locally. Opinions please…
Hi! And welcome to HiFiGuides!
The 6xx is a really solid headphone. IMO, it really comes alive on a tube. I’m a bit torn on my recommendation here, honestly. The 6xx sounds amazing on a tube but jumping right to a tube amp, especially an OTL tube amp, could limit you if you wish to explore other headphones beyond the 6xx. If you think you’re heading down the exploration path, the Asgard 3 would be my pick. It will push any $500 and under headphone extremely well and still sound really solid with the vast majority of $500-$1000 headphones, and because it’s more neutral than a tube, give you a better idea of what any given headphone sounds like. If you think you’re going to stay put with the 6xx (which is very unlikely as you say you’re just getting into this) then go tube, that’s where that particular headphone sounds the best.
I think you make a very good point. I was all about to jump on the Asgaard till I started looking at the Valhalla. Especially with a lot of recommendations to tube the 6xx. I think I’d like to move from color to clinical in my audiophile journey. Something I want to experience about tubes. Lol. Racking my brain! Thanks for the advice.
Here’s something to think about…
There are what’s called tube buffers. In my own audio exploration they provide a quality tube experience and a compelling value. I’ve written about how one compares to a well regarded OTL tube amp here:
If you go Asgard 3, you can pick up one of these buffers, a tube upgrade, rca splitters, and a rca switch. Then you have excellent tube and solid state sound on tap for less than the price of a Valhalla.
Wow. That was extensive and interesting article. I looked at the DV. I’ve seen Zeos praise it with the right tube but read a few things about quality issues. I also saw a Zeos review (I think Lyre 3-could be wrong) that pre amp tubes don’t draw enough of that tubiness (everyone has a different opinion). I’m definitely going to have to look into this. Thank you again for your knowledge.
If you can’t decide between Schiit products, you could buy all of them and return what you don’t want. But you will have to pay for shipping and a 10% restocking fee. I tried the Valhalla 2 myself for about a week and returned it. At the time, I personally didn’t think it was worth it. But take that with a grain of salt since I wasn’t very experienced back then and don’t currently have any good tube amps. If I were you I’d get the cheaper Asgard 3. (I have one on order but haven’t heard it.) I’ve seen it described as having a sound in between a solid state and tube amp.
2 Likes
if schiit takes paypal paypal I believe will cover return shipping
1 Like
Dang. I wish knew about that before. I’ll keep that in mind for later
1 Like
I’ve read the same about Asgaard. I feel like is the common sense amp to get…with the sound, return policy and warranty. However, the Valhalla is going out on a limb and sometimes those pay off. Lol. What didn’t you like about the Valhalla?
Ok, I haven’t written my review for the 6XX yet, but I do have some thoughts about the amp. I listened to them on a few amps and surprisingly ( but shouldn’t have been) I think they sound the best on the Liquid Spark.
I haven’t really been using the liquid spark lately. It was disconnected for a video I"m planning to do.
I listened to the 6XX first on the Rupert Neve RNHP and wasn’t blown away so I let them burn in for a day or 2. Still wasn’t overly impressed with the hype for them despite liking Sinn’s in the past. (long ago) any way here are some quick thoughts.
TLDR; I like them now but not on the RNHP, Liquid Spark for the win!
DAC: ENOG 2 Balanced output to
The RNHP thickens the sound a bit, like pudding or something, It’s not completely unpleasing but not for me. The resolution might be slightly more (maybe) but the tones don’t work to me.
DAC: ENOG 2 Single-ended output to
Geshelli Labs Archel 2.5 pro was better to my ears, not as thick sounding. A more pleasing balance but still missing something to me.
DAC: ENOG 2 Single-ended output to
S.M.S.L SP-200 This was even better to my ears. The extra sparkle the THX tech has that can be too much for other headphones added more life (brightened) the layed back sound of the 6XX. It also made the sound more airy and open. This is a good pairing to my ears. The combo is a good balance and the 6XX and 888 complements each others positives well.
DAC: ENOG 2 Single-ended output to
Monoprice Liquid Spark is probably my favorite combo so far, just beating out the sp200 888 THX. The liquid mids flow so well with the tonal balance, more intimate sound of the 6XX. The treble is just about perfect, no too much, and not so little that it reduces the life in the music. It has enough thump so that I know its there, it’s not bassy at all. It isn’t as airy and open as the sp200 but the nicer mids and overall balance seem to be just about perfect from all the amps that I’ve tested. I haven’t tried the Magni 3 yet, but I don’t think it’s going to be better than any of the previously mentioned amps. The new Magni 3+ might be a good match. I think the Heresy is to analytical of an amp to get the balance right. It would probably fall between the Archel 2.5 pro and THX 888 as far as combos go … I think…
I haven’t gotten a tube amp to test yet, but I am interested in checking that out as that seems to be what the Sinn 6 series really need to shine. As of now though I have chosen a $99 amp over amps that cost 3 to 5 times the price and couldn’t be happier with the 6XX now.
3 Likes
The 6XX is still my favorite headphone even though I own like 6 other more expensive ones. Also you may want to post to the 650 thread instead of this random help thread lol
2 Likes
Yeah, Thats true, but I thought it might help with the DAC/ Amp selection … lol I own a few sets of headphones, each with a little different flavor.
I think the DT880 are the best middle ground headphone to me, also probably the most comfortable as well. They really don’t do any thing wrong.
The Focal Clears hands down sound the best paired with the RNHP. Most resolving, detailed headphones.
I’ve also have Grado, Hifiman, and others. I rotate thru them all… If I’m honest so far the 6XX fall some where in the middle of the pack for me. They are growing me though. I think finding the right amp is more important with the 6XX vs some of my other headphones
Now it’s time to grab a tube amp to review lol
1 Like
You know it…lol
Hey guys got another question. So I got the magni 3+ and was looking around for a dac as mentioned above I initially was going to get the modi but I’m thinking about trying the monoprice monolith liquid spark dac. Has anyone tried this pairing? If so any insights?
Thanks again for all the assistance.
P.s. sorry to hijack my old thread for this, I went to make a new thread but the button was greyed out for some reason…
The modi won’t do the new magni3+ or heresy justice.
You’ll want a nicer DAC if I’m honest. If you are willing to spend $100 more get the new Geshelli JNOG, or if you can find an ENOG2.
Or better DAC
I have personal experience that’s why I recommending them, but I’m sure you can find equally good DAC though I think you’ll have to pay more. I find Geshelli punches above is weight on most products they sell.
I also have experience with the Magni (s) and modi 3.
In short, I loved the way the modi 3 looks, I love the way the Schiit stack looks. But the modi 3 needs (+) model or a evolution to the 4th model. I found the modi 3 had a lot of compression. It was one of the largest differences that I noticed since I’ve been really heavy in to headphone audio…
It was one of those literally cases of “once you hear it, you can’t un-hear it”
But I like Schiit, so if they release a modi4 I’ll buy one to try for sure
Thanks, didn’t realize the modi was “behind” the magni like that. As for budget preferably staying around $100 but I’d be willing to go as high as $200. That’s why I’m looking at the monolith liquid spark dac. I heard some really good things about it but I don’t know how it pairs with the magni 3+. Also I’m not sure, as I’m slowly getting into hifi audio, if I’m looking for a linear setup or if I want some “color”. But definitely looking for best bang for buck sorta thing.
There are so many options and various price points making so many combinations that it’s hard to choose what to get starting out.
One of my first amps, when I got back into Hifi audio, was the Liquid Spark, which I’m listening to right now actually connected to the New Geshelli JNOG. I find my Sinn 6XX sounds better on it. The fact that I’m still listening to it says a lot considering my amp choices these days. I might pick up the Liquid DAC after Christmas just to have the stack, but so far I can’t give you an honest opinion on it.
But if it’s like the Amp it will be a solid choice.
The New JNOG without the USB is $199 and I CAN say that it’s way worth the money if you need a USB then it’s $50 more.
Also with the JNOG out someone might be willing to sell you an ENOG. I’m moving mine to another setup otherwise I’d offer to sell it to you.
Don’t take just my opinion though, but I think you’ll find that if you buy a better DAC now you won’t need to upgrade it, even if you move to amps that cost 8 times what the Magni 3+