R2R DAC and AMP Setup for Audeze and ZMF Headphones

Equipment / Electronics / Gear / Accessories Headphone Amps
1

Hello HifiGuides \o

I’m looking for advice on a new setup. I’m currently using an Aune X1S with AKG K7xx and looking to upgrade. I’ve been eyeing an LCD-X or ZMF Auteur and an R2R DAC like a Soekris or Denafrips Ares 2. So the question I have is, what amp would pair well with a setup like this? I’m also very much open to suggestions about the chain as a whole. As for preferred music, I listen to everything really. Although I can make slight compromises when it comes to vocals. I’m more of an instrumental guy.

Edit: I also have a mild preference for solid state amps. EU located.

2

What would you say your budget is at the moment, and generally what aspects would you want to prioritize here (like soundstage, timbre, detail, etc)?

3

I guess I’m looking for a mostly balanced natural sound. I like detail, but not to the point where I’m listening to a single instrument instead of the orchestra as a whole. Soundstage is a bit more important to me I feel. But the most important feel is the timbre I guess.

As for budget, I’m looking at $500 - $750.

4

Gotcha. Hmmm, in that price range I might look for an auralic taurus MK2 which is pushing budget a bit but can be found used around 800-900 and I think is pretty worthwhile imo. It pairs well with the ares ii if you don’t mind tilting a bit warmer, the bifrost 2 if you wanted something more really balanced but organic. Nice presentation that’s slightly warmer relaxed, good dynamics, good detail that’s not in your face, a bit more intimate stage but with pretty great depth (and can be improved depending on the dac), and solid timbre. Also great control.

A violectric v200 which can be found for around 500-750 used and is a pretty solid piece, pairs well with a soekris (but the ares ii tilts it too far warm imo).

I would keep an eye out for those two imo

5

What about a LakePeople G111? That was my pick initially after reading the discussion here. Also do you have any opinions on the headphone choices?

6

Lake People sounds like a creepy Stephen King novel.

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7

That’s a pretty solid pick and would pair pretty well. The reason I mention the v200 over the g111 is because the v200 ends up being a bit better technical preformer and also ends up having a bit better timbre and organicness, but the g111 is still a pretty solid pick imo

I do like the auteur, it’s a real solid all rounder and good technical preformer, while also being decently organic. It can be a bit more neutral slightly bright at times, so my personal preference for it is a tube amp to just give it a bit more warmth, reduce the treble a bit, give more weight and tonal density, and also give a more organic soundstage, but I do like it off of the warmer ss amps (the v200 checks a lot of those boxes, auralic as well)

The LCD x for me is highly hit or miss. It really depends on the revision you get. It’s been so inconsistent for me that I can’t really form a solid opinion tbh

8

What do you think about the Feliks Audio Echo mk2? They’re EU so it’s a pretty comfortable option.

It would be the 2021 version.

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That’s a great choice for an auteur, but lackluster for the lcd x imo. There’s also the cayin ha-1a mk2 at that price point so that’s also worth a look, would be a bit better with an lcd x but still not ideal (and equally good with the auteur imo)

I haven’t gotten enough time with the 2021 to really comment

10

Thanks a bunch! I think I’ll end up with the G111 and a used soekris 2541 or new 1221 whenever that one gets released.

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