Around 700$. And yes I do have the Ananda’s currently running them with iFi Zen Dac. I also own DT990, HD 58x, Dan Clark Aeon X.
Hmmm, if you were just talking Ananda and since you have the Zen DAC I would have suggested Monolith Liquid Platinum. However your DT990 likely is single ended only and the MLP doesn’t do so well from its single ended output. Have you considered Lake People G111? That would handle your entire collection with ease.
The direct answer to your question of Asgard vs Rebelamp… And with the disclaimer I own the Asgard but have never heard Rebelamp… The Rebelamp is probably slightly better sounding with headphones it can handle (which is vast majority) but Asgard will have more power and headroom. The reason I suggest the G111 above is because our own guru @M0N has heard just about everything and tends not to recommend the Rebelamp very often.
[anyone out there with a Rebelamp you can live without for a month so I can give it a good listen? ]
The rebelamp is solid, I think it’s a bit above of the asgard 3 in terms of detail retrieval and stage depth, but I actually might prefer the timbre, stage width, and also impact/dynamics of the asgard 3. The rebelamp is solid and I do think a bit higher tier than the asgard, but personally I think for 500 bucks it didn’t impress me as much as other options out there. Signature wise the rebel tends to be more forward and kinda sweetly tuned where the asgard 3 is more that neutral slightly smoother relaxed type of sound.
Regarding the g111 vs the rebelamp, I do think they have a similar level of detail, the rebelamp has a bit better timbre, but less impressive control and impact, and a smaller stage, I also think the g111 to me sounds a bit more refined overall. But they are going for fairly different signatures, the g111 is more of a no nonsense studio neutral type of sound, whereas the rebelamp is going for a more fun and energetic signature. With the ananda, I might prefer the greater control the g111 can offer, for the 58x, I actually might prefer the rebel for a bit more fun there without going overboard, and for the 990 I think it tends to have better synergy with the lake people. The aeon x for me is a bit of a toss up, would have to think about that one
There’s also something to be said for the fact that you definitely don’t need to drop all that $700 on an amp. The Asgard will be a significant bump in performance over the Zen’s internal amp. I also have the Zen dac and while it’s been awhile since I used it’s amp and I never used it extensively, I’m still pretty comfortable saying the jump in performance from the Zen’s internal amp to the Asgard is larger than the jump from Asgard to the other amp options mentioned here.
Hi @Jay – Welcome to HFGF!
Nice headphone collection and DAC/amp combo you’re working with.
Everything else I was going to say is now moot, as you have already been engaged by some of the most knowledgeable sources here. I can attest personally to their insights and suggestions as being spot on.
So, what they ^ said…
I do have something to add, and though I do not own or have experience with the exact assortment of headphones in your stable, I do have a big Hifiman planar similar to your Ananda, an Edition X V2. I also have a ZenDac. Even with the ZenDac being powered via a dedicated PSU, when I plugged the HexV2 into the Asgard 3 vs. the ZenDac (Either single-ended or balanced output) the Asgard 3 was like, WOW!
I still incorporate the ZenDac in my chain but, primarily only as a DAC. And speaking of that – The ZenDac (operating as DAC only) + Asgard 3 is a nice pairing. I have some headphones that can be a touch light on the low-end, and when using them I run the ZenDac+Asgard 3 source, kick in the “Truebass” button on the Zen and there ya go - BoomBoom for the jams!
I am in no way implying that this would be true for all of your headphones or, what other potential Amp/DAC combo’s may be better suited. This is just my experience/perception with what I have. For that I still defer to the previous gentlemen and their advices for you.
@Delta9K Good to know. My good friend who uses a Dragonfly black recently brought his 58x’s over. Plugged them into my e30/Asgard 3. He just kept saying, “WOW.”
Yeah - I am really glad that I have it - and I don’t foresee it going anywhere for quite a while. Plus with the Bifrost 2, it makes for a good looking/sounding pile of Schiit on my desk
@Delta9K Temptation strikes again! Been looking /reading re the Bifrost. Do you know if it is a significant improvement (besides the cool look) over the e30?)
I would think so.
I honestly do, yes. But, I am biased because I have one. But, I have a Modius too and like it very much also. The E30 is also very good. Would I run out and pick up a Bifrost over the others just because - probably not without a specific reason. I got mine out of want, not need, which can be silly but, that’s how I roll sometimes. Unfortunately it spoiled me. There is something just, I don’t know how to explain it “bigger” about the presentation. Which I’ll say I “believe” is a result of the different technology used.
You might want to jump into the Bifrost 2 and/or, Modius threads and see what others have to say, and get some better educated opinions - there are some good write-ups on both DACs and a lot of users dropping their inputs too. There is more to just replacing or adding a component into your chain, than just that component. It’s the synergy of that component with the rest of your gear - and this is where I have no confidence in making recommendations beyond of what I have and how it sounds to me.
Makes sense, they are “made for each other.” Others have had good things to say here. Also Currawong did a review of it with some comparisons, as well as
a comparison of the stack vs the modi/magni stack. I do like the e30/Asgard very much with my Sundaras, but this “hobby” makes us wonder what if…lol!
I’ll add this - it can also drain your wallet really quick…
The jump from $200 and under dacs to the Bifrost 2 is… Well you have hear it to believe it. However, for you a larger jump would be to a different headphone first. With an upgraded set of cans the jump from E30 to Bifrost 2 gets even bigger.
@WaveTheory Reading my thoughts, lol. Been thinking of adding a dynamic headphone to complement the Sundaras. Any Suggestions? I listen to mostly orchestral and female vocalists, but often explore other genres as well. Soundstage and midrange clarity are important, as well as perhaps a bit more bass. $2 to 500 probably, tho I have thought about something like the elex.
Yep, he is really well accomplished in that regard. A good thing for us.
Lol. Reading an HFGF member’s thoughts isn’t hard. Usually such thoughts are only variations on the themes music good!, want good sound! MOAR GOOD SOUND!
As for new headphones…
Elex is a fine choice. DT1990 should give you a bit more bass extension and punch than Sundara and still maintain good clarity and detail. Cheaper and with a much different signature than Sundara would be the HD6XX, although I don’t know if that will scratch the bass itch you’re stating. You could look into something with a Fostex biodyna driver in it, too, for usually a much more fun signature but still with good detail retrieval and clarity - E-Mu Teaks, one of the lower end Denons, for example. Clear as mud?
@WaveTheory Hee, hee! I strongly considered the dt 1990 but got the Sundara instead, after much consideration.
I do really like it so I’m not in a hurry. I’m not very familiar with the E-Mu or the Denons, so will do some research. Seem to be drawn to the Elex though, based on what I’ve read and seen in reviews. Seems to fit what I am looking for. Thanks for the suggestions.
You’re welcome! I only know Elex but reputation, unfortunately, but it sounds like a good one
I like my Sundara’s, but I really love my Elex’s. To put it in context, my current top four are:
1a) Grado GH2’s
1b) Focal Elex’s
2a) HiFiman Sundara’s
2b) Senn HD660’s
What surprised me most was the bass that the Elex’s have. Nice full sound.
@ShaneD And once again we learn from each other’s experiences! Thanks.
Score another point for the Elex.