Don't Make This Mistake With Your Headphone System

[@protato911]

the words "audiophile" and "need" mixed as well as oil and water. Joke aside the video is very informative, great guide for people new to the hobby.

[@XxSeVenmaRkxX]

Lol I see what you mean if it's a hobby. I have a small business doing sound design. In that application they mix like kool-aid powder and water or else I can't make $$$.

[@garychrome1027]

You mean "need" and "cost"

[@frozzle]

haha this video is terrible, jv does nothing for this community

[@Bandit4557]

@@XxSeVenmaRkxX Yeah but you aren't an "audiophile" if you're doing it for business related purposes other than KZbin content creation.

[@game-zer0387]

​@@frozzleI like his reviews, no need to be this critical 😂

[@robertsilviu8385]

Hi Joshua, unfortunately Topping is misleading the customers with the output power of the Topping A50S: the 3,5W per channel (balanced) could be obtained only if you have a 4Vrms input, which you can not achieve using RCA connectors; you need XLR connectors for that which the A50S doesn't have. So the maximum output power from A50S is 1,95W.

[@adrianmorrish8494]

Topping do this on the a30 as well, it's very close to false advertising but in the specs buried away they do state this input voltage requiremnt

[@MrBlitzpunk]

They did that on the L30 too so that it sounds good on paper, at this point you just have to take their spec sheets with a grain of salts since they're talking about theoretical maximum instead of practical

[@adrianmorrish8494]

@@MrBlitzpunk if you use a zendac as dac on variable then it will output just shy of 3 v but still not the 4 v required. This is why users of the zencan when trying the l30 are confused the the zencan sounds so much louder, it's because ifi set the true output which is higher than l30 with1.9/2 v input from the dav

[@adrianmorrish8494]

also the L30 is a very very sterile sounding amp so if use the very strike matching dac the sou d has little body. You an get carried a way as on entry and many midfi headphones you won't really hear much of a difference and these units are not aimed at people using 500 bucks and up headphones

[@badgermcbadger1968]

@@adrianmorrish8494 isnt zen dac also cant achieve its maximum power without a power supply it doesnt come with

[@dapperbrick7516]

1:50 - "Why would anyone use the A90 over the A30 Pro?" As an A90 owner, let me give you my pitch: The A90 launched in July(?) 2020 and I bought it about 9 months before the A30 Pro was released. If I were to buy again now, I'd almost certainly save some cash and get the A30 Pro. Not that I regret the A90 by any stretch, it's a phenomenal amp and I honestly love it, but if I could save $400~ for an almost negligible drop in performance? I'd be down.

[@lczp]

Topping has this "bad" tendency to canibalize their own product line. For instance, the A50;D50s he mentioned in the video are actually outdated as of last week due to the launch of the L50 and E50.

[@xOogieBoogie3x]

Just get the Jotenheim

[@CoRDSau]

fyi there is a new revision of the Hifiman Arya with the stealth magnets, and the specs are different, Impedance down to 32ohms and sensitivity up to 94dba, so they're even easier to run now

[@mmm0513]

When did they come out with the new revision

[@CoRDSau]

@@mmm0513 the factory date on the box mine came in was 28 july 2021.

[@JoshuaValour]

Good to know, I will look into it! Thanks :)

[@matthewhilty4209]

I'm actually surprised they would revise the Arya. Wouldn't that possibly take sales away from the HE1000?

[@StefanKamer]

@@matthewhilty4209 This depends on a number of things. 1. Quantity of stealth magnets and area coverage 2. diaphragm material and thinness 3. build quality (which is better on the HE-1000se anyway), and most importantly: 4. how far away is Hifiman away from another HE-1000se refresh.

[@anepicotter4595]

I’ve always been happy with my little listening setup. I used to just rock MoBo audio output and SennyHD599 but I recently upgraded from MoBo audio to a simple Modi+Magni Schiit stack and it’s been nice. Each time I upgrade, the difference always seems small but I’m also a lot better at picking up the little things than i used to be. When I switched from cheap gaming headsets to the Senny’s I mostly enjoyed the clarity of things like cymbals. In the past, they’d always stress the headsets I’d use and it made listening to many songs exhausting but aside from that, it wasn’t really a significant upgrade. The sound was definitely better overall but not by much. Now upgrading to the Schiit Stack, I notice some faint sounds that the onboard audio just didn’t do I guess but for the most part, it’s basically the same. I imagine this is as far as I’ll ever go with headphones though. I’m sure I’ll eventually pick up more sets of headphones and I might do speakers some day but I’m already at the point where I’m completely satisfied. I could grab an equalizer to finish the stack or I could grab a tube amp too for the heck of it but I have little interest in tampering with the sound profile of my current setup and honestly I don’t think I’d like waiting for the tube amp to warm up. I like how my current amp is good to go the moment I turn it on because if I have to wait, I’ll probably start reading and forget that I turned it on at all

[@256alexdt]

You're a bit too adjusted to the Topping sound ... I've tried many amp/dac and the topping for me never impressed me much except that in general they're clean and detailed ... I just feel like it's not the best listening experience. For the price I think the Liquid Spark is without a doubt killing the A50S or the Schitt magnius that you mentioned for the LCD-X. Add some warmed to them and make them much more enjoyable.

[@schoute7490]

That's what happens when all you care about is how "clean" it is and nothing else all the time.

[@Centrioless]

@@schoute7490 anything beyond clean sound is subjective

[@braninacore]

Honestly I’d rather get the cleanest dac/amp and let the headphones do the work, so for me a topping stack would be great

[@drpolarplatypus]

I just went through this journey and went for the topping ex5 to pair with my HD6XXs. Absolutely fantastic combo and the price is insane for what you get.

[@no-man_baugh]

Man when I first opened this vid I thought you had a Magnius/Modius stack with Sundaras next to you, I was sweating bullets so hard like this was going to be a personal callout directed at me lol

[@tsohgallik]

Not even close. Those headsets are more expensive

[@Tim_593]

Feel you, my Sundara is powered by a Gustard H16 slightly overkill

[@sethagastya]

I see some comments that talk about how some coloured amps might work better with certain headphones and so forth, but my philosophy has always been to have super clean chain, and add equalising or a tube buffer etc. in it. That way you have clinical reference and you can change the other components based on the headphone

[@mackado]

Yes and no. I run my 800s off a clean setup but I bought it used with a Darkvoice tube amp and that pairing makes absolutely no sense to me as the tubes wash out much of what makes the 800s shine. My DT 1990s, though great, aren't the best things in my collection... but with the Darkvoice, it's like pouring buttered toffee straight into your brain. Just an example of a pairing being better than the sum of its parts.

[@gustavrsh]

@@mackado if you have the cash to mess with pairings, sure For most us I think the clean path offers more flexibility.

[@lawpenner]

@@mackado "buttered toffee pouring straight into the brain" I like that... Totally makes sense about not pairing a tube amp with a highly articulate expensive headphone. I experienced the same thing. In Spotify there is a "Tube Amp Pro" EQ setting that has a pretty impactful effect. ..Allowing you to use a clean processing solid state amp but enjoy a thicker tube-like modelled sound. For sure there are synergies with different combos. Can take trial n error to find that secret sauce audio nirvana

[@georgeperry1856]

I have a Schiit Ragnarock 2 headphone/speaker amp pushing more than 24W into my headphones. I have the LCD-X and the Modhouse Argons. One is efficient and the other needs massive power. I appreciate the flexibility my over powered Ragnarock gives me.

[@foxandroses]

You understand the V2 Ragnarok is worse than the V1 for headphones, right?

[@SpirallingOut]

I'm done cheaping-out on Chi-Fi. Saving however long it takes to upgrade to the LCD-X & a WA-11 Topaz. You get what you pay for.

[@aerternaeaerumna5158]

Lol not really. In this hobby, diminishing returns happens so fast

[@SpirallingOut]

Back in the day I paid about AU$400 for a pair of v.2 M1060s because a review managed to convince me they were almost as good as competing US$1500 planar headphones. Having lived with them & their issues for the past 4 years I can honestly say I regret not waiting & saving up the 1500 for a pair of well built, probably much better sounding Audezes. The law of diminishing returns only applies with quality built gear, after a certain price point. I had to learn that the hard way. Never again.

[@aerternaeaerumna5158]

@@SpirallingOut who's review was it? Zeos? Hahaha kidding aside, believing that a sub 500$ headphone matches a 1500$ headphone was a mistake on your part. If you really want an Audeze, you can always buy 2nd hand to save money. If you haven't tried an Audeze, I get the feeling you'll like it, and then find it uncomfortable after an hour

[@SpirallingOut]

@@aerternaeaerumna5158 I mean... the M1060 have just enough redeeming sound quality (detail - especially guitar, soundstage, etc) along with my Dragonfly Red that I haven't yet ripped them in half & thrown them in the bin given their many build quality problems, weird metallic-sounding peak somewhere in the mids and almost-total lack of bass. But if I can wear these things for hours & hours I doubt I'll have a problem with the weight of the LCD-X. Especially since the 2021 revision has had a weight reduction. I know it's purely cosmetic but I love the matte black and retro design aesthetic of the LCD-X & LCD-2C. I'm looking for that in an end-game (sound quality/stage) headphone. If the other LCD models had the LCD-X/2C matte black aesthetic I'd be ringing & asking a local hi-fi gear shops to demo them ALL with a WA-11, to find the perfect one. Even the stupid-expensive 4's. I wish Audeze would mix the supposed end-game sound quality of the LCD-4's driver with matte-black aesthetic of the LCD-X/LCD-2C to create an LCD-"4X/X4". I hate that chrome LCD-4 backplate and I don't like the black plastic outer housing of the LCD-4Z/MX4/24. Hell, they could do a dry forged carbon, water/CNC-cut open-back LCD-4 backplate with a dark stain wood or matte-black sprayed metal ring and it would look better than the ugly-a$$ chrome they went with...Less fingerprints too! It looks like you gotta wear those white fragile document gloves just to handle them, for crying out loud.

[@aerternaeaerumna5158]

@@SpirallingOutthat's a fair point. I had the M1060C modded to open back and compared them to my friends 1060. The c was way better in open back

[@brianbaker2062]

Just picked up modi 3+, magni 3+ and seinhesser 660s on sale for 415$. First audiophile set up. Im in heaven

[@zackw4941]

I am a person who doesn't like the LCD-X and does like a little more omph from their electronics. I recommend getting the LCD-2c, which I've owned and loved. When you're ready, maybe step up to the LCD-4, which I currently own and love. As for the electronics, if you can spare the space, get an Audio-gd D28 for ~$1k. If you can spare more space and money, get an R28. Same amp, bigger box, R2R DAC. I have the discreet R1 and it replaced my Denafrips Venus. I also have a discrete Master 19 and it is the best solid state amp I have owned. Either of the all in one units should be within 90+% performance. Probably 95+. Instead of $2100, these setups start around $15-1600 if you get LCD-2c B-stock like I did. My LCD-4 are B-stock too.

[@boothman9321]

I'll try not to clickbait people too

[@isaacmettle]

Thanks 4 saving me 10 minutes

[@droidsuperuser]

Using A50s with fiio k3 DAC for arya in balanced 4.4 mm, on high gain volume knob at 3 0'clock position for most music, for movies 4 o'clock is loude enough.

[@johnosam4681]

I just hope topping can sell angled trs cables for their amp-dac

[@sethagastya]

You should also talk about impedance matching. I think that’s something that should affect people’s choices in terms of the amp they pair with their headphones…

[@Shahzad-Khan]

What XLR cables are used during 0:41 & 4:26

[@99SHS]

Your amazon's links seem not working

[@AvocadoAtrocity]

Opinions on the AIAIAI monitor headphones???

[@p0pov13]

How about the JDS Atom in all of this?

[@PhoggHawk]

I rock the iFi Zen Stack. Not sure how it compares to the Topping stuff, but it's very very good and I think it sounds fantastic for about $400. It doesn't have an optical input, which is a turnoff for some people, but it doesn't matter to me since I don't use it for a TV or anything like that. The Zen DAC alone is plenty of juice for most headphones and is great.

[@xOogieBoogie3x]

Topping is overrated.

[@hedoesdeath7667]

@@xOogieBoogie3xI checked their website and… nope. We’re better off with different brands. Edit: they even saturated their store page with tons of products like wth it’s a mess.

[@cowboyflipflopped]

With these filters, the Arya v2 are perfect. As in, the instruments each sound perfectly natural and distinct, the soundstage is realistic. It's as close to being live as anything can be. These are my variation on Oratory1990's work for the v1. I am using a CTH. Preamp: -4 dB Filter 1: ON PK Fc 10 Hz Gain -3.0 dB Q 0.25 Filter 2: ON LS Fc 104 Hz Gain 3.0 dB Q 2 Filter 3: ON PK Fc 250 Hz Gain 1.0 dB Q 0.85 Filter 4: ON PK Fc 1800 Hz Gain 4.0 dB Q 1.2 Filter 5: ON PK Fc 2680 Hz Gain -2.0 dB Q 3.2 Filter 6: ON PK Fc 4300 Hz Gain -2.7 dB Q 7 Filter 7: ON PK Fc 4850 Hz Gain -2.2 dB Q 6 Filter 8: ON PK Fc 6400 Hz Gain -1.5 dB Q 7 Filter 9: ON PK Fc 8150 Hz Gain -1.8 dB Q 6 Filter 10: ON HS Fc 10000 Hz Gain -3.0 dB Q 1

[@cowboyflipflopped]

If using Spotify, pull that 1800Hz gain down to 3.0dB. The Ogg Vorbis is a little bright. I don't like how it handles low bass lines, either, which is the main reason I took the very low frequencies back to the headphone's normal. Bass lines still sound good on FLAC, but are less offensive on Ogg Vorbis this way.

[@badgermcbadger1968]

Well the he-1 is prob more realistic

[@angelus0415]

Will this set up be good with the HD800S? Just starting out on the amp/dac set ups. Wondering how would this fair with the iFi signature set. Great content!

[@WillxAdams]

i have had the A50s/d50s/p50 stack for six months and its so beautiful. Use it on my dt 1990 pros, Sundara and Focal Elegia... Best decision made to get into audio set ups. Getitttttttttt

[@viktornesovski1884]

I would wholeheartedly recommend an ADi 2fs DAC over this combo since my LCD Xs really need the EQ to do their best. And its an all in one around the same price

[@mrnaynay4339]

I feel like this video was aimed at me… I have an LCD X and just about a month ago I upgraded from a Fulla 2 to A90/D90SE. Guess I should get new headphones so I don’t waste that amp power…

[@Y2Kvids]

How do I Cancel out the hum from the outof sync turbine at my local power station?

[@axelrivas2914]

How would this perform for gaming ?

[@rawrj]

Haha, I saw the exact setup I built a few months ago and knew I was in for it. However, I needed something clean that could run IEMS and power hungry headphones as I do plan to expand much further than my LCD-X, 6XX, and small collection of IEMs.

[@xhango0kx]

thank you, no one talks about the A50s and the D50s 🙂 I use that with my LCD-2C and its awesome

[@Edwin-ey6or]

What is better for a sundara: fiio k7 bt or topping dx 3 pro?

[@pinoyxbox]

Arya is is now on sale in my place for $1160 and its also the new version.

[@pinoyxbox]

@Transistor Jump im from the Philippines lol and one of the distributor of hifiman are running a sale on Ananda and Arya. Got my ananda for $550 also 2021 version confirmed by hifiman.

[@pinoyxbox]

@Transistor Jump nope its an authorized distributor of hifiman here in the Philippines. Arya are always $1200 here and it might go down a bit more like $1100 with the upcoming sale. But the ananda was reduced to $550 just this month and they’re always $750. I don’t know if that price will stay or until supplies last. Also the store also said that their stocks are all 2021 versions and confirmed by hifiman themselves.

[@pinoyxbox]

@Transistor Jump also isn’t the clearance sale on hifiman mostly open box or b-stock?

[@howcropcirclesrmade]

I am right in thinking that with regards to headroom, every DAC must be maxed-out to gain optimum performance? I know with amplifiers that it's better to leave headroom, but with my DAC always set at '99' on the dial, is some headroom also advisable here?

[@adrianmorrish8494]

you don't find the feedback system on the toppings makes the sound DEAD neutral then?

[@kipgutierrez508]

what are your opinions on the topping d50 and a50s ?

[@michaelgilbert7841]

Imo soundwise, identical to the a90/d90 if that's any help.

[@rabity]

getting a HD 6xx soon. should i get the JDS Atom or the FULLA 4? or my desktop use.

[@aperson1181]

I have very loud hispanic neighbors playing boom/plain music pretty severely loud, making it hard to study/hear video tutorials or lessons. Please recommend wired headphones (a mic is a plus) that block out the outside boom music/noise.

[@carlsitler9071]

Monolith M570 ($175) is a very detailed planar. I thought the Sanskrit 2 ($110) sounded better than the multibit. The Asgard 3 ($200) puts out 5 watts clean power. Throw in a couple cables and you are at $500. Is it the best setup? No. Is it AWESOME? Hell yes. Do you also have some speakers? Add an Aiyima A07 (clean 150 wpc for $70). My Hidizs S9 Pro dongle should arrive tomorrow.

[@Bacnow]

Good to know! Thanks!

[@sergiygonchar6774]

What is that silver (aluminum?) gun replica at 1:42? Also .. still waiting for archery video! Also .. a touch clickbaity title for you.

[@diegoayala8603]

He has a video building the gun!

[@sephondranzer]

Josh has to make sure he’s ready in case someone tries to steal that sweet gear, so that Badseedtech guy started training him in exc- Ya no it’s a Mandalorian replica gun 😁

[@MCJeeba]

I loved my A30 until it died two months later. Thankfully Amazon pitied me and gave a refund. Replaced it with a Magnius and am perfectly happy with it on my Sundara. I mean, if it's all still there at my house in New Orleans lol. Thanks for the distraction with great videos as always. Watching with my THX Panda in a hotel

[@FEARmeify]

Thinking that, because it failed, it's a bad product is a mistake. Literally every single product of any category has a failure % higher than 0.

[@kaitlynstewart7672]

I hope you and yours are doing alright and all of your belongings make it through!

[@MCJeeba]

@@kaitlynstewart7672 Thank you! I know I don't have any flooding in my house, just don't know if it still has a roof.

[@MCJeeba]

@@FEARmeify Hi, I didn't say anything about it being a bad product. Just that I loved it until it stopped turning on.

[@aerternaeaerumna5158]

@@FEARmeify tbf topping has some pretty shoddy QA

[@Kirko_bangz]

Idk why, but I like those XLR cables. Are they sold as a set??

[@BigBoss11121]

Bruh I live in middle east if I ordered the Schiit Fulla 4 109$ + 15% vat + 70$ shipping = 195.35$ almost 200$

[@AudioHead809]

I could be wrong but I’m pretty sure the d30 pro has better measurements. Other than power. But has less THD through the balanced ports. Obviously it doesn’t have the extra features but it measures better. I think a d30 pro with an a90 would be a better stack for my personal needs.

[@stalehelvik6316]

looking for dac: under 100 dollars and usb c charging what do i get that is avaible too buy now ?

[@kingacastus8915]

Do I spy an Xduoo MT-604 tube amp at 07:43? Do you plan on reviewing it? I really like how it colours my HD 600 and my Hifiman Deva!

[@PikaSquish]

This video saved me 50$, thanks! I was gonna get the meze 99 noir for my schiit stack but I decided to get the hifimans he400se instead. The meze are probably very nice but the HE400se would use more of my dac amp's capabilities for a cheaper price! (Also my first planar)

[@ethancalcinalizarme6535]

Nice dude, i was actually considering that same exact setup. How is it working for you?

[@PikaSquish]

@@ethancalcinalizarme6535 the se400 are fun to listen to but they are not tuned very well and have issues with resonance. I just bought a pair of hifimans because they're a cheap planar. If you already have a nice pair of headphones and want more variety, the se400 will sound unique and make edm and rap sound very impressive. The schitt stack is literally end game (unless you want balanced) dacs and amps barely make any difference, people who buy expensive dacs and amps are just doing it for the flex.

[@antoinesp1483]

Hi, what about the EX5 ?

[@ianbrennan6922]

Sorry to ask I just got my headphones hd 600 just trying to be sure we're do I plug the headphone amp into my main amp witch outputs I not if it's the preamp outputs thanks so much Ian from Ireland Dublin

[@Aniki91PL]

Hi Joshua, I would like your word about the comparaison in between your setup and a Topping Dx7 Pro? Thanks in advance.

[@malinyamato]

I know nothing about audio tech but I loove sound and buy the best I can get --- I am qualified using the term audiophile for me?

[@kingkasma4660]

D30 Pro or D50 s? already got the a50s so should i get the full stack or rather the D30?

[@shejking24]

Will be a good option to buy a30 pro and d50s?

[@Mkbsurfacing]

Dude how do I connect the sh 9 to my pc what leads would I need it's just for gaming with the dt 990s

[@rage0exe]

Fio k5 pro with Sundaras? Thoughts? Schit Fulla 4 has not been released in my country

[@francescosomma4284]

is the topping dx3 pro + good for the hifiman xs?

[@clan_biblioteke]

Your honest assessment, topping a30 pro or Smsl SH-9? What is your proposal? Thank you

[@sahajsb2728]

Im debating between the topping dx3 pro, fiio k5 pro, and the topping dx1. I like the dx 1 price point, but Im afraid it doesnt have the juice to drive the sundara

[@TheFalloutFever]

Can someone explain to me, assuming the same source is used, how a Magni Heresy and A30 Pro both pushing 500mW into a headphone can sound different…

[@TheFalloutFever]

@Transistor Jump that doesn’t tell me anything about how 500mW can sound different than another 500mW. There should be no difference if it’s identical output and the noise floor is below audible levels.

[@xxgamerxxchrischris2325]

HEYY MAN WHATS UPP JOSHUAA I WOULD REALLY REALLY LIKE TO KNOW LOVE TO KNOW WHAT ARE THE BEST DACS AND AMPLIFIERS TO GET FOR A VERY VERY HIGH QUALITY AUDIOPHILE SYSTEMS

[@17madjoker47]

can i use a90 + d30pro? d30pro dac is ok?)

[@RomanVail]

First off -- AMAZING channel and work. As a former mastering engineer working on KEF 207s and a ton of analog gear.... love it and love your contribution to the space. I have a question... I am looking for a good sounding, sonically enjoyable sound that I can bring with my MacBook. I haven't heard you say anything about the ifi stuff. Is the ZEN DAC and Zen Can a good combo or the topping "tops" that? What are your thoughts? Appreciate your time.

[@martymcfly5013]

Best way to safe money is to buy a 100$ dac and never waste a single thought on that bullshit ever again.

[@256alexdt]

LOL Pretty much true ... I've tried so many and to be honest ... the difference between the 100$ and the very expensive one is very negligible if not existent. The benefits of buying a slightly more expensive one is the build quality and output/input and Bluetooth for practicality, some also offer EQ and mixing built-in which could be interesting ... if you buy a DAC expecting it will make everything sound so much better then you're down a bad rabbit hole... I've had people on forum arguing with me on their life that the Holo May Dac that is 6000USD sound completely different then a 500$ dac... which again ... I don't get it ... if they do the same job perfectly how can it sound differently ? Unless it's coloring the sound.

[@martymcfly5013]

@@256alexdt balanced can also be a factor. Especially on desktops when theres potential noise. But for Bluetooth id rather buy that external fiio receiver. SMSL SU-8 and never look back.

[@bahendri3722]

Is the Arya drivable with a portable dac/amp like the chord mojo or ifi q5s or does it need more power?

[@TurkFPS]

Hey Josh youd done a beginner audiophile video where you'd said the budget ( obv budget being relative) way into good audio is through IEMs and not headphones, could you do a follow-up video with some recommendations? I run the starfields off of the fio btr3k

[@olehhupalo4556]

Hello, would you recommend Topping A30+D30 or XDUOO TA-22?

[@somshu238]

Whats a good amp set up with a mic input ?

[@zackw4941]

For whatever reason, I never liked the LCD-X, when I've heard it at shows. But owned LCD-2c and loved them. I upgraded to LCD-4 a year or so ago and I love those even more. With Audeze, I recommend finding a local dealer and asking for B-stock units. I got my new LCD-2c for $550 and my new LCD-4 for $2800. I could not find any blemish what so ever on either one. I also recommend Audio-gd products. I started out a long time ago with an NFB-10SE. That's a DAC/amp from 10ish years ago. I spent a lot of money on other gear since then, only to bring out my old NFB-10 and realize that I still preferred its signature. Last week I received my new R1 DAC and Master 19 and I am pretty sure this will be my end game. I'm going to be selling off some other, much more expensive gear that I flat out don't like as much. For less money, I would suggest that an Audio-gd D28 or R28 would be the way to go and probably within 95% the performance of these discrete components. Don't get me wrong, I have an A90 too and used that for over a year. It beat more expensive gear as well. I would put it in the caragory of 'you will buy one and genuinely want for nothing. Until you hear something different that you prefer.' Everyone says they want an amp with no personality of its own. But with no flavor of its own, something WILL come along that you like better. Audio-gd has a very dynamic and powerful sound, but natural at the same time. Like a heightened sense of reality. Maybe not for someone who wants a very relaxed listening experience, but I love it!

[@badgermcbadger1968]

Was the difference significant between diffrent amps and dacs?

[@zackw4941]

@@badgermcbadger1968 To my ear, significant enough, yes. I'm still rocking the R1 and Master 19. I like them enough that I upgraded my cables a bit and am calling my headphone system finished for the foreseeable future. The Solaris isn't getting as much use as it should, but I still love to listen to it when I have time for a longer session. To answer your question more directly, I find the difference in electronics to be more about sound stage and presentation. My THX 789, Topping A90, Audio-gd gear (all solid state) and my Audiovalve Solaris (tube amp) ALL have very similar tonality, frequency response and resolution. But as I move up that line, I get a bigger sound, more dynamics and a deeper, more three dimensional sound stage. This makes for a more engaging, lifelike and enjoyable presentation. The Master 19 probably has the highest outright resolution, most dynamics and maybe even the deepest sound stage front to back. Even over the Solaris, but all by very slim margins. On the other hand, the tube sound permiates the space inside the stage more fully and more naturally. Each individual instrument or voice is more three dimensional and in a better defined space. It is also a little smoother. It does a better job with acoustic instruments, drums and electric guitar. Again, by slim margins. All this said, the headphones themselves make the biggest difference. You have to find a set you like before you go down the rabbit hole with electronics. But I still stand by my earlier recommendation to just pick up an Audio-gd D28 or R28 and not worry about anything else for a long time. Or on a lower budget, I think that a Schiit Jotunheim with their new ESS 9028 module would be a really safe bet too. My other audiophile buddy with all kinds of other gear picked one up and he loves it. And I've liked other Schiit products I've heard, including my Vidar that I recently acquired from him.

[@badgermcbadger1968]

@@zackw4941 thanks for the detailed response. Have a good day

[@zackw4941]

@@badgermcbadger1968 You're welcome. I should clarify that where I said "slim margins," I only meant between Master 19 and Solaris. They are both plainly superior amps to the A90 in all the ways I mentioned. And the A90 was a big step up from the 789, which by comparison to all the others sounds quite flat. Not that it's a bad amp. For the money, it nails all the objective qualities. Without higher end gear to compare its sound stage against, one would likely want for nothing with it.

[@badgermcbadger1968]

@@zackw4941 I just checked how much the d29 costs and holy shit its expensive, but its interesting to know the impact dacs and amps have on sound

[@rodiko2]

Great video. Would topping A30 pro be a great choice for Arya Stealth as well? Or are they better options?

[@spector175]

How would DCA Aeon 2 Noir pair up with topping D30 pro/Topping E30 and Xduoo ta-26/Topping A30 pro/Topping L50 ? Which would be a better combo?

[@pete76cj7]

Hey, Josh HELP!!! I need you to please weigh in here. New to the headphone system game. There are SO many choices! My source for my music is a Wiim Pro Plus streamer which has a decent DAC in it already. My question is, do I go with the A30 and NO D30? Is there a benefit to having the extra DAC? Also what headphones would you pair with this setup under $500??? PLEASE HELP!!!!

[@canIhavethishandle]

I just want a DAC/AMP for my X2HR,so based on this video the Schiit Fulla 4 should be what all I need right? I'm not planning on upgrading my headphone ever I think.

[@sephondranzer]

Are those Apos flow cables thick at the connectors? I despise the veiny compensating look but they didn’t look so bad in this video??

[@phreak1118]

I have an HD600, MDR-Z7, and an LCD-X. Would the topping D30/A30 stack be a big improvement over my Jotenheim w/internal DAC?

[@Kirko_bangz]

Instead of a new stack, why not grab a Bifrost 2 for the same $700 ??

[@dRew-something]

Great explanation and recommendations. I've recently bought a pair of bey dt 1990 pros..which amp/dac would you recommend for around £200? (not sure what that is in $) Needs to be one unit, as neutral sounding as pos,small with a range of connections..i'll be using it with my dt 1990's when making electronic/accoustic music. Thanks. Great KZbin vids..i bought my dt's after watching your recommendation.

[@PhilCouling]

I paired my Topping D30Pro/A30Pro with a pair of Dan Clark Audio Aeon RT Closed headphones and the combination works really well, and fully uses the capabilities of the A30Pro. I’m not sure if I would really appreciate the difference that a pair of Arya’s might bring.

[@PhilCouling]

@Transistor Jump - indeed. I have an older pair of Fidelio X2HR opens, and only recently acquired the Aeons. I’m still assessing where I am with gear, and if/where I go next…

[@Manrajsingh771]

Hi some people said their a30 pro stopped working after a few months. Did you have any problems with yours too or no?

[@PhilCouling]

@@Manrajsingh771 - no, mine us working perfectly.

[@jackchan6266]

could you review 1more triple driver, maybe a comparison between this and iems under $100, I would be really interested to see how they compare and what to get!

[@networkn]

Thanks. So the A30 Pro would be a good match for the HD800s, Beyer T1's? I have been after a A90 for the longest time, but they are very expensive here $900NZD..

[@KaneAmaroq]

By the way Josh, the L50 and E50 came out today as well, they seem to kind of invalidate the A50S and D50S in terms of both power and performance, they even have real balanced outputs and cost about the same price as those two devices! Maybe check them out when you get a chance.

[@xxgamerxxchrischris2325]

Their very very good I hear

[@aflitiatorbinomoril9748]

Hello, what should i buy? HD800S Or HD820, (i am not rich, i just hope that some gold brick just fall in my roof) also i am new on audiophile thing

[@andrej177]

What mic do you use bro? It sounds crisp

[@CarolusBuchwurm]

What do you do if you need an amp for nice speakers but also like to listen to headphones and thusly need a good integrated headphone amp?

[@stringstorm]

The ifi ZEN Dac accomplish this. There is a speaker output at the back but automatically directs audio to the headphone out if you plug a headphone into it.

[@MrAM4D3U5]

Hey Josh I just ordered a pair of ATH-W5000 headphones with Fever cable for like really cheap. I don’t have a dedicated headphone amp right now. Thinking about building an M Cubed. Can you please advise on this headphone I’ve never seen you comment on it? Same with the amp? Thanks!

[@SummerH91]

Topping A50s+D50s or DX7 Pro?

[@samuelgadgets1391]

Could you test Ovidius B1 with planar magnetic? It's drive 600ohm

[@nzothemage2624]

Do you eq the LCDX ?

[@gustavct]

Great video Joshua. Could you do a similar one using the Sundara.

[@vladimirk9333]

Hi, I will be very grateful for the advice. I am planning to purchase Topping D30Pro + Topping A30Pro for use with Audeze LCD-2C closedback headphones. As a source I plan to use a Tidal hi-fi subscription, is it advisable to purchase Topping D30Pro, which does not support MQA, or is it better to purchase SMSL SU-9 or Gustard X16 for Topping A30Pro. thanks

[@davidmason8212]

Can you tell HFM to decrease the price of the Arya ? I mean they make a sale on sundara and ananda by 30% and the 400i from 400 usd to 180

[@Justabugguy6262]

Thanks for the help Josh keep up the great work

[@bocian102]

Which headphones up to 200$ (max 250)? I mainly play saingles but also multi games. I listen to music and watch youtube and netflix. I currently own the razer thresher ultimate. I dont have amp and dac, but I can buy one. It all depends on what headphones you reccomend to me.

[@hackeroo]

how about ifi zen dac v1/v2?

[@kaskalo2]

No fiio k5 pro? 😔

[@codgerfiasco]

Too late!! I just ordered a Rebel Amp and Soncoz la-qxd1 to go with my LCD-X. Is that overkill?

[@colin2623]

I already have an Onkyo A-9010 amp for my cd player and turntable, so in my case, I would probably only focus on what type of headphones is right for me since the amp will probably be able to use with most of them already.

[@peterpaul195]

Josh what lighting do you use for the highlights? Like the purple or green light on the table

[@Angel-em7ig]

Just got the z1r headphones but I don't know if my amp and dac Is powering them to the fullest extent they still sound very good though

[@atheistmetal1]

Hello, friend, great video! i am getting the Asgard 3 today via FedEx. do you recommend the monolith m1570c ? it's new (closed back is at least) for this amp? i would love your thoughts on this.

[@pauljohnpena1247]

This is a helpful video, especially for those who, like me, some months ago, are just starting to explore how to grow and upgrade their collection.

[@dr_gus2111]

I'm currently using the A90 with the HD6xx and DT770pro 80ohm. I choose the A90 because I found it really afordable for what it brings. Also, I bought argon T50 mk3 & T60 (still waiting for them right now), so I will probably need the extra power. But for the dac I didn't choose the D90, because it's really expensive. I took the D50s, which has a lot of functionnality (including bluetooth) for a raisonnable price. I've no idea if I would hear the difference with the D90, but will probably upgrade later.

[@badgermcbadger1968]

Did you get the dt770 before you got an amp? Also, I would prefer a good dac over a good amp, unless you really need the extra power( or tubes)