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Apogee Groove vs Massdrop CTH + SDAC? (For HD 6XX)

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I know the Apogee Groove and the Massdrop CTH + SDAC are totally different animals, but both have great reviews about it's match to the sennheiser HD 6XX. So, would the CTH + SDAC worth the extra price vs the Apogee Groove? I would like your sound quality opinion more than other factors like portability. Thanks guys!
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rastus
1391
Feb 10, 2019
Simple, unless you need portability, the CTH,, with a decent tube..;)
jesse04030
163
Feb 8, 2019
I think the HD6XX sounds better when paired with tubes
(Edited)
dcha12
461
Feb 8, 2019
My comparison isn't exactly the most valid since the closest thing to the Apogee Groove that I've listened to is the Audioquest Dragonfly Red, but here's my lowdown: As soon as portability goes into the equation, something is almost always sacrificed. The Groove is a great option for those who would like a portable option to travel with. However, in pure sonic merit, for me the Dragonfly, in comparison to a CTH, sounds tinny, wimpy, and underpowered. Bass loses texture and can become kind of flabby. And yes, I use the HD6XX as one of my main headphones to audition gear (I'm familiar with its sound). So I can't imagine the Groove being that much different. Keep in mind that impedance in dynamic driver headphones is NOT purely resistive; it "swings" up and down. In the case of the HD6XX, the swing can be up to 500 ohms. That's a pretty hefty load the amp is going to be under.
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