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Is the Schiit stack still worth it, or are there other options that are as good/ better around the same price range?

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I use the HD 6XX’s as my daily drivers. I have a fiio Q1 Mk2 that I use to power them but I’m looking for a desktop pair of an amp and dac. Tube amp would be nice, but I would like a clean and slightly warm sounding solid state as a baseline before I start getting into tubes. Thanks for the help!
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jesse04030
163
Feb 16, 2019
I owned the Schiit Jotunheim/Lyr 2 which are supposed to be an upgrade over the Magni and I have to say that the JDS Atom beats those easily. Much more clarity, dynamics and neutrality. Additionally it wont get stupidly hot in summer like the other two. Pair it with a good DAC like SDAC, Topping D10, Khadas tone board etc. and you´ll archieve a "better" sound than the Schiit Stack.
LuckyLuke575
561
Feb 15, 2019
I also have the FiiO Q1 Mk2 and just ordered a pair of 6XX's. I was wondering if the normal 3.5 mm output is enough to drive the 6XX's at a loud enough level given their impedance? I would assume that the balanced output is more than sufficient. Also wondering what your reasons are for wanting to upgrade? I'm already starting to think about a next level dac/amp combo to match with the 6XXs. Thoughts so far are THX AAA 789 with a decent dac, Aune X1S, or Schitt stack Modi/Magni combo. Either way from what I've heard its worthwhile to go the balanced output route with a decent cable to match, so that is also one of my considerations.
Coleman_Trebor
18
Feb 15, 2019
LuckyLuke575The fiio is powerful enough, but only barely. I'm always on high gain with the knob at 4 o'clock at the minimum.
jah_offisah808
32
Feb 14, 2019
I'd recommend the Schiit Jotenhiem DAC/AMp combo which im using now. You'll get a better sound also it with a balanced cable with a 4 pin XLR termination
psuKinger
110
Feb 19, 2019
jah_offisah808 ^^^ This. I own a pair of Sennheiser HD-6XX's. And I have a Fiio Q1 (I don't know if it's the mkII or not; I'm not sure it matters much) and a Schiit Jotunheim. There is significant performance/sound quality improvements to running the HD-6XX's off the Jot. It's not that the Fiio can't play them *loud*. It's that it can't play them *loud* AND be quick/dynamic and full. For Christmas my wife got me a 3rd party (periapt) balanced XLR cable for them. For reasons I can't explain (because I"m not an EE, nor do I work for Schiit) the Jotunheim is able to provide a lot more power out it's XLR output than it's single-ended output. The HD-6XX's again were plenty loud off the stock single-ended cable. They had that "magical" imaging/fidelity for strings and female vocals that everyone raves about. But using the single-ended output on my Jot, they were pretty underwhelming for rock music (classic and modern) and other modern/synthetic stuff... I still prefer my Audeze LCD-2C and Fostex TR-X00's for "modern" music (or anything with a lot of punchy mid-bass and sub-bass), but the HD-6XX's got a whole new facelift off the Jotunheim's XLR output. All of the sudden, all that extra "headroom" between the maximum capability of my power source and the power needed to drive them to "loud" listening levels meant they got a lot more quick/dynamic/responsive on the lower end. They filled in. It was unexpected for me, and remarkable. TIFWIW
(Edited)
Keth
760
Feb 13, 2019
Objectivly, the Liquid Spark and JDS Atom are better than the Magni. If you like a slight warmth the Liquid Spark is the way to go, both in sound, and as a warm place to rest your hand in winter. If you have a decent source you can wait on the DAC.
(Edited)
Dmt37
75
Feb 12, 2019
For my ears the 6xx add plenty of warmth so I prefer as neutral as possible electronics to allow me to alter the sound via different headphones and have a base sound that stays a color-free as I can (within my admittedly diminutive budget) I have nothing but amazing things to say about my topping d30 dac and from what testing I have seen it measures far better than the Schiit. Topping also makes an a30 amp as well as a few others that pair quite nicely as far as looks are concened I've heard good things about how they sound but haven't yet personally heard them.
ILikeAcid
285
Feb 12, 2019
...and I use it with the 6XXs
ILikeAcid
285
Feb 12, 2019
I love my Schiit stack! Magni and Modi 3's
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