Setup: I bought THX 789 for the massive output of idk 6W/32ohms, but whenever I try to use my Sundara/Modhouse Argon/HD600/Arya V2/...whatever, I cannot reach decent listening levels in terms of db without getting this scratching/hissing noise in the background ... I think it's distortion. (DAC I use: Geshelli labs - J2, set to max volume) Settings: With an XLR output, gain setting level at 2/3 and the volume knob set to 2-4 o'clock, hearing distortion from a 250-350$ THX amp shouldn't be a thing, should it? With somewhat hard to drive headphones, I'm not reaching 70db, but I can already hear this godforsaken noise on all tracks without a constant stream of sound. If you dare to up the volume past 4 o'clock, or past 12 on gain setting 3/3, this noise becomes so loud, it might as well be an additional instrument Music: The tracks I usually listen to involve so few instruments, that you don't have a constant stream of sound. (e.g. Creep - Lena Hall) I'd love to get some feedback!...
Jun 5, 2024
Even though I am not new to the audiophile game, I am looking for inputs on the following as I am stalled a bit:
One of the pairings I currently have is the Schiit Bifrost multibit with the Gustard H10. My other amp/dac combos are very well paired and these two are the odd ones right now. I am getting a feel that neither the multibit nor the Gustard is performing its best with this pairing. I have a good mind to just buy a Gustard X20 or a used X12 to pair with the H10 or maybe pair the bifrost multibit with a Lyr2/Mjolinr or a used Ragnarok. I am not sure which one to go for first (and whether there are other pairings better than these ones at this price point) and your inputs will be helpful. I am not concerned about the headphones since I have a few planars and dynamics available at the moment.
TIA.