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Ovation
69
May 21, 2018
I’d try the 58x. Not too expensive and could be close to what you want.
FEAP98
11
May 21, 2018
OvationThanks for the suggestion. I didn’t realize they were of a lower impedance
Ovation
69
May 21, 2018
FEAP98Same as the HD660s and around the same sensitivity, IIRC. Should be as easy to drive one or the other with any particular gear.
I've ordered the HD58x--in part for its lower impedance but also because, at the time, I thought the HD6xx was never coming back (I was brand new to Massdrop and didn't realize drops come and go--at least for popular ones). I also ordered the HD6xx when they became available again, but mostly to play around with some tube amplification (dipped my toe into tubes with the Bravo V2 from here as well).
If they prove indistinguishable to my (aging) ears, then I'll likely sell one of them and get something clearly different. But if I enjoy the tube experience and decide to go further along that path, I'll probably keep them both, as the higher impedance of the HD6xx, in theory, should be a better match for tubed gear.
Plus it's good to have options.
FEAP98Yes! Both the HD 660 S and Massdrop - exclusive HD 58X Jubilee are 150 Ω impedance headphones. Considering that the iPhone 7 doesn't have a headphone jack, you'd probably be using the headphone with a portable DAC/Amp... even the Apple included lightning to 3.5mm adapter that came with your phone is technically a DAC/Amp. The 300 Ω HD 650 would still play plenty loud from an iPhone 6S back in the day, but proper amplification is all about elevating the sound quality and unveiling the full potential of a headphone.
Sennheiser makes the HDVA 600 and the HDV 820 desktop amps, but you'd probably want something more portable to go with your iPhone. Fortunately, some great options (and opinions) are often on Massdrop (and more recommendations on other sites).
Hope you have a great experience!
FEAP98
11
May 23, 2018
EvshrugI’ve gone ahead and joined the drop for the 6xx’s. I’m hoping they’re as good as the hype for them would suggest, even on just my iPhone 7 as is. That being said, however, I’m looking into saving up for the FiiO Q5 portable dac/amp since the 6xx’s are estimated to ship no less than 3 months from now. They’re $350 which is steep and I’m not exactly racking in cash since I’m 19 but fortunately my financial responsibilitlies at the moment are quite minimal. The Q5’s offer aptx Bluetooth connectivity support which would greatly increase the ease of use and portability for me. To be clear I’m not really looking to take these out of the house but instead move around the house with it. I don’t have a nice desk or desktop computer anyways so.. the mobility is nice. I enjoy being lazy all over the house. Not just in one place. Thanks again for your input. The massdrop community is pretty great for the most part
Eli35
653
May 23, 2018
OvationJust to make it clear, you know the Bravo V2 is a hybrid solid state / tube amp, right? You won't get the real "tube" experience unless you get an OTL like the Darkvoice 336se or the LD MKII/MKIII/MKIV. I own both a LD I+ and a DV 336se, and feeding the HD6XX there's definitely a big difference in the sound. I'd say hybrid amps just color the sound while tube amps completely alter the sound, adding that nice pleasant old school distortion (love it or hate it, but it's there, you pay for it) while also adding some coloration (depending on the tubes, of course).
Ovation
69
May 23, 2018
Eli35I know. It’s why I call it “dipping a toe” rather than “taking the plunge”. ;)
At the price, I figured I’d try it out and see if I’m interested in pursuing it further. If so, I know there are many options to consider.
FEAP98I LOVE my FiiO X7, which is similar to the Q5 except it’s also a music player. I think you’ll find it to be a notable upgrade from the iPhone 7 dongle, which itself was a noticeable downgrade from the iPhone 6S’ headphone jack (and my X7 sounds so much more dynamic, exciting and rich than my iPhone 6S did!).
iPhones do NOT support aptX unfortunately, but Bluetooth devices I’ve tried in the past few years have sounded pretty great. Especially ones that can transmit AAC without re-encoding.
Everybody’s experience is different, but I had an easier time saving up money in high school than I did in college, and right after college was leaner times as well while I took what jobs I could find until my career actually got started. Then, I got married and lost the ability to save again 😅 Combined, we make more money than ever before, but we’re more ambitious about our living conditions and quality of life, so we save less. I’m still trying to pay my dues towards retirement, we’ll see if I started soon enough!
FEAP98
11
May 23, 2018
Evshrugyeah I’m pretty excited to empty my wallet for the sake of excellent audio quality lol
FEAP98🦋 Wallet friend for you
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