Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
Grace m9xx vs THX AAA 789/Airist R-2R
search
close
Sort by: Newest
keyboard_arrow_downDenonFanboy
825
Aug 18, 2018
would be better to get the LCX and the airist. What headphones do you have?
DenonFanboy
825
Aug 19, 2018
GlagaFor sure would get airist and lcx then, hd700 are cold and the 2 that I mentioned have a warm tilt.
ElectronicVices
2937
Aug 17, 2018
Not at all trying to be a dick here but asking about sound signature comparisons before they've been released to the public is a bit unrealistic. Some things to think about from specs and my personal stance:
1) I like separates... the flexibility they provide is worth the extra space/cost to me. Not going to state they are "better" per se, just like being able to swap smaller pieces of my audio chain.
2) Do you have balanced or balanced capable headphones? If yes the THX makes 6x the power into 32 ohms and 8x the power into 600 ohms. The THX also puts out almost 2x the power in 32 ohms and 600 ohms in single-ended. This extra headroom may be handy if you have hard to drive planar magnetics or 300-600 ohm cans (Senn/Beyer).
3) The AA R-2R is an interesting topology, lots of subjective opinions on it having an inherently smooth characteristic.
4) The M9XX and the AA both do DSD
5) AAA has 3.5, 6.3 and XLR outputs, negating the need for any adapters.
In the end only you will be able to decide, for me I like separates and I own fairly inefficient planar headphones so the stack would be the way I would go . The grace is a nice piece of kit but may not be the best pairing with extremely efficient low impedance headphones or hard to drive cans. What headphones are you using?
1) I like separates... the flexibility they provide is worth the extra space/cost to me. Not going to state they are "better" per se, just like being able to swap smaller pieces of my audio chain.
2) Do you have balanced or balanced capable headphones? If yes the THX makes 6x the power into 32 ohms and 8x the power into 600 ohms. The THX also puts out almost 2x the power in 32 ohms and 600 ohms in single-ended. This extra headroom may be handy if you have hard to drive planar magnetics or 300-600 ohm cans (Senn/Beyer).
3) The AA R-2R is an interesting topology, lots of subjective opinions on it having an inherently smooth characteristic.
4) The M9XX and the AA both do DSD
5) AAA has 3.5, 6.3 and XLR outputs, negating the need for any adapters.
In the end only you will be able to decide, for me I like separates and I own fairly inefficient planar headphones so the stack would be the way I would go . The grace is a nice piece of kit but may not be the best pairing with extremely efficient low impedance headphones or hard to drive cans. What headphones are you using?
Glaga
15
Aug 19, 2018
So that alone already makes it a major upgrade for my headphones. I never knew about the impedance swings! That's really good to know! Thanks guys!
How well would the Grace m9xx handle the impedance swings?
How well would the Grace m9xx handle the impedance swings?
ElectronicVices
2937
Aug 19, 2018
GlagaIf you are running the grace with both usb inputs connected (hi power mode) I doubt you will have any trouble with the HD700 as it is fairly efficient. Remember that audio typically plays in an arena with seriously diminishing returns. The THX AAA could be a small improvement but I would be hesitant to call it major. If you had balanced planar headphones or very low impedance/high sensitivity headphones I could see a bigger return on investment. If you think your headphone collection will grow and you want the flexibility of separates then I say go for it. If you are completely happy with the HD700 I would just stick with the Grace but that also depends on the severity of your case of upgraditis.
Related Posts
LostnAmerica
Sound Signature of the Grell Project.
Wondering what type of sound signature the Drop Grell project headphones will have or trying to attain. Any update would be appreciated.
Apr 8, 2024
Fabulous
Looking for a gaming/content audio setup
Hello! I'm looking for recommendations on audio setups. I'd be planning on using it mostly for gaming. Preferably I'd like a pair of large closed back headphones since I have a big head and jaw. I'd also like to hear myself through my mic with mic monitoring. As far as budget goes, I don't really have one. But under 600$ would be nice. I can go higher if needed. The audio setup would be connected to a high performance PC. Thank you in advance for any recommendations!
Apr 4, 2024
1plsd
$10 Drop Coupon Email not sent?
Trying to buy some gear off Drop for the first time. I was told I would receive an email with a welcome to drop $10 off promo. I never received that email. Drop was able to send me emails for my login token and email for Password update. But for some reason the $10 off coupon was never sent to me.
Mar 31, 2024
Mr.Hazmat
What would be a good portable Dac/Amp to use with my HD6xx and Sony Xperia 1 V cell phone?
I am new to this hobby. I purchased a HD6XX and plan to use it with my Sony Xperia 1 V cell phone, that has a 3.5mm jack. I was wondering if I needed a portable dac/amp or just a portable amp and if so what would one recommend? Any assistance one could provide, would be greatly appreciated. Kind regards, Haz
Mar 7, 2024
JonathanWB
Invest in Balancing my HD6xx headphones?
Hi... I'm a songwriter/producer. I have Drop Senn HD6xx HPs. I just bought a Topping L30 II SE HP amp to enhance my monitoring. It honestly sounds pretty good. The audio interface I'm using (an Audient iD22) has balanced outs. For those of you who've listened to the HD6xx using balanced amps and cables, do you think I should invest in that kind of setup to take advantage of the Senns potential?
Feb 22, 2024
adiaz7531
B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver
Hello! Has the AudioEngine B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver ever been available here as a Drop?
Feb 15, 2024
Trending Posts in Audiophile
Simthaniel
Rigs
Modded headphones with qudelix at the core
When I received the Qudelix 5K, I had already modified a pair of Superlux HD-681 headphones. I previously soldered my own balanced connections to the drivers, providing multiple ways to connect and...
Apr 14, 2024
brothamike
A decent set of IEMs
I am in the midst of a 300 hour burn-in but, I will say I am enjoying how this set sounds so far. Before I received these which was btw late by a few weeks, I purchased a Sony/Kimber Kable MMCX...
Apr 12, 2024
merrick97
Should I exchange the PC38X for better headphones?
I bought the PC38X headphones FOR GAMING and they are great, but I have NO use for a Microphone since I don't do competitive gaming and I was wondering if there were better headphone options at a similar price without a headphone, where (presumably) more of the cost was put into making it sound better. I also find that my PC38X don't get quite as loud as I would like and I was wondering if a cheap amp like the iFi Go link would draw a little more volume out of my phones. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN6MM822?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details I went with the PC38X since it was considered the best bang for buck headphones. I care most about using spatial apps like DOlby Atmos and DTS Headphone:X. Suggestions are welcome.
Apr 11, 2024
LostnAmerica
Sound Signature of the Grell Project.
Wondering what type of sound signature the Drop Grell project headphones will have or trying to attain. Any update would be appreciated.
Apr 8, 2024
Fabulous
Looking for a gaming/content audio setup
Hello! I'm looking for recommendations on audio setups. I'd be planning on using it mostly for gaming. Preferably I'd like a pair of large closed back headphones since I have a big head and jaw. I'd also like to hear myself through my mic with mic monitoring. As far as budget goes, I don't really have one. But under 600$ would be nice. I can go higher if needed. The audio setup would be connected to a high performance PC. Thank you in advance for any recommendations!
Apr 4, 2024
1plsd
$10 Drop Coupon Email not sent?
Trying to buy some gear off Drop for the first time. I was told I would receive an email with a welcome to drop $10 off promo. I never received that email. Drop was able to send me emails for my login token and email for Password update. But for some reason the $10 off coupon was never sent to me.
Mar 31, 2024
NMPacella
New here
Hello, I just joined, primarily for the audiophile products. Looking at purchasing the NHT C3 speakers for our new living room. Space is about 15 feet wide by 33 long and they will fire long ways. Space is just for general listening, music room with all equipment is downstairs, so hoping they will fill it with sound nicely. Cheers.
Mar 18, 2024
Drop Refurbished
Like-new products you can trustDrop Rewards
Get $5 for every 500 points you earn! Learn more
Drop Keyboard Club
Become a member and expand your keycap collectionCollaborate With Us
For Brands & DesignersFollow Drop
I know that those two products are very new and there haven't been too much testing done with them, but specs-wise, what are the actual differences between the Grace vs the THX/Airist? What difference of sound signature could I expect? Is there anything that the Grace does better than that stack? The biggest question is if it's even that much of an upgrade. If I need to spend more to get a real upgrade, what would you suggest?
Thanks so much!