I don't know if it's issues with the 650s. I keep having to replace the cables and they don't sound as clear as they used to. It's making me wonder if I should try a newer version. I have a Schiit Valhalla 2 but I could never get it working right. There was a bunch of static the last time I...

Hi ! I am using Sennheiser HD 650s and happy with those but wondering if there is anything better in the $300-700 that would be good for classical music. I am having issues with my 650s, they are rather old, so looking for either a replacement or something new. Thanks !

Thank you Protege. Unfortunately, to decipher all of this I would need to watch a 30-part video series by Bill Nye. I had no idea what kind of Schiit I was getting myself into here. My source is my sound card: Sound Blaster AE-7 which has a pre-amp of its own. Probably I didn't need the pre-amp...

Hi. I am using a CXA81. Through the headphone jack in the front of my CXA81 I've got a cable that splits into red/white that I am running into the back of my Schiit Valhalla 2 through the input jacks. Through the front of my Schiit Valhalla 2, I'm plugging in my HD-650s. I must be doing...

My PC uses an 850V power supply, so would I need an 850AV UPS?

Sounds dangerous to chain surge protectors.

When I have power outages, I get an electric shock through my HD-650s which are plugged into my computer going through a decent, but low-end pre-amp. The shocks are painful and I was seeing flashes of white light in the room for a few minutes (maybe it was my monitor, even though it was turned...

Can you recommend anything specifically? Just not really sure what I'm looking for exactly. Total noob here. Thanks.

Interesting. My only concern is that these old triodes contain some metal or element that is harmful to health.

Hi, I use the Sennheiser HD650s. I am purchasing the Valhalla 2. On Schiit's website, I can choose between two different voltages for the amp: 115 and 230 VAC. Which one should I choose? EDIT: Nevermind on this first question--I guess it only depends on where you live... Just saw the ...

Thanks! Probably going with the Magnius and Modius. I'm also thinking about trying out the Abyss Diana V2, I have seen some great reviews for this one. In those reviews, they were using the Magnius/Modius combo with the V2.

Currently I'm using the amp that comes with my soundcard and it's disappointing. Schiit has some interesting products but I don't know which ones make the most sense. Looking at the WA11 as well. Which DAC/amp combo would be a solid improvement?--Considering I will be trying out the Abyss Diana...

Just an update that I got the CXA81 and Wharfedale Evo 4.4s and they sound amazing. Thanks for all the help! I've been using bluetooth. Is it possible to go directly from my computer to the DAC and would this potentially improve the quality over bluetooth?

Thanks for the info. I just found Cambridgeaudiousa is selling CXA81s refurbished on ebay and I'm going to stick with the original plan. I should be all set now as long as the CXA81 is capable of driving my HD650s and whichever Audeze LCD model I decide to try. I can see it only has a 3.5mm...

Thanks. Alright so I got the Evo 4.4s - was lucky enough to find a demo pair for only $1500. I want to go separate and get the STA 9, but the Brooklyn+ is too expensive for me, what are some other decent options?

This is from a thread from someone on another forum regarding bi-amping the EVO 4.4s: "First we tried simply using one power amp per speaker with just a single pair of cables for each speaker. We were astonished by how well these speakers performed." .... "It’s not a surprise that having one...

Cool, thanks for the help. I think I'm going to go for the CXA81 and the Wharfedales. As far as saving money on this stuff, I'm looking at Crutchfield. Are there any reputable places I could look for a discount?

I have a choice of using bi-wire cables for the Wharfedale Evo 4.4s. Would you recommend this? Also, I noticed that the CA CXA81 is 80w per channel whereas the SA20 is 90w per channel. Do you think that will make a difference?

For the source I will use Tidal on my PC. I attached the dimensions and a model of the room (to scale) that I will be using as a listening room. I'm not sure how to position yet. Right now deciding between the Wharfedale Evo 4.4's and Revel F36s.

That's another thing--not sure if I want to go with floorstanding or bookshelf. I read that floorstanding speakers are generally higher quality. I found the Revel F36s for $1800 and I might try those first. I was recommended to try Arcam SA20 because it is DAC/Amp combo. Any thoughts on this...

I did see some USB DACs that support MQA for under $400 but I didn't think that would be powerful enough. Do you have any suggestions for a cheaper combo?

So yeah, looking for a DAC that supports MQA, and one that I can use with the HD 650s and also with speakers (looking into revel performa/concerto). Brooklyn+ maybe ?

Right now I am using the HD650s through this amp that came with my Soundblaster AE-9, Tidal to stream. I'm not sure if I need support for MQA or DSD...I guess MQA? I don't know.

Thanks! Do you have any specific recommendations?

By doesn't do MQA, you mean it won't take advantage of the master quality tracks? I'm wondering if their more expensive modular amp model the Lyr would do MQA.