My thought also, which is unfortunate. But hey, learning as I go into this crazy hobby.
The thing that confuses me is that by replacing the AKM-based internal dac for the
Pontus I actually experienced more sibilance. Which was just odd to me. But might be that the roughly 200 hours playtime the Pontus had was not enough, as
@joseG86 said. Or something else, which I do not know what could be.
Will try not to derail the Pontus thread too much, but since you are addressing it I thought I might type my synergi considerations in here.
In an effort to strike a more optimal synergy I am thinking either..
- Upgrade from my AKM-based internal Phonitor dac to the Pontus 2 AND switch from the Hifiman He1000 V2 to the Tungsten DS (which is supposedly similar, but warmer and non-fatiguing). And then keep the Phonitor XE (which an amazing amplifier for displaying what is within your source and chain).
- It would be a real shame to let go of the He1000 V2. It renders vocals and acoustic singer-songwriter (that is my main genre) in an absolutely stunning, stellar way.
- The Phonitor XE should supposedly fit the Modhouse Tungsten well with its capability of pumping massive voltage. So that's a consideration for synergy in that setup.
- This would be essentially 'warm dac' (Pontus) to 'neutral amp' (Phonitor) to 'warm headphone' (Tungsten).
- Alternatively, switch out the Phonitor XE for another dac & amp combo to complement the He1000 V2.
- This could be the Pontus 2, plus another amp.
- Or a warm dac amp combo. Something like the Audio-gd AIOs.
Very difficult to know where to go from here not having the possibility to audition much gear, where I live. Keen to hear if you have any thoughts
@Smoothstereo (having an Arya). Also, you mention USB cables. Any ideas for an inexpensive cable that is significantly warmer than my Supra Excalibur?