Kagelou
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Nov 1, 2010
- Posts
- 370
- Likes
- 59
Hi all,
Been a while since I came to this section in headfi, as I was quite content with what I have.
However, I believe I have contracted the all to familiar "upgradetitus", and this time its a severe case.
I am now looking for what will probably be my end game setup (or at least a long term setup) since I plan to get married soon.
Currently planning to center the setup around the HD800S, as I will be using this solely with my desktop computer for both listening to music and gaming (probably a 7:3 ratio).
To accompany the HD800S, I am also looking to get a nice amp and dac.
After looking around head-fi and reddit, I have read good reviews on the below amp/dacs as well as some comments that address synergy with the HD800S.
※I currently live in Japan, so would need to consider shipping + tax for Schiit; I can get the Fostex locally
Schiiit Audio Jotunheim (AMP + AK4490 DAC)
・$685 total
⇒Jotunheim: $500
⇒Shipping: $55
⇒Taxes: $30
⇒Transformer: $100
Schiit Audio Bifrost 2 + Valhalla 2
・$1320 total
⇒Bifrost: $700
⇒Valhalla: $350
⇒Shipping: $105
⇒Taxes: $65
⇒Transformer: $100
Fostex HP-A4BL
・$400 total
⇒HP-A4BL: $400
Marantz HD-DAC1
・$700 total
⇒HD-DAC1: $700
TEAC UD-505-B
・$1200 total
⇒UD-505-B: $1200
I am leaning towards the Bifrost + Valhalla combo, but the additional $170 from shipping and taxes is making me think I might be able to get something better locally for $1200. Same goes for the Jotunheim, I feel that the HP-A4BL would just be a safer choice considering shipping, taxes, and ease of return if anything goes wrong.
(I do like the fact that all of the Schiit devices look simple and elegant; sound is most important, but I do want my desk looking crisp.)
I am open to any other suggestions, especially if I can get my hands on it easily in Japan.
Budget would be around $500~$1200 and yes I understand its diminishing returns after around $300.
Some other points I am trying to get answers to, would be great if anyone can give their insight.
・If I get the Jotunheim or the HP-A4BL, should I also consider going balanced on the HD800S? (would probably cost an additional $150 or so)
・I dislike the fact that the Jotunheim and Valhalla both have the power switch on the back, hence if I decide on one of them, I was thinking of leaving the power switch on and controlling the power via the outlet; any reason this should not be advised?
・I am not really considering the Jotunheim Multibit unless the difference is substantial; should I even consider it?
・If I get any of the Schiit devices (115V), will I need to get a step-up transformer to use them in Japan (110V)?
Looking forward to comments and suggestions, have always appreciated the feedback from the members on head-fi!
Sincerely,
Kagelou
_________
5/24 edit: Added Marantz HD-DAC1, TEAC UD-505-B, added cost of transformer
Been a while since I came to this section in headfi, as I was quite content with what I have.
However, I believe I have contracted the all to familiar "upgradetitus", and this time its a severe case.
I am now looking for what will probably be my end game setup (or at least a long term setup) since I plan to get married soon.
Currently planning to center the setup around the HD800S, as I will be using this solely with my desktop computer for both listening to music and gaming (probably a 7:3 ratio).
To accompany the HD800S, I am also looking to get a nice amp and dac.
After looking around head-fi and reddit, I have read good reviews on the below amp/dacs as well as some comments that address synergy with the HD800S.
※I currently live in Japan, so would need to consider shipping + tax for Schiit; I can get the Fostex locally
Schiiit Audio Jotunheim (AMP + AK4490 DAC)
・$685 total
⇒Jotunheim: $500
⇒Shipping: $55
⇒Taxes: $30
⇒Transformer: $100
Schiit Audio Bifrost 2 + Valhalla 2
・$1320 total
⇒Bifrost: $700
⇒Valhalla: $350
⇒Shipping: $105
⇒Taxes: $65
⇒Transformer: $100
Fostex HP-A4BL
・$400 total
⇒HP-A4BL: $400
Marantz HD-DAC1
・$700 total
⇒HD-DAC1: $700
TEAC UD-505-B
・$1200 total
⇒UD-505-B: $1200
I am leaning towards the Bifrost + Valhalla combo, but the additional $170 from shipping and taxes is making me think I might be able to get something better locally for $1200. Same goes for the Jotunheim, I feel that the HP-A4BL would just be a safer choice considering shipping, taxes, and ease of return if anything goes wrong.
(I do like the fact that all of the Schiit devices look simple and elegant; sound is most important, but I do want my desk looking crisp.)
I am open to any other suggestions, especially if I can get my hands on it easily in Japan.
Budget would be around $500~$1200 and yes I understand its diminishing returns after around $300.
Some other points I am trying to get answers to, would be great if anyone can give their insight.
・If I get the Jotunheim or the HP-A4BL, should I also consider going balanced on the HD800S? (would probably cost an additional $150 or so)
・I dislike the fact that the Jotunheim and Valhalla both have the power switch on the back, hence if I decide on one of them, I was thinking of leaving the power switch on and controlling the power via the outlet; any reason this should not be advised?
・I am not really considering the Jotunheim Multibit unless the difference is substantial; should I even consider it?
・If I get any of the Schiit devices (115V), will I need to get a step-up transformer to use them in Japan (110V)?
Looking forward to comments and suggestions, have always appreciated the feedback from the members on head-fi!
Sincerely,
Kagelou
_________
5/24 edit: Added Marantz HD-DAC1, TEAC UD-505-B, added cost of transformer
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