[leng jai]

So I just picked up my HD 650 today and love them to bits. Seems that the vast majority of people here are using an upgraded cable for the HD 650. It feels like almost a sin to only use the stock cable, but I'm not sure its worth getting a Cardas or Equinox cable with my current setup. What is the difference between the Cardas and the Equinox cable? Its obvious the weakest point in my setup is my X-Fi, and perhaps upgrading my DAC should be a higher priority. I've been eyeing off an iBasso D1, looks very nice and not too pricey. Would this work well as a stand alone DAC connected via USB? Are there any other DACs on option for around $200 that would be suitable?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Chris_Himself]

there isnt a decent DAC that you could find for under 300 dollars new that would beat the D1.

 

[leng jai]

I've been reading the iBasso D1 thread and its looking like a very good stand alone DAC option for my PC setup.

 

[Zorander]

My vote for a DAC upgrade over a cable upgrade (which should really be the last component to be upgraded before anything else).

Cheers!

 

[JLai]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zorander /img/forum/go_quote.gif My vote for a DAC upgrade over a cable upgrade (which should really be the last component to be upgraded before anything else). Cheers!

x2

I'd go with something of a silver flavor for the HD650 though.

It was night and day b/t my Cardas and Zu.

 

[edwardsean]

X3. Silver would be the best bet in improving the shortcomings of the HD650 while retaining its best features. However, silver would need to be done right. Revelation Audio Labs would really be worth checking out.

 

[Chris_Himself]

source>cables

 

[edwardsean]

I know this is so heavily debated, but I would just add that cable upgrades really are on par with component upgrades. It is remarkable how much a length of wire can make as opposed to a complicated bit of electronic kit. But, the improvements to tone, texture, soundstage, transparency, etc. are remarkable.

 

[pianomav]

upgrade your source first... i wouldn't even think of upgrading cables until you've got decent source and amps...

 

[kamal007]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pianomav /img/forum/go_quote.gif upgrade your source first... i wouldn't even think of upgrading cables until you've got decent source and amps...

x2...

 

[edwardsean]

I would agree with that wisdom. I was speaking from the standpoint of after having a good source and amps. There is a point where the next jump in components would cost substantially more than could be gained by a smaller investment in cabling. Or, put another way, after a certain point, adding $250.00 would only achieve a nominal improvement in a new amp, but a dramatic difference in a headphone recable.

 

[rb67]

I'll put it another way.

There is much contention over whether a cable makes a difference in audio. (Take a gander at the cable forums for some really enjoyable reading!)

There is NO contention over whether a DAC will improve your sound when compared to a computer sound card.

 

[kamal007]

i upgraded from a modded XFi with blackgates and ERS to EMU 0404 USB.
The best decision ive made so far

 

[leng jai]

Okay sweet. So is the ibasso D1 a good match for the HD650?

 

[kamal007]

Quote:

Originally Posted by leng jai /img/forum/go_quote.gif Okay sweet. So is the ibasso D1 a good match for the HD650?

probably get a standalone DAC since your little dot can handle the hd650 quite well