Which Schiit headphone amp?

[bluegrassphile]

I won't need a DAC/amp since the Lumin D2 has a DAC. I only need a headphone amp. So, which one? I'm thinking Vali or Valhalla. Or, would one of the Schiit SS headphone amps sound better? I'll run it through a Luxman 509x integrated amp.

 

[CPP]

What headphones

 

[bluegrassphile]

What headphones

I knew you'd ask that. They're Audiotechnica but the headphones show no model name or number. I purchased them about 15-20 years ago for about $200-$250. They sound really good. Very balanced and accurate. They're a closed style. I use them almost exclusively for recording. I'd like to get some Sennheiser 800s. But, for now, the Audiotechnicas will have to do for home audio.

 

[CPP]

I knew you'd ask that. They're Audiotechnica but the headphones show no model name or number. I purchased them about 15-20 years ago for about $200-$250. They sound really good. Very balanced and accurate. They're a closed style. I use them almost exclusively for recording. I'd like to get some Sennheiser 800s. But, for now, the Audiotechnicas will have to do for home audio.

I would just use the Luxman 509x, until you obtain an upgraded headphone later own.

 

[bluegrassphile]

Chris, I think that's wise. I won't be listening with headphones very often anyway. And I will be upgrading my headphones in the future. While I have you here...what phones would you recommend with a budget...$1000 give or take $500. Looking for max bang for the buck.

 

[CPP]

Chris, I think that's wise. I won't be listening with headphones very often anyway. And I will be upgrading my headphones in the future. While I have you here...what phones would you recommend with a budget...$1000 give or take $500. Looking for max bang for the buck.

Focal Elear, or for just a little more over the $1k mark the Clear
Mr Speaker - Aeon
Sennheiser HD 600, 650, 660s


For starters, I can only suggest something I've heard or own and should still be supportive of your Luxman, other might have other suggestions.. Once you start moving up the headphone chain a dedicated headphone amp is usually a better choice.

 

[Randy Myers]

I have not heard the Luxman, but I have had a few headphone amps.

Woo
Bryston
Dennis Had
Various DAC/headphone amps

Currently using my T+A DAC which also has a very nice volume control circuit and headphone amplifier built in.


I do not listen to headphones a ton at this point in time, but over the past few years I have had a few.

McIntosh
Audese EL-8
Sennheiser HD800S
MrSpeakers Ether
Focal Clear

While the Sennheiser, MrSpeakers and Focal were all comfortable (the McIntosh and Audeze were not), I stayed with the Focal because I felt they are the best sounding in this range.

 

[Vinyl Valet]

To answer your original question, I really like the Schiit Lyr 3 (most recent model). It works well with all my headphones. Reading the various forums, a lot of folks consider this their best sounding headphone amp. I have the Vali 3 and although very nice for the money, the Lyr 3 is a lot better, a big step up.