Incorporating headphones into my pc audio system
which may not sound as good as the Oppo's excellent internal dac, Tim, It happens that Oppo HA-2SE has better DAC. Oppo 105 uses ES9018 while HA-2SE uses ES9028, not to mention that HA-2SE incorporates discrete output stage (matched transistors) while Oppo 105 has chip. I've never had occasion to test 105, but suspect that HA-2SE sounds better, since it was reported that HA-2SE sounds better than HA-2 (mine), that has the same DAC ( ES9018) as Oppo 105. |
Hey Kijanki, I have no doubt that the HA-2SE would sound great in my soon to be improved system. I just read a review on the Oppo PM-3 headphones that paired the HA-2 (not sure if it was regular or SE version) with these headphones for the review. He mentions that the HA-2 is a very good match with the PM-3 since they make up for some of their cons, subdued deep bass impact and rolled off treble in his opinion,and make them sound much better. I'm very close to deciding to buy the Aune X7s class A amp since I'm fairly certain it'll sound better than the X1s combo dac/amp because it's class A. Now I just need to choose a good usb DAC and headphones to go with it. I just started another thread here asking for advice on DAC, headphones and amp. I'm currently leaning towards the JDS Labs Standalone ODAC RevB with rca outputs($150) but haven't ruled out the HA-2SE. The ODAC has the advantages of using Sabre dac chips and being an 'in-line' type of DAC that I could stash out of sight under my end table. I'm much less convinced about which headphones to choose since I have no means locally of hearing most of the higher end pairs and need to base my opinions on reviews. If I could afford it, I'd probably buy a set of Stax. I think I'd really enjoy a pair of Audeze or Monoprice planars but they leak too much sound from their open backs. My wife is usually watching tv or on her tablet on our couch only a few feet away from my listening chair. In order to avoid an inevitable firm smack on my head from a frying pan, I've decided to restrict my headphone search to over-ear, wired and closed back models that leak little to no sound. I'm looking for an accurate and detailed sound that covers the entire frequency range, good bass and treble extension, a smooth and natural mid-range that provides a solid sound stage illusion and the ability to convey the life-like dynamics present on well engineered direct to digital recordings. Not asking for much, right? I've only identified 3 good candidates so far: Sony MHR-1A and MHR-Z7 and Oppo PM-3. I'm thinking the Sony Z7 would likely match my preferences best but I'm still open to closed back suggestions. Thanks, Tim |
You have two ways to do this: 1 use a good wireless headphone. See here, e.g.: https://en-us.sennheiser.com/wireless-headphones There really is no reason to worry about the AD/DA conversion. Avoid analogue wireless transmission - that was only good for babyphones, and even then. 2 get a small and light usb DAC+headphone amp like the ODAC/O2 combination. I have an ODAC as an usb DAC to use with my desktop computer, and it is excellent and very small. Make sure the headphone amp has a low output impedance. |
Hi willemj, Do you have the Senn HD-1 wireless headphones, the ones for $399? I checked them out online and they look very nice, could be a good option. I think I could actually audition these at a local Best Buy, which would be a big plus. I’m a little confused about exactly how I would install them in my system. Do you have the time to explain how you have them hooked up and your general thoughts on how they sound? It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Tim |
