Audio interface, DAC, Amp Recommendations.

[NekroDancer13]

Hello, tech newbie here.

 

I was hoping some could offer some gear recommendations. 

Forgive me if I sound like I don't know what I'm talking about and feel free to correct me.

 

Current Setup:

• Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 Audio Interface
• Sennheiser HD 600 Headphone
• Yamaha HS80m Speaker

 

Uses:

• Mixing
• Mastering

 

Situation:

I believe that I'm not getting the optimal performance from my HD 600 Headphones since the headphones being of high impedance(300 Ohms) require more voltage than what the Scarlett 2i4 can output. 

I'm having trouble deciding whether to get just a new AMP to use with my current audio interface, a new dedicated AMP+DAC(ex. JDS Labs Element) or simply a new audio interface.

I'm always looking for components that can reproduce a neutral sound, with little coloration to the sound as possible.

My price range sits at about 400$ and below.

 

Anyways if anyone could offer some suggestions or any sort of information to point me in the right direction, it would be greatly appreciated,

[Guest]

Schiit Valhalla 2; one of the best options for the HD6x0 in the price range. You're not going to get a head-out that is any better from an audio interface, unless you spend a great deal more money on a device that you probably wouldn't need otherwise.

 

The Valhalla 2 (and many Schiit amps) have pre-outs, so you can connect both your speakers and headphones to the amp if you want.

[Volbet]

Have you tried just plugging your headphones into your onboard audio?

While I can't say that it will the more powerful than your audio interface, there is a good chance it will. 

[NekroDancer13]

I see the Schiit Valhalla 2 uses tube, won't I have to replace them at some point? Do the tubes add any sort of tonal characteristics? Are those really as neutral as they claim? Plus I plan on purchasing Planar Magnetic headphones in the future, will the Valhalla still hold up?

[Guest]

1 minute ago, NekroDancer13 said:

I see the Schiit Valhalla 2 uses tube, won't I have to replace them at some point? Do the tubes add any sort of tonal characteristics? Are those really as neutral as they claim? Plus I plan on purchasing Planar Magnetic headphones in the future, will the Valhalla still hold up?

 

Ah, then I would suggest that you go for the Magni 2 Uber or Asgard 2. Lyr 2 might be interesting if you can go over budget a bit. Valhalla can technically handle planars, but it isn't really optimized for them.

 

Yes, the tubes will need to be replaced eventually, but they last quite awhile.

[NekroDancer13]

The Lyr 2 looks very interesting.

Anyways thanks for the speedy replies! I think I have some more research to do before I make any final decisions.

Also just to be clear these amps would be used along with my Focusrite 2i4? Otherwise I would need to purchase a separate DAC? I hope I don't sound stupid.

[Guest]

2 minutes ago, NekroDancer13 said:

The Lyr 2 looks very interesting.

Anyways thanks for the speedy replies! I think I have some more research to do before I make any final decisions.

Also just to be clear these amps would be used along with my Focusrite 2i4? Otherwise I would need to purchase a separate DAC? I hope I don't sound stupid.

 

You can connect any of them to the unbalanced line-out on the back of the interface.

[NekroDancer13]

Ok great, thanks alot!