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Gear / Technical Help => Playback Forum => Topic started by: ts on August 25, 2018, 12:09:10 PM

Title: Grace M902>Senn HD 650?
Post by: ts on August 25, 2018, 12:09:10 PM

Question to all Grace owners. What cans do you like with Grace? I love my HD 650’s. They sound fantastic with my FIIO X5>Montblanc Amp portable rig. You can feel the bass. But paired with a 901, 902 or even a DAC1 they’re almost lifeless. Even with the hi gain engaged on the 902 it’s still not even close to the FIIO rig.

My first HQ headphone rig was M901>HD 580. I sold the 901 for the same reason, not enough thump and settled on a DAC1 for quite a few years. Not much better. Somewhere along the line I added the 650’s. It wasn’t until I went with FIIO that I realized what the Senns were capable of.

So I recently added the 902 for a number of reasons. The hi gain setting, analog in, remote control and the dirt cheap price I got it for. I really thought I would hear a huge difference in powering the Senns. Nope. FIIO rig still rules.

A couple tips I picked up from head-fi:

- let the Grace warm up for a few hours or never turn it off.
- use the line out on the Grace into a headphone amp thats better suited to drive the HD650s.
- use the extra headphone output on the Grace into a headphone amp and control volume with both units.
- give up on the 650’s and try some super sensitive closed backs. Like the kind an iPhone will drive.
- use the DAC1(which I still have)fixed balanced analog out>Grace balanced analog in>Headphone output>HD650.

So all you Grace owners, what’s your favorite cans? I want something so I can feel the music, not just hear it.  :headphones:

Title: Re: Grace M902>Senn HD 650?
Post by: noahbickart on August 26, 2018, 01:07:43 AM

I run a grace m903 in my office with AKG k701 and Hifiman HE-400 cans.

I love it. I suspect you're looking for an amp which has more character.

Have you tried software EQ?

Title: Re: Grace M902>Senn HD 650?
Post by: ts on August 26, 2018, 08:34:41 AM

Quote from: noahbickart on August 26, 2018, 01:07:43 AM

I run a grace m903 in my office with AKG k701 and Hifiman HE-400 cans.

I love it. I suspect you're looking for an amp which has more character.

Have you tried software EQ?

The 902 is integrated into my stereo system. I have CD player, DVD A and turntable running thru it. Kinda old school I guess. I also have my Laptop connected to it via a Squeezebox. EQ the Squeezebox?

Title: Re: Grace M902>Senn HD 650?
Post by: noahbickart on August 26, 2018, 02:57:53 PM

Yes, use vst plugins on your computer to tailor the sound to taste.