HP-2 has definitely been on my radar before. Just the lack of reviews have been holding me back on these.
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I’ve had a decent amount of IEMS. I started with Shure e3’s then had Futuresonics and Westone W3’s. I had some massdrop drop noble x’s and Orivetti OH500s. The most comfortable ones were the westones and futuresonics but I tried to venture out and the nobles and OH500s were not comfortable to me at all. The real issue with IEMs is sometimes i have only one in and it’ll pull at that ear when I move around. That increases the discomfort for me.
Well, that’s a lot to go thru…
I’m sorry but i’m not familiar with that… don’t know what that is 
Do they come with like a software or something? how you toogle does settings and updates?
They sound like a really good deal… think i’ll wait for those 10 dollars more, the thing it’s my budget was just 200 
it will take some time to get the money for the headphones and the amp…
In the meantime i’ll keep in the forum locking for info about… everything!
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Yeah. It was a risk for me. Read gjallarhorn reviews to get an idea. They are based on them. The one that really sold me was the SBAF one between the hp-2 and the VC. And I was just about ready to pull the trigger on the VC that day.
Ifi micro signature is an expensive dac/amp that is maybe the most versatile dac/amp on the market.
BT = bluetooth. When using bluetooth with many dac/amps and my Zen, there would be a noise you can hear when music isn’t playing. Sometimes it is loud enough to hear even when music is playing. The Zen picks that stuff up more than many IEMs so I couldn’t tolerate devices that had it.
It’s an app for android and iphone. It connects and lets you manage all these advanced features. And it is much easier to use than the few competitors that have them. (Don’t talk to me about the fiio app, it’s a disaster)
Get the qudelix-5k and the aria. Or try qudelix own qx-over headphones. I haven’t tried them yet, but these guys are innovators. They were out of stock last I went to order.
You will either love it or learn what you don’t love. Or both. I think it’s better to listen more than wait for the dream system.
I didn’t follow the thread so I don’t know what headphones you were considering. Just pick something within your means and go enjoy the music. Can’t go wrong powering it with the qudelix.
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Yeah, i all ready have something in mind, just need to get the money.
This bit, i mean… i need to watch a tutorial or something like to use it properly? or there’s a review in the forum about it? I’m checking the app and have… a “few” features, it’s a little scary to move something when don’t know what they do…
And was wondering… i can still use the qudelix-5k with a 3.5mm? 
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You don’t have to use the app at all outside of registration and firmware updates. You can ignore every feature once paired and just raise and lower volume with the buttons and iPhone.
You can use it. But I recommend getting cables for the 2.5mm port (it has both) for any headphone you use. The balanced port has a lot more power. It would be required for some headphones that need more power.
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I just saw this and thought of your query the other day:
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Yup, I saw some of those comments either there or elsewhere. I may end up listing the ZMFs on here though.
Didn’t know at all and was something i was 'bout to ask…
Yeah i watch that Z review on youtube, was pretty complety for me, was very well explained for the basics.
Think i’m defenitely buying them, really really thank you for the recommendation. 
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Feel free to message me with questions! It’s a great device to kickoff your audiophile journey. Enjoy!
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Question for the group - if you were going to upgrade from a Bifrost 2, what would be your next move up? I have a GS-X Mini on the way, and looking to add an A&S Forge soon as well, feeding my Rad-0 and Ether 2. I’ve read through several GS-X threads across the web that people view the BF2 as the bottleneck in the equation, so curious to hear thoughts on those of you that had a BF2 and moved on to bigger and more daunting things.
My initial inclination has been to explore the Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE (or a Cyan 2 if that materializes given 3k for the Spring 3 KTE is steep), but open to suggestion. I should caveat that my realestate for a DAC isn’t enormous - the Spring would be at the very limit of what I could accomodate size wise.
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I really love the Chord Qutest. Small in size, big in sound quality delivery. I don’t know if it fits into your budget but it’s worth considering.
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I also like the Chord Qutest, but if you are going to feed two amps, you’d need a switch or a splitter. The Qutest only has a single set of RCA outputs. In my office rig, I feed the Qutest into a PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC. The Stellar is used primary as a preamp. It outputs to an A&S Kenzie, and Burson Conductor 3XR. The Stellar does a decent job as a DAC too.
The GSX-mini will work well with most quality DACs. I feed my GSX-mini with W4S DAC2v2se and Benchmark DAC3. I would suggest you look at the AC Infinity component fan for the GSX-mini if air circulation is an issue or you want to stack another component on it.
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Already in my Amazon cart pending the GS-X actually shipping - in large part from having seen you evangelize this previously if I’m not mistaken haha
Regarding the Benchmark, could you speak more to that one vs. the Bifrost? I seem to recall reading that you had a Bifrost as well so curious to hear how they compare.
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I have a Schiit Bifrost1 in a box somewhere. Never had a BF2. I did own a early version Gumby Gungnir MB, but sold it awhile back. It would be pretty close to the BF2 from what I’ve read. I would rate the Benchmark sound above the Gumby. Very few people jump from BF2 to Gumby. It’s usually a move to Yggy. Do you need a DAC, a or combo DAC preamp?
I use the Benchmark DAC3 (HGC) in HT mode. Using it as a DAC and a controller. There are a variety of different DAC3 models. Some are straight DACs, and some have headphone amps. Benchmark Media makes solid stuff and customer service is first rate.
I always suggest the AC Infinity wares. I have several of them in my two systems.
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0318/Benchmark_DAC3_HGC_Review.htm
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I would wait until you had GS-Xm and Forge in hand and tested it with BF2 before you did anything. Those are two quite different sounding amps, to be sure. Try both with your BF2 before you go all willy nilly into buying a different DAC based on just the information you quoted. Just my 2 cents.
The first DAC that comes to mind which, imo, would synergize well with both amps would be the Matrix X-Sabre Pro. I think @MRHifiReviews could attest to the ElementX.
I would hesitate pairing the Chord house sound with the GS-Xm unless you’ve heard the setup before and know that’s what you want. They’re both leaner sounds, and the combination may too lean for many I think. Preference depending, of course.
Don’t get me wrong, if you want to upgrade DACs, by all means knock yourself out. All I’m trying to say is, if it were me, I’d at least want to make an informed decision about the BF2 synergy with those amps, and analyze what I wanted to change about it tonally/technically before I spent $3k+ on a DAC.
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100%! I should be more clear, I want to hear the gear with the BF2 first given I have it and it’s served me well so far, I was more “planning ahead” given I have the resources to upgrade at DAC if I wanted to and I know no matter what people recommend it would end up sending me down a rabbit hole of personal research. I’m more so going stir crazy waiting on the GS-X Mini and “prepping” in the meantime.
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Another vote for the underestimated x-sabre. With the x-sabre 3 coming, the previous resell should drop as they don’t have a great resell because i think they’re underestimated. The sound paired well with A&S plus the remote and functionality is well above the dac’s I’ve tried. I prefer, the x-sabre over Schiit. Space saving and sound, hands down x-sabre over Yggy. I do think the Qutest pairs well with Decware and with saying that, i think it would pair well with A&S. It’s really small, excellent for a crowded desk. I would still take the x-sabre over the Qutest. Tempted by the sabre 3.
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I actually just posted an article about some of the Matrix Audio stuff I use today!
I loved my Bifrost 2 but find the Matrix stuff to be excellent for what I am trying to achieve currently. You can check out a bit more of my thoughts about them here:
@parmiep I have run the Matrix dacs with a ton of different amps and headphones and find them to be solid with most pairings. They are also especially great if you are a Roon user.
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