# The under $500 world **URL:** \ **Category:** General Headphone Discussion\ **Created:** [May 11, 2018, 1:55pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/the-under-500-world/1331 "2018-05-11T13:55:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Hansel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6bbea6/32.png) [@Hansel](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Hansel)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2019, 9:30pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/the-under-500-world/1331/82 "2019-11-11T21:30:21Z")
Hi and welcome!! For some time I had in use Magni 3 and Vali 2, now Magni is in the box and Vali still going strong. Nothing wrong at all with Magni, just a matter of taste. It does a great job and looks nice. ---
**Author:** ![Thomas\_kong](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/thomas_kong/32/6415_2.png) [@Thomas\_kong](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Thomas_kong)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2019, 9:44pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/the-under-500-world/1331/83 "2019-11-11T21:44:49Z")
> **[1MORE Triple-Driver Over-Ear Headphones Discussions | Drop (formerly Massdrop)](https://drop.com/buy/1more-triple-driver-over-ear-headphones/talk?mode=guest_open&utm_campaign=Transactional%3A%20Drop%20Complete%20%28Success%29&utm_source=SparkPost&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Transactional%3A%20Drop%20Complete%20%28Success%29&utm_content=1563608700637.408320388868091062784309&referer=67VW66)** > > Discover 297 Community discussions, tips, and reviews on > 1MORE Triple-Driver Over-Ear Headphones from the Audiophile enthusiast community on Drop. I got this headphone at 130$. It will be back… It is being sold at 163$ now. It is a nice bargain with nice details and clarity. Being light, it is comfortable to wear although some people may find it too small for over ear headphone. It approach 50% performance of Sennheiser 800s at 1/10th price. ---
**Author:** ![Torq](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/torq/32/16384_2.png) [@Torq](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Torq)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2019, 12:14am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/the-under-500-world/1331/84 "2019-11-12T00:14:30Z")
I did a [full review](https://www.headphones.com/blogs/news/schiit-magni-3-vali-2-amps-solid-state-vs-tube-hybrid-review-comparison) of the Magni 3, as well as a comparison to the Vali 2, [here](https://www.headphones.com/blogs/news/schiit-magni-3-vali-2-amps-solid-state-vs-tube-hybrid-review-comparison). I liked it … it’s a nice little amp. I also liked the JDS Labs Atom and Monoprice Liquid Spark that @pwjazz mentioned. Which I went with would depend more on aesthetics/what else I was using them with than any other factor. If I had a Modi 3 or Modi MB DAC, then I’d get the Magni 3 just for the aeathetic/form-factor match. I’d probably do the Atom with the Grace SDAC. And the Liquid Spark or the Atom with any of the similarly-sized Topping DACs. ---
**Author:** ![prfallon69](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/prfallon69/32/43781_2.png) [@prfallon69](https://forum.headphones.com/u/prfallon69)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2019, 8:18am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/the-under-500-world/1331/85 "2019-11-12T08:18:02Z")
Hi and welcome @TheAlexMartin10. ---
**Author:** ![MartinTransporter](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/martintransporter/32/8809_2.png) [@MartinTransporter](https://forum.headphones.com/u/MartinTransporter)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2019, 8:53am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/the-under-500-world/1331/86 "2019-11-12T08:53:13Z")
the SMSL SP200 THX AAA 888 Amp finally gets a nice balanced DAC(M200 or M400) in january - not sure if it has mqa support but looks like it has Bluetooth both certainly stay under 500 for the stack ---
**Author:** ![mshenay](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/mshenay/32/47271_2.png) [@mshenay](https://forum.headphones.com/u/mshenay)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2019, 7:00pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/the-under-500-world/1331/87 "2019-11-12T19:00:16Z")
I’ll be giving the SP 200 a listen here shortly!!! Also Drop X Koss ESP 95X is down to $400 apparently, with a Modi 3 or D10 there’s a exceptional $500 system ---
**Author:** ![Thomas\_kong](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/thomas_kong/32/6415_2.png) [@Thomas\_kong](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Thomas_kong)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2019, 11:59pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/the-under-500-world/1331/88 "2019-11-13T23:59:40Z")
[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014FASL1A/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_asin\_title\_o01\_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014FASL1A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?tag=headphoneforum-20) ![](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71Lt%2BM9uXsL._SL1200_.jpg) This is an amazing value at 50$. I had been happy to drive HD 800S with Dave direct. > **[Tube Amps for Pocket Change Nobsound NS-08E](https://www.soundandvision.com/content/tube-amps-pocket-change-nobsound-ns-08e)** > > Nobsound NS-08E Performance Features Ergonomics I happened to come across above review. Upon relying Amazon return policy, i pulled the trigger for it. I did not expect any improvement by the amp. It there is no significant deterioration vs direct Dave connection, it would have been nice. On the contrary to my lower expectation, it made sound more exciting without harsh edge added. ![](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81PymcC%2BtrL._SL1500_.jpg) [https://www.amazon.com/Fairytales-Original-Master-Dogrobosz-Toneff/dp/B01D8QBNLM/ref=tmm\_acd\_swatch\_0?\_encoding=UTF8&qid=1573691594&sr=8-4](https://www.amazon.com/Fairytales-Original-Master-Dogrobosz-Toneff/dp/B01D8QBNLM/ref=tmm_acd_swatch_0?tag=headphoneforum-20) This is one of my favorite Jazz recording that I had enjoyed since 1999. This CD sounds more natural with amp than through Dave direct. Transparency got reduced by tiny bit but to tolerable extent. It will work wonder for less Dac than Dave. I am also going to do tube rolling with some Nos tubes. [RTC 5654 RT](https://www.ebay.com/itm/RTC-5654-RT/283235146679?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649) ---
**Author:** ![Thomas\_kong](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/thomas_kong/32/6415_2.png) [@Thomas\_kong](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Thomas_kong)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2019, 12:44am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/the-under-500-world/1331/89 "2019-11-14T00:44:41Z")
I am also curious whether this 50$ amp will work well with Abyss AB-1266 Phi headphones with CC(new price 5k$) or not. ---
**Author:** ![Torq](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/torq/32/16384_2.png) [@Torq](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Torq)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2019, 1:05am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/the-under-500-world/1331/90 "2019-11-14T01:05:09Z")
Well, its only got 2/3rds the power of DAVE’s headphone output, so it’s impossible for it to drive the Abyss better. Which doesn’t mean you wouldn’t prefer the sound - but that would be down to additional distortions and colorations, not more power or better accuracy. ---
**Author:** ![Thomas\_kong](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/thomas_kong/32/6415_2.png) [@Thomas\_kong](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Thomas_kong)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2019, 1:07am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/the-under-500-world/1331/91 "2019-11-14T01:07:11Z")
Somehow this little guy appears to have more headroom than Dave driving HD800S. Thus it may work well with Abyss or may be not.😁 ---
**Author:** ![Torq](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/torq/32/16384_2.png) [@Torq](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Torq)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2019, 1:15am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/the-under-500-world/1331/92 "2019-11-14T01:15:47Z")
HD800S and Abyss are TOTALLY different electrical loads. One needs more voltage (tubes are good for that), the other needs more current (tubes are **much** less good at that). DAVE’s direct headphone output will push the HD800S to 118 db/SPL before hitting it’s voltage limit, and will have current to spare at that level. With the Abyss DAVE will hit it’s voltage limit at 117 dB/SPL at the same time it runs out of current. The Nobsound amplifier in question will run out of current before it hits the same voltage and will cause audible clipping (and possibly damage) to the Abyss. It won’t get close to as loud, nor be able to sink enough current to drive the Abyss with the same authority as a less current-limited design (such as DAVE’s native output). Notwithstanding that the HD800S is a dynamic load with significant impedance variation with frequency vs. the relatively flat load of the Abyss. Also, one should always remember that the **first audible effect of distortion** is that it makes things **sound louder than they are**. This is down to the ear/brain response that cannot tell if the distortion is down to the sound actually being too loud (in which case it makes it feel that way to extricate you from the situation) or if it’s just a distorted sound in the first place. ---
**Author:** ![Thomas\_kong](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/thomas_kong/32/6415_2.png) [@Thomas\_kong](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Thomas_kong)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2019, 1:22am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/the-under-500-world/1331/93 "2019-11-14T01:22:00Z")
Actually this little guy is a hybrid using OP to drive it. Thus it may work better with Abyss than HD 800s. I am listening to K-pop through this amp. Since I was born in Korea, I am sensitive to timber of Korean singers. It sounds natural with more bass texture. The weakness of HD 800s through Dave direct is lack of bass texture. If you have time this weekend, I may bring this guy to your home to test whether your Abyss sound better with Dave direct or with this little guy. ---
**Author:** ![Torq](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/torq/32/16384_2.png) [@Torq](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Torq)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2019, 1:24am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/the-under-500-world/1331/94 "2019-11-14T01:24:37Z")
Hybrid or not, it’s rated power output is significantly lower than that of DAVE … ergo it cannot do a better job of driving the Abyss as it cannot supply the same amount of power. Unless the specs are wrong. You might prefer the sound, but drive-ability is a pure function of voltage and current, and the Nobsound lags DAVE on both accounts. > [@Thomas\_kong](#): > > If you have time this weekend, I may bring this guy to your home to test whether your Abyss sound better with Dave direct or with this little guy. Nope, sorry, my wedding anniversary is this weekend so I will not be available. And I have a buyer for my Abyss so I probably won’t have them at all after tomorrow anyway. ---
**Author:** ![Thomas\_kong](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/thomas_kong/32/6415_2.png) [@Thomas\_kong](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Thomas_kong)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2019, 1:34am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/the-under-500-world/1331/95 "2019-11-14T01:34:22Z")
Too bad your Abyss had been sold so quick. If I can get decent sound out of your Abyss HP with this amp then I could pull the trigger for your HP. ---
**Author:** ![Carmantom](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/carmantom/32/490_2.png) [@Carmantom](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Carmantom)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2019, 1:39am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/the-under-500-world/1331/96 "2019-11-14T01:39:22Z")
> [@Torq](#): > > Nope, sorry, my wedding anniversary is this weekend so I will not be available. And I have a buyer for my Abyss so I probably won’t have them at all after tomorrow anyway. Wow! It’s hard to imagine it’s been a year already. As they say, " Time flies when your having fun " Congratulations ---
**Author:** ![Torq](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/torq/32/16384_2.png) [@Torq](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Torq)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2019, 1:49am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/the-under-500-world/1331/97 "2019-11-14T01:49:50Z")
> [@Thomas\_kong](#): > > Too bad your Abyss had been sold so quick. I first listed them 5 MONTHS ago, so I’m not sure I’d say it was quick! Though I only listed them _here_ today (an oversight, but there you go). > [@Thomas\_kong](#): > > If I can get decent sound out of your Abyss HP with this amp then I could pull the trigger for your HP. Unless the buyer in question fails to complete the transaction in a timely manner, I’m afraid they’re not available. ---
**Author:** ![Torq](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/torq/32/16384_2.png) [@Torq](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Torq)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2019, 1:51am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/the-under-500-world/1331/98 "2019-11-14T01:51:02Z")
My wife makes sure everything is fun. Whether I like it or not! 😉 And time has certainly flown! ---
**Author:** ![ValentineLuke](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/valentineluke/32/9729_2.png) [@ValentineLuke](https://forum.headphones.com/u/ValentineLuke)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2019, 1:56am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/the-under-500-world/1331/99 "2019-11-14T01:56:07Z")
Happy Anniversary! Enjoy your weekend. ---
**Author:** ![Torq](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/torq/32/16384_2.png) [@Torq](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Torq)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2019, 1:56am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/the-under-500-world/1331/100 "2019-11-14T01:56:57Z")
Thanks! Should be a fun one … Though there won’t be much music going on … except if the wife decides on some SPA time … in which case it’ll be SP2000 + AAW Canary for a bit … ---
**Author:** ![Thomas\_kong](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/thomas_kong/32/6415_2.png) [@Thomas\_kong](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Thomas_kong)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2019, 1:59am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/the-under-500-world/1331/101 "2019-11-14T01:59:56Z")
Have a good time Ian! Congratulation for your first anniversary. My youngest daughter will have first anniversary next September. [Previous page](https://forum.headphones.com/t/the-under-500-world/1331.md?page=4) [Next page](https://forum.headphones.com/t/the-under-500-world/1331.md?page=6)