6XX, Asgard 3, and a built in Delta sigma dac get my vote. $500 complete set up. 
3 Likes
Do you use EQ on it?
Yes, but it does not need it at all. I only EQ it to make a little warmer and give the mids a little more body (there is a dip at 2k).
2 Likes
Loved the Sundaras for the brief time I had them for. Thinking of getting another pair to compliment my LCD-GX.
2 Likes
I use them to complement my LCD-2 and they are great!
3 Likes
If I trusted their reliability and warranty length was longer they’d replace the 650 as a reference for me. But that would anger certain people on certain forums because you can’t say anything bad about 6x0s, it’s illegal
11 Likes
Not illegal, just patently insane. Normal, rational people would never have anything bad to say about them.
One of us. One of us. One of us you shall become. You shall become.
Signed, The Kim Jong Un of Headphones
10 Likes
That’s because you need amps that cost $5000 or more to make them sound like they’re intended.
4 Likes
Infinite scaling, infinite memes
4 Likes
Wonder if a Rolls Royce has a 1/4” jack on its dashboard? Curious to test if they do in fact scale indefinitely.
1 Like
This thread is of great interest to me, as I do not wish to spend more than $500 on headphones. I currently use 20 year old HD600s, upgraded with Dekoni hybrid pads and a balanced cable out of Roon > Sonore microRendu > SMSL RU-8 > Monoprice Liquid Platinum amp with Reflektor tubes. It is end game for me.
I have pondered buying other phones, both sub $500 (such as Sundara) and more (Focal Clear) and I have concluded after extensive research that I neither need nor want those things.
Electronics is another matter. I am willing to spend more than $500 per unit and I have done so with the Liquid Platinum. I am very satisfied. The LP replaced a Loxjie P20, which replaced a Schiit Vali 2, both of which I still own and would recommend to folks looking quality stuff on a more slender budget.
8 Likes
That’s a great testament to the Sennheiser HD6XX series of headphones.
Glad you’re enjoying them so much.
1 Like
Reading the start of this thread, I am seeing many recommendations for the Vali as an amp. I am curious how a Vali compares to a Magni. How much real difference is there between solid state and tube amps? You often see it said that tube amps are warmer than solid state but with only one real pair of what I consider audiophile headphones would my ears be attuned enough to notice the subtle differences between them?
I currently have a pretty bog standard Schiit stack with a Modi (just the regular entry level one that sells for $99) and a Magni 3 paired with the Sennheiser HD6xx’s. I’ve had these for about 2 years now, and I love them - would a new pair of headphones be more interesting than say, a tube amp?
I’m currently waiting on the Sundara’s to come back in stock so I can add a new pair of interesting headphones to my collection.
With that said, I am curious if a tube amp, or a different DAC would yield interesting and noticeable results with the headphones I have now - or whether I am better to get the Sundara’s first and then maybe later explore different amps/DAC’s?
5 Likes
@torq did a great comparision of the two, its on the headphones.com reviews page.
The Vali is a “hybrid”. So not a tube per se. It has a tube, and it impart some flavour, bit it isn’t super tubey.
Go read his review.
3 Likes
I am reading that review, and it’s super helpful. Except I am finding it a bit hard to understand some of the terms being used. Is there a glossary I can consult in order to better understand what steeliness, airy, micro-dynamics and other audiophile jargon mean.
3 Likes
Yeah, also on that website/these forums.
Basically its a good little amp. The differences between the Magni and the Vali are small, with the Vali being a touch warmer/fuller.
Different headphones will yeild greater differences in sound.
If you want to pair something with the HD6XX, that is different, look at a more through and through tube amp, like a OTL type. Darkvoice/Bottlhead Crack etc.
3 Likes
There are at least half a dozen of us here that have commented on how well the HD-6xx or HD-650 pair with the Lyr3, also a tube hybrid. I can attest to this. There is something about the HD-6xx that is thirsty for plenty of power, which the Lyr3 provides. I do not get the same sound from my HD-6xx when paired with a Dragonfly Cobalt, or iFi xDSD in DAC/AMP mode, or when using less powerful amps using the xDSD in line out (DAC) mode. One of my preferred chains is an iPad running Tidal or at least something lossless to the xDSD in line out to the Lyr3 to the Sennheiser HD-6xx.
The difference that ample clean power makes with this headphone was to me, a revelation. @Torq told me before I upgraded my amplification, and as usual, he was right. Unlike many here, I have not yet decided to pay for flagship-level headphones, so the HD-6xx is one of my most listened to pairs.
Not to take away from any other recommendations, but I also pair the Lyr3 with Hifiman HE-560s and Grado RS1e with very good results. There is one tube, and this amp is not particularly tubey, but there are subtle but distinct differences with different tubes.
And welcome to our community, Yarbo.
5 Likes
I have a Modi 3 / Magni 3+ stack too and run them daily with HD6XX.
I considered the Vali 2 as well but gave up after many readings. If you’re really used to your stack combo and the HD6XX then I’d jump to a Valhalla instead (minimum). Then you’ll immediately notice the difference.
Mind is a curious thing. The first time you hear it, you’ll have the HOLY CRAP moment. Then, it get registered in your subconscious and your brain will smear it out making it more difficult to distinguish both experiences over time. Even though you feel they’re different.
My still short experience with a hybrid tube amp is that I tend to crank it up more and more. Then when it’s too loud I back it up, for the sake of hearing damage. I just can’t do that with Magni 3+, for instance. It annoys me very quickly, which makes it a great little amp for moderate listening levels.
So if you want to give it a try, here are some suggestions, ordered by price:
- Drop Cavalli Tube Hybrid;
- Schiit Valhalla 2;
- Schiit Lyr 3;
The takeaway, if you care about your ears, don’t go to tubes. There’s a point of no return once you go there. 
Hope this helps. Cheers.
5 Likes
Hi and welcome. At some point I had Modi 3+Magni 3+Vali 2 and like you, I was using HD6xx ( and HD800, HD58x, and Elears).
They all sounded better with Vali, more engaging and easy to listen for longer time sessions while Magni sound dry compare to Vali.
Again, like many others already said, @Torq review/comparison is the best you can find as a reference .
I did put a different tube on Vali, EH-6CG7 which is only $20
If you are planning to stay in the basic Schiit line, I recommend Vali over Magni . If you don’t mind to spend more… Lyr 3 is your amp.
6 Likes
If you find yourself in need of a closed back solution, I really enjoy this setup. Topping D10 > Liquid Spark > Beyer DT770 250 ohm. Even at full retail it will run you well under $500 and the sound is very fun and engaging. I think this is a very good modest office solution if you are on a budget.
10 Likes