Building my beginner setup, help me review my choices

[sergiomiranda]

Hello,
I have been following the forum for a while hoping to start building a better audio system for music listening with headphones and speakers.

Currently using Sennheiser HD800S headphones connected to an iPad through a TRN Black Pearl and using Plexamp.
Regarding the headphone choice, I have owned multiple Sennheiser headphones for 20 years, I really like the brand and their sound. The HD800s have been my goal to own for a few years and I just bought them a few weeks ago.

I am now considering a desktop DAC+HP amp and until recently I was going for the RME ADI-2 DAC FS, but since the Topping DX5 II was released I am leaning for that one.
Later I want to add bookshelf speakers, and currently I am thinking of using two Fosi Audio v3 Mono connected to the DX5 II pre-amp XLR out and the AsciLab F6B speakers, but I would welcome alternatives.

I appreciate thoughts and suggestions about the current setup:

Headphones: Sennheiser HD800S
Portable DAC+HP amp: TRN Black Pearl
Desktop DAC+HP amp: Topping DX5 II
Speaker amp: 2x Fosi Audio v3 Mono
Speakers: AsciLab F6B

Thanks

 

[Chagall]

Hello,
I have been following the forum for a while hoping to start building a better audio system for music listening with headphones and speakers.

Currently using Sennheiser HD800S headphones connected to an iPad through a TRN Black Pearl and using Plexamp.
Regarding the headphone choice, I have owned multiple Sennheiser headphones for 20 years, I really like the brand and their sound. The HD800s have been my goal to own for a few years and I just bought them a few weeks ago.

I am now considering a desktop DAC+HP amp and until recently I was going for the RME ADI-2 DAC FS, but since the Topping DX5 II was released I am leaning for that one.
Later I want to add bookshelf speakers, and currently I am thinking of using two Fosi Audio v3 Mono connected to the DX5 II pre-amp XLR out and the AsciLab F6B speakers, but I would welcome alternatives.

I appreciate thoughts and suggestions about the current setup:

Headphones: Sennheiser HD800S
Portable DAC+HP amp: TRN Black Pearl
Desktop DAC+HP amp: Topping DX5 II
Speaker amp: 2x Fosi Audio v3 Mono
Speakers: AsciLab F6B

Thanks

Hi! I think your plan sounds great.

When it comes to RME vs. DX5 II, I’d just say that the RME is a known quantity, while the DX5 II is still new. Personally, I’d wait and see how things play out in terms of reliability before deciding. Both have their merits and it's tough to say which one is better.

As for the HD800S - it’s an excellent headphone, but it really benefits from EQ. Are you currently running it without any EQ?

 

[sergiomiranda]

Hi! Thanks for your feedback.
Yes, I understand that the HD800S benefits a lot from EQ and I am using it, but still exploring.
I tried it in Plexamp but I prefer to have it on hardware if possible so I can use other software sources, and that is why I chose the TRN Black Pearl (I was using a Fosi Audio DS2), and the RME DAC or DX5 II, because they all have PEQ.
I know the DX5 still has some issues, and that is why I didn’t order yet, but they seem to be working on it and I already missed the initial batches, so even if I order it now it will take a long time until delivery (October!), so until then I hope more issues will be fixed.
I agree the RME DAC is indeed superior in support, longevity and features, but the price difference is huge with marginal advantages for me, if any, and will allow me to buy the speakers sooner than I expected.

 

[Jcrow]

Maybe Luxsin X9 for DAC/Amp? I have DX5ii, and it’s been very good so far.

 

[davmol]

Not sure if you bought your gear yet but it all looks good. I'm running WiiM Ultra to DX5II to Fosi V3 Monos and it sounds great on speaker and headphones, probably with all the power and functionality you'll ever need. If you plan on always using a PC for music then the DX5 will be fine but if you want more flexibility and a great UI then I think something like a WiiM would a good addition. If you don't need any analogue inputs or sub output then the mini would be enough (optical into the DX5II).