Driving H25s: any point going beyond the LG 7 Thinq?

[imateacup]

I love my HD25-1-ii's - they suit the music I listen to and they're tougher than a Glaswegian tank raised by a Cockney cagefighter. Which definitely matters, given the way I knock gear around. And they're very, very easy headphones to drive.

I'm also a big believer in EQ, especially using pink noise to optimize for the fit between a particular user and headphone.

I listen to Velvet Underground style rock and Americana, and I want to get into jazz more. (I'll probably put some Yax earpads on the 25s that are supposed to give better separation.)

...So, having read reviews here, buying a used LG 7 Thinq looks like a good option. It gets me a great DAC and a decent amp, EQ will be easy with the right player, and driving the 25s shouldn't be a problem?

Am I missing something? Is there a better solution? I doesn't have to be portable, although that would be nice. I looked at the Qudelux 5K, but unless I get hold of an LDAC source I'm not sure the sound will be better - or even as good?

Also - not very important, but I'm curious - can I bypass the Thinq amp to drive another amp if I want?

 

[Helicopter]

I love my HD25-1-ii's - they suit the music I listen to and they're tougher than a Glaswegian tank raised by a Cockney cagefighter. Which definitely matters, given the way I knock gear around. And they're very, very easy headphones to drive.

I'm also a big believer in EQ, especially using pink noise to optimize for the fit between a particular user and headphone.

I listen to Velvet Underground style rock and Americana, and I want to get into jazz more. (I'll probably put some Yax earpads on the 25s that are supposed to give better separation.)

...So, having read reviews here, buying a used LG 7 Thinq looks like a good option. It gets me a great DAC and a decent amp, EQ will be easy with the right player, and driving the 25s shouldn't be a problem?

Am I missing something? Is there a better solution? I doesn't have to be portable, although that would be nice. I looked at the Qudelux 5K, but unless I get hold of an LDAC source I'm not sure the sound will be better - or even as good?

Also - not very important, but I'm curious - can I bypass the Thinq amp to drive another amp if I want?

LG G7 Thinq should be good in this application. Yes you can use it as a streamer with a dongle or as a streamer / DAC with an external amp. A simple cheap cable is all you need for the latter. If you're in the EU you might want to verify if the output is castrated. I know some EU market phone versions are like that; I forget which ones though.

 

[imateacup]

LG G7 Thinq should be good in this application. Yes you can use it as a streamer with a dongle or as a streamer / DAC with an external amp. A simple cheap cable is all you need for the latter. If you're in the EU you might want to verify if the output is castrated. I know some EU market phone versions are like that; I forget which ones though.

According to my check, the Thinq was limited for all markets except perhaps Korea. So I should get a match for the phone reviewed here. Very good point!

 

[ThatM1key]

Be aware if you upgrade to andriod 10, you lose DSD.

 

[A Surfer]

The idea that people can hear a difference between DSD and any other full-range file seems very suspect. Can't imagine needing DSD for any reason, personally and I have had DACs quite capable of excellent DSD for years and never once bothered. Loss of DSD - bah, not a problem I think. I have both the G7 and G8.