Result (Audioengine D1 *DAC only* with Schiit Magni amp: Much better, but Schiit Modi DAC still preferred

I performed the experiment, using the Audioengine D1 as just the DAC, and while the overall sound--and HD600 headphone handling--is indeed much better using the Schiit Magni amp, I still prefer the sound using the Schiit Modi DAC as well.

In addition to preferring the particular timbres and detail provided by the Modi DAC, the Audioengine DAC still gives me a feeling of "claustrophobia" -- like the sound is being "piped directly into my brain" as a two dimensional "wall of sound" rather than sound naturally occurring in an acoustic space, which is something the Modi DAC has provided as a very distinct and pleasant surprise (surprising to me anyway, as my usual experience with headphones has been disappointing in this regard). Using the Magni amp with the Audioengine DAC has helped some in this regard, but hasn't entirely eliminated the "problem", as I hear it.

My "quick and dirty" conclusion...

If you want to improve the overall sound and feeling of the Audioengine D1, the Schiit Magni amp does a nice job, though this brings the total cost up to $270 (plus an additional interconnect), yet still doesn't quite equal the overall quality of the Modi/Magni combination. I will say however, that the Audioengine D1 DAC section alone is less of a problem than the "headphone amp" section of the D1.

Additionally, perhaps with different headphones, that amp section may be less of a problem (in one or more ways), but I'd have to actually hear it to make up my mind. I do have a pair of tiny Sennheiser "in ear monitors", and while the Audioengine D1 does have a much easier time driving those than it does with my HD600, it's not exactly a fair comparison, and I still get that "wall of sound" feeling as opposed to the more natural "spaciousness" I feel with the Modi/Magni combination.

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Schiit Modi and Magni combination -- Finally, a desktop/portable headphone solution I can live with! - willkayakforfood 17:37:03 03/29/13 (7)

Comparing just the ModI USB DAC with the AudioEngine D1... - Ivan303 18:25:16 03/29/13 (6)

The Audioengine D1 is a DAC/amp combined - so it's a bit of apples and oranges. Though I will say this... - willkayakforfood 19:06:49 03/29/13 (5)

The AudioEngine is just a DAC same as the Modi if you go from the D1 RCA jacks to your Magni headphone amp... - Ivan303 19:33:23 03/29/13 (4)

Okay, I see what you mean. I'll give it a try when I have some time - probably tomorrow... - willkayakforfood 19:48:10 03/29/13 (3)

Result (Audioengine D1 *DAC only* with Schiit Magni amp: Much better, but Schiit Modi DAC still preferred - willkayakforfood 11:30:34 03/30/13 (2)

Agree completely regards the Senn HD600 driven directly from the D1... - Ivan303 15:54:26 03/30/13 (1)

RE: Agree completely regards the Senn HD600 driven directly from the D1... - silver disc 06:31:52 04/06/13 (0)

Follow Ups

Result (Audioengine D1 *DAC only* with Schiit Magni amp: Much better, but Schiit Modi DAC still preferred - willkayakforfood 11:30:34 03/30/13 (2)

Agree completely regards the Senn HD600 driven directly from the D1... - Ivan303 15:54:26 03/30/13 (1)

RE: Agree completely regards the Senn HD600 driven directly from the D1... - silver disc 06:31:52 04/06/13 (0)

Result (Audioengine D1 DAC only with Schiit Magni amp: Much better, but Schiit Modi DAC still preferred

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