Massdrop HD58X (revised) Review and Measurements

I'm sure at some point someone will post something saying it isn't. lol.

 

I read on Facebook the first 1800 ordered ship instantly, so good for you...

edit - errrr 1900 actually

 

I've already ordered the HD 58X as my introductory audiophile headphone (and I may just move on to the HD 650 later). I've been considering between picking the Magni 3 vs. the Vali 2 as an accompanying amp. Is there a reason you suggest the Vali 2 as part of the chain over the Magni 3? What sort of way does it complement or color the HD 58X?

 

The Magni 3 is a ridiculous little amp with a lot more power then the Vali 2 plus its cheaper so you might just want to get it and go for a full tube amp later.

 

Shit advice. Power means nothing. Can you compare amps in terms of synergy with the headphone? If not, defer to someone who can.

 

Wow that was awful salty lol. He is just getting into headphones and the Magni 3 is a ridiculous little amp for $100. It is hardly "shit advice" to recommend it especially since it known to have good synergy with Senn family.

 

I don't have any personal experience with either Schiit, but as a novice audiophile, it is worth considering how versatile you want your amp to be. My understanding (from forums, not experience) is that the Magni 3 is probably the more versitile amp, due to its power and tube amps being trickier to pair with headphones.

 

Yeah, pretty salty. I don’t doubt the capabilities of Magni 3, but unless you have heard all of the equipment you are making recommendations on and can make more specific comments then yes, it’s shit advice. I’m happy to apologise, retract or whatever if that happens to be the case.

If a post starts out like this, then it’s probably best not to post.

 

Just going that extra mile to be a jerk today, huh? None of what I said about tubes and a SS amp such as the Magni 3 requires direct experience with those specific Schiit models. I do have direct experience with both tube and SS amps and a variety of headphones. So I can speak to those considerations, and raise the issue to a self-described newbie.

 

I haven't got my 58X in the mail yet(in route) so I haven't heard it on anything and few of us have but I still stand by "start with a Magni 3" as good advice for a new headphone user. Also I'm not interested in an apology or a retraction. You do you bro. lol.

 

There should be a lot of Magni/Vali comparisons around as they are both in the same price range, e.g.

https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/magni-3-released.5093/page-11#post-168851

 

I did get to try the old magni 1 vs the vali 1 with the hd650 and it was no contest. The Vali 1 made the hd650 sing!

 

Based on the comparisons in those posts, I winded up going with the Vali 2 (I guess with just the stock bulb for now since I have no idea what I'm doing) since it seems like there might be too much edge with the Magni 3. The potential of added soundstage, separation, etc. with the Vali 2 also would be a plus.

 

I liked the Magni 3 more than I thought I would but I do prefer the Vali 2 in the end with my HD6XX.

 

I would have but I still need to be able to afford a DAC like the Modi Multibit.

 

Did you get to try the 58x with the Valhalla? Was it also great even with the lower impedance?

 

Just got mine in. It has more in common with the HD650 then different. Switching between the two is a similar experience as switching between the HD580 and HD650. Not the same ohm so the volume difference is apparent right away. Sounds more like the HD650 then the HD580.

For some reason I was expecting these to be brighter then they are. If you hate bright cans no worries these aren't.

Better bass then the rest of the family.

 

Mine are still coming and I am already planning to get an amp specifically for them. I am still confused whether an OTL will work well.