Hey all! Relatively new to this world as of a couple years ago and have just now stumbled on what I think is mid/hi-fi quality after a gear stack change, but I have no idea what is happening here and am looking to understand.
For context, I’ve been daily driving Elac unifi UB52 bookshelves and an old Sony 10” powered sub with a shiit stack of Modi DAQ and Vali 2 single tube pre-amp/headphone amp, plus a 200W class D DIY amp, which have been excellent. The breakthrough however has been in my recent foray into headphones which I’ve been driving with the same gear until a few days ago.
Aside from sampling a few various models in stores which I can’t remember, I’ve bought a few Beyerdynamics. I’ve gone closed, semi, and open, but notably enjoyed the DT1990 studio pro. Next was the Dan Clark Aeon RT closed backs which felt very open and spacious but not quite right, mainly a bit dull and unexciting. I just splurged on the Hifiman stealth magnets (mega deal) which felt like a step change in quality in imaging, detail, soundstage, etc.
The question I have relates to also recently picking up the Schiit Saga 2 pre-amp and Midgard headphone amp. Running the stealth magnets, it was rather similar between the two gear stacks. When I switched back to the Aeon RT though, holy hell, everything just came alive. Everything is suddenly amazingly musical, the energy is so present and emotional, the highs sing and the bass is strong and clean. The mids roll up and down with a blend that makes everything feel incredibly cohesive. I already don’t feel the need to run the stealth magnets anymore, the Aeon RTs sound better to me.
I don’t know that I would change a single thing about how this combo sounds. When I close my eyes, for the first time, I’m truly getting lost in the music and feel like I’m experiencing everything for the first time again. It seems to be almost entirely due to the new gear stack (Saga 2/Midgard/Aeon RT) but I don’t understand it. Is it having more power? Is there something in the design of the Saga 2 and Midgard units that are different than the Loki 2? I know there is a lot more “stuff” in them but I am at a loss as to why. I’m thrilled regardless and I guess also wanted to share a combination that feels objectively incredible.