this post was submitted on 26 Oct 2023
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Headphones
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It's really dependent. Amps have more diminishing returns than headphones so jumping from a $50 to a $500 amp is going to be much less of an improvement than a headphone equivalent. On the other hand, with a good enough amp, there can be significant improvement.
Good enough being already in the 100-200 USD range
Agree completely - it depends on the variables in play.
My experience, for example. I have LCD-X (2021). I can play them on an iPhone dongle, the Qudelix-5K, or my Schiit Bifrost 2/64 + Lyr 3 stack. Does the sound from the Qudelix-5K suffice? In more passive/fun mode listening, for sure!
However, there is a resounding difference (read: improvement) in ALL parameters of sound quality when stepping up to the Schiit stack. The entire listening experience is taken up several notches.
Now, is that to say that the $1,200 price difference is completely justified? Yes and no - it's in the eye of the beholder, folks. For me personally, I get a massive uptick in overall enjoyment, so it's worth it (and I'm admittedly fortunate enough to afford it). For others, the 5K would be more than sufficient.
thinking about a Schiit Jotunheim 2 for my LCD-X, but can't go any further