HD600 + Crack + HRT Music Streamer II

[lior.amsalem]

Hi all,
New around here and want to build up my headphones system.
I'll start with this: I'm a noob to all audio related stuff.
I own HD600 headphones (hd650 cable) right now connected directly to my mac mini.
I want to upgrade my build.
I'm starting to collect and rerip my CDs and music with better Apple lossless format.
I listening to an extensive variety of music genres: rock, grunge, pop, r&b, chill out, 80's and more.
Anyway, you got the point I don't have a specific genre.

So, what I'm asking here?
1. Will this combination: HD600 + Crack + HRT Music Streamer II will improve my current setup? Will I be able to hear the difference?
2. Will I be able to connect the HRT to the Crack and it will work? Do I need something more? Am I missing something? What is a preamp and do I need one?
3. Do you think I should get the speed ball upgrade right away? or it can wait?

Thanks in advance,
Lior

[magnafuzz]

The Crack was my first venture into the world of headphone amps as well.

I had my headphones plugged into a receiver while i was deciding on which amp to buy. Honestly, at the time, i thought they sounded ok with the receiver, better than my old headphones anyways. The Crack is much, much better and i havent even started upgrading yet. Absolutely no regrets here.

From reading around, the speedball seems to be a really worthwhile upgrade. For myself i plan to stick with the stock build for a while and get used to it first.

I think it sounds really good with the HD650s and you will hear a difference when you make the change.

[Armaegis]

The Senn + Crack is a wonderful combination, and you should indeed be able to hear a difference. I also thought the Speedball was a worthwhile upgrade.

[InfernoSTi]

Hi all,
New around here and want to build up my headphones system.
I'll start with this: I'm a noob to all audio related stuff.
I own HD600 headphones (hd650 cable) right now connected directly to my mac mini.
I want to upgrade my build.
I'm starting to collect and rerip my CDs and music with better Apple lossless format.
I listening to an extensive variety of music genres: rock, grunge, pop, r&b, chill out, 80's and more.
Anyway, you got the point I don't have a specific genre.

So, what I'm asking here?
1. Will this combination: HD600 + Crack + HRT Music Streamer II will improve my current setup? Will I be able to hear the difference?
2. Will I be able to connect the HRT to the Crack and it will work? Do I need something more? Am I missing something? What is a preamp and do I need one?
3. Do you think I should get the speed ball upgrade right away? or it can wait?

Thanks in advance,
Lior

Lior,

I'm building a Crack to play with a similar system.  However, I have spent some time with my Mac Mini and DAC (Beresford) and have a couple of comments. 

First, I have found that AIFF sounds better than Apple Lossless which, in turn, sounds better than MP3.  Basically, AIFF is an uncompressed lossless, Apple Lossless is a compressed lossless, and MP3 is a compressed lossy format.  Perhaps not enough to worry about for now but eventually you may want to use AIFF. 

Second, use a USB to the Mac Mini and then RCAs to the Crack and you are ready to go!  Very simple and no extra components needed.

Third, I bought the Speedball for my build.

Have fun and post your impressions, please!

John

[jrebman]

Lior,

Despite what my signature say (my crack isn't done yet and I now use a mac mini) the HRT MS II (I have the Plus version) and the HD-600s are a very good match, and as John just told you, just need a usb cable and a pair of interconnects and you're ready to go -- the crack has a volume control, so no need for a preamp with this setup.

The upgrade to the HD-650 cable is a good one too.  One of the things that will make a very significant difference is the software -- almost anything is better than iTunes by itself -- PureMusic, Amarra, Decibbel, and audirvana should all be considered (at different price and performance points) but all are a substantial improvement over iTunes alone.  Also consider storing your music files on an external firewire drive, such as the Oyen Mini-Pro 800 for another nice improvement.

Then if you really want to take things up another several notches, consider the exter nal usb power supplies that some companies are offering -- this works very well on the HRT dacs as it supplies the dac with even cleaner power than the computer can.

I know some are skeptical about this and it doesn't work on every dac/music server combination, but with the HRT it works very very well.

HTH,

Jim

[lior.amsalem]

Hi John, Jim, Armaegis and magnafuzz,
Thanks for the help and info.
I've placed my order for a Crack + SB upgrade.
Probably I'll start with the Crack alone and then do the upgrade.
I'll get all of your recommendations and I'll start looking at a better sound player, convert to AIFF (I got a 4.5TB NAS at home so storage is not an issue) and USB Hub down the road.

Looking forward to get my kit and start building it.

Again, Thanks all.

Lior

[jrebman]

Lior,

Sounds like you've got a plan and you're going to have a blast with this setup.  Looking forward to hearing about your progress.

-- Jim

[InfernoSTi]

Lior,

I have now purchased a set of HD 600s and an HRT MS2+ DAC to go with my Crack...it seems we will be running the same system! 

Let us know how you are doing with your setup as you wish....

John

[lior.amsalem]

Hi John,
Great to hear that!
Looking forward to get your impressions with the new setup! Are you on Mac? try bitperfect, makes life easier with iTunes and even sound a bit better.
I'm still waiting for my Crack