Selling off my desktop headphone rig

AsSiMiLaTeD

I've decided that it's time to step up my main headphone rig to the next level, and instead of upgrading incrementally I'm just going to scrap it all and start over from scratch. That's another topic though and I'll start a separate thread for that discussion, this is about moving along the gear that I have now.

Instead of my usual deal where I get very detailed in describing everything in depth, I'm gonna start with keeping it simple today with very basic info and pricing. I figure anyone interested will already know what they're looking for. Obviously ask any questions and I'll elaborate.

You'll be very hard pressed to build a better sounding rig at anywhere near this price point, I'm looking at spending 10x the price of what I'm selling this gear for to get a decent enough upgrade. Everything listed is in perfect condition and comes with original boxes and accessories. I don't have pics handy but will post some this evening if there's interest.

Peachtree DAC-IT DAC and Peachtree X1 USB to SPDIF Converter - $350
Schiit Lyr Hybrid Tube Headphone amp - $325
HiFiMan HE-500 Planar Magnetic Headphones - $525

If I did my maths correctly that adds up to $1200 overall. I've spent lots of time and money into matching these parts with each other and would rather someone benefit from that and buy it as a package, though I realize the chances of that are low. As an incentive though I'll knock $100 off the price, so $1100 for the lot. I'm going to give it a day or so for anyone interested in the lot, then I'll sell separately.

AsSiMiLaTeD

I've had a couple requests for pictures so am attaching here, higher-res photos upon request.

First, the Peachtree DAC-IT

Next, the Peachtree X1

Schiit Lyr

HiFiMan HE-500 Headphones

Clipdat

Wow that's an insane deal, someone snatch this up. I know I would if I had the cash.

AsSiMiLaTeD

The Schiit Lyr and DAC-IT are now sold. The X1 and HE-500 are still available.

I'm lowering the price on the HE-500 to $500. I'll sell the X1 for $150 and that includes an AudioQuest Forest USB cable and a short coaxial cable to connect to your DAC of choice.

vcwatkins

Any idea how the HE-500 would compare with the Alpha Dog?

sucks2beme

The alpha dogs and these have a different sound/feel.
I'd go to a head-fi meet a do some listening.
Here's some comments from the dallas meet on the alpha dogs.

vcwatkins

Thanks for the pointer, sucks. I'll do some reading. In the meantime, any thoughts on pairing either of those with Asgard or Valhalla? Kinda regretting I didn't get the Lyr.
Thanks,
Craig

AsSiMiLaTeD

It all depends on what you're looking for really. The Alpha is a step up over the Mad Dog, with a much more neutral sound and a little more open sounding as well. The Alpha Dog is flat and very articulate, it's a very fast and accurate headphone. If you've ever heard the Sennheiser HD800, imagine a closed version of that headphone and the Alpha Dog comes pretty close to that.

In comparison I find something like the LCD-2 headphone a bit too dark and laid back sounding for my taste. I prefer a little more dynamics and treble energy than what that headphone has. Forced to choose between the two though I'd go with the LCD-2, as I'm just not personally a fan of really fast and analytical sounding headphones.

For me at least, the HE-500 strikes a good balance between the two. I get really good bass extension and great fullness to the sound but with still enough high end to suit my tastes, and its never even close to being harsh. It has a nice open soundstage, better than the Alpha Dog IMO though not quite as spacious as something like the HD800.

It's my favorite headphone under $1000, and I've tried lots of them. Obviously, I'm just one opinion, but there you have it.

vcwatkins

Very helpful. Thanks, AsSiMiLaTeD.
Craig

AsSiMiLaTeD

The HE-500 is now sold, the Peachtree X1 is still available