Crack/ Headphones Questions

[blackharp]

I'm very happy with my Kaiju / BeePre on my main system!!

In my office, I have a Fisher X-100B I like to listen to headphones on occasionally. Input is Hi-Res Tidal- DAC, or an AR XA, Fisher FM100B & Nakamichi 480.

The headphones I currently have are AKG K361s.

Would the crack sound better than the old Fisher, or should I go for the Mainline? Through speakers, the Fisher sounds great but I can hear where the headphone out could use improvement..

And if the Crack would be a huge improvement, would the AKGs sound ok, or would you recommend a better product?

[Doc B.]

K361s are 32 ohm headphones. The Crack is for high impedance headphones up around 300 ohms and higher.  Mainline will work well with 32 ohm headphones, or you could use the Crack and switch to something like Sennheiser or Beyerdynamic high impedance headphones.

[blackharp]

Thanks, Doc.

1. Fisher or IFI DAC with 361s
2. Mainline with 361s
3. Crack with Beyer or other slightly higher impedance/ tier headphones

Are all these somewhat equal in sound quality?

[Doc B.]

I think the question is probably too subjective to offer a useful response. But I would say that the Mainline will most likely be the best sounding amp of the bunch to my ears. I can't speak to the 361s as I have not heard them or at least don't recall listening to them.

[blackharp]

I'd consider you somewhat qualified to have a meaningful opinion. 

Let's say you wanted to recommend one of your favorite high impedance headphones for the crack, I would take note.

[Doc B.]

I don't necessarily keep up with the latest and of course my taste is not the same as everyone else. FWIW I have always enjoyed the Sennheiser HD600/650/800 series and generaly prefer them over the high impedance Beyerdynamic models. Tons of info about what headphones people prefer with the Crack should come up with a search or two on the forum.