Sounds amazing.

This is something I'm curious about, and I've struggled to find explanations I can understand. What is it about discrete Class A balanced amps that makes Aryas sound better?

I know balanced cables prevent possible interference, but do discrete Class A amps deliver more voltage/current (thus more power) to headphones? And do the differences in voltage/current affect the sound? (If so, how?). I've only tried my entry-level Atom setup, so I can't speak from experience. I've read/heard people recommending an amp upgrade with the Aryas, but from a physics/engineering perspective I don't know why (other than "it sounds better.")

I re-read my post and realized I was a bit unclear in the end. I did go back to the HD6XX, but I decided to keep the Arya V2s as well. That said, for people who decide not to upgrade at all, I learned (from this $6000 journey) that decision is totally justified. We get used to whatever headphones we have -- and the HD6X0s offer more than enough to appreciate.

I'll give SoundSource a try -- thanks for the tip. It is a bit frustrating to have to input everything manually in eqMac...

I give serious props to Sennheiser for their consistency. They have a sound signature they like, and they give variations on it. As much as I loved the HD800s, the imaging on planar magnetics gives a different kind of "whoa factor." The sound stage on the 800s is its own beast though -- and I wonder what headphones could compare to it around that price range.

I agree - especially because Drop puts them on sale now and then. (I think I got my HD6XXs for $179, which is outrageous). That Focal Clear deal on Headphones.com ($890) is tempting as well, but I avoided because it's "Final Sale." With tax, it's not far off from the Arya V2 on Hifiman's website ($1099 open box, which doesn't charge tax).

I'm curious about the 770 Pros (since they get a lot of love on this sub). But as someone who's treble sensitive, I'm thinking I should hold off on beyerdynamic cans. I really dug the 1990 Pros (and wanted them to be my keepers, considering the value), but my ears wanted something more mellow.

Never tried the HD660s. I'm curious to hear how they compare to my HD6XXs. I hear they're higher on treble, so my ears might be happy with the HD6XX.

That description alone makes me want to try them. They almost sound like the HD800s with less sound stage.

The 6X0 is end game for sure. I get it. I don’t know much about the RME ADI-2. You can do your EQ’ing on it? Sounds dope. And looking at the price tag, sounds like I should stay away from it.

Yeah, I still love my HD6XXs too. I’ll never sell them. I almost didn’t upgrade at all because there’s really no need. With the Apple dongle, they’re my “walk around the apartment” headphone now. Apparently I need music blaring through my ears at all hours.

Yeah, I’ve been really curious about the Clear. I’ve never heard it. I’ve read & seen a bunch of reviews that describe it as more of an intimate headphone tho. Since I was looking for something wider (and different from the 6XX), I didn’t even try it. I know people love it tho - and I’d love to try it.

My goal is to stop spending money in this hobby. We’ll see if that ever happens, haha.