Objective2 Amp+ODAC, possibly $229.99 + $10S/H

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Tactical_Strike

Limp Gawd
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**(Ended)** Massdrop Is selling an Objective2 + ODAC Combo with Rear Power for $254.99, $239.99, or $229.99 depending on how many people we can get to commit to purchase at the same time. (+ $9.99S/H) **(Ended)**

Massdrop, is group buying at a discount similar to the Steam Multipacks (if you remember those 20 packs of Christmas gifts steam did in 2012 i think it was) you commit to purchasing the product before the time expires and if enough people also do the same and the price hits the goal, you are automatically charged and the product is shipped. Should the necessary amount of people not commit by the time expires, nothing happens, but you can go ahead an purchase it at the current tier it has made it to.


This is an open-source Amplifier and Digital to Analog Converter with the intentions of elegance and purity. Mayflower is a great company to support, and if you research around you will find that this $240 device is superior to most $1000 devices and beyond that there may be better products but they come with a diminishing marginal return. This device is metaphorically 90% perfect true audio quality with the last 9% being unobtainable without dropping a fortune, and the last 1% being an impossibility.

Google video search reviews of this, or myths about audio, or soundcards, and you will see a consensus across the board.

Definitely worth it IMO if you use headphones on your PC and not speakers, or perhaps this will open your eyes/ears to the benefits of headphones over speakers.

At the time of posting we only need 19 more to drop it to the $229.99 price. Which is Black Friday Pricing
 
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As an owner of this combo; i can vouch for the quality.

Be warned however; that the combo can be bright. Sounds great with my hd650s but overly harsh with most of the rest of my collection.

Just search for your respective headphone on head-fi and double check synergy prior.
 
Worminater said:
As an owner of this combo; i can vouch for the quality.

Be warned however; that the combo can be bright. Sounds great with my hd650s but overly harsh with most of the rest of my collection.

Just search for your respective headphone on head-fi and double check synergy prior.
Click to expand...

This is a funny comment since o2/odac design philosophy was 100% neutral/true reproduction.
 
Worminater said:
As an owner of this combo; i can vouch for the quality.

Be warned however; that the combo can be bright. Sounds great with my hd650s but overly harsh with most of the rest of my collection.

Just search for your respective headphone on head-fi and double check synergy prior.
Click to expand...

I just so happen to have a set of HD650's as well, this is very tempting.
 
I'm super tempted by this, have been strongly considering stepping up my audio game recently. I may jump on this and a pair of the q701s. I know they are an exceptionally hard headphone to drive... Will this do the trick?
 
i've been using the O2 (no ODAC) with my HD650's since October 2012. it's a great amplifier. however, a couple months ago the left channel started cutting out. wiggling the headphone jack makes it cut back in (and eventually out again). NwAvGuy really strived for a quality/affordability balance with the O2, and i think i'm seeing the affordability aspect rear its head. just something to think about if you're considering purchasing the O2 or O2/ODAC combo.
 
Worminater said:
As an owner of this combo; i can vouch for the quality.

Be warned however; that the combo can be bright. Sounds great with my hd650s but overly harsh with most of the rest of my collection.

Just search for your respective headphone on head-fi and double check synergy prior.
Click to expand...


I can vouch for this ^ the O2 sounds GREAT with Beyerdynamic DT 770's, but 'clinical' and 'bright' with my Denon D2000's.

Edit: It also sounded really good with ATH-M50's.
 
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It looks like we have done well, right now we are only 12 commitments short. Honestly, this is the lowest price I have seen and it was the exact same as Black Friday, never have I seen cheaper, these things just don't go on sale.

As for "Clinical" and "Bright" reviews they are correct, just take them with a grain of salt as they are looking for what stands out the most, as they are generally trying to describe them and in that case looking for a term to "Best" fit. As far as quantification, its damn near impossible to do so, meaning how bright or how clinical is completely subjective. I know the purpose of reproducing audio to its' original intended listening quality is the "objective" but its really more subjective to the listener's ears. depending on how much damage you have done to them in the past, and your attention to detail. The real point is a blind "A-B Test" and which you prefer. The majority of people are going to be doing this with the sound card vs the O2+ODAC and not with a $1K-$2K amp with specific tubes. I will say that there is another company that I know about for sure that sell almost the exact same setup just with a different label plate on the front because it is such an elegant system, but good luck finding the back-side power edition for less than $300. Yes if you have an HD800, it might hurt your ears to fire a shot in BF4 because they are, "bright" perhaps it is supposed to, but who is going to wear ear plugs and eye protection playing BF4 just to get the most lifelike experience :)

You want kickass audo, drop $240 on this. Its not to your liking out of the box, do what you do with every monitor adjust it to your liking(EQ)

I just ordered my HE-500 and researched enough to figure out personally, $240 was a drop in the audio bucket compared to "Superior" alternatives.

Sorry about not doing the Guest_Open in my link, I had no idea about it, I will say that MassDrop is the easiest registration I have ever done in my life, and I think I am going to use it more now that I know about it. FYI, they have Adult products as well.
 
Porter_ said:
i've been using the O2 (no ODAC) with my HD650's since October 2012. it's a great amplifier. however, a couple months ago the left channel started cutting out. wiggling the headphone jack makes it cut back in (and eventually out again). NwAvGuy really strived for a quality/affordability balance with the O2, and i think i'm seeing the affordability aspect rear its head. just something to think about if you're considering purchasing the O2 or O2/ODAC combo.
Click to expand...
Seems Objective2 + HD650s is a popular combo, because it's what I use probably 85% of the time too! Great sound, and really as good as you're going to get without spending 3x-4x as much as this deal.

The single channel cutting out sounds like just a loose connection, pot oxidation, or cracked solder joint, the O2 is very well documented, you shouldn't have any problem opening it up and tracking down the cause of the issue.
 
Well I just committed for the O2+ODac with the 1/4" upgrade (which gives you the upgraded aluminum knob as well). I just couldn't pass this up, the "amp" on my ASUS Impact mobo just wasn't cutting it anymore. After this deal I have my HD650's and O2+ODac + 1/4" upgrade for $525 shipped. Not bad :D
Looks very nice with the 1/4" upgrade.
95394_l.jpg

https://www.mayflowerelectronics.com/shop/mayflower-custom-products/desktop-objective2-with-odac/
 
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30 people have committed, goal has been reached. Everyone can now jump in and purchase at the $229, if they haven't already committed and were waiting for some reason.
The only real alternative right now is the Shiit Stack "Modi/Magni" larger and 2 pieces, but you can choose between USB or Optical inputs, and the amp puts out more wattage if you really need it.
In most reviews, the reviewers couldn't tell the difference, but the Shiit stack does run $198.00.
 
I'm considering trying out the headphone world with these. My Aviano 2 speakers are great for where they're at and what they do, but they're not terribly portable, and it's pretty silly to use them at my computer (or really anywhere else in the house).
Some questions:
- What kind of earphones would you have to get for these to sound good?
- Is the DAC portion any good (ie what's special about it compared to, say, my Creative Z Series)?
- Is it any good for doing a pre-amp before hooking up to my Topping? (Just for trying out with my speakers for kicks)
- Also I notice the frequency response is at 19kHz at the high point. Isn't that a bit low?
- Oh and finally how does this compare to that Magnii up there?
 
as with everything audio related, this is imo.

StoleMyOwnCar said:
- What kind of earphones would you have to get for these to sound good?
Click to expand...

depends on your budget and listening preferences. for around $200 i'd get something like DT770/DT990's (bass heavy) or HD558/HD598's (more neutral). for a little higher budget i'd get HE-400/HE-500's (good bass extension) or HD600/HD650's (more neutral). anything higher in budget than that is out of my scope of knowledge (see the link below posted by Tactical_Strike).

StoleMyOwnCar said:
- Is the DAC portion any good (ie what's special about it compared to, say, my Creative Z Series)?
Click to expand...

you probably wouldn't notice much of a difference. chances are you'll be happy sticking with your Z.

StoleMyOwnCar said:
- Is it any good for doing a pre-amp before hooking up to my Topping? (Just for trying out with my speakers for kicks)
Click to expand...

this is not meant to be used as pre-amp, to my knowledge

StoleMyOwnCar said:
- Also I notice the frequency response is at 19kHz at the high point. Isn't that a bit low?
Click to expand...

nothing to worry about

StoleMyOwnCar said:
- Oh and finally how does this compare to that Magnii up there?
Click to expand...

i hear the O2 and Magni are very equal. i've never listened to the Magni though. When i replace my O2 it will probably be with some Schiit, either Magni or Asgard.
 
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I guess people still have questions here, just check out some 3rd party reviews of amateur audio enthusiasts, feel free to add some more if you think they may be relevant, and not just number comparisons, but actually are just subjective thoughts.

A very good review of headphones from a competent experienced source:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/634201/bat...ompared-update-audeze-lcd-2-revision-2-6-4-13

Review from normal guy on the O2 and some information:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1rXcJuEsy0

Another review from average guy, no noticeable up/downgrade O2/Shiit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32-X4sDzLXw

Another Review of run of mill guy comparing O2 and a Woo $1000 Tube Amp:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89pjq1mGstA
 
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Tactical_Strike said:
I guess people still have questions here, just check out some 3rd party reviews of amateur audio enthusiasts, feel free to add some more if you think they may be relevant, and not just number comparisons, but actually are just subjective thoughts.

A very good review of headphones from a competent experienced source:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/634201/bat...ompared-update-audeze-lcd-2-revision-2-6-4-13

Review from normal guy on the O2 and some information:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1rXcJuEsy0

Another review from average guy, no noticeable up/downgrade O2/Shiit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32-X4sDzLXw

Another Review of run of mill guy comparing O2 and a Woo $1000 Tube Amp:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89pjq1mGstA
Click to expand...


Thanks for the post.

That schiit gear looks a lot more attractive.
 
InternationalHat said:
Thanks for the post.

That schiit gear looks a lot more attractive.
Click to expand...

I chose the O2 because of there involvement with the community. The O2 in the picture above looks awesome to me. In the end it's not about the looks but the sound it produces which I think will be very similar with either setup. So it comes down to which company you like better. IMO, it doesn't seem that Schiit is as involved. Just my 2 cents.
 
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I'm tempted to get this because with it I could pretty much turn anything with a usb port into an audiophile-grade sound station (mainly this is very tempting for my Surface Pro, where the audio port is lacking... but I could do it on my work laptop too I guess). And it's all in one package; I don't think Schiit (or whatever) has anything comparable, does it? What are the dimensions of this?
 
Are there any other good reviews that compare this thing to other options (also seriously does anyone know the dimensions? >.>)?

Also, looking at that blog, I'm kind of wary about the earlier Head-Fi headphone suggestions... but then again that guy gave F ratings to various things....
 
The best place to get the dimensions would be mayflower email, Tyler is very good about correspondence with the customers, or you could add to the discussion on the massdrop site. Again, with anything and all things related to this industry, take it all with a grain of salt, but the F was not for the review, it was price/performance score. It could have been the best headphones god created, but cost $1 trillion.
 
I just went ahead and bit on this. Just the basic one, not the 1/4th inch jack or the bamboo finish or anything. Dunno what the larger jack would do but from what I read, nothing that's important. Still deciding on what earphones to try out with this. I have a pair of Sennheiser HD280Pro's from my college days and stuff. I needed something sealed... but honestly they get itchy on my head really fast and they're super uncomfortable. My head's not even that big, nor am I overweight... it's pretty annoying. I need something that's as comfortable to wear as it is good. By good I guess I mean pretty neutral. I like from David Garrett down to Dream Theater and then Touhou music. Probably something around 200-350$ or so. As usual looking for best value (like my Mordaunt Short Aviano 2's).

The shipping looks like it's gonna take ages anyway so I have plenty of time. I see a pair of AKG something or other on that Massdrop site but I guess it's kind of below my price range...
 
StoleMyOwnCar said:
I just went ahead and bit on this. Just the basic one, not the 1/4th inch jack or the bamboo finish or anything. Dunno what the larger jack would do but from what I read, nothing that's important. Still deciding on what earphones to try out with this. I have a pair of Sennheiser HD280Pro's from my college days and stuff. I needed something sealed... but honestly they get itchy on my head really fast and they're super uncomfortable. My head's not even that big, nor am I overweight... it's pretty annoying. I need something that's as comfortable to wear as it is good. By good I guess I mean pretty neutral. I like from David Garrett down to Dream Theater and then Touhou music. Probably something around 200-350$ or so. As usual looking for best value (like my Mordaunt Short Aviano 2's).

The shipping looks like it's gonna take ages anyway so I have plenty of time. I see a pair of AKG something or other on that Massdrop site but I guess it's kind of below my price range...
Click to expand...

You probably saw the AKG Q701s, I just bit on a pair of those with the Objective2/ObjectiveDAC. The Q701s are supposed to be a great set of headphones if they are powered correctly, which from my research the Objective2 is able to do.
 
eibes said:
You probably saw the AKG Q701s, I just bit on a pair of those with the Objective2/ObjectiveDAC. The Q701s are supposed to be a great set of headphones if they are powered correctly, which from my research the Objective2 is able to do.
Click to expand...

Oh I know that they're probably pretty good for the price... it's just that I can pay up to like over twice that so I'm kinda wondering if I can't get anything better for the money... Looking for some sales on whatever higher end models may or may not exist atm...

That sale has 4 days on it anyway.

Plus IDK about the impedance on them, I'm planning to maybe occasionally use em outside the amp too, so being hard to drive would be a bit of a con (not a major one but eh). Plus Amazon reviews have pointed out the construction is somewhat lacking.
 
StoleMyOwnCar said:
Oh I know that they're probably pretty good for the price... it's just that I can pay up to like over twice that so I'm kinda wondering if I can't get anything better for the money... Looking for some sales on whatever higher end models may or may not exist atm...

That sale has 4 days on it anyway.

Plus IDK about the impedance on them, I'm planning to maybe occasionally use em outside the amp too, so being hard to drive would be a bit of a con (not a major one but eh). Plus Amazon reviews have pointed out the construction is somewhat lacking.
Click to expand...

I think lacking in construction is more true of their recent models. From looking around it seems that they used to be made in Austria and were a really high quality product but they are now made in China and are less so.

Another headphone that I had looked into was the Sennheiser Momentum, it is much easier to drive being ideal for playing off your smartphone or ipod. I wasnt able to find much information on how it would scale plugged into an amp/dac such as this so I didn't (havent yet?) pull the trigger. I do like the idea of a high end headphone for travel or on the go that doesnt require an amp though.
 
Pulled the trigger in one too.

Lets see if it sounds better than my Pioneer Receiver.
 
StoleMyOwnCar said:
I just went ahead and bit on this. Just the basic one, not the 1/4th inch jack or the bamboo finish or anything. Dunno what the larger jack would do but from what I read, nothing that's important. Still deciding on what earphones to try out with this. I have a pair of Sennheiser HD280Pro's from my college days and stuff. I needed something sealed... but honestly they get itchy on my head really fast and they're super uncomfortable. My head's not even that big, nor am I overweight... it's pretty annoying. I need something that's as comfortable to wear as it is good. By good I guess I mean pretty neutral. I like from David Garrett down to Dream Theater and then Touhou music. Probably something around 200-350$ or so. As usual looking for best value (like my Mordaunt Short Aviano 2's).

The shipping looks like it's gonna take ages anyway so I have plenty of time. I see a pair of AKG something or other on that Massdrop site but I guess it's kind of below my price range...
Click to expand...
Can't go wrong with HD650's. I've got some other headphones that can outshine the HD650's in one narrow aspect or another, but the HD650's would be my desert island headphones.

They're very light (my first thought on picking them up out of their silver clam-shell hard case was that they felt cheap!), the fuzzy earpads are covered in a kind of deep velvet pile and the earpad foam is marshmallow soft. Since they're totally open they breathe well and don't get all that hot.

Fitment: This is important, some people do not know how to adjust the HD650s and end up giving them poor marks for comfort. You should not attempt to bend or otherwise break-in the plastic headband on the HD650s. The earcup gimbals are mounted on metal sliders, head size is accounted for by adjusting these metal sliders. Extend the earcups fully, then applying pressure only to the metal, flex in or out as needed, retract earcups. At first my HD650s applied extremely firm pressure, but after 3 gentle flexes on each slider, they now grasp my head so softly I forget I have them on...which can be a problem when I try to walk somewhere.

There have been books written on the sound of the HD650s (+ O2), by people far more informed than myself.
 
I've read the HD650's seem to have overinflated bass. I'm not a huge fan of bass. That and those are 500$, which is well out of my price range.

http://www.amazon.com/AKG-Pro-Audio-K712PRO-Headphones/dp/B00E4WXWBE/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

I'm really considering these at the moment. I'm not sure if I saw any reviews on them anywhere else, but all of the Amazon reviews look good, and some of the people are obvious audiophiles. The first one mentions that they're very neutral and can be driven by anything, which is a huge plus in my book. Does anyone know anything else about these?
 
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Something like the DT770's has overinflated bass. The HD650's bass is definitely not overinflated, as long as it's decently amped. What amps were used for the folks that reported that?
 
Dunno, doesn't matter either way since like I said they're well over my price range. I don't think the guy mentioned what amp he was using, though. Just go to the Amazon HD650 page, and iirc it should be on the most helpful critical review side.

Edit: It's funny actually, I just noticed the review of the phones I linked was comparing them to the HD650's. Looks like he liked them better but said that the earphones should be priced at under 400$ and then they'd be flying off shelves... well guess where they're at.. >_>
 
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