I'm looking for a SS amp+DAC integrated unit that is known to primarily pair well with the Denon D2000 but could possibly also work well with the Beyer DT990. Both are bassy and have recessed mids, but the listening experience using both for Rock/Metal is pretty different and I prefer one over the other based mainly on my mood.
The D2000 sound is "fuller" and more intimate, I guess more "real" sounding compared to the DT990. Its bass response is also pretty much in your face - can really feel the impact. In contrast, the DT990 has a leaner sound and seems to me to be a less fatigueing HP that I prefer when listening for a longer period of time and/or working on something while listening. Control of its higher frequencies can be an issue with certain recordings, but on the whole I like the Beyer with a majority of my favorite Rock/Metal music.
My source is Apple Lossless delivered via optical out from a MacBook Pro. I have been using a HeadRoom Desktop amp/DAC w/Home modules + DPS. While it performs great with my HD650 listening to Classical music, I noticed that both for the D2000 as well as for the DT990, they didn't sound that much different when amped or plugged directly into the MacBook's headphone jack. Thus my quest for a different amp/DAC that will make the D2000 (and possibly the DT990) really shine with Rock/Metal music.
I'm looking for a non-portable unit with a budget constraint of around $1,500. From what I've read in this forum and on HF I've somewhat narrowed the list to the following (considering my HP choice, and in no particular order):
Apogee Mini-DAC Benchmark DAC1 Grace m902 (stretching the $$$) Meier Opera/Symphony (kind of wary of international return shipping in case doesn't work out)
I also have the option to upgrade my HeadRoom Desktop to use the MAX modules, but I don't know how much that would benefit the D2000/DT990.
Which unit provides a good balance between musicality AND analytics? I have read that the m902 is extremely analytical, but that may not be such a bad thing if my HP of choice sound good powered by them.
Please list others that I should be considering as well...I will try to audition whatever I can get my hands on.
