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What would be a proper/noticeable upgrade for an Asgard 2 headphone amp?

Space Lynx

Space Lynx

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I am wanting to upgrade my headphone amp as a Christmas gift to myself, it will be paired with HifiMAN Arya Stealth headphones (I also own Sennheiser HD58X).

My irl friend upgraded to a Fiio K19 $1300 amp, and he said it is very noticeable upgrade over his Asgard 2, however, that is way out of my budget. Any thoughts on what I can upgrade to for say $300? Any other recommendations welcome. @VSG Does Fiio have anything in that range coming out early next year? I know you toured their factory recently.
 
VSG

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Space Lynx said:
I am wanting to upgrade my headphone amp as a Christmas gift to myself, it will be paired with HifiMAN Arya Stealth headphones (I also own Sennheiser HD58X).

My irl friend upgraded to a Fiio K19 $1300 amp, and he said it is very noticeable upgrade over his Asgard 2, however, that is way out of my budget. Any thoughts on what I can upgrade to for say $300? Any other recommendations welcome. @VSG Does Fiio have anything in that range coming out early next year? I know you toured their factory recently.
Click to expand...
K17 is coming up, although that might be priced higher than $300 too. Maybe the K9 AKM?
 
Space Lynx

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VSG said:
K17 is coming up, although that might be priced higher than $300 too. Maybe the K9 AKM?
Click to expand...

I will save up for the K17 as long as it's not like too crazy high, thanks for the heads up!
 
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R-T-B

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I've been in the same dilema for a bit (praying my amp does not die, it's an oldie). Not really convinced by Schiit's new Asgard 3 design, so this will be a thread I'll be watching with interest.
 
VSG

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Space Lynx said:
I will save up for the K17 as long as it's not like too crazy high, thanks for the heads up!
Click to expand...
1000057205.jpg

This is how it looks btw.
 
Space Lynx

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R-T-B said:
I've been in the same dilema for a bit (praying my amp does not die, it's an oldie). Not really convinced by Schiit's new Asgard 3 design, so this will be a thread I'll be watching with interest.
Click to expand...

I listened to asgard 3 when it launched, my asgard 2 still sounded better so I refunded the asgard 3. Asgard 3 is dull and lifeless.


If Fiio comes out with K17 early next year and its around $500, I may go for that. We will see.
 
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