Sony MDR-R10

Those are some of the midrange NAD integrated amps, should be okay. But I've owned the C375BEE which was their TOTL integrated for a bit and I saw significant improvements going to different stereo units like the MC225, KSA150 and the 4B. If ever you're in the Montreal area I would invite you to blind test this chain with what you consider a sufficient headphone amp.

My setup is fairly easy to A/B, I volume matched the BHA-1 output and the 4BSST2 output using my MiniDSP EARS (essentially find the level of software attenuation to speaker output that matches headphone out at 100% software volume). Granted it wasn't blinded, but it's pretty obvious and even easier than telling DACs apart ime (which I've successfully done blinded).

I also think the actual amp you use plays a role. What 100W speaker amp did you use, and what headphone amp did you compare it to? I did hear some pretty crappy speaker amps that did not compare favourably to headphone amps, for example cheaper class D stuff which distorts a ton.

> If your only argument is "because I heard it"

Have you?

I connect directly by using a banana plug to 4 pin XLR adapter cable, to which I plug my headphones in. Just need to be careful with volume.

Despite not always being enthralled with planars, I’ve appreciated their capabilities. In fact, three of my favorite headphones, the original HE-6, HE-1000 v1 and LCD-4, function through this modality.

I personally enjoy the changes enabled by source gear, which I confirmed by blind testing. I notably appreciate using high-powered stereo amplifiers directly from speaker taps with low efficiency planars, which require strong current. The HE-6, for example, will bring most headphone amps on the market to clipping point, so it is popularly used with speaker gear. In my experience this delivers significant improvements mainly in dynamics and transients. Things sound more immediate and livelier even when volume matching. My current pairing is the Dangerous Music Convert 2 DAC, into the Bryston BHA-1 which feeds the 4BSST2 as pre-amp, although I would be open to exploring a dedicated pre-amp.

Having been fortunate to use HE-6 on multiple stereo setups, to me this setup brings out its aggressive and textured qualities the most. This is indeed a special headphone, and one of the most visceral I’ve ever heard. I've written an extensive breakdown of its sound on my blog, and appreciate it to this day.

The LCD-4 is also very special. Extremely resolving (despite a dipped upper midrange/low treble region), smooth in tone, with potent dynamic contrast (including bass). It’s a winning combo for me, although some will be annoyed by the tonal tilt.

And, finally, the HE-1000 v1, known as the “rich” egg-shaped HiFiMAN headphone, which I tend to agree with. Take something like an Arya, add some reverb in the bass, soften up the lower midrange, push out the stage laterally and you have the HEK v1. Not as lively as the other two, but the "wall of sound" presentation still remains special.

The three are always very enjoyable to jam out to. Feel free to share your experiences with planar magnetic headphones!