that’s why I shop stuff I only demo’ed and really like. and i will soon buy my 4 digit headphone (heddphone two) because when i tried it at canjam london, i just sat there grinning like an idiot and being blown away. I am able to afford it with my christmas bonus, so i am getting it. My opinion on the hobby is that the price tag is irrelevant to the decision of it being good. YOU need to like it. YOU need to think it’s a justified purchase. The opinion of others doesn’t matter

amps do make a difference and do add their own “flavor” to it. its processing the signal after all.

even while staying on the same type of amp. (Tube Amps drastically alter the sound)

its usually minimal tho.

i recently switches my Schiit Asgard 3 for a Topping A70 Pro and noticed my music sounding different. Friends confirmed it too.

The Asgard did make it sound a bit warmer while also seemingly making low end a bit more powerful.

The Topping sounded much more “reserved” and analytical. I could hear things I didnt notice before. So I traded fun sound for super clean analytical sound in my case.

And yes. using the same DAC (schiit bifrost 2), same cables (pyst rca) and headphone (Hifiman Edition XS)