Comments on: Audioengine HD3 Loudspeakers & DAC3: The Audiophile System Builder https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/audiophile-system-builder-19/ everything hi-fi Mon, 13 Nov 2023 06:11:47 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 By: Asa https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/audiophile-system-builder-19/#comment-151105 Tue, 03 Jan 2023 22:02:42 +0000 https://www.ecoustics.com/articles/audiophile-system-builder-19/#comment-151105 Nice review and perfect timing – I contemplated those exact pieces, but ended up going with the slightly larger versions of these (HD6/S8 + Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200m/Kanto Speaker stands). I have a fairly large office space and all of this connects via laptop/USB and sounds wonderful, if not slightly overkill. Once I figured out how to disable the front volume knob on the DAC, it works/sounds great (HD6s have their own volume control via remote). There’s no noise, no hiss, or any weakness in the entire connection. Like the HD3s, they are slightly warmer, but I like that, esp. for Jazz/ambient/techno, which can come off a bit cold/dark sometimes.

It’s my first go around with both AudioEngine/Cambridge Audio, and I’m impressed. Easy to set up, with volume/cross-over points for the sub, and works seamlessly with Tidal (using exclusive mode/Pass-through). I know MQA isn’t for everyone, but I like how the DACMagic shows you what’s coming through at what spec. I wish the HD6s had a volume led to show volume min/max. I have yet to run anything wireless through the system.

My Sony MDR-V6s sound great via the front headphone out and also need to try the DT 770 Studio’s (80 ohm) through it as well to see what a little more oomph gives them.

Look forward to hearing more details about the AE pieces.

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