• THE WIND RISES

      Dac amp combo reddit. Seems like a good budget dac/amp combo.



      • Dac amp combo reddit DT 1990 Pro's which dac/amp combo? Leaning towards R2R-11, but should I just go for the NFB 11. 3. Personally, unless you need the fancy audio mixing features, a standard DAC-amp like Fiio K7 would be a better choice, especially if you plan to upgrade to better headphones down the line. Qudelix 5k is good. I use e10k and dt770 80ohm for 6 years now, and I never needed to upgrade from it. 75% of the use will be TV/Movies at ~6ft away, 25% of the use will be music at ~15 feet away. I do not want a box that forces you to unplug headphones to get speaker output. ) Much more money than each is individually worth. A desktop converter amplifier combo can significantly improve sound quality by making it more immersive. Or check it out in the app stores &nbsp; &nbsp; TOPICS DAC/AMP Combo for DT990 Pro 250Ohm Hey i currently have dt770 pro 80 ohm, ananda and tin hifi t4. For example, one of most cited advantages of a DAC + amp stamp over a combo is upgradeability, since you can upgrade either your DAC or amp individually instead of having to replace the entire unit. So in this case if you bought an amp with rca input like the Magni you’d buy a 3. Given the conventional wisdom that tube amps pair fairly poorly with planars, what amp/dac pairing or standalone unit that integrates both do people here recommend in terms of drifting ever-so-slightly away from the more clinical sound of something like a Topping stack that doesn't take away from "that planar sound/slam" that so many of us enjoy so much? Yes the NX4 was also a dac/amp combo I considered. So you already have a good DAC in that. I am content using my Sundara with Fiio K5 Pro. Thanks! Why not just get a headphone amp and use the UM2 as your DAC? For $100 you have a good selection of great headphone amps including JDS Labs Atom, Schiit Magni, and Monoprice Liquid Spark. What's an affordable DAC/AMP combo, to power the Beyerdynamic DT 990 250 ohm or headphones up to 300 ohm? Schiit stacks are not in my reach. Oct 3, 2020 路 I'm planning on buying the Massdrop x Sennheiser HD58X Jubilee's and wanted to upgrade to a dac/amp combo for my computer usage. But I am open to suggestions. You could hook up a second amp do a DAC+amp combo unit (it would act as just a DAC) but then the amp part of it just sits idle. ) A worse amp you probably didn’t actually need and 2. I'm going to primarily be using it for iems, though it won't be exclusively for them. Ie fiio e10k as an example. Right now, I have a lot of money saved up with amazon gift cards, so that is what I'm mainly looking at. I am using Fiio K5 Pro which is also a DAC & AMP combo (another option). Get the Reddit app Scan this QR code to download the app now. As an example something with a realtek alc1200 or asus with a s1200 will have an amp that can run upto 600ohms and a very clean dac. 5mm input. 5mm is also analog. It pairs fantastically with the HD600. However, if you are interested in a DAC/AMP - AMP: - FiiO K7 - Amazon - about 200. I've heard plenty of great things about the schiit stack Magnius and Modius, but would like other input before I bite the bullet. com Generally speaking, planars are usually a little more amp dependent. Music aspect is not really important for me because I use a Here's what I'm looking for. Only problem with my amp is the old analog connection. You could run that wired to a discrete portable amp, like the Topping NX7. dac/amp combo for under $200 Purchasing USA i’ve been using a hand-me-down setup that’s probably older than i am, and i would like to start upgrading with my extra holiday cash. Though having a proper DAC is a low bar to hit. It's just worth noting I think that while it is a desktop device it's quite low power, actually more similar to a high power dongle than other entry level desktop amp or DAC/amp combos, most of which do 1-2W @32Ω. I have been overwhelmed of all the options available but can still not seem to find which one that is right for these headphones. Know that if your current source (phone, tablet, or computer) can support flac files you won't notice much of a difference generally between going from that source and an amp to that source, a dedicated dac, and the same amp. Hi r/HeadphoneAdvice, I have been looking to upgrade from my measly PC-soundcard to a DAC/AMP combo for a while now, and finally want to take the dive into these waters, preferably something under 400$. So I’ve come to this subreddit for advice. What small combo unit is the hot shit equivalent in 2024? I'm only Jan 16, 2021 路 I have a lot of dac/amps including DragonFly Red, Fiio BTR5, Lotoo Paw S1 and a Chord Mojo. But if you want a full size DAC/amp that has more power for potential future upgrades, the Topping DX3 Pro+ or Fiio K5 are better than the Zen DAC. They just don't have as much power, but they have plenty for those headphones. Is there a better route or is this safe to do? I'm worried about like "over-volting" my headset or damaging any of the audio interfaces. The upgrade itch has completely gone away! No longer the little voice in the back of your head telling you there might be a bette If you're at a desk, any of the ~$100 standalone Amps (Magni Heresy, Atom+ Amp, L30 II, etc. Give these a look: JDS Labs Atom Amp+/Atom DAC+, Schiit Magni Heretic/Modi+, SMSL SH-6/SU-6, Topping L30 II/E30 II. Also I'd like for the AMP to have enough inputs to include a pair of speakers (Kali LP6 v2) via RCA/XLR. Seems like a good budget dac/amp combo. Combo better. I just got a Cozoy Astrapi DAC/amp for my IPhone streaming from Tidal into $36 T-Peos D-202N earbuds which are terrific for the price. Oct 3, 2024 路 Looking for recommendations for a DAC/AMP stack or combo unit. All three have pre-outs that function only when the headphone is unplugged. But since I don't need a dac/amp for on the go, I looked for other possibilities as well. And I personally prefer it without its dozens of menu making a far straightforward experience. Or check it out in the app stores Best headphone and dac/amp combo for gaming Headphones - Open Back the external DACs are 100% interchangeable, meaning you can use a JDS DAC with the Xduuo amp, no problems, so get whichever combo is the cheapest. Hi, for my first entry level setup, I’ve decided on the DT 1990 pro. Good amp/dac combo for under $300 I've been looking around for an amp/dac combo for quite a while now, and I feel like now is the time for me to finally get something. 5mm), and output for speakers and headphones (3. Gaming. I wouldn't want to miss the fiio btr5 anymore! I forgot it at home yesterday and had to connect the meze directly to the phone and OH BOY, that difference is night and day, much less enjoyable than through the I am looking for a DAC/AMP combo to drive my AKG K712 pro. Under $2000 for total but open to higher priced recommendations. Looks like a pretty capable portable dac amp for the price. But I'll say that the K5 Pro ESS is no slouch either. It's especially nice warm sound into headphones for when I'm working. Also form-factor is important, so I'm mainly talking about USB-powered combo units. budget of ~ 500. For example, don't expect a smartphone integrated jack or USB-C dongle to be enough. Build quality is top notch. In your case I recommend going for something like a FiiO E10K. As I don't want to compromise more external gear for my portable set-up, I am looking/inquiring for a formidable dac/amp combo :) thanks so much! The Modius/Magnius combo is really good but you could also look at the THX 789 for a more compact setup (DAC+AMP). If anything, I would recommend an AMP. DACs and headphone amps are now a mature technology. Or check it out in the app stores &nbsp; &nbsp; TOPICS DAC AMP combo for HE400se . Now im fairly new when it comes to audiophile stuff, but from what ive gathered the IFI ZEN V2 and the Fiio K5 pro are some of the best dac/amps for under $200. I'm considering a few different options and wanted to hear some opinions on them, and possibly some other options as well if you guys have any you think are If you plug it in and it sounds good, you are good to go. Admittedly I had buyers remorse at first. DAC tech and connectivity on the other hand changes much faster, so I'm likely to want to replace my DAC much sooner than my amp. What's your favorite dac-amp combo or stack, regardless that you already have it or planning to get? I’m looking for a desktop DAC/amp stack or combo. Amp standalone units will only take a signal from a DAC or output from another amp and amplify it. The Aryas absolutely perform with discrete Class A amps - they siiing. I own a pair of Beyerdynamic DT 1770's (250 ohm) and I am looking for a portable dac/amp combo that could drive them properly. Not for work. But tbh apple dongle (as a dac) + atom+ would probably be the best value amp+dac combo for HD6xx. If you are willing to dump some more cash in the ZenDac V2 for ~$160 is amazing. I was previously using my audio interface as a DAC but was advised that audiophile DAC + AMP combos would deliver better audio quality. It's better than your onboard Audio but nothing over-the-top. It sounds excatly how a good amp should sound like, and I have no plans for upgrading! I'm looking for recommendations on a DAC and AMP (it can be combined or separate) that can support headphones (Sennheiser pc38x) with mic support (this is important as the audio/mic is split where the cable terminates). Very high reviews on Amazon. Fiio K5 pro, Ifi Zen dac, Creative G6 these are fine devices but not as good as simple 99+99 stack. My budget would be $200 to $250. I am planning to drive Teufel Ultima 20 (4-8 Ohm @40-80W) DT 990 Pro (either 250 or 80 Ohm) Since I need an amp anyways I was thinking the 250 Ohm DT990s would make sense, right? Personally I keep a lot of music on my phone and I use an external DAC between my phone and my amp because the phone doesn't have a line level output for the amp. All sound cards, for example, typically combine the DAC, amp, and recording parts all into a single unit. The Topping NX4 DSD could also drive the HD650 well, and is a DAC/Amp, though can be used as purely an amp. That said, most of these external amps do Ended up deciding buying the qudelix mainly because the hardware issues for implementation of usb-c and optical on the fulla 4 and hel 2 and the long (that can be extended at discretion) of 3 to 4 months, but also Im curious of trying qx-over also from qudelix (an iem with crossover) since I lost my tin t2. For soundstage, that's a tricky one (as you alluded to). 5 or 6. Many of the lower price dac amp might not have a dac as cleans as a good mobo or have as much power. That's a little rambley but hope it makes sense. I don't know a whole lot about mid and high end AMP/DAC's so hopefully someone with more expertise can give you a better take but I don't think you can go wrong with the Schiit stack or THX 789. Ideally it would have the ability to control volume for both speakers and headphones. You can use a DAC and headphone amp with powered speakers. Schiit Bifrost 2 (dac) and Schiit Jotenheim 2 (amp) They are separate items but very good. A portable amp (dac/amp?) for his smartphone (Note 2) that works well with his Fidelio X2. Reply reply Later on and outside of budget gear - I'd look at a mid-range or better DAC, along with a discrete Class A amp for the Arya. A JDS Labs Atom stack or Schiit Heresy and Modi 3+ for $200 measures so freaking accurate that it is easily arguable to be noise and distortion free within the range of human hearing. With a budget of $80 you aren’t going to find a lot of dac/amp combos that put out a lot of power for unbalanced connections. (~$80). Im currently looking at a S. According to this site the specs of 712 pros are slightly different from the official specs: You most likely dont need a dac amp at all. If you don't need a knob or for your AMP/DAC to sit pretty on your desk. But I just couldn't get it to work. So better to keep it separate. If you're like me and need RCA inputs for speakers, I haven't been able to find a combined DAC/Amp or separate DAC/Amp that offers the same functionality for even remotely the same price (~$100 shipped). I've been looking at the following DAC/Amp combos to power my Sennheiser HD 58X: Ifi Hip DAC, Fiio Q3, Fiio BTR5 and Qudelix 5K. RME dac amp all in one combo is great but expensive. If you really want a new DAC/Amp, I recently got an XDUOO TA-22 hybrid tube amp and DAC combo that I really like. You want to do a fair bit of reading up and don't go with a cheap dac and amp just because they "measure well". According to other people in this thread the G560 has a DAC and amp built in if you use the USB connection (which I do and plugging my headphones into the G560 sounds way better than when I plug them straight into my PC so I totally belive it has DAC built in), but they don't sound as good as stand alone high end speakers/DAC/Amp according to This subreddit is for the budget minded audiophile that wants to grow out of soundbars, boomboxes, mini systems, portable bluetooth, lifestyle speakers, and PC peripheral branded audio solutions. M. So I think if you were looking at an upgrade, you can use the AE-5 as the DAC and prioritise a more powerful amp. This subreddit is for the budget minded audiophile that wants to grow out of soundbars, boomboxes, mini systems, portable bluetooth, lifestyle speakers, and PC peripheral branded audio solutions. Yes. A good combo DAC/amp for $150 is the Fiio K5 Pro. I have already (kinda) decided on my future speakers and headphones, however I am struggling to select a reasonable DAC/AMP combo to power them. one side being louder) and the quality control is not up to standard. 5mm Dongle, OR any ~$200 DAC/Amp Combo units (DX3 Pro+, K5 Pro, etc. Combo's are sucks in this. The HD560s is very easy to power, designed to get to ~ 110 db with only 1 Vrms, so won't really benefit in audio quality from a more powerful amp. I originally decided on a full schiit stack - a magni, modi, sys and mani. Mic input a bonus. I've never understood this mentality, because getting a new DAC/amp combo isn't necessarily a worse value than just upgrading a single component. I'm looking for a desktop dac and amp (stack OR combo, idm either) for around 250usd. The USB could feed the DAC which would drive the Headphones, but also the Pre-Amp outs. Would say 60/40 Music vs. 28? Mostly music, but do a fair bit of gaming. Anyways, now I want to upgrade my current amp/dac to something better sounding. So far I have decided I want an all in one unit (DAC and AMP in one unit) and a really good option seems to be the JDS Labs Element 3 Mk2 which seems to be loved by many people. A place for making the right decision when purchasing new headphones. But if you need mic input, ya you're gonna have to use like the $100+ ones as that's an extra feature. I don't think you would need a DAC/AMP for what you are doing. If you go external it helps reduce the electrical noise which is the biggest benefit. A phono pre-amp, a switch (to switch from dac to phono pre amp), a dac and an amp. Best to differentiate between speaker amps and headphone amps. To explain my setup at the moment: I'm currently using a pair of HD 6xx from Sennheiser as my headphones and I have a modmic 5 that I got a while back ago. I would want to feed the HP's with a dac and amp that is worthy of the expense you've invested in the headphones. A good mobo has good onboard audio. I'm looking at a DAC under 200€. JDS Labs amps are great value, DACs are good too just overpriced, if you don't need much power, just for IEMs I'd get SMSL M300 SE, 0 background noise even with most sensitive IEMs, it doesn't have much power so it's marketed as a DAC but chips it uses are DAC + amp combo basically, just not nearly as powerful as stuff you would run power hungry headphones with but for IEMs it does wonders This subreddit is for the budget minded audiophile that wants to grow out of soundbars, boomboxes, mini systems, portable bluetooth, lifestyle speakers, and PC peripheral branded audio solutions. Some background, I’m more familiar with the world of headphones but want to have a sound system for when have guests over and we want to listen to music. However, they are almost never in stock, at least in EU. If you get enough clarity and volume from your PC you won't necessarily need a DAC and amp. But i cant quite figure out which one to get. I don't think I need a Dac/Amp combo from what I've read online but I believe it will still provide a worthwhile benefit. Seems to have good performance and of course it being portable is also a nice bonus. Aight, reddit giving shit advice once again because they don't know shit and talk just to talk. However, after using it and comparing it to my desktop amp and dac, I grew to love it. I still think that e10k is a great portable amp for it's price, but it sounds cold, narrow and flat when compared to desktop amps. 00 - FiiO K3 Type-C USB DAC Headphone Amp - 110. Amp tech doesn't change very much. Would it be wise to go with the boosted version and pay the extra 50 bucks to be more flexible with harder to drive headphones down the road? Yeah, agreed on clarity and DAC's. If you are buying new, and don't have any DAC/amp combo, I would suggest getting fiio k3s, better internals and it's upgrade from e10k, small enough to fit it under the table edge for easier reach (mine e10k is velcroed under the table edge, just on the reach of the hand). It is fantastic DAC/AMP combo at this price point and a great match for the Sennheiser HD6XX (~$220USD). Measurements here from L7 Audio Lab which are excellent. It’s heavy. Theres basically 3 dac/amp combo units right now that i would consider viable. Or check it out in the app stores Neutral dac/amp combo under 200$ for dt770 250 ohm recomendations This subreddit is for the budget minded audiophile that wants to grow out of soundbars, boomboxes, mini systems, portable bluetooth, lifestyle speakers, and PC peripheral branded audio solutions. I was thinking the Magnius as I've seen the most recommendations for gaming. But my Fostex HPa8c into my LCD-X headphones blows it away but the Audezes are heavy and the sound is huge. Any suggestions? I’m debating the convenience of just having a desktop setup vs using the 5k with a standalone amp …I do like the PEQ. FiiO K5 Pro DAC AMP Combo is a great product for anyone looking for a powerful and versatile desktop audio Anything with Bluetooth has a DAC, but many amps don’t use that DAC to provide any additional digital inputs. i’m not sure what speakers i’ll get, but probably something in the “good all I bit the bullet and bought an RME adi-2 pro, it's hands down the best dac + amp combo in town and a steal for the quality and features. You can't go wrong with either, and with the quality of the DAC and the amplifier inside, they will surely keep up for more expensive headphones down the line. Modi and Magni are separate dac and amp, so you can, say, swap out the Magni (amp) for a different amp while keeping the same dac (Modi) and vise versa. under $500 for the combo preferably. Apr 27, 2023 路 Pricey compared to other DAC AMP combos on the market; Requires an additional adapter for use with Apple devices; May not be powerful enough to drive power-hungry headphones; 11. But is there a better combo than this, and especially for an iem such as i have? My budget is £550, and i do like vintage gear. Hi, the best amp/DAC combo is any of those <= $50 amp/DAC dongles like Tempotec Sonata HD Pro, Meizu, etc. The first weekly DAC/amp discussion thread, and only a few hours shy of the day it was meant to start on! The Schiit stack is probably the single most popular DAC/amp combination on this subreddit and for good reason: it provides surprisingly high quality at a budget price point, undercutting NwAvGuy's Objective stack by $80-100 at stock . Here you can ask which headphone is better, which amp you should buy, which gear best fit your budget and anything related to headphone comparisons and purchasing. It’s a Dac/Amp. They have auto standby mode and auto on. 3- All in one box convenient. Nothing too crazy, I would say like $250 at max, or maybe a little more, by AMP & DAC combo I meant a DAC and an AMP separately, not an DAC/AMP like the Q3. Fiio KA3 or K3 would work great with them for far less than the Zen DAC. L M500 combo, or a Topping DX3 Pro +. After 3 years and 5 days of hard work my Topping DX3 Pro+ kicked the bucket. Other DAC/AMP combo recommendations welcome as well. A few of the amp/dacs i am considering: Fiio E10K Olympus 2 Schiit stack (Modi + Magni 3+/heresy) ifi zen dac v2 Well, there is easier to drive. TLDR; Is there any potential damage issue with using an AMP and a DAC/AMP combo together? The way I have it hooked up is like this: USB-C -> GC7 -> Atom+ -> 6XX Headphones. Schiit Asgard + AK4490 Dac module fits perfectly with your budget, one of the better performing single ended DAC/Amp combo out there under 500 freedom bucks. I was wondering what are everyone's thoughts on all these different alternatives, and if they would drive the AKG K712 Pro well. 5mm to red/white Rca cable and it would work perfectly. The main question was about whether these budget amp/dac combos were good enough for speakers like Genelec G Three. Long story less long: Combo units can be just fine bro, don't feel like you need a stack. Primary purpose is for casual listening and PC gaming. I have spent the past two nights looking for answers on the internet but could not find anything conclusive. Not every headphone needs a DAC/AMP. You could try the filo e10k. Thanks! (Link to the stand is also welcome) Supposedly the Motu M2 has a decent headphone amp. DX3 Pro+ is the current darling for AMP/DAC combo. A powerful amp like JDS labs Atom+ will still make noticeable improvement, mostly on the bass, separation and dynamics (have tried it myself with all these combos). Budget ~300 CAD Currently looking at: Topping DX3 pro plus By itself I read that the e17 is a great dac/amp but I also read that their are far better but pricier DACs out there SQ-wise. I'm looking for an amp/dac combo that has a physical switch to toggle between outputs. However if you're ever looking for a stack. 00 - Amazon. To answer your question, the two good AMP/DAC combos at $200 are the FiiO K5pro ESS and the Topping DX3Pro+. That said, I’d pick a Magni/Modi stack, that’s my standard go to on my desk at work and sounds great. The Topping G5 has Bluetooth wireless, but can be used as a DAC/Amp via USB-C, or a pure Amp via 3. I'm sure that an expensive AMP/DAC would make a difference, but I'm specifically interested in the ROI of budget models. Tempotec Sonata HD Pro, HIDISZ S8, iBasso DC03 (be sure to update the firmware), and HIDISZ S9 (for balanced) I'll measure so accurate that they are easily arguable to be noise and The go-to setup is the popular "Schiit Stack", a Schiit Modi 3 Dac with a Schiit Magni 3 Amp. It is a dac/amp combo that is about as good as it gets. Same exact signal as the rca red/white cables. It is a replacement for one of my most favorite combo products, the DX3 Pro. The Fulla 2's headphone amp has been shown not to measure very well, so I would imagine you will see low pricing on it now that the Fulla 3 came out as people upgrade. There are lots of budget dacs and amplifiers in the market which outlimits their price segments. I'm curious to hear other people's opinions on cheaper AMP/DAC units compared to what you'd get built-in on a modern-day system. Stacks are cheaper and better. Easily powers my Focal Elex and HD660S2. Plenty of power for the Arya Stealth and talk about a high end feel. Extra protections galore so no need to worry about damaging your headphones, built in EQ, crossfeed and gosh dang if that visualizer isn’t amazing. I have overdriven amps that way, and the distortion is rather audible with solid-state amps but if the amp has tubes is a bit more subtle degradation from the already tube-degraded sound 馃槃 just check the input voltage of your amp and the output of the DAC before that if you want to be absolutely sure or use your ears (mine as much I thought Amp/DAC combo recommendation This is my first time posting in this sub so I apologize if there's a better place for me to post this question. I have an E50 and it works for SE/BAL/Opt inputs when the signal is detected or there's no signal for a few minutes. Difficult, especially for that money. I was looking at the RME ADI-2 FS but I'm sure there are other good options around that I'm missing. But never fed off a computer before. The SA300 has one additional digital input in the form of a micro USB port, but it doesn’t have coaxial or optical inputs common on more digital-focused units. ), should be more than enough to produce listenable volumes for Sundara. 4- Price and availability. Everything sounded "much softer" and made the headphones sound "beautiful". ) A worse DAC you almost certainly didn’t need for 3. com. If not I fully understand. Here is list of combo I consider: Schiit Magni IEMagni (featuring negative gain) + Apple Dac with upgrade path to add Modi in future Schiit Fulla IFi Hip-Dac or Zen Fiio Q3 Hi, Bit of background recently purchased the tidle master sub and have a sony wh-1000XM3 but something feels lacking. It’s great, but it’s a field recorder first and an interface second, so the ergonomics are that of a field recorder. I just wanted to specifiy that the amp/dac combo also has to be good for headphones just so that nobody would recommend an amp/dac combo that's only good for the speakers. Off to more research later. If it's mainly for PC gaming I would recommend the Sennheiser combo of GSP 600 headset and GSX 1000 dac/amp. It pairs well with my Sennheiser 58x which I bought this for. And for the All-in-one DAC AMP: JDS Element III Topping DX5 Topping DX3 Pro And for the the Stack: JDS Atom DAC/AMP Stack Monoprice Monolith THX AAA Balanced Amp/ SMSL SU-9n Balanced DAC - This ones means you'd need to get balanced cables for the headphones you'd buy Hey all! I'm thinking of moving from my A30 Pro and D30 Pro stack to a combo amp/dac, if possible upgrade the features and sound quality (as much as possible considering these are already powerful and noise free) and generally simplify my set up. After browsing tons of forums and this subreddit i've finally decided I'm going to buy the Sennheiser 660 S. But, I know that I’ll need a dac/amp combo. I really like my new dac-amp. The Amp was $400 on its own (the version without the built-in DAC), the DAC was $230, the XLR interconnects were $50, and the cable was roughly $150 (this depends a lot on the length of the cable (12 ft for me) and the end connectors you get as some are higher quality than others). Name: Fosi Audio DAC Converter 24-bit/192kHz Optical/Coaxial/USB Digital-to-Analog Adapter Decoder & Headphone Amplifier & Mini Stereo Pre-Amplifier Q5 (Black) Company : Fosi Audio Amazon Product Rating : 4. PS the community could have a better view on the best amp to add to a dx3 pro+ if more headroom is needed. It's a cheap (70-80 bucks on Amazon) DAC Amp Combo. Though I don't know of any specific brand, I know there are many of these out there. Another reason to go for two separate units is better connectivity. Given the power requirements for driving the HD600, I would recommend the Chord Mojo. It’s worth noting the iFi made a version of the Zen Dac and Zen Amp specifically for the 6xx… that stack is well regarded, so if you want a tailor made experience that’s an option. This was my first choice since the measurements are good enough for the price. I am looking for recommendations for a dac amp combo for a pc as well as a dongle for Android. Topping MX3 or SMSL AD18 have a DAC, headphone output, and speaker amps. When they combine a DAC and an amp in one product, you almost always end up with 1. Aside from that I’m currently running a moonriver 2 when I’m on the go. I own a few headphones now (my fave being the Focal Clear Pros) and now looking at finding non-bank breaking endgame DACs and amp combos (most recent addition being the RME ADI-2 DAC FS). Has bluetooth for when I’m lazy. Most of the time the DAC will be connected to a desktop, which made me consider the Ifi Zen DAC but I'm planning to move around the house with it and the ocasional trip. Ive used this combo for a couple months, but the GSX1000 is starting to work on my nerves quite a bit. i’ve decided to start with getting a solid amp/dac then upgrading my speakers. Get the Reddit app DAC/AMP Combo Thoughts Amplifier - Desktop Thinking of upgrading my DAC/AMP with the goal of something fun to listen to with interesting features to toy around with (solid state vs tubes and electrostatic). I've seen some amps that have a modular DAC, which is a similar idea - the DAC will need to be replaced much sooner than the rest of the amp. Since I’m already spending a lot of money on the headphones, I want the dac/amp not to be too expensive. You say you want to move away from gaming headsets but they are designed with gaming in mind. They're cheaper on AliExpress too. No need to spend more as they'll pretty much perform the same as standalone amps/DACs. I heard good things about the Magni+, Magni Unity etc but equally heard good things about the FIIO K11. The headphone amplifier will add a little distortion, but the amount depends on the product. But a desktop or portable DAC/amp should have ample power for single-ended. 3) so I can switch between the two by simply plugging or unplugging my headphones. Left channel, right channel and a ground. After a bit of research, I've found a bunch of DAC/amp combos that work with the PS5 at around 150€: the SoundBlasterX G6, the ifi Zen DAC V2 and the Schiit Hel 2 (200€, actually). So I swapped it out for the iFi Hip Dac/Amp - this is basically the same thing in a much smaller and portable enclosure. I prefer solid state amp over tube. 1 But the Fulla also has a DAC built in that will bypass your PC audio. But I do use high gain on my Onkyo portable amp. It is an amp + dac combo for around 100 bucks. Just like the title says, I want a IEM/DAC/AMP Combo that’s well suited for gaming, I’m tired of big headphones, they make my ears uncomfortable after a few hours of use and I hate dealing with headset hair, I mainly play shooters like cod warzone, apex legends but also story mode games like RDR2, GOW, and the Arkham Games etc. I recently got a pair of Beyerdynamics dt 990 pro 250 ohm and are looking to get an amp and dac. For DAC I'd either go with Schiit Modi or Bifrost 2 - the prices in between arent worth it. Appreciate any input on this. It just wasn't a massive improvement over my motherboard's output. Is this really better then Fiio E10K? Topping DX3 Pro - Saw this recommended by Amir on ASR, more expensive then SMLS M3, but great I haven’t bought it yet but I’m eyeing the Fiio BTR5 for the bluetooth. This combo handles everything I own from sensitive IEMs to my Hifiman HE4xx, and everything in between. Preference, I prefer all in one for simplicity. Apr 27, 2023 路 After extensive research and testing, we’ve compiled a list of the best desktop DAC AMP combos in the market, offering top-notch sound quality, compatibility, and features. The FiiO JadeAudio KA3 is another I would suggest but the power might not be enough for you at $89. Fiio products are dac/amp combo, so you can't swap out the amp like that, but thankfully they usually have the "line out" port that lets you bypass the Sure, some combo units have a line out from the DAC, but for the most part, if you really want a specific amp you're not gonna bother getting a dac/amp combo to line out, you're just gonna get the DAC. You would gain very little from high end headphones and dac/amp combos with gaming. I’ve liked the idea of a combo just for simplicity but haven’t found that many options that I like. If you have a few hundred dollar system, I wouldn't worry about spending another $100 for a dedicated DAC to replace the combo. Best DAC/AMP for Headphones with Volume Knob Under $200 DAC - Desktop | 3 Ω I just want a volume knob, input from my PC (USB, optical, or 3. true. Should I get a standalone DAC? Combo better. Looked into drop +thx panda for quality sound but I feel Sundara maybe the best fit as I am looking for a better sound experience. So I actually run an Audioengine D3 which is a DAC/Amp thumbstick for my computer. I use the Mixpre 3 ii as a dac/amp/interface. I'm been looking at the Fiio K5 Pro, and other amps such as Sep 27, 2022 路 This is a review and detailed measurements of the Topping DX3 Pro+ DAC and headphone amplifier. So im looking for a new dac/amp combo. I know some people like DAC's that do some degree of tone shaping (such as tube DAC's to use an extreme example), but in my mind, that's a component that really should get out of the way and do as accurate of a conversion as possible. If you have spare money after your headphone purchase, go for a combo unit i. 48 votes, 128 comments. DAC - Desktop Well, realistically the DAC in the G8X is pretty good. e. Thanks in advance for any advice. Bonus if this setup actually work as an amp (dac/amp) for his PC as well. Requirements for the amp component: able to power JBL A130s. Won’t move when you plug in your headphones. And for the amp bit, it has even a bit more power on the headphone amp than this Topping does. The AE-5 is a very good measuring sound card with a good ESS DAC implementation. Same thing goes for the ifi stack. I'm looking to purchase the Beyerdynamic 1990 pros and would love to hear recommendations for a good DAC/AMP combo. Looks nice in the living room. S. The Dx3 pro+ is great as a dac but as an amp I’ve found it in some instances requiring more headroom for the r70x especially after EQing the headset with reduced preamp (oratory preset). My amp is great off my cassette, record, CD player and ipod so far. Topping, SMSL, Monoprice THX dac amp combos sux Hello everyone, I had the opportunity to try my Focal Elegias and my clears on a Chord Hugo 2 and JESUS CHRIST this amp/dac gives both of my headphones so much depth and separation. Moving between my office desk and home desk is the reason why I wanted to opt for something relatively portable. Combo: SMLS M3 - Has good measurements but apparently prone to reliability issues. It would be a waste to buy a DAC and speaker amp to use with powered speakers, as they do not need an amp. I bought a used Gustard H20 Class A amp (paired with an SMSL Su-9 DAC), and switched out the op amps to Sparkos Labs' and Burson's discretes. Additional to that I bought an, I would say, entry-level portable dac/amp combo with the Fiio Btr5 as I'm pretty new to audio stuff. For amp good starting positions would be valhalla 2, sw51+, zdt jr. All I can say is have fun exploring and finding your own endgame. Looking for a DAC/AMP combo to go with my PC37X's but also to listen to music with my Beyerdynamics DT770's and a pair of 580's (just got these for free wanted to try them out) This is a birthday present for myself and looking at staying under $300 (going over with tax is ok) and something that I can use for a long time to drive my powerful It can be a combo DAC / Headphone Amp, or it could be a component stack. HD6x0's love tube amps, therefor with unlimited budget I'd look at that direction. ) with the addition of an affordable DAC like, even the Apple USB-C to 3. The juice just isn't worth the squeeze. Requirements for the DAC component: optical in, Bluetooth in. But that means you wil have to have come active Speakers for non-Headphone listening. Full DAC/amp journey: I started off with a CMoy amp back college about 20 years ago. Finally getting into and learning more about audio equipment more after 4ish years of being content with my current setup. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $199. . The DAC/AMP will sit solely on my desk, no portability necessary, and only be connected to my PC and headphones. I would suggest a Headphone/DAC/PreAmp. u/ZeosPantera if you have the time for some quick input then that would be great. SMSL M3 Supposed to be really good BUT it has analog volume controls (can lead to balance issues i. At $200 it is the device to beat. For coffee shop, I could use portable USB charger to power dac/amp externally. Most DAC+amp units don't have an analogue input. The DAC that's in the phone is probably perfectly fine but there's an amp in-between the DAC and the jack (if you can even find a phone with a jack these days) and I don't have much I’m thinking about buying either an amp or a dac / amp combo to drive the 600s for my Mac which is currently docked with a cal digit dock. DAC+AMP which will keep you happy for a long time. You connect your mac to the DAC using USB(C/mirco HDMI/A) and then use RCA cables to connect the DAC to your amplifier and then the headphone to the amp What DAC/AMP combo would you recommend in the $500-600 budget? According to my own research I found several interesting: - Topping DX5/DX5 Lite - SMSL DO300EX/DL300 - SMSL M500MKIII Other additional information: I change between headphone and speaker output very often, so the ideal would be to be able to change quickly. You could also edit your order and get the dynamic hd 58x jublie, which doesn't necessarily requires an amp (although, to use the headphones to their full potential you might need one), it costs around If you want a good quality microphone input, also consider an audio interface like the Motu M2. Balanced headphone output not It's a very solid option, obviously on the budget side of things, there's much more expensive stuff out there, but the schiit stack is great! I have a schiit vali 2 amp (basically a hybrid tube version of the magni from the stack) and plan on getting the modi DAC, just haven't done so yet because I actually need 2 lol. DAC standalone units have the DAC, but require an amp if they want to be used with headphones. Most Topping DACs and DAC/Amps. That's not a problem and that there are now plenty of dongles to choose from that are as good or better than the DAC/amp in smartphones, including the LG's. Thanks. I'll probably look into a new amp in the future for digital feed to my cans. FiiO K5 Pro DAC AMP Combo Picture Credit: Amazon. I'm looking at a DAC/AMP combo to try and breathe some life into them. Or check it out in the app stores ~$500 Budget - Good open back and amp/DAC combo for PC desktop A somewhat common combo here but wow, tremendous bang for the buck! I'm running the Modi 3E via Unison USB to the Magni Heresy. If you want tubes, the Xduoo TA-20 is a bit higher that your budget but they're pretty good with 650s. Whether you prefer iems or full-sized cans, there are of options you can choose under $500 which can satisfy your needs. The downside is that you can't specifically change just the amp if you wanted. Got some high end wires on. bwaejk wjmdew zlr pmdqgfh rmbhd mqighcjb myhvigsr gnjrp jiowhn msjra