Best amp/dac for headphones

• Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 can be used as a DAC
  • One user found it to be decent when used with entry-level headphones
  • Another user also found it to be good when used with Liquid Spark and Sundaras
  • Some users advised that the headphone amp in the 2i2 is weak and recommended to use it together with an external amp
  • Monitor knob should be turned all the way up to maximize the line level when using external amps
  • Scarlett 2i2’s line outs do not use the same amplification that the headphone out does
• One user suggested that there isn’t much difference between DACs
• None

• The thread argues against the necessity for DACs and amps
  • Amps don’t make a real impact on sound, except when talking about tubes. They only affect the volume
  • Unless listeners experience artifacting or any hint of something “lowering” their sound quality, most modern DACs should be capable of processing enough data for them to not hear a difference
  • People should spend their money on a good pair of headphones because most of the difference when it comes to sound quality comes from them.
  • EQ (equalizer) is a great way to adjust sound quality
  • Lossless files only matter if people know for a fact that they can hear the difference between them and lossy files
• Some reddit users discuss possible issues with built-in PC DACs, mentioning that interference from the GPU and/or power supply can result in noise
• Some users share their setups and experiences that include DACs/amplifiers/interfaces
  • Some mention that DACs and amps make a difference in sound quality based on their experiences, but not all listeners agree
  • Many offer recommendations for DACs, especially for those with specific needs like gaming or multiple devices

• FiiO K5pro or Zen DAC V2?

  • According to user posts, both are popular for a budget.

  • K5pro has more power while Zen DAC has better sound.

  • Zen Dac has a 4.4mm balanced out; K5 Pro lacks it.

  • Zen Dac V2 doesn’t need external power; can run on USB power.

  • Fiio K7 Pro is a new and powerful amp/dac with a balanced output.

  • Topping E30/L30 stack performs well at the price.

  • Zen Air DAC is cheaper with the same sound quality as Zen DAC V2.

  • Fiio K5 Pro is a dac amp combo compared to Zen Dac V2 (requires separate amp).

  • AC refers to a dac’s line out only; all the DACs have some degree of built-in amplification.

  • IFI DACs (including Zen) work with consoles like PS5 out of the box better than Fiio.

  • SMSL c200 has Bluetooth and runs low-impedance planars better than K7 (despite less power).

  • K7 and Zen have a balanced output.

  • K5 is warmer compared to Zen and better at driving planars.

  • IFi does not include AC adapters.

• Many audio interfaces have passable DACs, but very poor headphone amplifiers
  • High output impedance is more noticeable in the case of low impedance headphones, which reduces the damping factor drastically
    • A ton of interfaces have 10ohm or more output impedance, which will shift frequency response of lower impedance headphones
  • It can introduce audible distortion and/or cut power depending on the sensitivity of the headphone and how much power you need for it to get loud.
• Separating the power supplies is a big reason for the prevalence of stacks compared to all-in-ones
• A better DAC is what you will find in higher-end interfaces, like even the Focusrite Clarett
• Using a nice amp with your interface serving as a DAC is fine
  • Having a separate DAC and amp is better, but not only you really put the price into it
• Short answer: the used chipsets. Some are told to sound different and offer different resolutions
• If you’re using the main outputs on the Scarlett to feed another headphone amp, there’s no reason to get another DAC
• To my ears, the GoXLR RCA out sounds the same as the Atom DAC RCA Out on a Hifiman Sundara
• Liquid Spark is on sale for $80 on Monoprice
• None

• According to a Reddit user, the Scarlett 2i2 DAC is more accurate than the FiiO E10K DAC for headphones but another user stated that Scarlett doesn’t sound great compared to other DACs.

  • One user found that the bass on the Scarlett 2i2 sounds good, but they prefer the E10k for its more open and better sound quality, especially in the high end.

  • There was a suggestion to try both the Scarlett 2i2 and the FiiO E10K as a default audio output to decide which is better.

  • Another Reddit user suggested trying the v2 or v3 version of the Scarlett 2i2.

  • The Scarlett 2i2 has two to three versions; one should note which version is being used.

• A link to audiosciencereview.com was provided for a review of the third generation of the Scarlett 2i2.

💭  Looking into

What are the benefits of using a DAC/amp?

💭  Looking into

What is the best way to check the power output of a headphone?

💭  Looking into

What kind of cables can be used to connect the amp and DAC to the computer?

💭  Looking into

Can the sound of the Little Dot MK2 be changed by changing the tubes?

💭  Looking into

Does the FiiO K5Pro have enough power to drive the Sennheiser HD650 headphones?

• The user wants to know the best amp/DAC for headphones.
  • An external DAC/amp is better and cheaper than a sound card on a PC.
  • A DAC isn’t necessary but an amp is recommended.
  • Schiit, Topping, and JDS Labs are cheapest and best for performance (amp/DAC combos and/or standalone units).
  • The Sennheiser HD650 headphones have a high impedance, so they benefit from amps/DACs.
  • The Scarlett 2i2 already has a DAC and amp built-in.
    • Instead of buying a standalone DAC, connect a dedicated headphone amp to the 2i2’s rear line outputs.
    • Connect studio monitors to the headphone amp’s rear preamp outputs.
  • The Darkvoice tube amp is commonly referred to as the best possible amp pairing for HD650/6xx other than crack with speedball (tube amp you have to build yourself, speedball being a mod added to the unit).
  • Changing tubes on a tube amp can change the sound, so it can be fun to find the perfect tubes for you.
  • Use RCA and USB cables to connect amp and DAC to computer.
  • If a comment on a post is helpful, reward them with !thanks.

• Topping E30 feeding a Topping L30, going into Hifiman Sundara, as well as Hifiman Arya or Denon AH-D7200.
  • No real reason to upgrade unless hard to drive planars or need of a balanced connection.
• Schiit Modius, Schiit Asgard 3, and DT1990 Pro.
• Monoprice brick DAC/amp with Hifiman Ananda.
• Chord M-Scaler > Chord TT2 DAC > TT2 amp built-in > Audeze LCD-24.
• Topping A90 driving anything, sourced by whichever A&K DAP is close enough to reach in my sleeper.
• Schiit Hel and Focal Clear.
• Chord Mojo > Little Dot II++ > Stax SRD-X PRO > Stax Lambda Signature.
• USB-C Apple dongle paired with HD58x or EarPods.
• Fiio BTR5 with a pair of Senn HD 599’s and a balanced cable.
• SMSL M300, xDuoo TA20, and Hifiman Arya.
• A mobile user enjoys AirPods and Apple Music Lossless/Dolby with wifi. When not mobile, they use Senn HD 599’s or AKG K240s. They have a pair of 250 Ohm BD 990 Pros but do not have an amp to drive them too well.

None.

• The Sennheiser HD560S has high sensitivity, meaning it doesn’t necessarily require an amplifier despite its 120 ohm impedance.
  • This can be confirmed by checking the numbers found in a headphone power calculator or a reference audio analyzer.
• If connecting to a laptop, it’s recommended to get a combined DAC/amp.
  • The FiiO K5 and Schiit Fulla are suggested options.
  • Make sure to get enough power output at any given resistance.
  • A DAC/amp can help reduce electronic interference.
• Look for something small and affordable if starting as a hobbyist.
  • The iFi Hip DAC is recommended, especially if it has balanced connections.
  • The BTR3k is a portable and cheap option for testing the difference between an amp and no amp.
• Headphone jack and a volume knob are important.
• Lossless audio is mentioned as a priority.
• Few users suggest specific amps/dacs, while some recommend avoiding upgrading altogether.
• One user mentions a cheap cx1993 dongle dac/amp from AliExpress but it’s not clear if this is for the HD560S or not.

• The HD560s can be driven off a mobile device just fine
  • Hidisz AP80 Pro X DAP has enough power
  • Xiaomi 11T smartphone with Nillkin USB C to 3,5mm dac dongle is enough
• An Apple USB C to 3,5mm jack, or one from say Nillikin or Hidisz, will give you plenty of DAC
• Pairing a new headphone with a new DAC or combo unit will sound different and probably better
  • You’d be hard pressed to pinpoint what component is changing what

• Webpage:
  • URL: https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/12vrrmr/ampdac_combo_recommendation/
  • “amp/dac combo recommendation” - a day ago - r/HeadphoneAdvice - 2 points
• Query: Best amp/dac for headphones
• Relevant Info:
  • The poster is looking for an amp/dac combo for Sennheiser HD 650 headphones
  • The current soundcard (Xonar essence ST) cannot be transferred to the new setup
  • The poster is looking for a future-proof and good quality recommendation, with no specific budget but wants to stay under 300€
• Comments:
  • FiiO K5Pro is a great dac-amp to get. Will drive your headphones today and new purchases down the road with its power without costing too much. (posted by a reddit user)
  • The general consensus for the sennheiser hd6xx series seems to be to get a tube amp so something like the little dot mk2 would probably be a good choice, some people say the stock tubes aren’t great on them idk how true that is tho. (posted by a reddit user)

💭  Looking into

What is the best amp/dac for headphones?