External AMP/DAC

T

Tom Braker

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As everyone can tell at this point I am trying to learn more about achieving better sound through my Senn HD598's and PC. I have researched thus far with some telling me to purchase sound cards under $100 or an External AMP/DAC combination. My budget is not unlimited but just want to easily plug in my phones while I am working in my office and have good quality sound. As always appreciate anyone who is in a similar boat as myself to kindly advise me. Thanks
 
Get an all in one DAC/Headphone amplifier solution. The SMSL branded models for about 100 on ebay should do you good.
 
I'm using the SMSL sd793-II DAC/Amp (I wanted a headphone amp with rear outputs for my speakers), $65 on amazon + $5 optical spdif cable (Amazon Basics) connected to my motherboard's optical port. It also accepts digital coaxial. It has a separate 9v PSU.

I got it because it seems the USB-powered DACs I tried (Micca Origen) exhibited a lot of noise when using the rear line-outs to my speakers. The analog outputs from my mobo exhibited slightly less noise than USB. Optical solved the issue, and both the headphone and line outputs are, to my ears, sufficiently clean for mid-fi setups. A galvanically isolated, separately powered USB DAC would also work, but they're too expensive for a budget setup. I just wanted to get rid of noise, but as an added bonus, the sd793 has enough power for most headphones. My unit doesn't have discernible channel-imbalance even at low volumes.

I actually never had noise issues with internal sound cards before, so that may still be a good option. I suspected that due to this motherboard's noise (ASrock z77 extreme4), I should not risk a mobo-powered sound card.
 
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Archmage said:
I'm using the SMSL sd793-II DAC/Amp (I wanted a headphone amp with rear outputs for my speakers), $65 on amazon + $5 optical spdif cable (Amazon Basics) connected to my motherboard's optical port. It also accepts digital coaxial. It has a separate 9v PSU.

I got it because it seems the USB-powered DACs I tried (Micca Origen) exhibited a lot of noise when using the rear line-outs to my speakers. The analog outputs from my mobo exhibited slightly less noise than USB. Optical solved the issue, and both the headphone and line outputs are, to my ears, sufficiently clean for mid-fi setups. A galvanically isolated, separately powered USB DAC would also work, but they're too expensive for a budget setup. I just wanted to get rid of noise, but as an added bonus, the sd793 has enough power for most headphones. My unit doesn't have discernible channel-imbalance even at low volumes.

I actually never had noise issues with internal sound cards before, so that may still be a good option. I suspected that due to this motherboard's noise (ASrock z77 extreme4), I should not risk a mobo-powered sound card.
Click to expand...
Matthew Kane said:
Get an all in one DAC/Headphone amplifier solution. The SMSL branded models for about 100 on ebay should do you good.
Click to expand...


Can you recommend which model you are referring to? Also if I were to upgrade to a sound card as well...which one to go with? Thanks for your help!
 
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Fiio e10k is an excellent choice imo! I have it and am very happy with results. It also have hardware bass boost option.
And YOu can plug speakers in the line out in the back too!
 
Amazon.com: Topping TP30 MARK2 MK II USB DAC Headphone Amplifier: Electronics

I have the old Mark 1 version, have had for years. Amplifer + headphone amplifier + USB DAC. Takes audio input via USB (internal DAC) or auxiliary (other sound card/source). Built-in amp for bookshelf speakers, and headphone amp for, well, headphones. In terms of size, it's like two Roku units sitting next to each other. I have mine sitting beneath my monitor.

Consider this option if you eventually want the option to run speakers off the same unit as your headphones. If you just want a a DAC/headphone amp, I'm sure there are better/cheaper options. I'm no audiophile, but I do appreciate the convenience, ease of use, and quality of my TP-30.

If $100 isn't a firm budget, they have a higher-end model, the TP-32EX for about $150-$200 depending on retailer.
 
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for those headphones It doesn't make a lot of sense to throw a lot of money at a dac or amp ...

however since having a headphone jack on your desk /w volume control as well is in fact fairly usefull the idea's mentioned so far are fine certainly if you want to spend more money..

another option (no dac ..so use with you current sound card or consider the matching modi usb dac).

Schiit Magni2

Schiit Audio, Headphone amps and DACs made in USA.
 
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