Need decent dac/amp for headphones.

[erikmidtun]

Hi guys!

Today I received my AKG K7XX Massdrop edition. The thing is that sound card in my pc isn't really any good, and it doesn't deliver enough power to the headphones, so it's a little to low for my taste.

So i was wondering whatkind of dac amps i could buy for my pc. I am going to use the K7xx as my daily drivers + an antlion Modmic 4.0.

I have already gotten some recomendations from some of you, but I guess it doesn't hurt to have more options. My budget is 100-175 usd. I do live in Norway, so the prices may be a little higher here.

somethings you guys have already recomended:

• SMSL SD793-II, but i do not have an optical for my laptop.
• Objective 2 ODAC+amp, this one needs to be sent from the US, and that may cost abit.But it seems really good, based on reviews and such.
• Syba Sonic SD-DAC63057 also a bit hard to get in norway
• Different kinds of Fiio products.

Thanks guys!

[erikmidtun]

I have also heard good things about the AudioQuest Dragonfly V1.2, but will this amplify the sound, or is this just a dac?

[KaminKevCrew]

I have also heard good things about the AudioQuest Dragonfly V1.2, but will this amplify the sound, or is this just a dac?

It is a dac/amp. I have one myself, and I like it well enough. The one issue That I've had with it is that it seems to strongly dislike being plugged into use hubs (I'm talking about powered ones, there's no way it will work without a powered hub). The other thing is that it's pretty overpriced for what you get. The schiit fulla is pretty comparable, but costs half as much (at least in the us).

[xtroria]

I'd recommend O2 amp, and probably another dac as ODAC is a bit expensive. Also, you dont need it to be sent from US, there are some 3rd parties who sell O2 amp too

[SSL]

You can get the Schiit magni+modi combo from Duet Audio in your country. Comparable to the O2+ODAC, and usually cheaper.

[erikmidtun]

I'd recommend O2 amp, and probably another dac as ODAC is a bit expensive. Also, you dont need it to be sent from US, there are some 3rd parties who sell O2 amp too

Is there any dacs I should consider?

 

You can get the Schiit magni+modi combo from Duet Audio in your country. Comparable to the O2+ODAC, and usually cheaper.

The magni + modi are too expensive for me, at least this month. Would you recomend getting the Magni II amp, and either getting another dac, or getting the modi at a later date?

[KaminKevCrew]

The magni + modi are too expensive for me, at least this month. Would you recomend getting the Magni II amp, and either getting another dac, or getting the modi at a later date?

That's a fine strategy. Plus, the schiit gear looks really good.

[xtroria]

Is there any dacs I should consider?

 

The magni + modi are too expensive for me, at least this month. Would you recomend getting the Magni II amp, and either getting another dac, or getting the modi at a later date?

 

Look for syba dac as a DAC OR if you want a very portable yet powerful amp/dac, look for geek out 1000. nifty little thing that one.

[KaminKevCrew]

Look for syba dac as a DAC OR if you want a very portable yet powerful amp/dac, look for geek out 1000. nifty little thing that one.

Aren't those like $300 though?

The fiio E07k is also a viable option. It's a portable dac amp combo, but it has more than enough power to drive hd650s to ear blistering levels, so I'm sure it would be fine for the k7xx.

[erikmidtun]

Aren't those like $300 though?

The fiio E07k is also a viable option. It's a portable dac amp combo, but it has more than enough power to drive hd650s to ear blistering levels, so I'm sure it would be fine for the k7xx.

How is it to use a portable dac amp as a desktop one? is there any drawbacks because it is a portable one? I guess it would be cool to have the option to use it with my phone or Ipod too.

[KaminKevCrew]

How is it to use a portable dac amp as a desktop one? is there any drawbacks because it is a portable one? I guess it would be cool to have the option to use it with my phone or Ipod too.

It basically just plugs in over USB. The main drawbacks would be stuff like the fact that (this particular example) doesn't have *as good* of hardware for the price (think desktop pc vs laptop) and there isn't an analog volume control, although that's not that big of a deal. The only other drawback really, is that it doesn't have 1/4" Jacks.

[erikmidtun]

It basically just plugs in over USB. The main drawbacks would be stuff like the fact that (this particular example) doesn't have *as good* of hardware for the price (think desktop pc vs laptop) and there isn't an analog volume control, although that's not that big of a deal. The only other drawback really, is that it doesn't have 1/4" Jacks.

Then what about something like the Fiio E10k, isn't it basicly the same as the E07k, just for a lower price, considering im going to use it on a desktop?

[KaminKevCrew]

Then what about something like the Fiio E10k, isn't it basicly the same as the E07k, just for a lower price, considering im going to use it on a desktop?

If you're only going to use it on a desktop, then Yeah, pretty much. The E10k isn't particularly impressive, but if it's easier for you to get than the SMSL, then it's probably just fine. It definitely has enough power for the k7xx.

[SSL]

Did we also talk about Schiit Fulla? That's another USB dongle DAC+amp that would be good.

[KaminKevCrew]

Did we also talk about Schiit Fulla? That's another USB dongle DAC+amp that would be good.

I mentioned it briefly.

[SSL]

I mentioned it briefly.

 

Good, can't be bothered to read anything right now.

[erikmidtun]

If you're only going to use it on a desktop, then Yeah, pretty much. The E10k isn't particularly impressive, but if it's easier for you to get than the SMSL, then it's probably just fine. It definitely has enough power for the k7xx.

The funny thing is that the Fiio E10k is about the same price as the schiit magni II, and actually more expensive then the Audioquest dragonfly V1.2. I can't seem to fint the E07K here in Norway, the SMSL isn't really an option for me because of the lack of optical output.

 

EDIT: can't find the schitt Fulla in norvegian stores either

[KaminKevCrew]

The funny thing is that the Fiio E10k is about the same price as the schiit magni II, and actually more expensive then the Audioquest dragonfly V1.2. I can't seem to fint the E07K here in Norway, the SMSL isn't really an option for me because of the lack of optical output.

EDIT: can't find the schitt Fulla in norvegian stores either

Then I would definitely suggest the fulla, if it's cheaper than the Magni.

Just saw your edit...

[erikmidtun]

Then I would definitely suggest the fulla, if it's cheaper than the Magni.

Just saw your edit...

If i were to buy the schitt fulla, i would have to buy it from the schitt store. And including tax and shipping it would cost 10 usd less then the Dragonfly V1.2

[SSL]

If i were to buy the schitt fulla, i would have to buy it from the schitt store. And including tax and shipping it would cost 10 usd less then the Dragonfly V1.2

 

Dragonfly is a DAC only I think, Fulla would be requisite for running a headphone directly.

[KaminKevCrew]

Dragonfly is a DAC only I think, Fulla would be requisite for running a headphone directly.

Dragonfly is definitely an amp, silly! (my source is that I own one...) it has a digitally controlled analog volume control.

[erikmidtun]

Dragonfly is definitely an amp, silly! (my source is that I own one...) it has a digitally controlled analog volume control.

How much does this amplify the sound? I don't plan to buy a new pair of headphones any time soon, so as long as it amplifies the sound on my K7XX a bit, and in the same time gets a batter sound quality, it seems fine to me.

I have found another dac/amp. it's an Hegel super, and it's the same price as the Dragonfly (because it's 50% of) and it have gotten better reviews. I was just wondering if it's something to consider? 

[KaminKevCrew]

How much does this amplify the sound? I don't plan to buy a new pair of headphones any time soon, so as long as it amplifies the sound on my K7XX a bit, and in the same time gets a batter sound quality, it seems fine to me.

I have found another dac/amp. it's an Hegel super, and it's the same price as the Dragonfly (because it's 50% of) and it have gotten better reviews. I was just wondering if it's something to consider?

If it has better reviews and you're getting it for the same price anyway, I suppose you might as well go with the other one, although I can't say I've ever heard about it.

The dragonfly gets loud enough for my listening preferences on my hd650, at about 50% volume. With my se535, I would keep it under 10%.

[SSL]

Dragonfly is definitely an amp, silly! (my source is that I own one...) it has a digitally controlled analog volume control.

 

Damn hell!

[xtroria]

I mean you could probably just buy a magni 2 first and then plug your 3.5mm jack from PC to the magni 2.