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Dac/Amp for ATHm50's

Jodomcfrodo
By Jodomcfrodo
in Audio
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Go to solution Solved by EmoRarity,

You won't get any improvement with a new solution unless there is something wrong with your current one. 

Posted
Hey LTT,

So I'm kinda a noob when it comes to audio and was wondering if there was any Dac/Amp (do i even need both for better sound because the amp on my onboard is fine for the low impedance of m50's) that would improve my sound quality. I have a pair (Actually two) of m50's. My budget is around $150. At that price would there even a noticeable difference? What ports would this take up on my mobo? 

 

Thanks!

PC: 4770K @ 4.0 GHz --- Maximus VI Hero --- 8 GB 2133 MHz Corsair Vengeance Pro --- EVGA 780 TI Classified @ 1300 MHz --- Samsung Evo 250 GB --- Corsair RM 750 --- Corsair Carbide Air 540 --- CM Storm Rapid-I (MX Blues with PMK Evergreen Keycaps) --- Windows XP --- Razer Naga --- Custom Loop Parts: 380I, EKWB 780 Classy Waterblock and Backplate, 240mm and 360mm XT45, Swiftech MCP655, EKWB multi option reservoir, Mayhems Pastel Red, Primochill Primoflex Advanced Clear Tubing, 5 SP 120 Quiet Editions --- Mobile: Surface Pro 3 (i5 128gb) with JD40 (MX Clears) and Microsoft Sculpt Mouse --- Galaxy S6

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Well do you don't need one, with the ATH-M50 you won't notice a difference.

What headphones will there be a noticeable difference? I've been looking for an upgrade for a while now. 

PC: 4770K @ 4.0 GHz --- Maximus VI Hero --- 8 GB 2133 MHz Corsair Vengeance Pro --- EVGA 780 TI Classified @ 1300 MHz --- Samsung Evo 250 GB --- Corsair RM 750 --- Corsair Carbide Air 540 --- CM Storm Rapid-I (MX Blues with PMK Evergreen Keycaps) --- Windows XP --- Razer Naga --- Custom Loop Parts: 380I, EKWB 780 Classy Waterblock and Backplate, 240mm and 360mm XT45, Swiftech MCP655, EKWB multi option reservoir, Mayhems Pastel Red, Primochill Primoflex Advanced Clear Tubing, 5 SP 120 Quiet Editions --- Mobile: Surface Pro 3 (i5 128gb) with JD40 (MX Clears) and Microsoft Sculpt Mouse --- Galaxy S6

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There'll be a small difference, but it may not be worth the money you're spending.

 

You could get a syba dac, it has a volume wheel which is very useful IMO.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Syba-Stereo-Headphone-Amplifier-SD-DAC63057/dp/B009WN7QT4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1401077925&sr=8-1&keywords=syba+dac

Stuff:  i7 7700k @ (dat nibba succ) | ASRock Z170M OC Formula | G.Skill TridentZ 3600 c16 | EKWB 1080 @ 2100 mhz  |  Acer X34 Predator | R4 | EVGA 1000 P2 | 1080mm Radiator Custom Loop | HD800 + Audio-GD NFB-11 | 850 Evo 1TB | 840 Pro 256GB | 3TB WD Blue | 2TB Barracuda

Hwbot: http://hwbot.org/user/lays/ 

FireStrike 980 ti @ 1800 Mhz http://hwbot.org/submission/3183338 http://www.3dmark.com/3dm/11574089

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There'll be a small difference, but it may not be worth the money you're spending.

 

You could get a syba dac, it has a volume wheel which is very useful IMO.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Syba-Stereo-Headphone-Amplifier-SD-DAC63057/dp/B009WN7QT4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1401077925&sr=8-1&keywords=syba+dac

I was thinking of this and some new headphones from sennheiser.

 

https://www.mayflowerelectronics.com/shop/mayflower-custom-products/padauk-wood-rear-power-objective2/

 

opps thats an amp not Dac

any suggestions for a Dac?

 

These headphones maybe

http://en-us.sennheiser.com/audio-headphones-high-end-surround-sound-hd-598

PC: 4770K @ 4.0 GHz --- Maximus VI Hero --- 8 GB 2133 MHz Corsair Vengeance Pro --- EVGA 780 TI Classified @ 1300 MHz --- Samsung Evo 250 GB --- Corsair RM 750 --- Corsair Carbide Air 540 --- CM Storm Rapid-I (MX Blues with PMK Evergreen Keycaps) --- Windows XP --- Razer Naga --- Custom Loop Parts: 380I, EKWB 780 Classy Waterblock and Backplate, 240mm and 360mm XT45, Swiftech MCP655, EKWB multi option reservoir, Mayhems Pastel Red, Primochill Primoflex Advanced Clear Tubing, 5 SP 120 Quiet Editions --- Mobile: Surface Pro 3 (i5 128gb) with JD40 (MX Clears) and Microsoft Sculpt Mouse --- Galaxy S6

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What headphones will there be a noticeable difference? I've been looking for an upgrade for a while now. 

Well the ATH-M50 are decent pairs of headphones. I would say something like the HE-400 or Fostex V3. Also a good AMP and DAC for that would be something like the O2 or a Fiio.

Quote me to get a reply!

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I was thinking of this and some new headphones from sennheiser.

 

https://www.mayflowerelectronics.com/shop/mayflower-custom-products/padauk-wood-rear-power-objective2/

 

opps thats an amp not Dac

any suggestions for a Dac?

 

 

The Syba dac is an amp+dac, and only 40$, it will be EXTREMELY similar in sound to the o2+odac. @ShearMe has one and loves it.

 

I have an o2+odac right now, and comparing it to my old fiio e5 amp and fiio d3 dac was really really similar.  BUT my o2+odac looks 50x better and has a volume wheel, which imo is worth the extra money.

Considering a fiio e5 is 20$, and a fiio d3 is 15-20$, the 200$ increase in price is maybe 5-10% performance increase.

 

What would your budget be for headphones?

Stuff:  i7 7700k @ (dat nibba succ) | ASRock Z170M OC Formula | G.Skill TridentZ 3600 c16 | EKWB 1080 @ 2100 mhz  |  Acer X34 Predator | R4 | EVGA 1000 P2 | 1080mm Radiator Custom Loop | HD800 + Audio-GD NFB-11 | 850 Evo 1TB | 840 Pro 256GB | 3TB WD Blue | 2TB Barracuda

Hwbot: http://hwbot.org/user/lays/ 

FireStrike 980 ti @ 1800 Mhz http://hwbot.org/submission/3183338 http://www.3dmark.com/3dm/11574089

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The Syba dac is an amp+dac, and only 40$, it will be EXTREMELY similar in sound to the o2+odac. @ShearMe has one and loves it.

 

I have an o2+odac right now, and comparing it to my old fiio e5 amp and fiio d3 dac was really really similar.  BUT my o2+odac looks 50x better and has a volume wheel, which imo is worth the extra money.

Considering a fiio e5 is 20$, and a fiio d3 is 15-20$, the 200$ increase in price is maybe 5-10% performance increase.

 

What would your budget be for headphones?

I would probably go $250 on headphones.

PC: 4770K @ 4.0 GHz --- Maximus VI Hero --- 8 GB 2133 MHz Corsair Vengeance Pro --- EVGA 780 TI Classified @ 1300 MHz --- Samsung Evo 250 GB --- Corsair RM 750 --- Corsair Carbide Air 540 --- CM Storm Rapid-I (MX Blues with PMK Evergreen Keycaps) --- Windows XP --- Razer Naga --- Custom Loop Parts: 380I, EKWB 780 Classy Waterblock and Backplate, 240mm and 360mm XT45, Swiftech MCP655, EKWB multi option reservoir, Mayhems Pastel Red, Primochill Primoflex Advanced Clear Tubing, 5 SP 120 Quiet Editions --- Mobile: Surface Pro 3 (i5 128gb) with JD40 (MX Clears) and Microsoft Sculpt Mouse --- Galaxy S6

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I would probably go $250 on headphones.

 

 

These are very good for 250$ http://www.razordogaudio.com/collections/headphones/products/hifiman-he-400-planar-driver-over-the-ear-headphone-1

 

You could get used ones/ maybe some off ebay for even cheaper if you look.

 

Other options would be the HD 600 if you can find them used, or maybe HD650 if you get lucky for that price.  Maybe the mayflower fostex t50rp v3

Stuff:  i7 7700k @ (dat nibba succ) | ASRock Z170M OC Formula | G.Skill TridentZ 3600 c16 | EKWB 1080 @ 2100 mhz  |  Acer X34 Predator | R4 | EVGA 1000 P2 | 1080mm Radiator Custom Loop | HD800 + Audio-GD NFB-11 | 850 Evo 1TB | 840 Pro 256GB | 3TB WD Blue | 2TB Barracuda

Hwbot: http://hwbot.org/user/lays/ 

FireStrike 980 ti @ 1800 Mhz http://hwbot.org/submission/3183338 http://www.3dmark.com/3dm/11574089

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These are very good for 250$ http://www.razordogaudio.com/collections/headphones/products/hifiman-he-400-planar-driver-over-the-ear-headphone-1

 

You could get used ones/ maybe some off ebay for even cheaper if you look.

I'm just going of look but those things I wouldn't want on my head. Anything from audio techinica, sennheiser, or a company similar you would recommend? 

PC: 4770K @ 4.0 GHz --- Maximus VI Hero --- 8 GB 2133 MHz Corsair Vengeance Pro --- EVGA 780 TI Classified @ 1300 MHz --- Samsung Evo 250 GB --- Corsair RM 750 --- Corsair Carbide Air 540 --- CM Storm Rapid-I (MX Blues with PMK Evergreen Keycaps) --- Windows XP --- Razer Naga --- Custom Loop Parts: 380I, EKWB 780 Classy Waterblock and Backplate, 240mm and 360mm XT45, Swiftech MCP655, EKWB multi option reservoir, Mayhems Pastel Red, Primochill Primoflex Advanced Clear Tubing, 5 SP 120 Quiet Editions --- Mobile: Surface Pro 3 (i5 128gb) with JD40 (MX Clears) and Microsoft Sculpt Mouse --- Galaxy S6

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I'm just going of look but those things I wouldn't want on my head. Anything from audio techinica, sennheiser, or a company similar you would recommend? 

 

 

Previously had AD900x's from audio technica, very clean and clear sounding, but really lacking on the bass. 

 

The sennheiser HD650/600 are a good option, you can find them used for under $300 in great condition sometimes. 

Stuff:  i7 7700k @ (dat nibba succ) | ASRock Z170M OC Formula | G.Skill TridentZ 3600 c16 | EKWB 1080 @ 2100 mhz  |  Acer X34 Predator | R4 | EVGA 1000 P2 | 1080mm Radiator Custom Loop | HD800 + Audio-GD NFB-11 | 850 Evo 1TB | 840 Pro 256GB | 3TB WD Blue | 2TB Barracuda

Hwbot: http://hwbot.org/user/lays/ 

FireStrike 980 ti @ 1800 Mhz http://hwbot.org/submission/3183338 http://www.3dmark.com/3dm/11574089

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Previously had AD900x's from audio technica, very clean and clear sounding, but really lacking on the bass. 

 

The sennheiser HD650/600 are a good option, you can find them used for under $300 in great condition sometimes. 

I'm not into used anything. Have you heard anything about hd 598's? I might try beyr dynamics or how ever you spell it this time.

PC: 4770K @ 4.0 GHz --- Maximus VI Hero --- 8 GB 2133 MHz Corsair Vengeance Pro --- EVGA 780 TI Classified @ 1300 MHz --- Samsung Evo 250 GB --- Corsair RM 750 --- Corsair Carbide Air 540 --- CM Storm Rapid-I (MX Blues with PMK Evergreen Keycaps) --- Windows XP --- Razer Naga --- Custom Loop Parts: 380I, EKWB 780 Classy Waterblock and Backplate, 240mm and 360mm XT45, Swiftech MCP655, EKWB multi option reservoir, Mayhems Pastel Red, Primochill Primoflex Advanced Clear Tubing, 5 SP 120 Quiet Editions --- Mobile: Surface Pro 3 (i5 128gb) with JD40 (MX Clears) and Microsoft Sculpt Mouse --- Galaxy S6

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I'm just going of look but those things I wouldn't want on my head. Anything from audio techinica, sennheiser, or a company similar you would recommend? 

 

AKG K612 or a Philips Fidelio X1 is what I'd recommend

PC Build in LTT Gallery - JBL J88 - Fostex T50RP (Modded) - Pioneer SE-A1000 vs audio-technica ATH-AD500X - Skullcandy Aviator  
audio-technica ATH-T400 - CHC Silverado and Laredo - Clip-On Headphone Roundup - Sony LinkBuds

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I'm not into used anything. Have you heard anything about hd 598's? I might try beyr dynamics or how ever you spell it this time.

 

Dt990 would be nice, but the AKG k612 and fidelio x1 are amazing as well.

 

 

TBH anything that's 200-300$ from sennheiser/akg/philips/hifiman and most respectful audio companies will sound very very good.

Stuff:  i7 7700k @ (dat nibba succ) | ASRock Z170M OC Formula | G.Skill TridentZ 3600 c16 | EKWB 1080 @ 2100 mhz  |  Acer X34 Predator | R4 | EVGA 1000 P2 | 1080mm Radiator Custom Loop | HD800 + Audio-GD NFB-11 | 850 Evo 1TB | 840 Pro 256GB | 3TB WD Blue | 2TB Barracuda

Hwbot: http://hwbot.org/user/lays/ 

FireStrike 980 ti @ 1800 Mhz http://hwbot.org/submission/3183338 http://www.3dmark.com/3dm/11574089

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Dt990 would be nice, but the AKG k612 and fidelio x1 are amazing as well.

 

 

TBH anything that's 200-300$ from sennheiser/akg/philips/hifiman and most respectful audio companies will sound very very good.

 

 

AKG K612 or a Philips Fidelio X1 is what I'd recommend

I think I'll go with AKG's in a little. 

So a good DAC for that would be...

or would it even be worth it.

PC: 4770K @ 4.0 GHz --- Maximus VI Hero --- 8 GB 2133 MHz Corsair Vengeance Pro --- EVGA 780 TI Classified @ 1300 MHz --- Samsung Evo 250 GB --- Corsair RM 750 --- Corsair Carbide Air 540 --- CM Storm Rapid-I (MX Blues with PMK Evergreen Keycaps) --- Windows XP --- Razer Naga --- Custom Loop Parts: 380I, EKWB 780 Classy Waterblock and Backplate, 240mm and 360mm XT45, Swiftech MCP655, EKWB multi option reservoir, Mayhems Pastel Red, Primochill Primoflex Advanced Clear Tubing, 5 SP 120 Quiet Editions --- Mobile: Surface Pro 3 (i5 128gb) with JD40 (MX Clears) and Microsoft Sculpt Mouse --- Galaxy S6

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I think I'll go with AKG's in a little. 

So a good DAC for that would be...

or would it even be worth it.

 

The aforementioned Syba DAC  B)

PC Build in LTT Gallery - JBL J88 - Fostex T50RP (Modded) - Pioneer SE-A1000 vs audio-technica ATH-AD500X - Skullcandy Aviator  
audio-technica ATH-T400 - CHC Silverado and Laredo - Clip-On Headphone Roundup - Sony LinkBuds

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The aforementioned Syba DAC  B)

Thanks so much for all your help!

PC: 4770K @ 4.0 GHz --- Maximus VI Hero --- 8 GB 2133 MHz Corsair Vengeance Pro --- EVGA 780 TI Classified @ 1300 MHz --- Samsung Evo 250 GB --- Corsair RM 750 --- Corsair Carbide Air 540 --- CM Storm Rapid-I (MX Blues with PMK Evergreen Keycaps) --- Windows XP --- Razer Naga --- Custom Loop Parts: 380I, EKWB 780 Classy Waterblock and Backplate, 240mm and 360mm XT45, Swiftech MCP655, EKWB multi option reservoir, Mayhems Pastel Red, Primochill Primoflex Advanced Clear Tubing, 5 SP 120 Quiet Editions --- Mobile: Surface Pro 3 (i5 128gb) with JD40 (MX Clears) and Microsoft Sculpt Mouse --- Galaxy S6

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