Best amp/dac for desktop?

[N00BYSL4Y3R]

Hey all

 

I plan to have the DT990 250 ohm and Ive been searching for a DAC/AMP combo for awhile to go with it. But there are so many choice and Im kinda lost...

I thought about the FiiO E10k because I saw a review here where the reviewer said he liked the dt990 and the e10. But when I check in the site, it says recommended impedance: 16 to 150 ohm. My DT are 250 so I dont know. Is it a good choice? Or there are better? like maybe the fiio e18? this one is portable, its a +.

I also thought about the JDS Labs O2 odac/amp combo...

 

I would like also see any else recommendation

 

other thing, Does it really "enhance" the sound quality? I see some peoples say yes and others say it just max out the max volume... I dont know, I would like some clarification please.

 

Oh, and I'm a basshead, I saw peoples say that equalizing through software is not as good than a build in bass boost button on the device. Thats also why I was thinking about the e10k or fiio overall, adding more bass when needed sound awesome to me, but the the ohm recommendation I'm not sure... so yeah, if there are any other option with that, It would be greatly apreciated

My budget: let say around 200$ but Im open to all recomandation

[BoredErica]

The way I look at it is that an external map makes the sound possibly better by not making the same mistakes your old amp had. EQ through software is good, it's just people who use it are morons. People are willing to chuck money at their problem but they are not willing to sit down and learn anything.

 

If you want portable then it's not going to have much power. O2 with batteries should be portable and overkill ( O2 is on sale on Mayflower's site for $20 atm IIRC). Typically the improvements of an extra dac and amp are way overblown. So for most people we just recommend that unless they have problems (hissing, low max volume, clipping and other audible distortions), we have them stick to onboard.

 

And are you sure the 'bass boost' button isn't just software EQ?

[Asgardthor]

I have the same headphones as you, and recently got the E10k. I would honestly say it's worth the money, I've noticed music sounds much better then though it sounded good to begin with

[BoredErica]

If your FR is changing with an amp some serious fuckery is going on with your onboard... Otherwise the step up to external amp just eliminates things like clipping, which isn't better inasmuch as removing crappy, audible distortions. Output impedance is even less of an issue here as far as FR changes is concerned, your headphone impedance is too high.