Need new DAC/AMP

[Worldinc]

Hi everyone,

 

I'm curently using onboard audio from my ASUS Maximus VII Hero. This weekend, I bought some Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X as an upgrade from my previous headset (Corsair Vengeance 1500v2). I know only basic stuff about DACs and AMPs, like the fact that my AD700X are rated at 50 ohm and don't need an AMP.

 

The main problem I'm trying to solve right now I that I don't have hardware volume control on my headphones. I was looking at buying something simple that would act as a relay between my headphones and motherboard that had a volume knob on it. Then I found out there are some cheap DAC/AMP out there (like the Fiio E10K and the Syba SD-DAC63057). I'd like to spend less than 75$, have a volume knob, and possibly improve the sound quality over my motherboard. I don't mind whether it uses 1/4" or 1/8". I do prefer mini-USB over micro-USB if possible. I also don't care about aesthetics or portability.

 

Any advice?

Thanks!

[RatedBlam]

The Syba you mentioned should work.

It's cheap and has nice big round knob on it.

 

And and rated at "50 ohms and no need for amplification" doesn't correlate fully.

[TheDigitalRealm]

I can speak for the FiiO E10K. I own one and it's a great DAC&AMP that has handled headphones up to 300 ohm just fine, I haven't tried anything higher as I don't own a 600 ohm pair of headphones. 

[Guest]

I can speak for the FiiO E10K. I own one and it's a great DAC&AMP that has handled headphones up to 300 ohm just fine, I haven't tried anything higher as I don't own a 600 ohm pair of headphones. 

 

What difference would the imepedence make?

[Worldinc]

What about DAC quality? Will I notice a difference in DACs that are that innexpensive compared to my motherboard? What about the difference between the 2 DACs I mentionned?

 

Thanks!

[creatip123]

What about DAC quality? Will I notice a difference in DACs that are that innexpensive compared to my motherboard? What about the difference between the 2 DACs I mentionned?

 

Thanks!

 

Yes, there are differences. No, the differences are not big. As to is it worth it to shell out the money for such minor differences, that's subjective to every people. 

[Guest]

What about DAC quality? Will I notice a difference in DACs that are that innexpensive compared to my motherboard? What about the difference between the 2 DACs I mentionned?

 

Thanks!

 

Just spend as much money as you want, unless there is something else you would rather do with it, because spending more money means that it must be better.

[Worldinc]

Thank you for your answers everyone. I bought the E10K and will give it a try.