Do I need a DAC?

[seduce_me]

Hello,

 

This is my second time posting in LTT forum. A few weeks ago, I saw a HD650 for a good price and couldn't resist it.   I now realize that I need an amp to power these headphones but I am still unsure if I really need a DAC or I could save up for an even better amp.

My mobo is GA-Z97-D3H and it has an ALC1150 codec that can support 24bit/192KHz:

http://www.gigabyte.sg/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4961#ov

 

Thanks for your help!

[Octavialicious]

Schiit Stack maybe? You could also probably survive on a FiiO E10K or something of the likes 

[YajirobeFromDC]

schiit yggdrasil + eddie current zana duex S

 

enjoy

[EndlessOyster]

Im going to say a no for a DAC

[Rmusic10891]

+1 for no DAC

[spwath]

No dac, just a schiit  magni 2 if you need an amp, but i would wait until you get the headphones to determine if you need an amp

[Jacona]

Just try your headphones first, if you experience some noise then there are several troubleshooting steps you can take layed out by other LTT members already.

If you don't want to go through all of that and just have money to blow. Then get something like a Modi 2 B-stock or cheaper.

Also most likely you will have music at 44.1 kHz so you should set it at that or use WASAPI. I've have had bad experiences with resampling when setting the Hertz too high.

[Guest]

Nothing to add to the last four posts. Magni 2 or Vali 2 if you want to play with toobs.