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Premi23
10
Mar 14, 2015
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I need an amp. I plugged the K7XX's into my motherboard, and the volume isn't loud enough at 100%. These are the amps that were recommended the most by you guys. Which one would suit these headphones the best? Fiio E10k vs Schiit Modi vs Schiit Magni 2 vs FiiO E17
Mar 14, 2015
tommydadog
177
Mar 14, 2015
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Premi23the modi and magni work as a pair, id get the magni modi stack since they can pretty much power anything, though the fiio amp/dacs are portable.
get what suits your style and budget.
Mar 14, 2015
generalzou
79
Mar 14, 2015
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Premi23Fiio E10K - Desktop Amp/Dac Fiio E17K - Portable Amp/Dac Schiit Magni 2 - Desktop Amp Schiit Modi - Desktop Dac
The Schiits work as a pair and are comparable to the O2+ODAC combo, the standard of entry-mid level audio gear.
I'm personally going for the Fiio E17k for its portability though. The Schiit also doesn't match my black on white room setup.
Mar 14, 2015
Premi23
10
Mar 14, 2015
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generalzouhow does the Fiio E17k compare to the Schiits magni 2?
Mar 14, 2015
Premi23
10
Mar 14, 2015
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tommydadogthank you
Mar 14, 2015
anonuser
55
Mar 14, 2015
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Premi23The Schiit Modi is a DAC so it would feed an amp like the magni 2. I would recommend the Magni 2 out of the ones you listed. Just to clear up any confusion, a DAC is a "Digital to Analog Converter" so it takes the digital audio signal (finite electrical pulses) your computer produces and converts it into a line level analog signal(continuous waveform). Note that a line level signal is intended to be amplified by another device in this case the headphone amplifier. So the line out goes from the digital to analog converter into the line in on the headphone amp (such as the magni 2). The headphone amp then amplifies the line level signal so that it can be used to drive your headphones. The reason why you would want a dac is that typically onboard sound cards or low end soundcards use a poor quality dac or are subject to alot of EMI or electro magnetic interference which can also negatively impact the sound quality. So the purpose of the dac is to deliver a clean signal for the amplifier to amplify. These headphones are 62 ohms so while they CAN be driven by something like a phone they will sound WAY better when you put ample power behind them.
Mar 14, 2015
Premi23
10
Mar 15, 2015
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anonuserThis was very helpful, thank you for clearing that up! I really can't justify spending so much money on all of this just for sound LOL. I was thinking of just getting the magni 2, but I guess it's better just get both the modi(or modi 2) and magni 2? My motherboard is: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard, and according to their website: http://www.asrock.com/mb/intel/Z87%20Extreme4/ it "Supports up to 600ohm headphones"
It also says, "Purity Sound is a combination of several hardware, software audio solutions and technologies that will satisfy even the pickiest audiophiles. Including 7.1 CH HD audio with Realtek ALC1150 audio codec, 115dB SNR DAC with Differential Amplifier, TI® 5532 Premium Headset Amplifier which supports up to 600 ohm headphones, cap less Direct Drive technology, EMI shielding cover, PCB isolate shielding and support for DTS Connect."
I'm guessing this 'purity sound' thing is the soundcard? Maybe it's not "on"? LOL Would you have any insight on this? And for reference, I'm plugging the headphones in the green hole.
Also, I know the difference between the modi and the modi 2? I'll get the magni 2 because a lot of people recommend it, but what about the modi's? If I were to also get a DAC, should I get the modi or modi 2?
And thank you for your time
Mar 15, 2015
anonuser
55
Mar 15, 2015
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Premi23Hmmm so I'm reading up on this mobo and this may seem like a strange proposition but have you tried using the front panel audio jack instead of the port physically on the mobo? Make sure all your drivers are up to date as well and if plugging your headphones into the front panel doesn't set your output mode to headphones (instead of line out) try changing the mode manually in the windows sound preferences or in the sound card driver's control panel.
I see that the SNR is 116 dB on your onboard sound card, I didn't look too much into which DAC it uses but seems people are very happy with the sound quality so you should try the magni 2 with your sound card as a line out and get a 3.5 mm to stereo rca cable(you don't need to get too extravagant here but don't skimp either because unlike USB cables the cables that carry your analog signals do affect sound quality. I think medialink has some reasonably priced ones that would fit the bill. I'd aim to spend between 10 and 20 USD on a good quality cable {in this case more formally known as an interconnect}) to hook it up to the magni 2. Then set windows output to exactly 77 on the 100 scale for volume as it compresses and distorts slightly at the higher settings (very arbitrary number I know).
In the event that you still do end up getting a DAC from schiit I would say the extra bucks are worth it for the modi 2. The modi 2 (and the modi as well) will have less issues with EMI as they will be outside of your computer case and in their own metal case that will further isolate them. In anycase you would likely get much better sound quality with the modi 2 as compared to your motherboards sound but you also said you had a hard time justifying it. Basically with audio your system will only sound as good as the weakest link (also consider the digital file you are playing I.e. is it lossless or lossy if it is lossy how lossy. The garbage in garbage out principal applies here.). Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions.
Mar 15, 2015
givemeyourshoes
426
Mar 15, 2015
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generalzouFrom what I understand these K7XXs need a good bit of power. You might want to look at the Mont Blanc for $129 on Amazon. Plus, it has a bass boost that will be nice if they come accross as to bass lite.
Mar 15, 2015
Premi23
10
Mar 16, 2015
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anonuserthank you so much!
Mar 16, 2015
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