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VRacer111
491
Oct 19, 2017
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Jack-in-the-BoxPrice range looking for and portable or more permanent desktop setup?
VRacer111
491
Oct 19, 2017
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Jack-in-the-BoxDon't have experience with DAC/amp combo's within that price range other than the portable Audioquest Dragonfly Red (DFR) - which pairs most excellent with the TH-X00 PH for portable use. My favorite amp so far is the class A Gustard H10, which I got off a drop here for less than $300 (bought 2 actually). Highly recommend trying one out, if you want hard hitting bass and lots of detail and clarity it does it exremely well and for a very decent price. I much prefer it over the Meier Audio JAZZ-ff, which is a more expensive clean/neutral/detailed amp, I think the slightly warm sound really helps as well. The JAZZ-ff just doesn't have the impact or absolute detail of the Gustard H10 - a low output impedance with high current output amp really showcases what the TH-X00 PH can do.
You haven't heard/felt bass on a PH until running it through a high current amp. For the DAC you want one that is as neutral, clear, and detailed as possible. The DFR pairs very well used in line out mode as a DAC only with the Gustard H10. The Schiit Bifrost DAC (AKM 4490) has better detail and bass output compared to the DFR and is slightly smoother sounding, but the bass is already ABSOLUTELY REDICULOUS with the DFR/Gustard H10 combo and the DFR is clearer sounding than the Bifrost - it's extremely clear with extremely low noise floor, like dead silent with no music playing. And with the Gustard H10, it has opamps you can swap out as well if you don't mind modding it...and that further brings out more clarity and detail with the right ones. The Gustard has no real warranty though and runs fairly hot inside (being a Class A amp with absolutely no venting on the case) and have been known to fail due to heat related issues. Would only get one if you are comfortable with modding the amp for better reliability/cooling, or don't mind taking the case top off and running it open...
So a nicely implimented clean/neutral sounding DAC with a slightly warm sounding yet extremely clear and detailed amp with low output impedance and high current like the Gustard H10 would be a great match for the TH-X00 PH.
A Schiit Modi 2 Uber DAC (AKM 4490) and Magni 3 amp combowould probably be a very good sub $300 setup if you primarily have lower impedance headphones compared to mainly 300ohm + headphones...
You haven't heard/felt bass on a PH until running it through a high current amp. For the DAC you want one that is as neutral, clear, and detailed as possible. The DFR pairs very well used in line out mode as a DAC only with the Gustard H10. The Schiit Bifrost DAC (AKM 4490) has better detail and bass output compared to the DFR and is slightly smoother sounding, but the bass is already ABSOLUTELY REDICULOUS with the DFR/Gustard H10 combo and the DFR is clearer sounding than the Bifrost - it's extremely clear with extremely low noise floor, like dead silent with no music playing. And with the Gustard H10, it has opamps you can swap out as well if you don't mind modding it...and that further brings out more clarity and detail with the right ones. The Gustard has no real warranty though and runs fairly hot inside (being a Class A amp with absolutely no venting on the case) and have been known to fail due to heat related issues. Would only get one if you are comfortable with modding the amp for better reliability/cooling, or don't mind taking the case top off and running it open...
So a nicely implimented clean/neutral sounding DAC with a slightly warm sounding yet extremely clear and detailed amp with low output impedance and high current like the Gustard H10 would be a great match for the TH-X00 PH.
A Schiit Modi 2 Uber DAC (AKM 4490) and Magni 3 amp combowould probably be a very good sub $300 setup if you primarily have lower impedance headphones compared to mainly 300ohm + headphones...
CamperIV
358
Oct 19, 2017
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Jack-in-the-BoxAlternatively check out the NFB-11.28. You can find many reviews online so decide for yourself.
bonnielass
19
Nov 8, 2017
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Jack-in-the-BoxSchitt Modi 2 and Magni 2 is where I landed with my desktop DAC/amp combo. I am not disappointed. The construction is very sturdy, it had an easy setup and it made my iTunes library sound 100x better. (As for headphones, I have the Audio Technica ATH-M50xs) Remember when you first got your first decent pair of headphones? How much better your music sounded? Yeah, it's like that all over again with the DAC/amp combo. My only small problem with this DAC/amp is the LEDs on the front are a touch too bright.
I liked this setup so much I've been looking at upgrading to the next level at Schitt. (As well as these headphones, obv.)
I liked this setup so much I've been looking at upgrading to the next level at Schitt. (As well as these headphones, obv.)
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