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selfilm
0
Dec 1, 2017
Hello, I'm looking for some newbie input on whether I will need a Digital Audio Converter or Amplifier for use with these headphones. 1. I have never had previously a high end pair of headphones, and 2. I've never owned an open back headphone, 3. I don't own any DAC or Headphone amplifier, 4. I will be using these headphones mostly for watching movies in bed on laptop / ipad / iphone and would love the highest and best quality sound with the most portability to support these headsets. Any input is greatly appreciated, sincerely, Scott
Gsh2000
63
Dec 1, 2017
selfilmto get the best out of these headphones you typically need a decent headphone amplifier. you can use them on your laptop or phone and they might still sound good but you typically need a decent amount of power to get the best out of them. cheap headphone amplifiers people recommend are usually the Objective 2, which is sold on massdrop as well, and the Schiit Magni 3. most headphone amplifier take RCA inputs so if you wanted to connect from your devices using the headphone jack you should buy a 3.5mm to RCA adapter. open back headphones leak a lot of sound so keep that in mind too.
selfilm
0
Dec 1, 2017
Gsh2000Hello Gsh2000, and thank you for the response. I understand the need for an amplifier. Is a Digital Audio Converter required? If so, are there combo units which are DAC's and Amplifiers which are more portable. I would think having this be a portable system would make it easier to move to a different room or to travel with the unit?
Gsh2000
63
Dec 1, 2017
selfilmNo a DAC is not required to use this. you're headphone output on your laptop or phone has a built in DAC and headphone amplifier built in, the headphone amplifier component usually isn't powerful enough to drive these headphones to their full potential which is why people usually recommend a headphone amplifier these headphones
selfilm
0
Dec 1, 2017
Gsh2000Great information Gsh2000, thank you. So for amplifier, and portability, but not too worried about price (although it always kind of matters) do you have a suggestion for a "better" amplifier with a higher price tag that is portable?
JackDamian
1
Dec 1, 2017
selfilmDAC stands for digital to analog converter
Gsh2000
63
Dec 1, 2017
selfilmi'm not too knowledgeable when it comes to portable amps, i'm more of a desktop setup kind of guy. i've heard good things about the chord mojo and hugo and also the iFi Micro iDSD black label and Nano iDSD black label. i believe all the ones i just mentioned are portable and are USB DAC's as well as headphone amps
selfilm
0
Dec 1, 2017
Gsh2000Thank you!
sabinok
1
Dec 1, 2017
Gsh2000.. I am very pleased with my Dragonfly Red (DAC/Amp).. it does a good job with my HD 600's.. I assume that it will also work well with the HD 6xx
Gsh2000
63
Dec 1, 2017
sabinokI've heard good things about it too, I just thought that he'd probably like a portable player with a built in battery so it wouldn't use his phone battery if he walked around with it
tessierpg
Dec 2, 2017
sabinokIt does work well with the HD6xx, i’ve been using it for the past year every day.
selfilmHi Scott. As Gsh2000 mentioned, iFi's iDSD line is worth a look - or listen, in this case. Their new nano iDSD Black Label (https://ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/nano-idsd-bl .... on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/iDSD-Black-Label-Portable-Heaphone/dp/B076K9M2TZ/) is probably the best-sounding portable DAC/amp under $200... and will drive the HD6XX (probably the best-sounding open-back headphone under $200) excellently. And since it has an internal battery, you can use it with your laptop/phone/tablet on-the-go without draining your devices' battery... though you will have to purchase a Apple USB Camera Adapter (https://www.amazon.com/Lightning-to-USB-Camera-Adapter/dp/B014VGHG0U) to use it with you iPhone/iPad.
See here for more info: https://ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/iphone-ipad-ipod-touch
Avoid using their Level 1 "upgrade", as it utilizes only the analog headphone-out of your device. Whenever possible, connect your source to a DAC/amp using a USB (digital) connection, which will provide the best quality sound.
All the best to you in your headphone adventures. But be careful, the rabbit hole is deep!
needhelp
331
Dec 4, 2017
mattrisits out barely 1 month and you already name it as below dac/amp below 199?
i am interested in micro black label but the way you guys ( real fan or paid trooper) advertise in here and headfi are making me worry. sounds like some bs product
needhelpI own the Micro iDSD Black Label, and it's turned out to be one of the best audio products I've ever purchased: so many features and the sound... utterly transparent. Having owned a few iFi products over the years, I would consider myself a fan.
If the nano iDSD Black Label's workmanship, usability, and sound are anywhere near as good as the Micro - just with far fewer features and a less power amp section, yes, I would wager that it's the overall best portable USB DAC/amp under $200... and it's probably not even close.
By bs, I agree... best-sounding!
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