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Stunt
30
Aug 1, 2018
Hoping someone has a audiophile background. That can help me with this technical question regarding my upcoming 6xx arrival. I currently have purchased a Shanling m0 this little device has a tons of technical capabilities. It is also a DAC. I'm wondering should I get a portable DAC that has a better Sound Stage and headphone amplification. Or should I just go with a schiit audio magni 3 to amplify the sound. Coming off the Shandling MO's dac. Or should I choose this all-in-one portable option that also has headphone amplification. And from what I'm reading from the comments on Amazon. It has absolutely astonishing clarity the device is a Sabaj Da3. I would like to take this to my office. I would love something portable. That could amplify sound. But for more sitting reference situation. Possible better option would be this schiit audio magni3. So for anybody who is a audiophile can you please help me schiit audio magni3 or the Sabaj Da3.
Keno18
1
Aug 1, 2018
StuntI'm not an audiophile but I own the Magni 3 and have owned the Sabaj Da2. I'm also waiting for the 6XX. The Sabaj Da2 sounded great but it only lasted 2 weeks before it died and I returned it to Amazon. I think the weak link for the Da3 would be it's low power output. 52mw unbalanced output is not a lot and this could under-power the 6XX. If there is anyone who owns the Da3 and it performs adequately please chime in. The Magni has more than enough power to drive the 6XX properly. I use it now with the Senn HD 599 until the 6XX comes. I couldn't find specs on the output power of the Shanling but if it drives your present 'phones okay then it should work well enough to drive the Magni.
Keno18The M0 can output 80mW into 32 Ohm loads which isn't terrible, but it's gonna struggle to drive these 300 Ohm cans (it'll work, it'll just be underpowered). It'd be a good option to use when totally portable, but piping it through a desktop amp like the Magni when possible would yield better sound due to the higher power output.
Stunt
30
Aug 1, 2018
Keno18The current headphones on using are the v-moda LP2. And they're only 32 ohm headphones. To the reports they say the Shandling Mo can drive up to a hundred and fifty ohms adequately. Since the 6xx bad boys are 300 ohm. I definitely need some added juice to get them to their full potential. I was thinking of getting this Sabaj Da3 and running it with the 2.5 mm balanced cable to get the full potential I would look smaller DAC amp device. I did ask and supposedly this little DAC amp can drive 300 ohm headphones. Just wish I had somebody to confirm if that was true. Of course this device is way larger than you would say a dragonfly red. And definitely has more power than the Sabaja Da2. I just wish I had somebody to confirm that this Sabaj Da3. Can drive 300 ohms headphones adequately
Stunt
30
Aug 1, 2018
chucktdriscollChuck by any chance have you heard if the Sabaj Da3. Have you heard anything about it truly driving 300 ohm headphones. Also will possibly be picking up 2.5 millimeter balanced cable. To run with the device.
StuntI'm not familiar with that device. Looks like it can do 52mW into 300 Ohms on the balanced output, which is decent for the HD 650. The single ended output is only 13mW into 300 Ohms, so that's not gonna work out well (you'll hear it, but not loud at all and the overall quality will suffer from the low power).
Stunt
30
Aug 1, 2018
Keno18Hey Keno I had a question about the schiit audio magni3 can audio be push through only RCA's. Or does it have USB audio capability. And what are their audio capabilities does this amplifier. I also heard from a famous YouTuber that the schiit audio magni3. Is the best amplifier hands down around $100. But also stated something about having data compression in regards to the sound do you understand what he's talking about. How can I amplifier compress the audio signal and will it be something I would noticed.
Keno18
1
Aug 1, 2018
StuntThe Magni only works with RCA inputs and outputs (aside from the headphone jack). It can push 430 mw per channel at 300 ohms. You can get the full specs at www.schiit.com. Choose the "Products" link and select "Magni 3". The reviews have been outstanding and I like it better than the amp in the ifi nano Black Label DAC that I use to feed the Magni. As far as compression, what they're talking aboujt is if you have the gain on the DAC's output too high that's feeding the Magni the Magni will adjust the volume downward. So if you're using the Shanjing headphone output to drive the Magni don't turn the volume up on the Shanling too high. You won't damage the Magni, it just won't sound as good.
Stunt
30
Aug 1, 2018
Keno18Is there a good headphone to RCA that you would suggest is it worth going audioquest or is that Overkill I saw a deal on a pair of audioquest cables at Best Buy for 65 the red ones AudioQuest Golden Gate 2' RCA-to-RCA Audio Cable Multi GOLDG0.6R - Best Buy https://www.bestbuy.com/site/audioquest-golden-gate-2-rca-to-rca-audio-cable-black-red/4760269.p?skuId=4760269
Keno18
1
Aug 1, 2018
StuntThey're overkill. Look at Monoprice cables on Amazon for example. I use two of them, a 3.5 mm stereo headphone male plug to two RCA male plugs are $6.02, they went up since I bought them. Good heavy cables with gold plated plugs too, not cheap.
Stunt
30
Aug 1, 2018
Keno18Hey Keno I think I just found the solution to all my problems did currently selling it on massdrop I was very much so like getting the schiit audio magni3 what have you taken a look at the specs on this monster you can drive up to 600 ohm load headphones properly Centrance DACport HD
Stunt
30
Aug 1, 2018
chucktdriscollHey Chuck had a question for you have you seen the crazy specs on this device that they have on mass drop thinking about going with this over the magni3 only because it's a DAC amp so I'm getting two things for the price of one specifications seem that it can drive damn near anything let me know your thoughts only 2 days left so I got to make my decision quick Centrance DACport HD currently on mass drop
Keno18
1
Aug 1, 2018
StuntLooks good! Haven't seen that before. Looks especially nice for portable use. You could even add the Magni at a later date since the headphone jack doubles as a line-out. Wish I had seen this 6 months ago. The DAC chip is the same one Schiit Audio uses in their Modi 2 and Modi 2 Uber.
StuntYeah, the AK4490 is a nice dac chip. The power output spec is a bit misleading. 775mW "total" means "not very much through high impedance cans". Still enough to drive the 6xx, but a fair bit below their Pmax. I'd say that for a dongle DAC it looks damn good though.
Stunt
30
Aug 2, 2018
chucktdriscollHey take a look at this review from one of my favorite audiophile video review people. This thing is actually able to drive argon's properly.
Raspysquares
3
Aug 2, 2018
StuntCheck Sweetwater.com ...yet the pro audio route may be different than the hi fi world. Pro audio dudes typically desire accurate sound reproduction vs hyped sound in certain frequency ranges. Regardless Sweetwater reps are very knowledgeable and are worth talking to...
StuntYeah, it's a nice looking DAC, particularly for mobile use. But as I use my headphones almost exclusively at my desk, I prefer a desktop DAC and amp. The flexibility of having independent DAC and amp so I can swap between a solid state and tube amp, as well as being able to upgrade my DAC and amp separately trumps mobility for me. This combo unit will likely work great for you, and it's not like you can't upgrade in the future.
Keno18
1
Aug 2, 2018
chucktdriscollHi Chuck, I thought I was the only one who wanted to switch between tube and solid state, or at least my wife did. Thanks for the validation.
Stunt
30
Aug 2, 2018
Keno18This sucks just cancelled my drop on this entrance thought about getting the fiio Mark 2. But it doesn't have enough power to drive 300 ohm headphones. Also saw the Onkyo portable amplifier DAC and also the teah portable headphone amp for great prices. But I think I'm going to have to redo this entrance before it closes out because it had higher bit depth and could do DSD. Put my in-game is the IFI Black Label just don't know if my wife's going to let me spend the extra 50 bucks to get it it's a total of $200 I've already spent $200 on the headphones not trying to have her kill me
Keno18
1
Aug 2, 2018
StuntI know the feeling. The 6xx is it. My wife just retired today so I just got my spending in under the wire. About the ifi nano, just be aware that when you use it with a phone you have to turn it on first before you connect it to the phone for the nano to use it's internal battery. Otherwise it will use the phone's battery.
hyperlinked
304
Aug 4, 2018
StuntWhy don't you join the drop for the Sennheiser Jubilee 58x's? Those are said to be nearly identical to the 6xx's, but designed around lower impedance drivers. I have the 6xx's and I just ordered the 58x's to compare. I'll end up selling my 6xx's if the 58x's sound as close as they're supposed to sound, especially since I really would prefer headphones I can play off of my iPhone without another $200 piece of kit (that would murder my battery while at it).
The 6xx's actually sound pretty good just off of my iPhone, but I can tell they're a bit flat. If the cheaper 58x's sound better without additional amps, that sounds like a better option for me.
Stunt
30
Aug 4, 2018
hyperlinkedGood question I kind of thought about that hyperlinked. But I decided to up my game to a $200 piece of kit LOL. I'm not stopping at the 6xx. Those will be my listening Dynamic driver headphones that are open back. Now trying to get a pair of cheap planar magnetics. Waiting for the 4XX drop again. Oh the $200 piece of Kit I went with was the IFI Nano Black Label. I want different headphones to serve various purposes right now I'm just looking for a dynamic driver which of course I got with the 6xx next is an inexpensive planar magnetic. Ie 4xx Planar Magnetic
hyperlinked
304
Aug 4, 2018
StuntWell, if your wife kills you, can we have your cans? ;)
Keno18
1
Aug 4, 2018
StuntHow did you convince your wife? I'll use the same tactic on my wife lol.
Stunt
30
Aug 4, 2018
Keno18I said I wouldn't ask for anything until Christmas. Lol
Keno18
1
Aug 4, 2018
StuntI'll have to think of something else, I already used that one to get the 6xx.
Stunt
30
Aug 4, 2018
Keno18Too funny by the way do you have the IFI Nano Black Label
Keno18
1
Aug 4, 2018
StuntYes, I really like it. I use it to feed either the Magni 3 or the Vali 2.
Stunt
30
Aug 4, 2018
Keno18You don't think it has enough adequate power on its own to amplify the 6xx.
Keno18
1
Aug 4, 2018
StuntI bought it to use with the hd 599. I briefly tried it with the 6xx and it seems to have enough power to drive it to reasonable levels. The IEMatch doesn't though. It's not a problem because the IEMATCH is for use with hi efficiency iems.
Stunt
30
Aug 5, 2018
Keno18One of my favorite reviewers ZReviews gave great praise about nano Black Label. He also said all ports are balanced that to get the most out of any headphone to get a four pole 3.5 mm plug in. I am currently looking for a 3.5 mm headphone jack 4 pole.
Keno18
1
Aug 5, 2018
StuntI'll have to try that. Thanks for the tip. For Christmas ask for the Schiit Vali 2. I'm listening to Pink Floyd right now with the 6xx and it beats the Magni 3 hands down. For the cable try c3audio.com.
Stunt
30
Aug 5, 2018
Keno18Nice I see what you did you went Nano Black Label for the DAC. And gave it some tube action with the schiit Vali 2. Well played sir well played. Question schiit Vali 2 or wait till it comes around again darkvoice dual tube massdrop Edition.
Keno18
1
Aug 5, 2018
StuntI gotta look up the Darkvoice to compare the two. I only know the Vali 2. I'll get back to you.
Keno18
1
Aug 5, 2018
StuntThe DarkVoice looks good too. It's takes the tube that makes the Vali sound so good, the Tung-Sol 6sn7. That's the tube Schiit uses in their high-end preamps. I'll have a look at the DV for myself (don't tell my wife).
Stunt
30
Aug 5, 2018
Keno18Your wife is going to get you. Question for you should I go with the cable company you suggested. Or this other company Z reviews swears by. https://periaptcables.com/pages/about-us
Keno18
1
Aug 5, 2018
StuntPeriapt I think. Go with a recommendation, It's safer.
Tom1233
11
Aug 6, 2018
StuntIn this review the reviewer mentions being able to drive a set of hd650 at the higher end of the volume range for the Da3. https://audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-sabaj-da3-dac-compared-to-dragonfly-black.3503/
I have the Magni 3 and I am considering getting the Da3, setting the volume to 50% to get a line out level and then amplify it with hte Magni 3. I would prefer a dac with a proper line out, but this seems to be a very good dac that measures well for a very good price. Having the Da3 would also give me a travel option for the HD6XX.
Stunt
30
Aug 6, 2018
Tom1233Hey Tom thank you so much for sending me that info. If I would have saw that info before. I'm not sure I would have made the purchase I recently did. My new DAC amp will be arriving today. Now I truly will have to weigh the pros and cons of the device I just purchased versus da3. One of my favorite reviewers on YouTube Z reviews. Gave glowing reviews about a particular DAC amp combo that's also portable. This particular product is about $80 more than the da3. I went with the IFI Nano Black Label. I am almost thinking about ordering the Saba from Amazon. And getting it on Wednesday to see the Sonic differences between the two devices specs wise. I do believe the IFI Nano Black Label outperforms the Saba. As far as raw power. But I believe the da3 has higher bit depth. In higher Hertz calibration ratings. But the IFI Nano Black Label does have something up its sleeve. With the DAC chip that it has in it. I'm really curious about your thoughts in regards to this stacking up to the da3. Please send the reply after you have checked out the IFI Black Label Nano specs which I will be posting at the bottom of this message as well as the video review from Z reviews.
https://ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/nano-idsd-bl/
Tom1233
11
Aug 6, 2018
StuntThat looks like a good option as well. It seems to drive the 6XX better than the Da3 and it has a line out allowing it to be used as a "dac only". If I didn't already have the Magni 3 I might consider it. For my current desktop setup I am mostly looking for a way to improve the sound out of my desktop computer using my Magni 3. For that purpose the Da3 is probably a better choise (and cheaper). Trying both and sending the Da3 back to Amazon if you don't like it is probably not a bad idea.
Stunt
30
Aug 6, 2018
Tom1233It's hilarious as I was typing this message to you look what just arrived to my doorstep early this morning.
search

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Keno18
1
Aug 6, 2018
StuntI owned the Da2 and it did sound good but it died 2 weeks after I got it. I sent it back to Amazon. Thats why I got the nano.
Stunt
30
Aug 6, 2018
Keno18Hey what's going on Keno. Okay I know you had the da 2 from my understanding. The da3 and the da2 are sonically the same. Maybe higher output variance within the da3. But they use the same DAC chip. In your humble opinion which sounded better to you the IFI Nano Black Label or the da2
Stunt
30
Aug 6, 2018
Tom1233Tom I also purchased the IFI Black Label Nano from Amazon as well. So great things about Prime if you don't like that ish you can send it back.
Keno18
1
Aug 6, 2018
StuntThe nano was better. It's also got MQA for streaming should you decide to go that way.
Stunt
30
Aug 6, 2018
chucktdriscollHey Chuck what you said made a ton of sense. I went with the IFI Nano Black Label. And when it's released on the drop again I think I'm going to go with the dark voice tube amp. While filtering through the IFI Nano Black Label. It should provide that warmth and Clarity to get the full flavor of the 6xx headphones. You just helped me make my final decision. Thanks Chuck for being so well-informed
Stunt
30
Aug 6, 2018
Keno18Thanks to Chuck and Tom for all the info you guys gave me. But a super big shout out to Keno that guy truly knows his stuff. And it was able to help me figure this whole audiophile thing out. All you guys in these quick form blogs are amazing. But it's awesome when guys like Keno. Help us audiophile Noobs. Step our game up. Close to three days of back and forth. And I finally figured out what I was able to do with my beginning setup . Much appreciated Keno
Keno18
1
Aug 6, 2018
StuntThank you for the kind words.
Stunt
30
Aug 16, 2018
Keno18Kina what's going down man got a question for you I haven't even opened up my package from my IFI Black Label. And the only reason why I didn't go for the centrance because I wanted the centrance dacportable. Now that's available on mass drop what would you do return the IFI Black Label back to Amazon and get the centrance DAC portable off of massdrop or. Keep the IFI Nano Black Label which one is the better amp DAC. Going purely off of sound quality and Power.
Keno18
1
Aug 16, 2018
StuntHi Stunt, that's a tough one. I see 2 questions. How important is portability to you and are you OK with giving up the dual mono of the ifi. The Centrance is probably more portable but in looking at the reviews the audio is less warm. That sounds like it translates into a thinner sound. Not something I would like. But that's my preference. Overall I think the ifi may have better sound but less convenience in your pocket. It depends on how important that is to you. I would open the ifi nano and try it out. If the size is OK with you I'd stick with the ifi. Ifi also has a sterling reputation and track record. Please let me know what you think in trying out the ifi, if you do.
Stunt
30
Aug 18, 2018
Keno18Okay Keno just broke open the IFI. I have a couple questions for you. Running the Sennheiser 6-xx. I feel like it needs a little bit more juice it gets loud but not to my liking. The sound is phenomenal warm and Rich. Do I need to update the firmware or something. It just feels like it's not getting loud enough. What are your thoughts do I possibly need to go to a stand-alone home solution.
Stunt
30
Aug 18, 2018
Keno18You know I think I screwed up. Okay I'm looking at the IFI total output wattage versus the centrance. I need you to confirm this. Am I tripping or does the centrance put almost double the power. This is the wattage for the centrance.Output power, 32 ohms: 775 mW (total) and this is the wattage for the IFI.2.9V @ 30Ω Load (Direct) (285mW/30Ω. Am I reading this incorrect cuz I'm not super familiar with the nuances of wattage. When it comes to these DAC apps. I think I screwed up I should have got that centrance. Take a look at the DAC portable by centrance and the IFI Nano Black Label which one has more power output. I think your need your help understanding this. Because if I'm reading this correct the sentence would have a way higher output am I wrong
Keno18
1
Aug 18, 2018
StuntThe ifi has 285 per channel. 570 total so the Centrance has 200 mw more total or 100 mw more per channel. Bring that up to 300 ohms that's more like 50 mw or less per channel difference. You didn't screw up you're evaluating the ifi properly. The Centrance may be a bit louder but I don't think by much. These smaller dacs weren't really meant to drive cans like the 6xx, that's why I went for a separate amp. I know Centrance says it will drive anything but just how loud? When I tested the ifi with the 6xx it was loud enough for me, but that's my taste. For me it's the sound that matters and frankly there are many reviews which favor the ifi. I haen't really seen anything for the Centrance. Temporarily you can get a decent outboard tube headphone amp from Amazon for $66 plus the cost of a better tube. It's the Bravo V2. It was the first amp I bought and I compared it closely with the output of the ifi. The sound quality was as good as the ifi's IEMatch (but louder) output which is saying something. If you're interested let me know, I'll unpack it and see how well it drives the 6xx with the loudness you have in mind.
Keno18
1
Aug 18, 2018
StuntI'm leaning toward the ifi because I read the company behind it is one of the largest audio companies in Europe. And as you probably saw it's built to last. The other thing is I don't know if you''l be happy with the Centrance either. Look at other youtube reviews for the ifi, they go into detail as to how well it's built.
Stunt
30
Aug 18, 2018
Keno18Man it had amazing sound and warm I just wish you could push the 6xx a little bit harder. I really don't want to spend the money but I need to get the micro.
Keno18
1
Aug 18, 2018
StuntYeah, the micro would definitely be a good choice if you can swing the cost. The reviews for the micro are of course better than the nano. Specially the detail of the sound in the amp. If you're just not happy with the nano pack it up and return to Amazon. A less expensive alternative is to keep the nano and add the Magni 3 or Vali 2. You'll basically get the sound you're looking for as well have a nice portable solution to use with less demanding iems. Also this way you can upgrade either the dac or the amp at your leisure.
Stunt
30
Aug 18, 2018
Keno18Okay Keno I just plugged in my v-moda LP2's. It was so loud I thought my headphones were trying to kill me. So obviously it's ohm load issue. The sennheiser's need something super powerful to drive them. Weird question if you don't like the way something performs can you send it back to massdrop.
Keno18
1
Aug 18, 2018
StuntI really don't know. This is my first purchase with Massdrop. The 6xx's are great headphones so if you don't want to try using them with an outboard amp, see if you can return them and look at the Senn 58x Jubilee ($149.99), it's half the impedance and many say it's very close to the6xx in sound. BTW, if you can't return the 6xx you'll probably have no trouble selling them.
Stunt
30
Aug 18, 2018
Keno18After taking a good long listen to them know I'm going to be keeping these headphones forever. I was laying down in bed listening to them and I couldn't believe the amount of clarity they provided. They're perfect for certain types of listening such as songs that involve a lot of vocals.
Keno18
1
Aug 18, 2018
StuntGlad to hear that you're happy with them. I just loaded 386 songs onto my laptop and am listening to them as I write this. These are probably the last headphones I'm buying. I've worked my way up from Beats by Dr. Dre, Bose QC 15s, Sennheiser HD280 pros, and HD599s. I'm finally happy with the sound.
Stunt
30
Aug 22, 2018
Keno18Keno is there a possibility of streaming mqa off of title via your phone
Keno18
1
Aug 22, 2018
StuntYes, I only know about android phones but Tidal has an app and there is another one called USB Audio Player Pro which is made specifically for DACs. I use it for my listening but I haven't tried it with Tidal.
Stunt
30
Aug 22, 2018
Keno18Dude I'm starting to get a little bit frustrated I downloaded the new firmware update to 5.30 adjusted the settings in title and it still won't turn magenta what am I doing wrong
Keno18
1
Aug 22, 2018
StuntAre you using the top quality mode of Tidal? There are 2 modes. I belive MQA is reserved for their highest quality level of streaming.
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