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WhiteVaille
33
Nov 22, 2017
I figure this is as good a place as any to ask about amp and DAC recommendations for this set of headphones. At the moment I only have a Fiio e10k. However, for the HE4XX I'm thinking I'll most likely be needing a proper amp upgrade to get my value out of these cans, but I'm on a college student's budget, so I had in mind the Magni 3, and just use the e10k as my DAC for now.
So my tl;dr question is, what would make a solid (budget, <$300ish) amp/DAC combo for the HE4XX? Is the Magni 3 great for now, and I can buy a DAC later? Or should I look in to spending more on a combo unit, like ... the NFB-11?
WhiteVaille
33
Nov 22, 2017
WhiteVailleI'm not really looking to spend money on a DAC right now, but if I were to buy a new DAC, I've recently read that the Topping D30 is a better choice than a Modi? I'm also curious about the Modi Multibit in particular, but I don't think I can justify $250 for it, especially when half the comments I've read on it leave me with a feeling that it's just snake-oil, though the other half do make it sound like a solid performer. On the other hand, I hate to admit that, aesthetically speaking, I'd be a little irked by mismatching DAC/amp housings (D30 + Magni 3). But I s'pose I could tuck the DAC away somehow/where and not need to look at it most of the time.
Disregarding all of that, supposedly the NFB-11 is even better at both being a DAC and as an amp, though I'm hesitant about having to deal with their ordering process. So a used unit here in the US would be really attractive. But are there any other/better options? (Preferably for less money, as well.)
WildChinoise
241
Nov 22, 2017
WhiteVailleHi there, I have an Aune-X1S that I "was" intending to gift. I used as my daily driver with my ZMF x Vibro MKII and Massdrop x Fostex TH-X00 Ebony headphones. It had no problems driving those two pairs. In the end, I decide to keep the Aune. It was reasonably powerful and very spacious sounding all-in-one DAC/HPA. It is a very compact unit, won't take up much room on your desk. It does have a giant transformer ac adapter but that can be stowed somewhere out of sight. It's going to get set up in the bedroom for those late night listening sessions.
It can be had on Amazon right at your price point or maybe even a bit cheaper via Ebay direct from China.
JamieNZ
41
Nov 22, 2017
WhiteVailleI have been using a Magni 3 connected directly to a Shanling M1 DAP for the past month of so. Just this week I got an SMSL Sanskrit DAC and was blown away by the difference it made. Much fuller low end and mids. I'm looking forward to trying this setup with the Hifiman. I went for the SMSL rather than a Modi because it has all the features of the Uber at a much lower price, especially when you factor in shipping. If I was in the US I probably would have gone with a Modi because of the 2 year warranty on Schiit gear. Having said that, the e10k is supposed to be a pretty good DAC anyway. So if were you I would just stick with it for the Fiio until you can afford something better.
WhiteVaille
33
Nov 22, 2017
WhiteVailleAlso, wew! Just got my shipping notification ten minutes ago! Can't waitttt!
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