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naterw
294
Feb 22, 2017
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how much of a diff would I hear with normal $50 iem or earbuds using this?
Feb 22, 2017
Dogday
41
Feb 24, 2017
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naterwI would strongly recommend you to buy a better pair of headphones before changing up your source, if it isn't abysmal. For $50 earbuds, the change would be much, much, much bigger if you invest the money in a pair of HE-350's or AKG K7XX's (both available here on Massdrop). I'm quite certain you'd be hard pressed to even notice a change other than the max volume.
I think there's probably a few formulas for how to spend your money on source/amp/headphones to get the most out of your stuff, but mine would be
(source+amp) 1:2 (headphones)
Some background: I have a collection of ~10 different headphones ranging from $20 (PX100) to $400 (HE-400i), as well as a few amps & DACs (Audio-gd NFB11, CEntrance DACport slim & a tiny Chinese one named Topping).
Feb 24, 2017
victor158128
36
Feb 25, 2017
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DogdayCan you comment on how NFB11 drives K7xx and HE400i or other magnetic planars?
Feb 25, 2017
Dogday
41
Feb 27, 2017
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victor158128I don't have the K7xx, but I imagine it would have no problem giving you tinnitus with the HE-400i's; I've never gone over 12 o'clock on the volume pot. Plenty loud, deep bass and very detailed. It could be interesting to compare it against a warmer/smoother/whatever DAC to see if that would be a bit more enjoyable. Might try with the CEntrance (knowing that it's not in the same tier as the NFB 11) if I have the opportunity down the week, but to be honest I'm not big on A/B-ing and analyzing as I think that leads to worrying (and spending) rather than enjoyment a bit too often. If you'd like more thoughts, go here:
http://www.head-fi.org/newsearch/?search=he-400&resultSortingPreference=recency&byuser=&output=posts&sdate=0&newer=1&type=all&containingthread%5B0%5D=624517&advanced=1
(NFB-11 thread with search for HE-400 @ Head-fi).
Feb 27, 2017
naterw
294
Feb 28, 2017
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naterwso what kind of setup would this work best with, i am pretty mobile. listen on iphone and want stuff i can throw in a backpack. is this mostly for pro headphone, listening at home or at a stationary computer?
Feb 28, 2017
Dogday
41
Mar 1, 2017
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naterwI'd say that this kind of product will make it possible to enjoy better, more hard to drive headphones (of the pro/audiophile variety) with an iPhone. If I wanted to enjoy my HE-400i's on the go, it would be a somewhat reasonable solution (although wearing them outdoors is pretty unreasonable).
As you do not have a pair of better, hard to drive headphones, I would ABSOLUTELY focus on better headphones/IEMs/buds first. The headphones are what makes a real difference, so begin there, and then look for a DAC or amp if you need one. The iPhone DACs are not bad, and with headphones that are easy to power, you might not need a DAC or amp.
As for headphones suggestions for portable listening, I'd recommend you have a look at
Etymotics IEMs. I really like my pair with mic + remote, when I use them; the hassle of plugging in/out makes me leave them at home a lot.
Sennheiser HD-25. The headphones I've loved & used most by miles, almost every day on my commute. Good sound, good isolation, bombproof – mine are over 10 years old. Make sure you don't buy the SP variant, they're not half as good.
Sennheiser Momentum are sort of the "cool" descendants of HD-25; they're more targeted to urban music consumers than professionals which means they look more stylish than utilitarian and have Bluetooth – which eliminates the need for DAC or amp.
Mar 1, 2017
Bananiq
20
Apr 3, 2017
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Dogdayhave you tried shanling UP vs Dacport Slim?
Apr 3, 2017
Dogday
41
Apr 3, 2017
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BananiqI have not. I really, really like the Dacport, though; it's part of my work setup along with Beyerdynamic DT-880 headphones.
Apr 3, 2017
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