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Showing 1 of 211 conversations about:
dwang040
212
Jan 24, 2018
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bbirch2The Schiit stack has been a very popular choice. I've asked about this comparing different DACs and amps and most people recommend the schiit stack at this price. Tbh, I'm not sure if the schiit fulla is able to power the 6xx to their full potential. On another note, if you have a bigger budget, the Audio-GD NFB-11.28 ($330 + shipping)is also supposed to be really amazing. It's a little more expensive, the website seems really sketchy, but people have told me to get that over the schiit stack if I have a bigger budget.
dwang040
212
Jan 24, 2018
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bbirch2I wish. My guess is that you can use the fulla 2. It's just that you probably won't be able to get as loud of a volume. I asked about my uDac 3 (DAC amp combo which is also usb powered) and that was the response I got. "It'll work, but you might have to listen to it on lower volumes." Personally, if you're using this with a pc, you can always use the computer's built in audio dac and just get the Magni 3 amp to help power the headphones.
dwang040
212
Jan 24, 2018
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bbirch2Me either. Only like another couple of months before I get it xd. But yeah, I personally would skip the fulla 2 and go with a Magni 3 (should your motherboard not he powerful enough) since most high end motherboard dacs do a good job already.
RojasTKD
375
Jan 24, 2018
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bbirch2From what I've read I'd probably get this over s Schitt Fulla 2. In fact if this drop as a week longer I'd join. From the reviews this is suppose to be a good value. If I can't get in this time hopefully I will next time. Just bad timing as I just got two different bookshelf power speakers in the last two months.
I have a Audio-GD NFB-11 (2014 version) and I believe it when people say that it's a great value for the price. Later this year I plan to replace my older NFB model with a new R2R 11 from Audio-GD. But not everyone want to spend north of $350.
I'm thinking this D30/A30 is a good start (just my impression from what I have read).
Most people equate more power with higher volume, but it more than that. It also helps with grater dynamics, when bass notes hit the extra power allows it to draw more power to punch out those notes with authority. Where that line is will depend on you headphones. I like to have a good amount of power so I know it can drive just about any headphone well.
I have a Audio-GD NFB-11 (2014 version) and I believe it when people say that it's a great value for the price. Later this year I plan to replace my older NFB model with a new R2R 11 from Audio-GD. But not everyone want to spend north of $350.
I'm thinking this D30/A30 is a good start (just my impression from what I have read).
Most people equate more power with higher volume, but it more than that. It also helps with grater dynamics, when bass notes hit the extra power allows it to draw more power to punch out those notes with authority. Where that line is will depend on you headphones. I like to have a good amount of power so I know it can drive just about any headphone well.
WhichwaydidheGo
285
Jan 24, 2018
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bbirch2Just be aware that your motherboard might suffer from RFI hurting your noise floor. I originally didn't notice but with a decent amp and phones, my z97 gigabyte board does. I've been looking for a DAC for the past couple of months and settled on this one as a good entry point. I ordered it from Amazon Tuesday :(
datyeti
45
Jan 24, 2018
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bbirch2The fulla 2 will make sound loud enough, some people swear you have to power them enough but I disagree strongly unless you have cash to blow then go ahead. I own hd 6xx, O2, and a30. The O2 does not meet true full powering requirements, while the a30 does, there is barely up to a 5% difference in sound which could arguably be because of differing amp output impedance and design of amps overall. So overall get what suits your needs best, and with budget concerns. The fact that you have an amp and/or dac is 95% of the game right there and better than majority of population so just enjoy music and stuff!
The d30 is superior to modi 2, and at least equivalent to modi 2 uber or better. D30 also goes higher in bit rates, dsd, etc incase that's your goal. https://audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/master-index-for-audio-hardware-reviews.2079/
The a30 has more power than magni 3, blue leds, has a loop line out, and two headphones jacks with power more settings, and higher output impedance. The magni 3 has a pre - amp, white leds, and lower output impedance.
When I a/b compared a30 to O2 amp with hd6xx, the output impedance makes maybe up to a 5% difference in sound being slightly warmer. The a30 output impedance won't do much at all unless your headphones in use are around 80 ohms or less for 1/4" jack theoretically. I also have t50rp mk3's with 50 ohms, and only notice up to a 5% difference in sound comparing O2 to a30. Plus if you get the d30/a30 stack its cheaper than schiit because of free shipping to US and possible lack of tax.
The d30 is superior to modi 2, and at least equivalent to modi 2 uber or better. D30 also goes higher in bit rates, dsd, etc incase that's your goal. https://audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/master-index-for-audio-hardware-reviews.2079/
The a30 has more power than magni 3, blue leds, has a loop line out, and two headphones jacks with power more settings, and higher output impedance. The magni 3 has a pre - amp, white leds, and lower output impedance.
When I a/b compared a30 to O2 amp with hd6xx, the output impedance makes maybe up to a 5% difference in sound being slightly warmer. The a30 output impedance won't do much at all unless your headphones in use are around 80 ohms or less for 1/4" jack theoretically. I also have t50rp mk3's with 50 ohms, and only notice up to a 5% difference in sound comparing O2 to a30. Plus if you get the d30/a30 stack its cheaper than schiit because of free shipping to US and possible lack of tax.
dwang040
212
Jan 24, 2018
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datyetiThat is true. The fulla 2 powers enough, but how loud does it get? Quiet, good listening noise level, loud, ear deathening.
Also, judging by your comments of the a30 and d30, i'm guessing you would suggest this over the schiit stack?
Also, judging by your comments of the a30 and d30, i'm guessing you would suggest this over the schiit stack?
datyeti
45
Jan 24, 2018
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dwang040I've never used fulla 2, was close to buying one but I have no use for it currently. I like it overall and its a good budget option combo unit. I have no problems recommending it, but its not perfect nor endgame. Like you said I do not recommend schiit stack UNLESS you need a preamp then the amp is totally worth it, and if you're paying shipping might as well get both to save. The differences between dacs will be slightly audible at best, and most do their job in hearing range so would focus on features and budget before anything else.
I recommend this topping combo over smsl, and schiit stack now, but there are always improvements in this hobby so tomorrow there may be something better. $$ makes or changes decisions in this hobby, feel free to follow common recommendations or not.
I recommend this topping combo over smsl, and schiit stack now, but there are always improvements in this hobby so tomorrow there may be something better. $$ makes or changes decisions in this hobby, feel free to follow common recommendations or not.
dwang040
212
Jan 24, 2018
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datyetiOkay. Thanks. I've asked the question of "what to use for a 6xx" and the schiit stack is heavily recommended everywhere I go. And this was compared to smsl, aune, etc. I currently have a uDac 3 from a drop earlier, will probably put be using it as a pre amp and dac, however, I expect it to have the same issue as a fulla, being that both are usb powered, the amp will be audible, but probably not powerful enough. I do listen with higher volumes as I'm probably losing hearing.... Rip.
But I'll give the a30 a look as I am looking for an amp in general. Like you said, there not "end gear" but definetly a good spot to start. I'm thinking about looking into audio gd on the long future.
But I'll give the a30 a look as I am looking for an amp in general. Like you said, there not "end gear" but definetly a good spot to start. I'm thinking about looking into audio gd on the long future.
datyeti
45
Jan 24, 2018
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dwang040Gotcha. Ya, if you listen loudly, then definitely a standalone amp is what you need as that will almost always have more power than usb amps.
I liked the aune x1s, but don't like the fact that all they did was upgrade power, and not even by that much so wouldn't recommend it unless you get a killer deal. The schiit stack is good in general, and people want to support made in usa, but I prefer better quality products with better designs or features for the price so not following the audio grain much there.
The a30 is definitely loud enough for you though. The magni 3 is touted as being more than enough power ever for 99% of people, and you will definitely get it recommended to you for loudness. The A30 has more power so I'd consider it in your case.
Out of all the general budget amps or cheap amps out there, I personally think that the A30 is the closest to "budget end game" amps. You can swap out opamps, and have various settings for it which is pretty neat. Personally again, I think the only reason people don't know about this amp or recommend it anywhere as much as the magni is because of the high output impedance. Idk why but it seems majority of chinese audio brands "chi fi" have this. It's not bad per se, just adds a little flavor to sound I guess which it seems this hobby is all about neutrality unless its about tubes.
Also I am about to buy an opamp upgrade and do some a/b testing since I have two A30's now. I'm not sure if its worth it but feel free to ask me later incase I forget to post it and that interests you.
I liked the aune x1s, but don't like the fact that all they did was upgrade power, and not even by that much so wouldn't recommend it unless you get a killer deal. The schiit stack is good in general, and people want to support made in usa, but I prefer better quality products with better designs or features for the price so not following the audio grain much there.
The a30 is definitely loud enough for you though. The magni 3 is touted as being more than enough power ever for 99% of people, and you will definitely get it recommended to you for loudness. The A30 has more power so I'd consider it in your case.
Out of all the general budget amps or cheap amps out there, I personally think that the A30 is the closest to "budget end game" amps. You can swap out opamps, and have various settings for it which is pretty neat. Personally again, I think the only reason people don't know about this amp or recommend it anywhere as much as the magni is because of the high output impedance. Idk why but it seems majority of chinese audio brands "chi fi" have this. It's not bad per se, just adds a little flavor to sound I guess which it seems this hobby is all about neutrality unless its about tubes.
Also I am about to buy an opamp upgrade and do some a/b testing since I have two A30's now. I'm not sure if its worth it but feel free to ask me later incase I forget to post it and that interests you.
Eli35
653
Jan 25, 2018
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datyetiThe Magni 3, from what I read it's a step beyond anything on the same budget. It outputs almost 50% more power under 300 ohm load than the A30 (430mW Magni 3, 291mW A30) and has way less output impedance, making it better suited for most headphones. Costing about the same, I can't recommend the A30 over the Magni 3. And I like Topping, I own a D30 and really like it, but if I had to buy one budget headphone amp right now it would be the Magni 3, without any doubt.
Judmasterchud
4
Jan 25, 2018
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Eli35Eli35, do you have the Magni 3 and if so does it pair well with the D30? That is the combination I've been planning on purchasing but would appreciate some insight.
datyeti
45
Jan 25, 2018
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Eli35I just read the specs. Didn't realize magni 3 had 430 per channel, sorry about that. Because then yes it is more powerful and I was wrong. Thanks for correcting me, although its not almost 50% more power, more like 33% more power. Output impedance being lower in general does help for lower impedance cans.
Eli35
653
Jan 25, 2018
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JudmasterchudI do not have the Magni 3, but it will work great with any decent DAC (there's not a huge difference between DACs, a good DAC provides clean neutral sound, not coloring or altering the original sound in any way). I own the D30, great DAC for the price, excellent look & feel, nothing more you can ask for.
Jimster480
395
Mar 2, 2018
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bbirch2The D30/A30 is the choice. Check audiosciencereview where you can see Schiit products are very poorly rated as they measure very badly.
If you don't want either then check out JDS Labs products, they have a the Element which is a combo with great specs aswell!
datyeti
45
Mar 23, 2018
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GapterHi. Been kinda broke so haven't yet. I don't believe in subjective bs, so when I buy an op amp or two I will also buy an A/B switch so gotta save for a bit more in general. I was thinking of getting the sescom A/B 1/8" switch, but the quality looks subpar for the price so been trying to learn to make it myself. Thanks for asking. I will do this eventually.
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