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BetaWar
191
Feb 21, 2018
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My typical advice I give people (and follow myself) is to "start cheap". Now, I am not meaning dollar store cheap, but don't break the bank either. If you decide you like some equipment and want to upgrade later on you can budget for it and get nicer things as you become certain it is worth it to you (and that is the key word - make sure _you_ find it worthwhile instead of just following the advice of others, everyone is different and has different tastes).
Since you are listening primarily on a computer, having even a decent DAC would likely be a large boost. I always suggest starting out there the DAC/AMP side with "decent" so you can actually tell the improvement with better headphones/ headset.
As far as a "decent" DAC/AMP goes, the Sound Blaster E5 (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/creative-sound-blaster-e5-usb-dac-amp-combo) isn't too bad. It is basically an external sound card with some profiles... and a bluetooth connection for your phone. It should be able to support IEMs and up to 600Ohm headphones (I haven't tried the hi-gain on my G5 yet, so I can't say for certain how well it works, but the lo-gain can easily drive 32Ohm up to uncomfortable levels).
I wound up going with the Sound Blaster G5 (has a headset input instead of the second headphone jack, no bluetooth, and other than that seems to be basically the same) for my home PC until I eventually move to a Schiit stack. But considering the price difference, it is good enough to last for a while, and a large step better than integrated sound.
Feb 21, 2018
AK770
34
Feb 21, 2018
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BetaWarI'm still tempted to go w/ the Magni 3 and get a separate DAC (i.e., having the ability to make changes later instead of a full swap).
Can you talk me out of the Magni 3? :)
Feb 21, 2018
BetaWar
191
Feb 21, 2018
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AK770I can't currently because I don't own/ have never listened to one. However, I can tell you that based on my research (reading forums and watching reviews), my planned upgrade path is to go with the Magni 3 and Modi 2 Multibit for a Schiit stack in the next month or two (hopefully coinciding with the arrival of my HD6XX or Focal Elex headphones, like the HD6XX since they _should_ ship first). So in about 2 months (hopefully) I'll be able to give you my insights on the Magni 3.
I am also relatively new to hi(er)-fi so I am learning as much as I can and purchasing gear as budget allows.
Feb 21, 2018
AK770
34
Feb 21, 2018
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BetaWarAh, so you're going the route I thought of going as well (eventually and as budget allows).
Feb 21, 2018
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