Headphone Thread.

[MythicalWagyu]

question.

I am upgrading my desktop setup and will be buying some stuff

Is there a dac/amp combo that would power my speakers and headphones so that I don't have to buy 2 separate ones.

I really like the Monoprice Desktop Headphone Amplifier that's on massdrop right now.

More specifically this is what I am going to be playing with

Speakers: http://www.amazon.com/Micca-MB42X-Bookshelf-Speakers-Tweeter/dp/B00E7H8GG2/ref=pd_sim_e_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1KSW8T0DVHC495PKDYE6
Headphones: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR7506-Professional-Diaphragm-Headphone/dp/B000AJIF4E/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1421872084&sr=1-1&keywords=sony+mdr+7506

Any recommendations on the setup would be appreciated.

What is your budget? Are those bookshelf speakers powered?

They are not powered and budget for Dac would be about $100.

Well the monoprice unit you showed is only an amp not a dac. Although I had the fiio e09 which is similar and it had tons of power.

Check out ifi and yulong's cheaper offerings for amp dac combos. For 100 it might be hard to find an amp and dac combo with pass through. You might need to up your budget a little.

It sais it is a dac o.o

Monoprice Desktop Amp / DAC

Reading through the comments, it sounds like that Monoprice Amp/DAC is a little underwhelming:

jkteddy77 5
Forewarning, I got this for my DT 990 250ohm version from Amazon, and was very disappointed with it
It is apparently a reboxed Fiio E09k/E11k, but even on max gain and max volume, it didn't impress me. at about 75% it's max volume, it matches my Asus Z97 Pro's op-amp, and my Logitech Z506's built-in amp is actually louder than this amp/dac can go...
The DAC is mediocre, and I couldn't tell the difference between this and the front headphone jack of my PC...
this was only with a 250ohm headset! I'drecommend a better or at least more reputable amp or dac.
Monoprice let me down this time :/

I'm no audiophile and am pretty much a n00b to the hobby, but my understanding is that you'll hear a bigger improvement from from a good amp than from a DAC, so with a $100 budget, I would spend my money on an amp first and find a nice DAC later. I'm quite pleased with the Schitt Magni2Ü as my headphone amp.

[radio_killah]

question.

I am upgrading my desktop setup and will be buying some stuff

Is there a dac/amp combo that would power my speakers and headphones so that I don't have to buy 2 separate ones.

I really like the Monoprice Desktop Headphone Amplifier that's on massdrop right now.

More specifically this is what I am going to be playing with

Speakers: http://www.amazon.com/Micca-MB42X-Bookshelf-Speakers-Tweeter/dp/B00E7H8GG2/ref=pd_sim_e_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1KSW8T0DVHC495PKDYE6
Headphones: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR7506-Professional-Diaphragm-Headphone/dp/B000AJIF4E/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1421872084&sr=1-1&keywords=sony+mdr+7506

Any recommendations on the setup would be appreciated.

What is your budget? Are those bookshelf speakers powered?

They are not powered and budget for Dac would be about $100.

Well the monoprice unit you showed is only an amp not a dac. Although I had the fiio e09 which is similar and it had tons of power.

Check out ifi and yulong's cheaper offerings for amp dac combos. For 100 it might be hard to find an amp and dac combo with pass through. You might need to up your budget a little.

It sais it is a dac o.o

Monoprice Desktop Amp / DAC

Ahhh. I just googled the item. The DAC chip in there is nothing special to brag about.. I think what Wagyu said is probably best. Get an amp and add a separate external dac later.

[tjcaustin]

If you go either way, you'll have to get different bookshelf speakers as a magni 2u or the monoprice piece (and most small headphone first amps) are pre-out only.

[Bromono]

okay. What would be the best budget friendly setup. lets say a budget of about $300 for speakers and amp

[PadawanGeek]

Whoa, this thread has been quiet for a while,so a BUM is necessary. BTW, next week would be a big headphone blowout buys for me, I'd not be getting one, or two headphones....but three higher end cans (one ortho, two dynamic) with one being a flagship model. As usual, I'll be back with pics......

[radio_killah]

Whoa, this thread has been quiet for a while,so a BUM is necessary. BTW, next week would be a big headphone blowout buys for me, I'd not be getting one, or two headphones....but three higher end cans (one ortho, two dynamic) with one being a flagship model. As usual, I'll be back with pics......

What the occasion? I actually just got some new gear as well. I just returned my Dacmini for a full refund and went to my local audio store to pick up a woo audio wa7 fireflies. I haven't taken pictures yet but it is beautiful and sounds so good..

[PadawanGeek]

What the occasion? I actually just got some new gear as well. I just returned my Dacmini for a full refund and went to my local audio store to pick up a woo audio wa7 fireflies. I haven't taken pictures yet but it is beautiful and sounds so good..

Oh, nothing special, just found some great cans at very nice price.....one being the HifiMan HE400i which I had gotten, returned and repurchasing as the seller is offering it at a nice price. Also, I had thought that it had scratches on one of the cups, but they turned out to be dried glue or something. I won't reveal what the remaining two  will be, just gonna let you guys see them when I post pics next week. Oh yeah, I will be getting a Valid as well....

[csnickba]

DT 770 Pros 250ohms edition w/ the Schiit audio modi stack. Also those speakers in the background are the Harman and Kardon Soundsticks 3

[radio_killah]

DT 770 Pros 250ohms edition w/ the Schiit audio modi stack. Also those speakers in the background are the Harman and Kardon Soundsticks 3

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Nice starting set up! I had the DT770's and I kind of wish I kept them. I need another closed pair of headphones.

[demik]

DT 770 Pros 250ohms edition w/ the Schiit audio modi stack. Also those speakers in the background are the Harman and Kardon Soundsticks 3

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Nice starting set up! I had the DT770's and I kind of wish I kept them. I need another closed pair of headphones.

im selling a pair of 770 80ohm!

[radio_killah]

DT 770 Pros 250ohms edition w/ the Schiit audio modi stack. Also those speakers in the background are the Harman and Kardon Soundsticks 3

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Nice starting set up! I had the DT770's and I kind of wish I kept them. I need another closed pair of headphones.

im selling a pair of 770 80ohm!

I'm thinking like Mr speakers stuff haha. I got to try the alpha primes and oh my were they buttery smooth.

[csnickba]

DT 770 Pros 250ohms edition w/ the Schiit audio modi stack. Also those speakers in the background are the Harman and Kardon Soundsticks 3

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Nice starting set up! I had the DT770's and I kind of wish I kept them. I need another closed pair of headphones.

Yeah, it's a nice inexpensive set that gets the job done. Kind of wish I got the 80ohms version of the headphones to take on the go though.

[csnickba]

DT 770 Pros 250ohms edition w/ the Schiit audio modi stack. Also those speakers in the background are the Harman and Kardon Soundsticks 3

Show Image

Nice starting set up! I had the DT770's and I kind of wish I kept them. I need another closed pair of headphones.

im selling a pair of 770 80ohm!

I'm thinking like Mr speakers stuff haha. I got to try the alpha primes and oh my were they buttery smooth.

I have a buddy who owns the Alpha Primes and he loves them. I'd say go for them as long as you commit to taking care of them. $1,000 is a lot to drop on headphones.

[radio_killah]

DT 770 Pros 250ohms edition w/ the Schiit audio modi stack. Also those speakers in the background are the Harman and Kardon Soundsticks 3

Show Image

Nice starting set up! I had the DT770's and I kind of wish I kept them. I need another closed pair of headphones.

im selling a pair of 770 80ohm!

I'm thinking like Mr speakers stuff haha. I got to try the alpha primes and oh my were they buttery smooth.

I have a buddy who owns the Alpha Primes and he loves them. I'd say go for them as long as you commit to taking care of them. $1,000 is a lot to drop on headphones.

Yeah maybe in the future. But I just dropped $1k on my WA7 so no big purchases for a while.. But I am not complaining by any means, I got plenty of nice headphones to pair with it  ;D

[demik]

should probably post these here..


received them last week.

dat bass

[radio_killah]

should probably post these here..

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received them last week.

dat bass

Im guessing those are why you are selling the 770s. What are you running them out of?

[demik]

schiit m/m

and kinda. might even sell these to fund th600.

[byker]

Sorry, what are they? I am not too good with remembering what each headphone looks like.

[demik]

JVC HA-SZ2000

[byker]

JVC HA-SZ2000

What kind of music do you use them for? The reviews look pretty good for them! 

[demik]

JVC HA-SZ2000

What kind of music do you use them for? The reviews look pretty good for them! 

rap mostly

[tjcaustin]

Current stack:

[csnickba]

Current stack:

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Those are some seriously sexy headphones.

[MythicalWagyu]

Current stack:

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Those are some seriously sexy headphones.

They really are. You should see them being made, pretty neat stuff. (youtube embed seems to be broken)

[tjcaustin]

That video sold me on the th900 over the 600

[Rayoui]

Current stack:

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Good Schiit! I haven't had an opportunity to hear the TH900 yet.

Here's my stack:

[radio_killah]

God damn I need a camera...

[demik]

HEY I HAVE A STACK OF SCHIIT ALSO



my set up is very pleb tho

audio 3expensive5me

[radio_killah]

audio 3expensive5me

3Chainz3True

Too much schiit. I should post a picture of my new WA7.

[radio_killah]

[compgeke]

Well, the true meaning of high end headphones.



I could get rid of the mbox except the headphone jack on my laptop is broke.

[slickmamba]

Just ordered the k7xx over the dt880 600ohm.  Not sure if I am happy with that choice, especially since I have the hd598s, but I will live with it

[MythicalWagyu]

(Attachment Link)
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I spent a good long while drooling over that WA7 Fireflies when you mentioned it a few days ago

[radio_killah]

Guise help my pictures keep getting rotated. 

[Sifo]

I sent out all my headphones to RMA so... back to using Astros... :\ won't get my HP50s back for a week or so. Plan to sell the other 2 once they're replaced.

[MGH]

(Attachment Link)

What keyboard is that?

[radio_killah]

(Attachment Link)

What keyboard is that?

Its a B.mini from Korea made by another GH'er. Absolutely love it. Full RGB backlit with acrylic case and 50g mx blacks.

[PadawanGeek]

Two 'new' cans to add to my expanding collection (my obsession with collecting stuff I like is getting out of hand, just like keyboards....of which I have 30), first up, an Audio Technica ATH-AD2000

Next up, the very good looking, and solidly built AKG K812

[radio_killah]

Wow those k812s look amazing.

[katushkin]

I really want a stack of Schiit. How do you guys rate them?

[PadawanGeek]

My HiFiMan HE400i came in yesterday, don't know why I'd not jumped on it previously, I find myself liking it a lot, from the sound to just how great it looks.


A group shot of my cans, I'd forgotten to include the DT990/600 which was hooked up to my Marantz receiver......

[radio_killah]

I really want a stack of Schiit. How do you guys rate them?

If you are just starting out in audio or have a strict budget the magni modi 2 combo is awesome for the $200 ish dollars you pay.

[CPTBadAss]

If you are just starting out in audio or have a strict budget the magni modi 2 combo is awesome for the $200 ish dollars you pay.

TJ helped me find some deals for my Magni and Vali so if you're ok with used gear, you can get the amps for under $200. I'm sure if you look around, you could get the stack for a bit cheaper .

My HiFiMan HE400i came in yesterday, don't know why I'd not jumped on it previously, I find myself liking it a lot, from the sound to just how great it looks.

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A group shot of my cans, I'd forgotten to include the DT990/600 which was hooked up to my Marantz receiver......

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Holy **** I'm jealous. I tried the HE400i at binge's house and they're great. I thought I was set on my audio setup but now I find myself looking at those cans and an Aune T1 again...

Current stack:

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You're back to a Magni and Modi? I'm surprised. I thought you were on Vali/Modi.

[katushkin]

I really want a stack of Schiit. How do you guys rate them?

If you are just starting out in audio or have a strict budget the magni modi 2 combo is awesome for the $200 ish dollars you pay.

I think I will need to get some new cans, either some DT770s or HD598s, then look at a good AMP/DAC stack. But I think that's a good start point, so thanks.

[Jixr]

Nothing too fancy, but I recently upgrades from my old koss dj-100's ( really good for the price ) to some Audio Technica m50x's, and I really like them. not as loud or impressive as I would hope, but they are super comfortable to me, which is something thats really nice about them.

[radio_killah]

Padawan what amps/dacs are you running? After you get ample head time let me know what you think of the HE400i's bass. Personally I am a bit underwhelmed  but everything else about it is great, the highs are so clear, the mids are full and the sound stage on them is fantastic. I really need some closed headphones 

[Binge]

Padawan what amps/dacs are you running? After you get ample head time let me know what you think of the HE400i's bass. Personally I am a bit underwhelmed  but everything else about it is great, the highs are so clear, the mids are full and the sound stage on them is fantastic. I really need some closed headphones 

Interestingly enough... a suggestion given to me by someone else here on GH was perfect for adding the right kind of bass to the HE400i/560.

If you use windows go to your sound devices> right click on your device> go to device properties> enhancements > check Bass Boost and apply settings.  You can also EQ it yourself by cutting the low mids, mids, highs by at most 8dB and then compensating with more amp volume.

[radio_killah]

Padawan what amps/dacs are you running? After you get ample head time let me know what you think of the HE400i's bass. Personally I am a bit underwhelmed  but everything else about it is great, the highs are so clear, the mids are full and the sound stage on them is fantastic. I really need some closed headphones 

Interestingly enough... a suggestion given to me by someone else here on GH was perfect for adding the right kind of bass to the HE400i/560.

If you use windows go to your sound devices> right click on your device> go to device properties> enhancements > check Bass Boost and apply settings.  You can also EQ it yourself by cutting the low mids, mids, highs by at most 8dB and then compensating with more amp volume.

I tend to not mess with those enhancements but I will go ahead and try that today when I get home from work. Thanks Binge! Which of those 2 are you using?

[Binge]

Padawan what amps/dacs are you running? After you get ample head time let me know what you think of the HE400i's bass. Personally I am a bit underwhelmed  but everything else about it is great, the highs are so clear, the mids are full and the sound stage on them is fantastic. I really need some closed headphones 

Interestingly enough... a suggestion given to me by someone else here on GH was perfect for adding the right kind of bass to the HE400i/560.

If you use windows go to your sound devices> right click on your device> go to device properties> enhancements > check Bass Boost and apply settings.  You can also EQ it yourself by cutting the low mids, mids, highs by at most 8dB and then compensating with more amp volume.

I tend to not mess with those enhancements but I will go ahead and try that today when I get home from work. Thanks Binge! Which of those 2 are you using?

I own and love both of them.  I have an Aune T1 with the 400i and a O2/ODAC with the 560.  I'm getting a different amp/dac soon.

[radio_killah]

Padawan what amps/dacs are you running? After you get ample head time let me know what you think of the HE400i's bass. Personally I am a bit underwhelmed  but everything else about it is great, the highs are so clear, the mids are full and the sound stage on them is fantastic. I really need some closed headphones 

Interestingly enough... a suggestion given to me by someone else here on GH was perfect for adding the right kind of bass to the HE400i/560.

If you use windows go to your sound devices> right click on your device> go to device properties> enhancements > check Bass Boost and apply settings.  You can also EQ it yourself by cutting the low mids, mids, highs by at most 8dB and then compensating with more amp volume.

I tend to not mess with those enhancements but I will go ahead and try that today when I get home from work. Thanks Binge! Which of those 2 are you using?

I own and love both of them.  I have an Aune T1 with the 400i and a O2/ODAC with the 560.  I'm getting a different amp/dac soon.

Nice. I had an Odac before no O2, and loved the clarity. I had to stop myself from the constant upgrading/side upgrade and just went full end game. How do those 2 differ though?