I didn't know whether to post this in Sup Forums or here...
Does anyone have a recommendation for a decent affordable (as cheap as possible without being utter dogshit that is no better than my cans plugged right into my computers minijack) DAC/Amps?
Sub $100 is a must, the closer I can get to $0 the better though
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Well, 0-100 is a fairly wide margin. What do you wish to emphasize? Cheap or good?
Starting recommendation - the Lepai LP-2020A+ can be had for around $20 and is generally seen as the go-to 'baby's first amp"
Be careful if you go that route though, because you really want to make sure you get one with the Tripath chip. You will often see "Lepy LP-2020A" products along side the Lepai, don't let yourself buy one, they're garbage.
Huh I figured even under 100 was severely limited...
Right now I'd like to emphasize cheap, there's always gonna be something fancier on the horizon I can buy when I have more disposable cash.
The Lepai sounds intriguing, thanks for the heads up too!
100 is limiting, but two things at play here. A) there are a ton of options under 100 because the Chinese make these things by the dozens and B) the quality between a $20-$100 can be pretty big, but you're certainly not going to get the quality of a $500~ AMP.
If you're looking for cheap, then like I said, the Lepai LP-2020A+ is certainly a good starting option, especially if you know you'll be upgrading.
I have one, it's pretty good at driving 2 bookshelf speakers I have. Sound is decently clean at lower volumes, but don't expect to be overwhelmed with heavy hitting bass or anything. It is only a 2.0 channel system.
I think OP is specifically asking for a headphone dac/amp. lepai 2020 can only drive headphones if you do some wire fuckery
Yeah, currently running Sennheiser 558s on my computers minijack... Looking to improve this as much as I can for as little as possible money
you probably don't need a dac/amp for a 558. maybe something beyond cheap is fine for you
i'm assuming your 3.5 jack is just messy so soemthign out of your usb might be decent. something stupid cheap like this amazon.com
Thanks for the reply! Convinced me not to bother right now and save myself some money
the ud125
Any recommendations on where to get it? Preferably with free international shipping? Seems to be sold out on every site I try
I can vouch for the cheap Tripath amps. I have a Sonic Impact one that's a precursor to the Lepai and 5 years later it still works fine. I'd prefer the Dayton class T amp for ~$35 but that's just brand loyalty.
That thing needs a revision for the control knob. Otherwise it was a good product while I had it.
FX Audio DAC-X6
Great amp for the price. The Chinese really know how to make good electronics cheaply. probably the best DAC/AMPS in the $50 range
if you're willing to spend a little more the FiiO is an excellent budget brand and the FiiO E10K is probably the best price/performance under $100
Is this the one to avoid?
Says both "Lepy" and "Tripath" so I'm confus
Unless you're hearing some specific problem by plugging straight into the mobo or have some especially hard to drive headphones buying a DAC + amp combo for
can confirm, fx-audio is just great for the price
SMSL also have great budget options
$85 with $6 shipping worldwide.
DUDE
I have the FiiO e10k paired with my HD650s. While it is adequate for the headphones and I could happily go on using the combo it made me aware of the potential my headphones have. It is a big difference from on-board audio, and I have X-Fi or whatever on an ASUS crossfire iv formula.
Now I'm looking to buy either the Schiit Stack or the Objective2+ODAC.
HIGH FIDELITY
LAMO
pls
I'm using a iBasso D2 Boa hj as dac + o2 amp, won them both for less than $80 (auctions). Best setup so far.
The O2 amp, while having retarded power requirements and poorly designed (everything is on the front) it's still powerful enough drive the dreaded K501
Yes, avoid that one. You want explictly Lepai, not Lepy.
Also, it is uncommon for these to come without power adapters, so you'll need to pick one of those up as well.
Asus Xonar U7 MK2
I have some lying around, thanks
Still can't find it in stock anywhere
try
Really, any last-generation USB dac/amp with good reviews will suffice.
Look at name brands like FiiO, Creative, Asus, and such. Hama is out.
t. soundblaster Go! Pro user, sounds way better than mobo
>Schiit
enjoy your blown out drivers