Reddit mentions of FX Audio DAC-X6 24BIT/192 Optical/Coaxial/USB Digital Audio Amplifier DAC Decoder Black

dont buy any sound cards - a dedicated DAC/AMP blows any on-board audio and sound card

this is better:

https://www.amazon.com/FX-Audio-Optical-Coaxial-Amplifier/dp/B072JJT7SF/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1524049201&sr=8-2&keywords=fx-audio+dac-x6

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and cheaper and works on windows/linux/mac without issues

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Type|Item|Price

----|:----|:----
CPU | AMD - Ryzen 7 2700 3.2 GHz 8-Core Processor | $264.90 @ OutletPC
Motherboard | ASRock - B450M PRO4 Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard | $54.99 @ Newegg
Memory | Team - Vulcan 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory | $99.99 @ Newegg
Video Card | Gigabyte - GeForce GTX 1080 8 GB Turbo OC Video Card | $454.98 @ Newegg
Case | NZXT - H500 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case | $69.99 @ B&H
Power Supply | EVGA - BR 500 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply | $39.25 @ OutletPC
Monitor | Acer - GN246HL 24.0" 1920x1080 144 Hz Monitor | $191.99 @ B&H
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total (before mail-in rebates) | $1201.09
| Mail-in rebates | -$25.00
| Total | $1176.09
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-11-13 16:13 EST-0500 |

For audio may I suggest the HD58x and a cheap amp/dac like this one.

If you look around you should be able to get a Windows license for $50 ish.

They are solid, but just be aware, that Z only recommends those with different ear pads. https://www.amazon.com/Brainwavz-Velor-Memory-Replacements-Earpads/dp/B00MFDX4YO. It's an extra expense (only $20) but it might put you out of budget.

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Also, you will want to eventually save up for an amp/dac combo unless you have a great motherboard. Most motherboards will be able to power the m40x, but you won't get the most out of them. A solid entry-level amp/dac is here: https://www.amazon.com/FX-Audio-Optical-Coaxial-Amplifier/dp/B072JJT7SF/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1549221478&sr=1-3&keywords=fx+audio+dac-x6

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Also, the Cloud Hyperx 2 are actually some decent headphones. I'm not sure you will be getting that much of an upgrade going to m40x. If it's an option, wait, save up $50 and buy the Sennheiser hd58x Jubilees on Massdrop. You seriously won't regret it and your mind will be blown.

Agree with the above comments re: good pair of headphones vs gaming headset. You’ll get better sound game / mic going this route. My current set up is as follows and it’s the best sound experience I’ve ever had ( if you don’t mind a few cords): Audio Technica AD 700x $100 + ModMic 4 $55 + Y split cable $15 to plug into the 3.5 mm port on your controller. The above is all I really needed to play but last week I also grabbed this Dac Amp. $65 and the whole set up sounds even better and doesn’t drain my controller’s battery life.

If you like Sennheiser then the 660S are pretty good. Only 150ohms so they are much easier to drive. (compared to other 600 series that are 250ohm)
660S

I would still recommend getting a dac/amp because that will usually make a difference over a direct plug to the motherboard. Something cheap like the FX Audio Dac X6 would be a good starting point.


The Beyerdynamic DT1990 get very good reviews for open sound stage:
DT1990

These are all around the $500 mark and will be a huge improvement over your old ones. These are also open back.

Im sure others can list some other options.

Personally I wouldn't waste money on them with the 4xx . I have a SMSL 793ii and it barely powers the 400i's or the Sundaras . To get good results get something with a watt or higher . I use a FX Audio DAC-X6 with the jumper mod . For 65 bucks , it's the cheapest unit I could recommend . Especially if you have optical or coax outputs on your computer . If not , the DAC-X6 has a usb input also . https://www.amazon.com/FX-Audio-Optical-Coaxial-Amplifier/dp/B072JJT7SF

If you get the money (like $70) in the future and want to go even further. Separate your sound source outside of your computer case with something like this.

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I've been using the FX Audio DAC X6 + Beyerdynamic DT770 (cuz office environment) at work for years, my brother uses one as his main setup. Its seriously fantastic for a crazy cheap price and honestly its helped cut out a lot of issues I've had with motherboard-attached sound.

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At home I've got a Schiit Mjolnir and Gungnir and I've got the whole setup hooked up via balanced XLR cables (gets rid of grounding loop noise) and I've got a 4 pin balanced cabling for all my headphones. Even thousands of dollars in, I really enjoy my current setup at home, but honestly its been severely diminishing returns since my 598s + FX DAC X6.

Cheap but not bad: FX Audio DAC-X6

Cheap with mic but never tried: Syba Sonic

Expensive but good: Mayflower ARC

I'm also relatively new to all this -- I used to just have my Sony MDR-7506s plugged into my computer and for the most part that's 90% of the way there for me. However, the headphone out jack on my motherboard recently started having intolerable noise, so I had to do something to deal with it.

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I started with the Fiio E10K (https://smile.amazon.com/FiiO-Portable-Headphone-ICP-AT1000-Headphones/dp/B076DVBNRP/) which I got primarily to avoid the line noise, and it powers the HD 6xx just fine (I got that pair of headphones around when I got the Fiio). I brought the Fiio to work and replaced it at home with the more powerful Massdrop O2 + SDAC (https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-o2-sdac-dac-amp/) which is ~2x the cost of the Fiio. I honestly don't know that I can tell the difference between the two setups, or say that one is qualitatively better to my ears than the other for either the MDR-7506 or the HD 6xx. In retrospect I probably would have been about as happy just getting a second Fiio.

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In your case, as Roppmaster said, I'd just go ahead and test your new headphones with your motherboard. If they get loud enough, don't have any noise, and sound good to your ears, then you're all set for now. If any of those things aren't true, then you can probably start with either the Fiio or the one xehpar recommends since that's also pretty affordable (https://smile.amazon.com/FX-Audio-Optical-Coaxial-Amplifier/dp/B072JJT7SF) and either of them will get the job done for you. I got the Fiio because I have their Bluetooth adapter and it's worked quite well for me so I feel comfortable with their products, and it's well-reviewed; I didn't come across the other one but on paper it has better specs than the Fiio. (The Fiio is smaller, uses micro-USB and draws its power from that without needing a separate power brick, so it's better for e.g. a laptop. It also has 3.5mm line out and headphones as opposed to the ports on the FX Audio, so depending on your equipment one or the other may be more convenient.)

The XB950 is only good for one thing: bass

A DAC/amp wouldn't change the fact that this headphone sounds like ass.

The HD598 has been discontinued and is not easily available anymore, the newer version HD599 is still pretty expensive.

If you want a great sounding headphone and a DAC/Amp to use at home only.

• AKG K612
  
• FX Audio DAC X6
  
  will cost you roughly the same as the new HD599, but you will get a lot more bang for your buck

For reference, if you're looking for a "cheap" solution for a way to get sound out of the computer, and all you're doing is mixing, look into a DAC/Headphone Amp combo. I have interfaces with inputs in my practice space for tracking, but I just have one of these guys on my desk at home that connects to a USB port. If you end up getting nicer headphones down the road, it'll still work as well.

If you absolutely want a dac I would recommend the fx audio dac x6 https://www.amazon.com/FX-Audio-Optical-Coaxial-Amplifier/dp/B072JJT7SF/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1550191374&sr=8-1-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=fx+audio+dac+x6&psc=1

An audio interface with balanced outputs would work best. The have outputs for monitors and headphones.

A DAC/Amp combo would work too, but you may get more noise.

I suggest any of the following for an interface:

https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-Onyx-Artist-1-2-Interface/dp/B07664LMPQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1538615994&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=mackie+onyx+artist&dpPl=1&dpID=41g1YyxjwFL&ref=plSrch


https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UMC202HD-BEHRINGER-U-PHORIA/dp/B00QHURUBE/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1538616381&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=behringer+u-phoria&dpPl=1&dpID=41LnZHDgziL&ref=plSrch

https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Audio-Interface-Tools/dp/B01E6T56EA/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1538616639&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=scarlett+2i2&dpPl=1&dpID=41L6SD2-BwL&ref=plSrch

https://www.amazon.com/Steinberg-UR22MKII-2-Channel-USB-Interface/dp/B017MVUAHM/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1538616711&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=steinberg+interface&dpPl=1&dpID=41NuXCXoVGL&ref=plSrch

For a DAC/Amp combo, I suggest the following:

I personally own this and it is great.
https://www.amazon.com/Micca-OriGen-G2-Resolution-Preamplifier/dp/B01N14SY65/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538616843&sr=8-1-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=origen+g2&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/FX-Audio-Optical-Coaxial-Amplifier/dp/B072JJT7SF/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1538616970&sr=8-8&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=dac%2Famp&dpPl=1&dpID=41iOCuvyjdL&ref=plSrch

http://www.schiit.com/products/fulla-1


https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-o2-sdac-dac-amp

or this:
http://www.schiit.com/products/magni-1
plus this:
http://www.schiit.com/products/modi-1

You can always try to look into what kind of chips manufacturers put in their audio interfaces and compare them to the internals of straight up dacs. I haven't done so myself, but I expect they mostly use realtek components, the same stuff that ends up on computer motherboards anyway, meanwhile dedicated audio gear typically uses in-house components, or chips designed by other audio companies. Again I'm basically guessing when it comes to what kind of components are found in mixers since I'm no expert in that field.

I'd say most modern middle ground motherboards are good enough for 75% of all headphones, but if you're looking into getting something like Beyerdynamics in the 250ohm flavor or
the Sennheiser HD600, which are generally hard to drive, I recommend Fiio E10k or the Dac-X6. Both are decently cheap and will drive 90% of all headphones. Someone mentioned the o2 sdac and that one is basically the sweet spot before the law of diminishing returns begins and it will drive 99% of everything out there.

tldr; get your headphones first before looking into external audio since it's likely your pc will run them just fine.

The PS4 is iffy with audio addons.

Some USB soundcards do work I can try one later today when I get off work, but what I usually used instead was a DAC/AMP combo that connects to either your TV optical or PS4 optical port.

I can link the one that I use. Link

Cheapest is probably the FX Audio X6 DAC/amp.

If looking for an amp alone, the Schiit Magni 3 is hard to beat in the sub $100 range.

Benefits of an external DAC are a little hard to predict. If you have issues now, like hiss or humming or static in your computer audio, an external DAC will solve this. But an inexpensive DAC may not be a huge improvement over computer audio if you have no obvious problems now.

EDIT: I am dumb I just saw you wanted closed back.

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open back or closed back? Open back is better for gaming but others will be able to hear what you hear. If it doesn't matter then open back for gaming.

OPEN Headphones:

ATH-AD700X - ~95 - 100 new https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-AD700X-Audiophile-Open-Air-Headphones/dp/B009S332TQ/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=ATH-AD700x&qid=1563901733&s=gateway&sr=8-2

ATH-AD900x - ~135 new https://www.amazon.com/Technica-ATH-AD900X-Open-Back-Audiophile-Headphones/dp/B009S331VU/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=ATH-AD700x&qid=1563901733&s=gateway&sr=8-3

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HE4XX - $180 new https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-x-hifiman-he4xx-planar-magnetic-headphones

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Sennheiser HD 58X - 160 new - https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-x-sennheiser-hd-58x-jubilee-headphones

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Closed headphones:

ATH m40x - $100 new https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-M40x-Professional-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B00HVLUR54/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=ATH+m40x&qid=1563902298&s=gateway&sr=8-3

These are deemed better than the m50x's

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DT770 80 ohm - 135 new https://www.amazon.com/beyerdynamic-770-PRO-Studio-Headphone/dp/B0016MNAAI/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=DT770+80+ohm&qid=1563902448&s=gateway&sr=8-3

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ATH-MSR7 - 175 new https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-MSR7BK-SonicPro-High-Resolution-Headphones/dp/B00PEUBIKM/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=ATH%2Bmsr7&qid=1563902327&s=gateway&sr=8-3&th=1

I owned these and played CSGO and I had no issues hearing anyone. I made it to LEM (if that matters to you) Very clear audio. I also never used an amp with these so they can only get better. if you have more questions on these just message me, I can compare them to the HE4xx's as I now own those.

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AMP & Dac:

FX Audio DAC X6 - ~54.99 new https://www.amazon.com/FX-Audio-Optical-Coaxial-Amplifier/dp/B072JJT7SF/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=FX+Audio+DAC+X6&qid=1563901865&s=gateway&sr=8-3

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Schiit Fulla 2 - ~120 new https://www.amazon.com/Schiit-Fulla-Converter-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B07KWG13Q4/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Schiit+Fulla+2&qid=1563902076&s=gateway&sr=8-3

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Basically I am no expert as I am just getting into the DAC/AMP world but from my research and this subreddits wiki and other sources, it seems better to put your money into better headphones and then into a better DAC/AMP. I would look for a used pair of headphones from

/r/AVexchange or /r/hardwareswap if you are wanting something better, I picked up a pair of HE4xx for 110 shipped.

​

Just my two cents. I could be wrong and anyone please feel free to correct me as I am still learning all this.

I'd say check out the FX Audio DAC-X6. Just $65.

I'm not sure of your location so my links are for Amazon US.

You need an external dac/amp because the controller definitely won't work for those. This should be fine unless you want to spend a bit more and get better quality:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01DLY3IW8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525343634&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=Soundblaster+g1&dpPl=1&dpID=31o4Ceu3LmL&ref=plSrch

Then you'll also need a y splitter if you don't have one already because that dongle only accepts the combined 4 pole connection. Those can be found cheap on Amazon too.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B011LBA5ZG/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1525343994&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=audio+combiner&dpPl=1&dpID=41IoMFm28%2BL&ref=plSrch

If you want better quality audio, this little guy will be great, but your modmic will then have to go into one half of the y splitter and then into the controller (the controller is fine for mic input but headphones not so much). It'll look weird but this is basically my setup.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B072JJT7SF/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1525344194&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=Fx+audio&dpPl=1&dpID=41iOCuvyjdL&ref=plSrch

For at home use I really like my HD6xx's. (See my edited comment above) But with most $200+ desktop focused headset an amp is important to make use of it's full potential. Even a relatively cheap amp/DAC combo can make a big difference. This amp/DAC for example is $65 and would be a big improvement over built in audio from most laptops/desktops.

But if you want something less power hungry Sennheiser HD1's are also a great choice and will work great with a phone. (Also see edited comment above) Or V-Moda M100 are pretty easy to drive if you are looking for something more base focused. Also I've heard really good things about ath m60x's although I haven't tried them myself.

Honestly I wouldn't even bother with onboard sound. Get something like this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072JJT7SF

I have been looking at the DT 770 Pros for a bit now. But, I doubt my computer can drive 80 Ohms. Any recommendations on DACs?

I've been looking at This DAC

I thought the same thing. This is the review that helped me to make my final choice. That guy is very, very active in the headphone/audiophile community.

I used just the SHP9500 by themselves for months then grabbed the FX Audio DAC-X6 the Philips alone are very, very good. Adding the DAC/Amp combo aided them but is in no way necessary.

As someone who was prepared to drop up to $200 on a new pair, I figured fuck it if nothing else I'm only out $50. I personally recommend these to anyone looking to get into the headphone world and not dump $200 right off the bat.

I've been using this DAC, FX Audio DAC-X6 24BIT/192 Optical/Coaxial/USB Digital Audio Amplifier DAC Decoder Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072JJT7SF , for several months now and it's pretty good. Have it paired with the Sennheiser HD 598 headphones. Great sound.

I'm not one that can hear the difference between $100 and $500 headphones, too much metal in the early 90's, but it sounds quality to me.

this one is pretty ok for my needs. I have its rca outputs going to a powered set of speakers so when I am not using headphones I can still use the dac portion. It wont power speakers of course on its own, but does an ok job at powering headphones. I don't know the impedance of your akg k7xx's but this device has some jumpers inside to up the gain on the headphone amp, so if you get it and think its not very much ump for you, look up the jumper config online and move them. I found for my 63ohm sony's the default was better then the high gain. YMMV. https://www.amazon.com/FX-Audio-Optical-Coaxial-Amplifier/dp/B072JJT7SF/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1520097500&sr=8-2&keywords=fx+audio+dac-x6

You didn't mention a budget so I'd recommend the following kit:

Speakers: Micca MB42x for 90$

DAC: FX-Audio DAC X6 for 65$ - bonus: you're also getting a decent headphone amp

Stereo amp: SMSL SA-50 for 65$

Total is about double what the Bose kit goes for but it should sound significantly better, is more future-proof (you can replace individual components if you want to upgrade) and it gives you an actual headphone amp. It also offloads sound processing from your motherboard to the DAC, which can result in better sound quality (depending on your motherboard). The DAC X6 and SMSL SA-50 are the same size and stack very nicely so it doesn't take anywhere as much space on your desk as a receiver.

https://www.amazon.com/FX-Audio-Optical-Coaxial-Amplifier/dp/B072JJT7SF/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1536801280&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=dac-x6&psc=1

Buy a dac/amp combo that has a optical audio entry and use it with your ps4, then connect the headphones to it you'll get easily like x4 the volume.

I bought this one like 3 months ago after I was disappointed with the volume too and it's 100% worth https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072JJT7SF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_z-aQBbKN7BX6X

Also when browsing Amazon, I came across various cheap DAC's like this: https://www.amazon.com/FX-Audio-Optical-Coaxial-Amplifier/dp/B072JJT7SF

Any good? I mean it's externally powered.

I presume you're referring to the SMSL M6, since the FX Audio DAC-X6 is easily bought for $64.99 on Amazon. Another great powerful budget option is the Micca OriGen G2, though it can be hard to find. I found mine on r/AVexchange. You don't need to spend over $100 on a DAC/amp to drive your HD 58X Jubilee.

Take a look at the Z Reviews, but beware the crazy man with the camera on his head or you'll wake up destitute on a pile of pads and cables.

I’m thinking of getting a dac/amp combo, the Fx Audio 6x

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EDIT to short: https://www.amazon.com/FX-Audio-Optical-Coaxial-Amplifier/dp/B072JJT7SF

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This looks good for the price https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074Z1JJCT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_aNTvCbEAGQ7M6

Edit: sorry, I thought your mb had optical. You might want to check out FX Audio's stuff https://www.amazon.com/FX-Audio-Optical-Coaxial-Amplifier/dp/B072JJT7SF/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1549561914&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=Fx+audio&psc=1

I was looking at something like this but since my mic is on my headset I would assume that wouldn’t work. I have the Hyperx cloud 2

Currently running IOS 11.1.2 and haven't updated to 11.3 yet.
So far I am having great results with the following set up:

DAC: FX-Audio DAC-X6

Cans: Sennheiser HD598

Cable: Lightning to MIDI Cable, USB 2.0

Waiting on Lightning Cable Splitter so I can charge at the same time. Will report in if all works.

Sometimes I'll get an error that the fx audio isn't compatable because it requires too much power but it is standalone and powers itself so this is just a software issue that it is reporting to iphone too large an amp draw. Unplugging and plugging back in seems to fix the occasional issue. Apparently there is a way to trick the iphone by using a intermediate usb hub to report a lower amperage info here

Thank you so much!

One more question if I may...

I bought the below last night. I was wondering if I even needed this? I read it's better to have one but you're saying I don't one at all. So will it even make a difference or should I just return it?
Again thank you so much for your help.

FX Audio DAC-X6



With the following specs:


Product description

Color:Black
The standard input interface:Computer USB/coaxial,optical fiber(with toggle switch switch) 

The standard output interface:6.35mm headset standard RCA interface circuit output

Shell color:black

Panel color:black/silver

Line level output:RMS 2V

Output power:90mw /600Ω、180mw/300Ω、450mw/100Ω、610mw /62Ω、910mw/32Ω、1000mw/16Ω

SNR:≥105dB

Distortion:≤0.001%

Frequency Response:20hz-20khz

Adapter USES voltage:100-240ACV

Power supply/adapter output voltage:Dc12V more than 1A

Machine size: 146 mm x 98 mm x35mm

Package weight:500g

External DACs are supposed to be Better than pc soundcards....... I’d get one with RCA outs - that has a single out. It will bypass soundcard if hooked up via usb or optical. Many have headphone amp -

https://www.amazon.com/FX-Audio-Optical-Coaxial-Amplifier/dp/B072JJT7SF/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=DAC+with+headphone+amp&qid=1563500497&s=gateway&sr=8-9

I would swap the fiio for the fx-audio dac-x6 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072JJT7SF but I run a similar setup and love it.

One thing to note, the included 3m stickies didn't work well with my headphones (HD 555) and kept coming off. I ended up peeling the sticky off one and epoxying it in place (with a small c clamp for about 24 hours).

In terms of a DAC, I run a Schiit Fulla 2, which is an amp/dac combo for 100USD. I know Fiio also offers something similar at the same price.

I have my computer hooked up via USB to my Fulla. The DAC output (on the back) is then connected to my '86 RX-9V that I got for 200 bucks, and I use the 1/4" jack that is already on the Fulla for my headphones since it also functions as an amp.

There are a lot if low-budget USB DACs out there that you could hook to the receiver. You will need to invest in cables and such though, so it's hard for me to say if the way I did it was the cheapest way, but for the performance I get, I feel like I have spent a relatively small amount.

You could easily get an old receiver for around 50 bucks, then spend the other 50 on a small entry-level USB DAC (like this or this), and hook them up with a 3.5mm to RCA (or whatever termination you need for whatever receiver you get). It won't be the most powerful or best sounding system in the world, but it will get the job done.

Sorry for asking this question like so many others, but I just wanted to get a second opinion.

 

I have just purchased a Beyerdynamics DT-770 (250 Ohms). I realized my existing sound card wouldn't be able to power them as well as an amp. I was looking for a headphone amp and I narrowed my selection down to 3.

 

Massdrop Objective 2 - $95 (Massdrop)

 

FiiO E10K - $76

 

FX Audio DAC X6 - $65

 

Which of these (or others) would you recommend?

 

Thanks in advance!

Receiver. No frills. 2 channel. Remote.

https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-R-S202BL-Stereo-Receiver/dp/B01EMQI2CU/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1521305457&sr=1-6&keywords=stereo+amplifier

2 towers. Big enough. Loud enough. Sound good.

https://www.amazon.com/BIC-America-Venturi-Speaker-Single/dp/B00012F7CI/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1521305760&sr=1-1&keywords=bic+dv84

Use the extra $50 for speaker wire and whatever. Maybe add another $15 for this;

https://www.amazon.com/FX-Audio-Optical-Coaxial-Amplifier/dp/B072JJT7SF

Keeps your digital signal nice and clean, away from the interference of the computer.

Nice and loud without a sub, but if you need one, get a BIC F12 or RTR EV1200. Stay away from the Dayton subs IMO.

Generally you only need to upgrade if it sounds bad, but a better set of headphones will make the biggest difference, then a headphone amp, then a dac.

What headphones are you using? And is your budget set at $50?

$76 will get you the fiio e10k, which is a good first-time dac/amp.

$110 gets you the fiio k3, which is the successor to the e10k and brings a ton of improvements.

The FX-Audio DAC X6 is a good budget option, especially if you just want to test the waters.

Lots of other options too; audio can become a slippery slope lol