Reddit mentions of FiiO Q1 Mark II Native DSD DAC & Amplifier for iPhone, iPod, iPad and Computers

This is so hard because everything I want is so freaking EXPENSIVE!!!!

But I'll do my best.

All links below will be to items I can get online. No eBay or 2nd hand sales.

My dream cans, Mr. Speaker Ether C - $1,500
https://www.musicdirect.com/mrspeakers-ether-c-closed-back-headphones

Questyle CMA 400i DAC/Amp - $800
https://www.moon-audio.com/questyle-audio-cma400i-dac-headphone-amplifier.html

Fiio Q1 Mk. 2 - $100
https://www.amazon.com/Q1-Mark-II-Native-Amplifier/dp/B0757MH46M

HD 58x Jubilee - $150 (Massdrop)

Dark Voice 336SE Tube Amp - $310
https://www.amazon.com/DarkVoice-336SE-Headphone-Tube-Amplifier/dp/B00CF9JON8

KZ ZST - $20
https://www.amazon.com/Yinyoo-ZST-Banlance-Armature-monitors/dp/B01LZ6Y51W

/r/headphones subscriber reporting in. Analog audio is really finicky, and most people don't care or even think about its quality on a day to day basis. But even something as simple as an apple USB-C Dongle (which has, basically, the iPhone's decent DAC chip inside of it), will be an upgrade over a lot of other handset's on board sound.

DACs performance can be measured by how closely they can replicate the original waveform of the file they're decoding, and with how much dynamic range (difference between loud and quiet parts), how much volume it can play back into headphones, etc. Audio Science Review is a great place to start. Head-Fi, and SuperBest Audio Friends are also great places to lurk.

The Apple USB-C Dongle is like 10 bucks, which, if you have a USB C phone, is worth trying out with your favorite pair of wired Earbuds, if for no other reason than to see if things sound better. Is the apple Dongle a world-beater for $10? Nah, but if you want to go crazy there's things like the Audio Quest Dragonfly series, or the iFi Audio iDSD DAC/Amps, or Fiio's Q1 and Q5s.

It's a deep dark spiraling rabbit hole into financial ruin.

Also, the biggest difference in how things sound, will usually be your headphones, or speakers. Getting a decent pair of headphones can take you a long way, and they don't have to break the bank either. Heck, Sony Mh755's were a free inclusion with their Bluetooth modules, and sell for 8 bucks on eBay, and their sound quality has been pretty widely acclaimed. That being said, there's also the Tin Hifi T2, or if you prefer over ears and want a new experience, the Philips SHP-9500.

Sorry to info dump all that. Should check out /r/audiophile and or /r/headphones for more information.

Edited: Added several links for products and also communities.

There's a section in this subreddit (top, pinned) or on your phone it's on the sidebar that gives suggestions for amps. But yes, sound leakage means others can hear. It's not super loud. The less power you have the quieter your music is. You can run it off of your phone but it would be much quieter than your MacBook

https://www.amazon.com/Q1-Mark-II-Native-Amplifier/dp/B0757MH46M

That is a decent amp/DAC ^ they go much cheaper, but you get what you pay for. Honestly I'd just use it on your Mac.

That's cool how far some mobo's are able to drive that much. I am assuming you are looking at DT 770's. You may even want to get the 250 ohm.




They are 3 solutions I would recommend, because even driving my 38 ohm to my S9 benefits from an amp and my genres of music are similar to yours.




Solution 1: Is to get a simple dac/plug that can drive an 80 ohm properly.




Solution 2: Is get this little badboy route that usb c to aux into that amp and use a cheap tpu case and velcro(comes with some) to strap on there but that's too many wires for me personally. (But it can drive up to 300 ohms. Albeit with less power then solution 3.)




Solution 3: My favorite, Phone > Shanling L2 > USB DAC 1 or USB DAC 2 > Headphones.





Now this depends on all what you want solution 1 and 2 is cheap, 1 being less cords wires etc, 2 being more wires but kicks ass for being so small. And finally solution 3 is my personal fav, little bulky yes but if you frequently use it and you don't feel cumbersome by it do it. Downside is more money outta pocket. But money well spent. After that you would head into DAP territory but it isn't as versatile as a phone/dac since you can go anywhere without being tied to wifi or tethered unless you have a large library of music already on hand. USB DAC 2 iI mentioned drives more power the higher the impedance compared to the FiiO but I see no issues driving up to 250 ohm. (solution 3 requires a cheap tpu case and velcro). And tbh the usb dacs really aren't that big at all.





If in doubt use a headphone calculator and check the specs on the amps or dacs - whichever you prefer.

These are powered speakers with USB inputs - $350/Pr Retail -

https://www.klipsch.com/products/r-15pm-powered-monitors

How important is USB to you? That's a nice feature, but only if you need it.

I think these might be the latest version (R-51PM - $500/pr) -

https://www.klipsch.com/products/r-51pm-powered-speakers

If there is a replacement model that means there are probably very good deals on the Older Version.

These are 5" speaker, and to make a determination, you have to consider what else you can get for a similar price.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LSR305MK2--jbl-305p-mkii-5-inch-powered-studio-monitor

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MR524--mackie-mr524-5-inch-powered-studio-monitor

Edifier S2000-Pro, DAC, Remote Control, Bluetooth 4.0, etc... - £399/pr -

https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-S2000pro-Bluetooth-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B0725GZQFZ/

https://www.edifier.com/us/en/speakers/s2000pro-bookshelf-speakers-studio-monitors

There is nothing wrong with the Edifier, assuming they do what you need done.

The one advantage the Klipsch do have is that they have a USB input for direct connect to a computer. That is probably the feature that is the deciding factor. However, if you computer has an Optical or Coaxial Output, then something like the Edifiers 2000 might be a good choice.

Or, if you are not connecting to a computer, then USB becomes less valuable. In the case, the Edifier with Optical/Coaxial/AUX and Bluetooth is a better choice, simply because it has a Remote Control.

The various Mackie and JBL in 5", 6.5", and 8" could be a good choice as they are highly rated and are less money, but they would require you to buy a USB DAC. Though these can be had in the range of $100.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_703DGNFLYB/AudioQuest-DragonFly-Black-v1-5.html

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_772D3DAC/Audioengine-D3.html?tp=59309

https://www.amazon.com/FiiO-E10K-Headphone-Amplifier-Black/dp/B00LP3AMC2/

https://www.amazon.com/Q1-Mark-II-Native-Amplifier/dp/B0757MH46M/

https://www.amazon.com/CREATIVE-LABS-70SB173000000-Sound-Blaster/dp/B06XBZ38ZJ/

https://www.amazon.com/FX-Audio-Optical-Coaxial-Amplifier/dp/B01HERNVQQ/

Some of these are USB DACs and Headphone Amps.

The JBL 306 and the Mackie MR624 are both 6.5" speakers, which are TWICE as big as a 5" bass driver. They are about $200 each, which with a DAC would run in the neighborhood of $500/set.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LSR306MK2--jbl-306p-mkii-6.5-inch-powered-studio-monitor

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MR624--mackie-mr624-6.5-inch-powered-studio-monitor

You can check reviews on line and you will find nothing but positive for both the JBL and the Mackie MR Series.

All that said, nothing wrong with the Klipsch, just make sure they do what you want, suit your application, and fit your budget.

Just a range of possibilities

This isn't one of your options, but it is substantially cheaper ($99 USD). I use my FiiO Q1 Mark II all the time with some hard to drive headphones. The volume knob is smooth and has a nice defined click when you turn it on and off. It gets plenty loud and IMO sounds great. Also has a 3.5mm out and a balanced 2.5mm out.

Another added benefit is that it is tiny which is great for portability. Just a thought.

Also, if you're planning on getting a pair of good headphones, it's worth it to invest in a DAC/AMP combo instead of plugging directly to your PC

Something like the Fiio K3 or Fiio Q1 is going to make a difference if you have a nice pair of headphones.

Do it HAS to be USB-C? Fiio are the best IMO for the price.

The Q1 Mark II is the best for the price. Don't worry if you read "iPhone Native", is just the certification they got because Apple.

https://smile.amazon.com/FiiO-Q1-Mark-II-Amplifier/dp/B0757MH46M/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=fiio&qid=1574290730&sr=8-6

I bought this, and I cant tell you how much better music sounds!

FiiO Q1 Mark II Native DSD DAC & Amplifier for iPhone, iPod, iPad and Computers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0757MH46M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_do-BDb2Y031XD

they ARE NOT hd 660s no matter what the z review tells you.

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They are just 90% of an hd660 at 40% the price lol. Seriously though, if you are looking for a headphone under 200 dollars and you like the sennheiser sound these are number one on your list.

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Yeah you do need a dac amp, but you can get away with a lot because of the low impedance. Here is what I got https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0757MH46M/ref=dp_cr_wdg_tit_nw_mr.. Total expenditure for both items $270. The JDS labs atom I am sure would make these sound better still and is within your budget

I've always liked Fiio stuff, they're reasonably priced and give decent results, something like their E10k, K3 or q1ii would be somewhere to start.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00LP3AMC2/ref=psdcmw_1591692031_t1_B00GCDVNHI

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B07KR3RF4H/ref=psdcmw_1591692031_t2_B00LP3AMC2

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0757MH46M/ref=psdcmw_1591692031_t3_B00LP3AMC2


They're a good brand for beginners and will give you better sound than any motherboard or internal soundcard.

Beware though, the audiophile world is a very deep rabbit hole that makes being a PC enthusiast look like pocket change.

Holy thread revival...

And actually yes it is. It’s this FiiO Q1 Mark II Native DSD DAC & Amplifier for iPhone, iPod, iPad and Computers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0757MH46M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_NOF1DbW6ZK5J9

Fiio makes portable DAC/amps: https://www.amazon.com/FiiO-Q1-Mark-II-Amplifier/dp/B0757MH46M/

The older Q1 should cost way less than that. While it has more power for unbalanced output, the more expensive but capable Q1 Mark II is usually only $99 (and $79 refurbished) on Amazon and is a contender if you want the option to go mobile.

I bought a FiiO Q1 Mk2 with a pair of Superlux HD668B with custom pads, it works great for gaming on my Xbox one and listening to music either on my mobile or using a laptop. All in cost me less than £200.00. Note you definitely need the custom pads on the Superluxes, the ones that come with them aren't comfortable.

>I plan to use them mainly with my computer and sometimes my phone.

If you're going to use it sometimes on your phone then choose the 32 ohms.

It will be significantly easier to drive out of the box, no dac/amp required.

However, throwing in even a small inexpensive but quality dac/amp will significantly improve sound especially on the lower bass end.

• http://www.schiit.com/products/fulla-1
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/FiiO-A3-Portable-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00Z9BIODA/ref=sr_1_12?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1543455349&sr=1-12&keywords=fiio
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Fiio-E17K-ALPEN-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00RPD7KP8/ref=sr_1_19?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1543455373&sr=1-19&keywords=fiio
  
  
• And if you're a mac person

https://www.amazon.com/Q1-Mark-II-Native-Amplifier/dp/B0757MH46M

i would try the fiio q1 mk2

Thanks man, your input is really helpful.
So let's the example where I utilize an external DAC, i.e. FiiO Q1 Mark II or Audioengine D1.
I run a USB cable from PC to external DAC, then run an RCA cable to one of the RCA inputs of the receiver.
I then just run cables from AV receiver to speakers & viola! (assuming no tech conflicts...).

As an aside, TIL 3.0 is unsupported by most consumer-grade DACs, and unnecessary bandwidth-wise..