Reddit mentions of Micca OriGen+ High Resolution USB DAC and Preamplifier - 24-Bit/192kHz PCM and 64x DSD

AFAIK, most USB DACs should work fine with Linux. I have a Micca OriGen+ that works perfectly (detected as VIA USB Device). It also has the convenience of two switches to toggle between line-out/headphone + usb/optical so you don't have to unplug anything. Speaker line-out doesn't have an amp though, which could be a negative or plus depending on your needs.

Try a fiio e10k or an Micca OriGen+ (inexpensive dac+baby amp combos). I'm running an "easy to drive" set of headphones as well (Phillips Fidelio X2, 30 ohm) but oh God it makes a difference. No hiss at higher volumes, better sound quality, better channel split as well. Not to mention an easy to reach hardware volume control and secondary optical input (olympus+) makes life easier on top of that.

Attach either underneath your desk with velcro and your life will change.

There is the micca origen+

https://www.amazon.com/Micca-OriGen-High-Resolution-Preamplifier/dp/B01BURJVOC

> 50 ohm impedance would be hard for my motherboard to push

50 Ohm is not a high impedance, your motherboard should be able to drive the HD598 with ease.

A problem that does occur with motherboards is inadequate damping. If your mobo's output impedance is higher than ~5 Ohm you will decrease the sound quality and fidelity of the HD598. Unfortunately soundcard and mobo manufacturers know their products are mostly shit and therefore they do not even provide these specs at all.

If you want to make sure to get the most out of the HD598 invest in an entry level desktop DAC/AMP like the FiiO E10K or Micca Origen+

Hmm, good starter amp/dac for Fidelio X2; two products come to mind:

Micca Origen+ ($109)
https://www.amazon.com/Micca-OriGen-High-Resolution-Preamplifier/dp/B01BURJVOC

Schiit Fulla 2 ($99)
http://schiit.com/products/fulla-2


There are lots more options, but I believe these are some of the best for a cheap desktop solution.

As mentioned in other comments, the usual suspects from Schiit's budget-friendly selection are a good start:

• Amplifiers: Schiit Magni 2 or Schiit Vali 2
  
• DAC: Schiit Modi 2
  
  As for products not made by Schiit, any of these will give you good performance for the price:
  
  Amplifiers:
  
  
• JDS Labs Objective2
  
• Bravo Audio Ocean
  
• Little Dot I+
  
  DACs:
  
  
• JDS Labs OL DAC
  
• Micca Origen+
  
  Now I can't guarantee that all of these amps will reliably drive the AKG K712 Pro with authority or anything, but they should all be able to let you use them without turning the volume up to 11.
  
  Hope this helps :)
  
  Edit: Ok so smaller USB-powereds are not sufficient for the AKGs, as pointed out by the commenters below (Thanks for correcting). That would explain why I perceived so much improvement upgrading from the E18 :P

I watched hours of Z Reviews on YouTube to figure out what a DAC/Amp is needed for and pulled the trigger on this one. I have these headphones and was not impressed with the sound. An amp is the solution, though they are still good for hearing footsteps in CS:GO, they're lacking for music and movies.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01BURJVOC/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://youtu.be/yxoU-oA6Z_c

Headphones are Sennheiser HD 650s, speakers are JBL LSR305s, and right now I'm using the Micca OriGen+ for my DAC/Amp. For earbuds I just use some random pair I got off massdrop.com for like 30 bucks.

Pretty satisfied for now, but I'm hoping to upgrade to the Crack 1.1 OTL for an amp and the HRT Music Streamer II + for the DAC so that I can get the full quality out of my HD 650s.

Satisfied with the JBLs and the Micca for a speaker setup for now, at least as far as digital stuff goes. A good few years down the road I might want to get around to building an analog setup from scratch since my old one is completely defunct and scrapped. For which I'd probably grab some passive speakers, but I also need to get an all new turntable and possibly a new CD player, so I don't even want to start thinking about it.

If you need a basic Starter AMP/DAC, [FiiO K1] (https://www.amazon.com/K1-Portable-Headphone-Amplifier-Titanium/dp/B0189EVGAG) or [Schiit Fulla] (http://schiit.com/products/fulla)

If you want a Better starter AMP/DAC when you get better headphones in the future and possibly want speakers as well, [FiiO E10K] (https://www.amazon.com/FiiO-E10K-Headphone-Amplifier-Black/dp/B00LP3AMC2/ref=pd_sim_23_21?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00LP3AMC2&pd_rd_r=MNNRBCB735A2MXBD3XHA&pd_rd_w=SUoRO&pd_rd_wg=3Gad4&psc=1&refRID=MNNRBCB735A2MXBD3XHA), [SMSL M3] (https://www.amazon.com/SMSL-Audio-M3-Powered-Decoder/dp/B019Y5TR6O/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1481332017&sr=1-1&keywords=smsl+m3), [Schiit Fulla 2] (http://schiit.com/products/fulla-2) or [Micca Origen+] (https://www.amazon.com/Micca-OriGen-High-Resolution-Preamplifier/dp/B01BURJVOC/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8)

EDIT: SMSL M3 can drive passive speakers, though the Micca Origen+ can drive powered speakers if that helps

yeah

i'm not an audiophile by any means but because of recommendations I saw on reddit i got a pair of sennheiser 558's (50% off thanks to this sub) and an antlion modmic off ebay for less than $120 total. I'm very happy with the setup. You could get a cheaper mic with another set of headphones (the Phillps SHP9500 get recommended a LOT and they currently go for less than $80 on amazon) but thats what I have and it works for me.

If you're upgrading to a real deal set of headphones you might need something like this if you get interference. The cool part is you can switch between speakers and headphones with the flick of a switch.

That is unfortunately very common, a lot of motherboards are noisy. Worst of all, that noise often comes through the ground on the USB ports.

An external DAC will certainly solve your problems IF it isolates the motherboard's power. The easiest way to ensure this is to get one that has an optical connection.

To cut things short, get this: https://www.amazon.com/Micca-OriGen-High-Resolution-Preamplifier/dp/B01BURJVOC/

There aren't really any high-quality wireless headphones on the market. There certainly aren't any wireless headphones that compete with wired headphones. For $298, you could get this setup:

Headphones: Audio-Technica AD900X

Microphone: Antlion Modmic

DAC/Amp: Micca OriGen+

Those components will destroy the 840 in every regard except mobility.

They just popped up on Amazon.ca a couple days ago! I ordered mine today!

https://www.amazon.ca/Micca-OriGen-High-Resolution-Preamplifier/dp/B01BURJVOC/ref=sr_1_1?m=ABLOYB9H8YPEZ&s=merchant-items&ie=UTF8&qid=1466390324&sr=1-1

I had this same issue for a while. I bought a Micca OriGen+. USB or optical from the computer and a little switch to change between pre-amp out (to powered speakers) and DAC+AMP (for headphones). Everything stays plugged in at all times and I just hit a switch to change what I want to listen to. Sitting at about $110 on amazon.

Edit: the preamp out runs though the DAC as well.

Not sure if this is the right place to ask about DACs/amps, but I'm looking for one that has both USB and optical inputs.

So far the only one that I have found is the Micca OriGen+, but I'm wondering if there are other ones out there around the same price or cheaper.

I found this pc dac/amp on amazon, and after a bit of searching. Will I be able to plug my headphones AND speakers in at the same time, and use that switch on the front to change the output? Also, I've never used an S/PDIF digital input connection before, is it just a plug and go? Thanks!

The Micca Origen+ http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01BURJVOC/ and the Fostex HPA3 http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007EDAPIS. Why? Because they have variable outputs.

Micca OriGen+

Looking to get my first DAC/amp combo to get the best output I can on my 598s. I'm having trouble deciding between the SMSL M3, the Fiio 10K, The Micca Origen +, or the new Schiit Fulla 2. Not looking to spend more than 100 atm so I'm just looking for advice on which to get as my first DAC/amp combo. If there is something better out there too that I might be missing please leave recommendations. A lot of the guides and forums that I visited don't say much about the Fulla 2 and how it compares in that price range so any help would be greatly appreciated.

I also use soundswitch, but I would love a hardware solution. I have looked into the Micca Origen+ Amp/DAC as it has a toggle switch so I can go from my speakers to my Sennheisers via hardware.

Hardware solution is intriguing to me because I often forget to switch output before loading up a game and most of my games require to quit and relaunch with the audio device you want to use as it will not switch in-game to your desired device. A minor inconvenience but if I can add QoL change plus provide better sound, I may splurge.

IMO, this one would be better: https://www.amazon.com/Micca-OriGen-High-Resolution-Preamplifier/dp/B01BURJVOC. That's the one I heard them with and I really liked it. But hey, Schiit is pretty good too!

I'm a big fan of the Micca Origen+. It just has so much versatility that came way more in handy than I thought it ever would.

Micca Origen+ DAC + amplifier. It sounds great, lets me switch between speaker and headphone outputs with the flick of a switch, and has a reallll nice volume knob. Even takes optical input as well so I can switch from PC to PS4 audio. Can't recommend it highly enough.

EDIT: Review here.

EDIT EDIT: Oop, that's the older version, here's the new review.

I will be getting the Massdrop/Sennheiser HD 6XX headphones this year, but I believe that neither the DAC or the AMP on my motherboard will be the best way for me to enjoy them. As the 6XX are basically HD 650's, I will be basing my purchasing decisions off of those tech specs (300 ohms, 1/8" or 1/4" headphone jack). I also own HD 598 cs, which are 23 ohm headphones, 1/8" or 1/4" headphone jack.

Here are the DAC/AMPS/Combos that I have looked at so far.

Micca Origen+ - $100

Schiit Fulla 2 - $100

Schiit Magni 2 - $120

I loved the look of the Origen+, but upon finding out the Driver situation has made me a little more uneasy on purchasing it. I am also unsure if the Fulla 2 would be able to drive the 6XX's, so that is why the Magni 2 is on the list, but I am not sure if I am also in need of a DAC.

Help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Soundcards will always sound worse than a proper DAC/amp combo.

If you really need active speakers volume control, you could sell your Fiio E10K, and get an Micca Origen+ (which features preout). This way, you could control your speakers (and headphone) volume with the DAC/amp.

That's why I prefer passive speakers ;)

I hope this is the right place to post this, but I'm looking to buy my first DAC/amp. I've only ever used desktop/laptop/phone outputs and want to upgrade. I wanted to buy a DAC/amp combo rather than a dedicated DAC and dedicated amp for a few reasons: (but I'm open to being convinced otherwise)

1. price; I'm on a relatively small budget and a combo DAC/amp seems to be more cost effective.
   
   
2. portability; I move my desktop often and having to only move one device would be much more convenient.
   
   
   Budget: ~$100 max, preferably less
   
   Source: Almost exclusively my desktop.
   
   Current Headphones: ATH M40x and SHP 9500s. I know that these are super easy to power, but I'm looking to gain some improvement while also future proofing for when I buy something more demanding.
   
   I'm currently looking at a few devices, but open to other suggestions:
   
   
3. SMSL M2 ($65 on amazon)
   
   I like that this one is small (and therefore easily transported). I became interested in it after watching a rave review by Zeos. The only negatives I see are a lack of output options (not currently an issue, but might be in the future) and the fact that it uses 3.5 mm headphone out (I much prefer 1/4").
   
   
4. Monoprice DAC/amp ($67 on sale with promo code)
   
   I've seen mixed reviews for this one, but it's currently on sale and seems like a great value. Not sure how great it would do with my current low impedance headphones. I like the design and output options.
   
   
5. Micca OriGen ($100 on amazon)
   
   
6. SMSL M3 ($84 on amazon)
   
   Like I said, I'm open to other suggestions in the $70-$100 range.
   
   
   

I'm getting the DT 770, but i don't know if i'll go with the 80 or 250 ohm since they're at the same price on amazon, i don't know what is the difference between them, is it that the one with most ohm (250) is louder even with less volume?

So apart from that, i'm also getting a DAC, but i don't know which one should i get Creative Sound Blaster E5 i don't know if this is actualy an DAC or an AMP, or Micca OriGen+ DAC, the mothergoad that i have is the Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming 7 and it does have Creative® Sound Core 3D chip.

So if I get just a usb D/A converter that supports ASIO drivers that should do it, right? I found this https://www.amazon.com/Micca-OriGen-High-Resolution-Preamplifier/dp/B01BURJVOC/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1483284319&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=usb+dac+asio among other similar products

I'll usually try to get FLAC files to play, I'll settle for less though since I'm just looking for specific albums and such. I use Foobar2000 on Windows with the foo_out_ks plugin which handles audio stuff (I don't remember what it specifically does).

If you decide on buying an amp I'd recommend the Micca OriGen+, I was going to buy that originally but they don't ship to my country :/

https://www.amazon.com/Micca-OriGen-High-Resolution-Preamplifier/dp/B01BURJVOC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iY7A6KgI3_w

Actually in the Video I linked to indicates that the SMSL has a LINE OUT and he explains how that works.

He also mentions several other Headphone/DAC/Pre-Amps.

Here is one that he is also using for comparison -

https://www.amazon.com/Micca-OriGen-High-Resolution-Preamplifier/dp/B01BURJVOC/ref=sr_1_25?ie=UTF8&qid=1475020601&sr=8-25&keywords=Headphone+Amp+DAC

If you want more bass and don't want to bother with an amp, get the Fidelio X2.

If you prefer a more neutral sound with wider soundstage and want to use an amp get the K7xx with the FiiO E10K or the Micca OriGen+

I sent you a message. Don't worry about purchasing a sound card. If you have good speakers, get a DAC or DAC/amp combo which can be used with speakers and headphones. If you get headphones without any sound enhancements, get a headphone amp/DAC like: Schiit Fulla or Cambridge Audio DacMagic XSor Micca OriGen+ or Topping TP D2 TP-D2 or FiiO E10K or FiiO K1 or FiiO A3. Get the Sennheiser PC 363D headset instead. It has it's own sound card built-in. It's currently on sale on Amazon for only $169. I paid about $270 for mine just a few months ago. It has a built-in sound card/DAC.

I just ordered a Micca Origgen+ dac/amp. Another redditor said I would be fine with them and I would love them. Any thoughts? Think it could power the k12s?

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Micca-OriGen-High-Resolution-Preamplifier/dp/B01BURJVOC

You might want to consider a Micca Origen+. It's a DAC+Amp, is USB powered, and conveniently has the volume knob on the top.

http://www.amazon.com/Micca-OriGen-High-Resolution-Preamplifier/dp/B01BURJVOC

ZReview of the original Micca Origen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxoU-oA6Z_c

I recommend you purchase this, if your a headphones user:
http://www.amazon.com/Micca-OriGen-High-Resolution-Preamplifier/dp/B01BURJVOC

It's a DAC/amp combo, works beautifully for driving all but the hardest of headphones. Zeos of /r/ZReviews loves it, and so do I.
For that matter, check out that entire sub for recommendations. You don't have to break the bank to have substantial upgrades in your audio experience.

If you do not plan on upgrading to better cans anytime soon I would just go for this http://www.amazon.com/Micca-OriGen-High-Resolution-Preamplifier/dp/B01BURJVOC

Otherwise get a shciit stack for around $300..... for when you get higher end headphones.

good look on your journey, enjoy falling into the rabbit hole little one.

Dont be afraid..........

its ok...........................
just let go

Hi mate, if you're looking for a smaller usb-powered unit, the micca ori gen is well rated at Zeos Reviews. Otherwise a Schiit Modi 2/Magni 2 stack will probably give you plenty of flexibility and power (or perhaps a Modi/Vali 2 stack if you want to get into tubes) if you want to spend a little more.

FX Audio DAC-X6 or the Micca OriGen+ would easily drive them if you need a DAC/AMP combo.

Otherwise, yeah the Magni 3 would be a good choice if you already have a DAC.

To play stereo you would use the front 3.5mm and a cable like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D5H8KO2 .

I would suggest a micca origen+ instead of an internal soundcard if you are only looking for 2.0. This gives you a headphone amp, external dac and a hardware volume knob. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BURJVOC

/r/zeos is a great sub for stuff like this.

This handy little guide is right up your ally.

I personally just ordered the Micca OriGen+ today because I also need a DAC/Amp for the new HD 558's I ordered along with it.

And for just a little over $100, it's a steal. It's better than the E10k as well, and can handle more expensive headphones like yours. Watch the review for it in the guide I posted to see.

Well if you really care about sound quality and isolation, you are better off ith an external solution, such as https://www.amazon.com/Micca-OriGen-High-Resolution-Preamplifier/dp/B01BURJVOC

Magni 2 Uber. I'd only consider the Micca Origen if I also need a DAC along with the Amp AND DSD playback.

*EDIT: Seems like the Origen + is 50% off, bringing it down to 99 bucks... In that case, it may be more prudent to get the origen + now and save the $50 for a future amp upgrade.

http://www.amazon.com/Micca-OriGen-High-Resolution-Preamplifier/dp/B01BURJVOC/