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Which dac/amp is the best for around $100?

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Dac/amp around $100, I am looking at the Micca Origen G2 or the FiiO Q1 Mark II. I can decide between the two, which one do you think is better? Any other suggestions with be nice! :) I am pretty new to the audiophile world as well. I have the Sennheiser 58X Jubilee as my main headphones and my PC is pretty old and I heard static noise. I like to game and listen to music. I am also wondering which one has better sound stage and imaging.
Thanks :)
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ethanchan
270
Oct 27, 2018
I can not speak to the Micca Origen G2 but as for the Fiio Q1 Mark II, I couldn't run my 1 more triple driver overear properly from it so would imagine that the jubilee wouldn't fair much better. I personally would suggest saving up a little longer and picking up a GSX 1000 since you are gaming as well as listening to music. The GSX 1000 can be picked up for around $200 dollars now and is well worth the purchase IMO. I hope that helps.
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ethanchan
270
Nov 1, 2018
If you do pick it up there are a couple of things you should know, the XLR balanced output will only get signal from the XLR balanced input and the 1/4 unbalanced will only get signal from the RCA inputs. If you do have audio going in through both (XLR and RCA), only use one output at a time. SMSL does not recommend using both the 1/4 inch and XLR outputs at the same time. The only other thing I would recommend is that you get an xlr balanced cable for the jubilee, I can't speak for everyone else but will say that I refuse to use 1/4 inch if balanced XLR is available. Hope that helps.
BobJones8P
54
Nov 1, 2018
ethanchanThank you.
jaydunndiddit
3262
Oct 26, 2018
Honestly, it would make more sense to skip the DAC and spend that money on a solid amp. For this price range, a DAC isn't going to make much of a difference unless your source is incredibly old. Spend that $100 on a Schiit Magni 3 and you'll really see what the HD 58X can do. The DAC/amps you listed don't have the voltage or current output to push a demanding 150 ohm headphone like the 58X with any sort of authority (with impedance swings upwards of 450 ohms in the low-end). A more powerful amp will give you the control needed to properly push those 58X drivers. Power ratings for reference: Origen 2 = 5.3 Vrms Q1 mk2 = 2.61 (balanced only) Magni 3 = 11.74 Vrms @ 600 ohms Really, the Magni 3 makes the most sense with you getting started.
It depends on the amp. Typically at the most basic level, a RCA to 3.5mm female cable (https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=5612) and/or a 3.5mm to 3.5mm aux cable (https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=5576) will do the trick.
BobJones8P
54
Nov 1, 2018
jaydunndidditHow would the Schiit Magni 3 compare to something like the Massdrop Objective 2 Headphone Amp: Desktop Edition. I also have static noise coming from my pc. Won't a dac make a cleaner sound and fix my static noise problem?
Keth
760
Oct 26, 2018
You don't need much of an amp for the 58X so USB powered units are just fine, it's super easy to drive. The Origen is a great choice, and better/easier for desktop use than the FiiO Q1 Mark II due to the volume knob placement. Take a look at the Topping D3 on Amazon, the silver model is about $95 right now.
BobJones8P
54
Oct 26, 2018
KethHow does the Topping D3 compare to the Origen G2? I've heard that the FiiO Q 1 Mark II has good sound stage. Besides the volume knob placement how do they compare?
I have the G2 and I'm going to grab my HD58X tomorrow. Haven't tried the FiiO
BobJones8P
54
Oct 26, 2018
erickongLet me know how the HD58X sound with the G2
BobJones8P
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