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MQA Enabled Audio/Gaming DAC for EPOS pc38x Headphones?

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I am looking forward to receiving my new Drop EPOS pc38x headphones in black as an upgrade to my well-worn pc37x set since the former is closer in audio quality to my Sennheiser HD 600's I purchased many years ago. As a home-based software developer, I've used a wireless Plantronics headset for making skype/zoom screen sharing calls and demo videos and another headset for streaming audio from my Windows pc. It was always a scramble to swap headsets when I was listening to music and a client called. Also, the wireless headset would often lose power on longer calls, particularly if I had been making a demo video earlier in the day. I am happy to say the pc37x set with its long cord solved these issues as I can just flip down the mic boom when needed without concern about losing power or audio quality. From there I purchased a Sound Blaster X3 to enhance the sound through the headphones in hopes of taking advantage of the better sound made available through Amazon Music HD including spatial audio once I stumbled upon Dolby Atmos for headphones for Windows. While it did help, I found that Dolby Atmos isn't offered on Amazon's Music HD PC app which led me to Tidal's HiFi Plus plan that has both MQA/Master audio and Dolby Atmos. Even on my pc37x using the X3 DAC, I can tell a distinct difference between Tital's HiFI (2304-9216 kps) and Amazon Music HD (3730 kbs) but now wondering if I should upgrade the DAC. Long story short, I am considering the following features and could use some recommendations:
  • USB-C input - to allow input from android phone or PC
  • Headphone and mic with 3.5mm inputs
  • Display that tells me input depth/sample rate so I can validate what I am hearing
  • Supports Tidal's MQA/Master HD Audio bit depth and sample rate (24 bit/96 kHz)
  • Supports Dolby Atmos and other Spatial Audio decoding (24 bit/48 kHz)
  • 3.5mm or RCA output to small desktop Bose external speakers with means to redirect output to/from headset.
  • Won't break the bank.
I realize there are solid audiophile DACs out there that don't offer a mic input while most gaming DACs do. I do hardly any after hour gaming and most PC apps have separate volume controls, so this may be less important. Without it would I just extend the mic cable to the mic input on the motherboard? What do I give up if I forgo mic input on the DAC? I'll admit, I'm spoiled using the Sound Blaster X3 in that I just plug in the USB-C connector to the PC and the 3.5mm mic-in and headphones-out to the unit and I am good to go. I just wonder how much audio quality I may be giving up now that I am turned on to MQA and spatial streaming audio when paired with the pc38x. Recommendations appreciated. Whitmark
(Edited)
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Mar 18, 2022
In lieu of finding a quality gaming DAC with mic and headset inputs that supports MQA decoding, I am going with the iFi Zen DAC V2. I'll likely keep my SB X3 for mic processing or may continue to use it with my new EPOS pc38x and reserve the HD600s for the Zen DAC but not keen on headset switching. See pluses and compromises noted below:
  • Power supplied by USB-a to USB-b 3.0 for PC source. Ordered longer replacement cable.
  • If desired, will need USB-c to USB-b 3.0 for galaxy android source.
  • For the pc38x 3.5mm TRS plug, comes with 6.3mm (unbalanced) adapter. Will need adapter for 4.4mm (balanced) out.
  • Lights behind dial indicate input depth/sample rate including MQA, MQA Studio, Original MQB.
  • MQA decoder, not just renderer.
  • Dolby Atmos / Spatial Audio compatible (24 bit/48 kHz).
  • RCA output for small desktop external Bose speakers.
  • Non-DSP TrueBass nice feature for open back headphones.
  • Hard to beat at sub $200 price.

(Edited)
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