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Recommendations for my first setup

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I'm going to put together my first setup in the next couple weeks. I'm looking for suggestions on all components since I really don't know anything. I'd like to buy a DAC/Amp combo, but I'm open to separate units as well. I'll need it to run headphones, yet to be purchased, as well as small desktop monitors since my PC will be my primary source. Suggestions for all components will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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DampBiscuit
3
Jan 21, 2022
If you want 2 units, Topping stacks are great and you can't go wrong with the classic Schiit Stack (Magni/modi). But a single unit I've seen rave reviews on the iFi Zen DAC V2. I don't know monitors too well and I only have experience with DT1990s and Tin T2s. I'd say get the Zen for simplicity, Magni/Modi for power or upgrade path. Hope this helps!
MaverickAH
747
Jan 31, 2020
A lot will depend on you actual PC setup. If you have a high end PC with a suitably high end audio card, the need for an outboard DAC might be unnecessary. Space requirements might also have to be considered. Also, are you desktop monitors powered? If not, there are other considerations to be made. Getting separates leads to more flexibility & there's no need to spend a lot of money if it's your first setup. I'm currently using a Massdrop x Grace Design Standard DAC with some powered monitors to great success but my monitor already have a headphone output so no need for me to have a separate headphone amp. If I did need one, something like the Massdrop Objective 2 would be suitable. In actuality, you really should base your selection of an headphone amp around your headphone choice.
JAZONG
76
Jan 31, 2020
MaverickAHThanks for the reply. My computer is built for work. No upgraded entertainment peripherals. I've already purchased: The DROP + THX AAA™ 789 LINEAR AMPLIFIER and.. The drop Sennheiser HD6XX and.. The ol-DAC from JDS Labs. https://jdslabs.com/product/ol-dac/ All based on good advice from @rastus Monitors have not yet been purchased. I need something that is small enough for my Versa desk (shown below in both positions) Here is what I'm currently considering. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B075QVMBT9/?coliid=I3I3T9UBBRSB3L&colid=18M62RNUM4I8A&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it If you have other suggestions, I'd love to hear them. Size is more of a concern than price. The speakers in the picture are trash. The right one is physically broken, the bass ratters, and they sound pretty lousy overall. Until a couple days ago they were just sitting in a corner of my office, but it became really hard to hear the CPU speaker, and the cord on my IEMs isn't long enough to reach the jack on the from of my CPU on the floor
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Alex_Spaz
2
Jan 27, 2020
Check out the MOTU m2. Should cover all your needs.
pslayer1
274
Jan 26, 2020
For $1000 I'd look at the Focal Elex and the SMSL M500. Tax for these items will push you over the $1k threshold, though. Another good setup can also be the 6XX ($200), SMSL SP200 amp ($300) and you can still get the SMSL M500 ($400) as a super clean setup that will run any headphone.
JAZONG
76
Jan 27, 2020
pslayer1Thank you. Would I need, or want both the SP200 and the M500? I'm trying to leave a little room for some decent desktop size speakers/studio monitors.
pslayer1
274
Jan 27, 2020
JAZONGIt isn't needed at all to get good sound. The SP200 would just be more powerful in case the headroom is wanted/needed. Enjoy the ride
rastus
1391
Jan 25, 2020
Budget, music preferences?
JAZONG
76
Mar 4, 2020
Sold for $213.50. Pretty great discount off new price. I'm trying to exercise a little self discipline right now, but had I been ready, I might have bid. Guy only had 3 transactions on eBay though... Made me worry that the unit might have had a small quirk. Who knows. I'll have to keep my eye out.
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