Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
Best entry level audiophile DAC/AMP to pair with entry level closed back headphones (ATH-m50x)
search
close
Sort by: Newest
keyboard_arrow_downElectronicVices
2937
Apr 24, 2018
Here's are options in that price range, I would mix/match some of the following components:
DAC's: Audioquest Dragonfly Black, Schiit Modi, Topping D30
Amps: Massdrop O2, Schiit Magni 3
Any combo of the above would get you in the $200ish range. You could also snag a dragonfly red but that would eat up your entire budget. If you will be moving the amp/dac around it is certainly the most compact option. I use an Audioquest Dragonfly 1.2 and an O2 at the office. Will run everything but my most hard to drive cans. No hiss or noise with sensitive IEM's.
DAC's: Audioquest Dragonfly Black, Schiit Modi, Topping D30
Amps: Massdrop O2, Schiit Magni 3
Any combo of the above would get you in the $200ish range. You could also snag a dragonfly red but that would eat up your entire budget. If you will be moving the amp/dac around it is certainly the most compact option. I use an Audioquest Dragonfly 1.2 and an O2 at the office. Will run everything but my most hard to drive cans. No hiss or noise with sensitive IEM's.
leagueoflezhe
1
Apr 20, 2018
I've got mine thru a Fiio E17K (Alpen 2). Sound great to me, even use them with FL Studio as a pretty solid reference during mixing.
Thing is these headphones sound great even without an amp/dac. Running them straight off any phone I've tried, they sound better than anything I've personally heard in the same price range.
Thing is these headphones sound great even without an amp/dac. Running them straight off any phone I've tried, they sound better than anything I've personally heard in the same price range.
w00m
180
Apr 24, 2018
leagueoflezheDoes the E17K have base to the E9k Dock? My favorite park of my (old) E17 was the portability and easy hookup of my home speakers.
jesse04030
163
Apr 20, 2018
With the M50x you should stay away from cheap DAC/amps like the Schiit Fulla 2 or Fiio E10k. Those are mainly meant to power higher impedance headphones (like HD6XX etc.). They wont improve the sound of your device in any significant way, they mostly make it louder.
A good starting point would be the Schiit Modi 2 (Uber) + Schiit Magni 3, but again not sure if it will make a great difference with the M50x.
If you would get something like the DT990/880/770, HD6XX or HE4XX than this would be a great choice.
Johnny.Eli.P
3
Apr 20, 2018
jesse04030 Well, right now I am just running off motherboard audio on the PC and it's underwhelming. Even my LG-V30 with quad DAC runs them far better then my motherboard audio can. Thanks so much for your suggestions on the Schiit stuff. Seems like great stuff. I'll do more research and if I like what I see I'll probably buy them. Again, THANK YOU! :D
PRODUCTS YOU MAY LIKE
Trending Posts in Audiophile
Simthaniel
Rigs
Modded headphones with qudelix at the core
When I received the Qudelix 5K, I had already modified a pair of Superlux HD-681 headphones. I previously soldered my own balanced connections to the drivers, providing multiple ways to connect and...
Apr 14, 2024
brothamike
A decent set of IEMs
I am in the midst of a 300 hour burn-in but, I will say I am enjoying how this set sounds so far. Before I received these which was btw late by a few weeks, I purchased a Sony/Kimber Kable MMCX...
Apr 12, 2024
merrick97
Should I exchange the PC38X for better headphones?
I bought the PC38X headphones FOR GAMING and they are great, but I have NO use for a Microphone since I don't do competitive gaming and I was wondering if there were better headphone options at a similar price without a headphone, where (presumably) more of the cost was put into making it sound better. I also find that my PC38X don't get quite as loud as I would like and I was wondering if a cheap amp like the iFi Go link would draw a little more volume out of my phones. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN6MM822?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details I went with the PC38X since it was considered the best bang for buck headphones. I care most about using spatial apps like DOlby Atmos and DTS Headphone:X. Suggestions are welcome.
Apr 11, 2024
LostnAmerica
Sound Signature of the Grell Project.
Wondering what type of sound signature the Drop Grell project headphones will have or trying to attain. Any update would be appreciated.
Apr 8, 2024
Fabulous
Looking for a gaming/content audio setup
Hello! I'm looking for recommendations on audio setups. I'd be planning on using it mostly for gaming. Preferably I'd like a pair of large closed back headphones since I have a big head and jaw. I'd also like to hear myself through my mic with mic monitoring. As far as budget goes, I don't really have one. But under 600$ would be nice. I can go higher if needed. The audio setup would be connected to a high performance PC. Thank you in advance for any recommendations!
Apr 4, 2024
1plsd
$10 Drop Coupon Email not sent?
Trying to buy some gear off Drop for the first time. I was told I would receive an email with a welcome to drop $10 off promo. I never received that email. Drop was able to send me emails for my login token and email for Password update. But for some reason the $10 off coupon was never sent to me.
Mar 31, 2024
NMPacella
New here
Hello, I just joined, primarily for the audiophile products. Looking at purchasing the NHT C3 speakers for our new living room. Space is about 15 feet wide by 33 long and they will fire long ways. Space is just for general listening, music room with all equipment is downstairs, so hoping they will fill it with sound nicely. Cheers.
Mar 18, 2024
Drop Refurbished
Like-new products you can trustDrop Rewards
Get $5 for every 500 points you earn! Learn more
Drop Keyboard Club
Become a member and expand your keycap collectionCollaborate With Us
For Brands & DesignersFollow Drop
I just bought some audio technica ATH-m50x's. What would be the best entry level DAC and AMP to pair with these headphones? I have never had an external DAC or AMP just to drive headphones and have no idea what to look for. I do know a little something about the ones that include "tubes" because I played guitar for years and had tube amps. I know they need to be changed and messed with sometimes and I don't want that. I'm NOT looking for the cheapest thing I can get. I'm just looking for a "bang for your buck" entry level sweet spot. I don't mind spending around $200 give or take. Any suggestions or information from the audiophile community here would be greatly appreciated
P.S. I would also like to add a decent pair of open backed headphones in the feature and I would like the DAC/AMP to run those as well.
THANKS! :)