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Playzone3d
0
Jun 5, 2019
I will soon be purchasing these headphones, I was wondering what type of amp / DAC I should get. I'll be using the headphones more for gaming and also listen to music like EDM,Lo-Fi, rap hip,hop. So I'm trying to get more low-end from these headphones. Also I don't know the difference from an amp and a DAC if someone could explain it I would be thankful.
(Edited)
psuKinger
110
Jun 14, 2019
Playzone3d"DAC" stands for "digital-to-analog-converter." It's the device that receives a digital file (FLAC, ALAC, MP3, AAC, OGG, etc) and converts the 1's and 0's to an analog waveform that can be used to make a transducer (speakers or headphones) move in and out and produce sound.... Amp is short for "amplifier". It amplifies the analog waveform created by the DAC and provides the power to drive your speakers or headphones. These are 300-ohm headphones, so these aren't easy to drive... they'll need stronger amplification than a lot of other headphones. In my experience, as you increase amplification power, you'll get better and better results with these headphones, particularly in terms of bass. My Fiio Q1 is only rated to 190 mw into 32 ohms (or 75 mW into 150 ohms). They don't even show a rating at 300 ohms. When I try these headphones with the Q1, they can get pretty loud, but the sound is "thin" and the low end just isn't there. But my desktop amp (Schiit Jotunheim) is rated to 5000 mW (per channel) at 32 ohms, and 900 mW (per channel) at 300 ohms, when using a balanced XLR cable I bought from Periapt.... and with that amount of amplification, these headphones sound much fuller and are much more impressive. The base response on these still isn't as big or articulate as my Fostex TR-X00's or my Audeze LCD-2C's, but it's a lot better when being driven at 900 mW then it is off any of my less-capable amps... Hope this helps.
(Edited)
sephula
99
Aug 14, 2019
Playzone3dDAC stands for Digital to Analog Converter. It's what turns your bits and bytes into audible noises. The amp just makes things louder by adding power. More power helps headphones be able to convert the electric waves into soundwaves more efficiently. This can help the magnetic drivers make the bass sound more thumpy and pleasurable. It can bring out the highs and make them sparkle, instead of hiss. So, it can be helpful even if your current setup is already "loud enough". That said, every time you add another part into the equation opportunities arise for the introduction of noise, distortion, etc. So, a bad DAC or amp could have a negative impact. That's why I recommend you spend the money on a good one, with rave reviews. Even if you have to be placed on a waiting list for 6 months. You'll be a lot happier in the end, and if you take care of it, it could provide you a lifetime of enjoyment. You'll certainly appreciate it a lot more, in the long run.
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