Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
What would be a decent amp upgrade of Schiit Magni 3 under $300?
I've been wanting to try a different amp other than my current and first amp Schiit Magni 3, pair with Modi 2 DAC. Just wondering which amp is a decent upgrade from Magni 3; do you suggest tube amp? A suggestion of a DAC is also appreciated. I am using HD6XX as my can.
search
close
Sort by: Newest
keyboard_arrow_downVolly
328
Nov 17, 2018
Sounds like you're ready to step further in to the rabbit hole (RIP Wallet)!
MD Liquid Carbon X with the built-in SDAC for $379 would get your further a long. the MCTH+SDAC is $319 which is another alternative. That's if you're living in the US, if you're like me and live in other parts of the world, then yeah, it sucks! :D
If you're happy with Schiit house sound, saving up the $399 could get you a Jotunheim which I can vouch as a great pairing with the HD6xx! If you're in the US then check out Schiit's B-Stock sales on their website, could pick up a good deal there.
Have a look over at JDS Labs too, they have B-stock sale as well. Something like the Element would be a great pairing with HD6xx.
If you really want a tube amp, the Darkvoice can be had on MD for $199 when it drops! Again, a great pairing with the Sennies!
Once you're out of the shallow waters, it rough and murky from here on!
Good luck mate!
dcha12
461
Nov 12, 2018
The thing is the Magni 3 is good enough to be as good or better than most solid state amps multiple times its price, so if you are looking for straight upgrades from the Magni it's going to take a larger budget in my opinion.
If you wanted to try something in that specific budget, I would try something else, like tubes. The Massdrop Alex Cavalli Tube Hybrid is a pretty good choice, and currently is available for $320 as a DAC/AMP combo (I personally have the DAC portion separately as the SDAC and love it). The Schiit Valhalla 2 is a great choice of a OTL tube amp and is just a little more expensive than the CTH (just don't expect tons of warm, gooey tube-y sound with the stock tubes. Schiit amps don't sound like that and the Valhalla 2, while it still has some of the tube magic, sounds very clean).
In terms of DACs, honestly the Modi 2 will serve you pretty well if you like the way it sounds. I personally find that DACs make the least impact in the chain. I'd say save for a future upgrade to a much better DAC.
KaneDWilliams
46
Jun 23, 2019
XyriumJDS say the Atom is their finest headphone amp to date and that includes the more expensive El Amp. The El amp costs more to build hence the higher price but they say the Atom is their best amp.
DenonFanboy
825
Aug 18, 2018
Decent upgrade would be THX AAA or LCX if u could stretch your budget another 50$ or so
thefitz
375
Aug 17, 2018
A few things here - there are "tube amps" that have tubes in the preamp section and still have solid-state power amps (i.e. Schiit Lyr), and there are actual tube amps that have tubes throughout (i.e. Schiit Valhalla). Amps with tube preamp give a slightly warmer presentation and often give you the ability to tube roll, so IMO it's more of a lateral move than an upgrade. If you're going for a full-tube (OTL) amp, you'll find that only high-impedance cans work well. If the HD6XX is your only can, you might enjoy an OTL. If you plan on expanding to the realm of planars, an OTL amp is useless.
mikeonline
108
Nov 7, 2018
thefitzAdding to this (sorry it's a bit late but...), garage1217 amps are a very good option for you:
- Most all of the amps are in the sub $300 range, and the type of tubes they use make tube rolling cheap.
- Many of there amps are perfectly usable with all kinds of headphones, and they even specify what types of headphones are preferable pairings with each amp.
- There is also a wealth of tube rolling info on headfi; I'm sure other places too.
- Like Schiit, they have a great warranty (5 years!)
ElectronicVices
2937
Aug 17, 2018
If you can find a Gustard H10 they sold in that neighborhood. I love my Cayin iHA-6 but that's a bit beyond your stated price bracket.
Topping offers DAC's sub $300, you can also find Teac UD-301's in the market for a decent price. The schiit and audioquest offerings are also good values.
Topping offers DAC's sub $300, you can also find Teac UD-301's in the market for a decent price. The schiit and audioquest offerings are also good values.
WildChinoise
241
Nov 16, 2018
ElectronicVicesAgree with the Gustard H10, I got mine used on Ebay for a really good price. They are out of production, but you might find a used one.
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