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Would a DAC/amp be worth it if I already have FireWire sound card?

post #1 of 4
Thread Starter 
Hello all,

Long time viewer that eventually lead me to my first set of customs (1964-q). I've thoroughly enjoyed them for nearly 7 months now.

I think I'm ready to take it to the next level with an entry level product from Fiio or equivalent in price point. But as I read more, I'm beginning to think that I might not have much to gain with such a product.

When listening out of my iPhone, it means I'm normally doing something that wouldn't allow me to immerse myself into the music where I'd notice a difference in how things sound. At that point it's just background music to me while I go about what I'm doing.

When i use them to DJ, same thing, I'm more concentrated on DJing to notice the sound signature.

It's when I zone out in from of my laptop where I pay attention to the details.

With that said, I already have an m-audio 1814 FireWire sound card for hooking up my production/DJ needs. It does have it's own separate outputs for two headphones. I understand that this equipment was NOT built with the head-fi'er in mind, but would I be splitting hairs trying to get a separate USB rig just for my IEMs (and future headphones... I've got my eyes on the upcoming over ear m80 equivalent).

And what product(s) would you recommend in the sub 250 range?

Thanks for your time.
post #2 of 4

If the unit has a good DAC and a respectable amp you're probably ok.

 

But the Fiio E10 looks like a nice unit to dedicate to the computer rig....thats what I'm picking up after the holidays.

 

It will allow me to remove the sound card from my computer and clean up my computer desk and of course I gain 24/192 processing and it's always nice to be state of the art and up to date in the DAC department.

post #3 of 4

As a balanced armature IEM with a crossover, it's of the utmost importance you plug them into something with a low output impedance. That's more important for BA IEMs than any other kind of headphone. The m-audio 1814 appears to have a  75 ohm output impedance on the headphone jacks. That's very high, and should make your IEMs sound considerably different compared to your iPhone.

 

Get something with low output impedance, like a Fiio E7 or E10.

post #4 of 4
Thread Starter 

Thanks Head Injury

 

It does sound different compared to my iphone.

 

I've been eye'ing the e10 for a while now.... I know there's tons of options now a days... but is there anything else you would recommend near its price point?

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