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Do I need a DAC/AMP? I have a receiver

post #1 of 2
12/22/11 at 12:55am
Thread Starter 

Hello everyone! I recently (obsessively) started reading head-fi, initially to look at custom IEMs but now have much more interest in a home headphone setup. I recently purchased an AKG K701 from a fellow head-fi-er and am awaiting its arrival. I really like analytical sound and I listen to a lot of classical music, solo piano, lounge music, punk rock and classic rock.

 

I heard a lot of good things about the K701s for the classical, lounge and piano stuff and will probably look at other headphones for the others. ( headphones suggestions for the rocks stuff? I also listen to trance and dubstep)( I have the etymotic hf3 and I love them for the classical/instrumental stuff, but recognize the need for other things for different kinds of music)

 

However, the main reason for posting is to ask about the setup of headphones. I will be using my computer --->????---> headphones.

I have a Harman Kardon AVR146 receiver which I will be using while I shop around for DAC and amps. It is currently connected to my computer's onboard through optical.

 

My first question would be, should I get a DAC or an amp first, or is it not worth it? Will either or both give a night/day difference? I've been roaming the forums a lot lately and it seems like a DAC would give the most improvement to the overall sq, is this true?. Is it worthwhile to get a combo like the Hi-fi man EF2? should I get a dedicated amp and a DAC like the fiio e7+e9?

 

I am also really interested (perhaps foolishly) in tube amps (because they look awesome!). Are tube amps worth it? Is it true that i can get much better quality amps like the ss or the hybrid amps for less? My budget is around $250 each and can go up and down if needed (just got a job :D)

 

TLDR:

1) Just bought AKG K701s for classical, lounge and piano. What should I get for rock, trance, dubstep?

 

2) Have hk AVR 146 receiver for new headphones, will a DAC or an amp or both give significant sq improvement? if so, which should I buy first, DAC or AMP? budget is $250 each

 

 

On an unrelated note, I have to say; head-fi is some of the best forum community I have ever experienced. Thank you all for making this forum such a joy to be a part of.

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post #2 of 2
12/22/11 at 1:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mannaburn View Post

Hello everyone! I recently (obsessively) started reading head-fi, initially to look at custom IEMs but now have much more interest in a home headphone setup. I recently purchased an AKG K701 from a fellow head-fi-er and am awaiting its arrival. I really like analytical sound and I listen to a lot of classical music, solo piano, lounge music, punk rock and classic rock.

 

I heard a lot of good things about the K701s for the classical, lounge and piano stuff and will probably look at other headphones for the others. ( headphones suggestions for the rocks stuff? I also listen to trance and dubstep)( I have the etymotic hf3 and I love them for the classical/instrumental stuff, but recognize the need for other things for different kinds of music)

 

However, the main reason for posting is to ask about the setup of headphones. I will be using my computer --->????---> headphones.

I have a Harman Kardon AVR146 receiver which I will be using while I shop around for DAC and amps. It is currently connected to my computer's onboard through optical.

 

My first question would be, should I get a DAC or an amp first, or is it not worth it? Will either or both give a night/day difference? I've been roaming the forums a lot lately and it seems like a DAC would give the most improvement to the overall sq, is this true?. Is it worthwhile to get a combo like the Hi-fi man EF2? should I get a dedicated amp and a DAC like the fiio e7+e9?

 

I am also really interested (perhaps foolishly) in tube amps (because they look awesome!). Are tube amps worth it? Is it true that i can get much better quality amps like the ss or the hybrid amps for less? My budget is around $250 each and can go up and down if needed (just got a job :D)

 

TLDR:

1) Just bought AKG K701s for classical, lounge and piano. What should I get for rock, trance, dubstep?

 

2) Have hk AVR 146 receiver for new headphones, will a DAC or an amp or both give significant sq improvement? if so, which should I buy first, DAC or AMP? budget is $250 each

 

 

On an unrelated note, I have to say; head-fi is some of the best forum community I have ever experienced. Thank you all for making this forum such a joy to be a part of.


Wish I had a better answer but I've never been able to listen to a really good headphone amp/dac combo. I have computer as source with flac music going through digital optical to my receiver. My receiver however, makes the music sound amazing. it could depend on your receiver too. I have an Onkyo and a Denon and the Denon sounds wayyy better. Like noticeably. Apparently Denon receivers have really good onboard DACs to begin with. I'm not sure about the HK AVRs though. I'd say the best way to know is to get a hold of someone or see if you can demo a setup. It would suck to drop 500 and have it sound the same or very similar. 

 

But I also know that with the AKG K701s, i've been told you need a good amp to drive those so you might need an amp. The DAC i'm not so sure about. 

 

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