Hey guys, I'm looking for a usb DAC/amp that is an upgrade to the E10 that I can listen to music on my computer. Ive been reading through a lot of threads but not really sure what to get. I'd also like something with a decent bass boost. Preferrably under $200, less is better. Thanks.
Upgrade to Fiio E10
NA Blur
Headphoneus Supremus
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If it were me and I was looking to really get a serious change in my music listening experience I would first consider changing my headphones.
What headphones do you listen to? If I have read your profile correctly do you listen to the Panasonic HTF-600? If so you should really upgrade your headphones first.
Within the $200 range you are looking at some really decent cans.
In order of what I think sounds the best:
1.) Audio Technica ATH-M50
Sound better than just about everything else at the $150 and under range. They are built extremely well and are portable because they fold up nicely. They are a bit neutral sounding for some people, but can go really deeply into the bass region if the track you are listening to has it.
http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/AudioTechnicaATHM50B2012.pdf
2.) V-Moda M80
These run $199 and for $50 more you can place your custom logo on the ear pieces which is pretty sweet. They sound really good, but have a tad bass boost which for me is too much for long listening sessions. They are built really well, rest on-ear instead of over ear like the M50's above. They come with the best case I have ever seen in a portable headphone.
http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/VModaM80.pdf
3.) Sony MDR-ZX700
I have not heard these personally, but Tyll does a great comparison between the M50 above and the MDR-ZX700.
http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/audio-technica-ath-m50
Charts:
http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/SonyMDRZX700.pdf
I would start there first. Then if you still want more you can always upgrade your gear later, but your headphones are your current limit.
For a big jump in quality and enjoyment you may want to go with the Denon AH-D2000 and the Total Bithead from Headphone.com. The D2000 is an amazing headphone, but not the most portable. I think the V-Moda M80 is going to your best bet. They are little more bass heavy than the other headphones I have listed and are very portable. If you do end up going with the M80 be and you have some comfort issues you can do two things.
1.) Place them over a full-sized tissue box for one week. This will stretch out the headband if you find the pinch a tad too much.
2.) If they do not rest on your ears well you can gently bend the temple pieces that connect to each ear cup. Bending them slightly along the contours of your head may help with any discomfort. Tyll did this on the pair I tested and it made them very comfortable.
What headphones do you listen to? If I have read your profile correctly do you listen to the Panasonic HTF-600? If so you should really upgrade your headphones first.
Within the $200 range you are looking at some really decent cans.
In order of what I think sounds the best:
1.) Audio Technica ATH-M50
Sound better than just about everything else at the $150 and under range. They are built extremely well and are portable because they fold up nicely. They are a bit neutral sounding for some people, but can go really deeply into the bass region if the track you are listening to has it.
http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/AudioTechnicaATHM50B2012.pdf
2.) V-Moda M80
These run $199 and for $50 more you can place your custom logo on the ear pieces which is pretty sweet. They sound really good, but have a tad bass boost which for me is too much for long listening sessions. They are built really well, rest on-ear instead of over ear like the M50's above. They come with the best case I have ever seen in a portable headphone.
http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/VModaM80.pdf
3.) Sony MDR-ZX700
I have not heard these personally, but Tyll does a great comparison between the M50 above and the MDR-ZX700.
http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/audio-technica-ath-m50
Charts:
http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/SonyMDRZX700.pdf
I would start there first. Then if you still want more you can always upgrade your gear later, but your headphones are your current limit.
For a big jump in quality and enjoyment you may want to go with the Denon AH-D2000 and the Total Bithead from Headphone.com. The D2000 is an amazing headphone, but not the most portable. I think the V-Moda M80 is going to your best bet. They are little more bass heavy than the other headphones I have listed and are very portable. If you do end up going with the M80 be and you have some comfort issues you can do two things.
1.) Place them over a full-sized tissue box for one week. This will stretch out the headband if you find the pinch a tad too much.
2.) If they do not rest on your ears well you can gently bend the temple pieces that connect to each ear cup. Bending them slightly along the contours of your head may help with any discomfort. Tyll did this on the pair I tested and it made them very comfortable.
I'm gonna upgrade to Denon D5000, would also like to use TF10 and JH-16 with it.
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