Hello all. I am currently looking to buy a DAC and/or amp to improve my setup. First things first, I am currently using a pair of Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 250, a Fiio e11, playing through my PC's onboard audio using iTunes, mainly ALAC files. 
 
So as previously mentioned, I already have an amp, but I would like to throw a DAC into the mix. I'm just wondering if I should buy a dedicated DAC or go ahead and purchase a new DAC/Amp combo (I would like something that can be used while plugged in, unlike the e11, so I'm leaning more towards a new desktop DAC/Amp combo). I'm not looking to spend too much money as my headphones are not incredibly high end. Some options I have been looking at are the Schiit Magni (Modi a little later on), HiFiMan EF2A tube DAC/Amp, or one of the Topping TP30 DAC/Amps. Portability is not important as this will be solely for my desktop. I'm really just curious what will give me the most bang for my buck. I am also not limiting myself to these listed, so any other suggestions will be welcome and appreciated!

Hi,
 
You could also consider Fiio E07K (Same DAC as Fiio E17) + Fiio E09K (Desktop Amp).
 
Best Luck!

Creative Labs Sound Blaster Z sound card, $85
Built in CS4398 DAC chip and a headphone amplifier.

Objective combo or the M-stage with built in dac. 

me x3 said:

  Hi,
 
You could also consider Fiio E07K (Same DAC as Fiio E17) + Fiio E09K (Desktop Amp).
 
Best Luck!

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This is also interesting. If I were to just get the E07K for now (since it's both DAC and amp), would that be enough to drive the Beyers on its own? My E11 drives them quite well, so I'm just curious how the two compare.

axiomatic said:

  This is also interesting. If I were to just get the E07K for now (since it's both DAC and amp), would that be enough to drive the Beyers on its own? My E11 drives them quite well, so I'm just curious how the two compare.

Click to expand...

 
I would assume the E07k can drive the Beyer 250-Ohm headphones, but it amplifier is not as powerful as the E11's.

E07k is listed as 220mW@32, E11 180mW@32

O2 amp with integrated ODAC from JDS Labs for $279
 
Alex

axiomatic said:

This is also interesting. If I were to just get the E07K for now (since it's both DAC and amp), would that be enough to drive the Beyers on its own? My E11 drives them quite well, so I'm just curious how the two compare.

Click to expand...

This setup makes no sense to me for you since you already have the E11 as a good portable amp, and because the Magni is arguably a better amp than the E09K.

I suggest getting a sound card, as Purple Angel suggested. Or get the Schiit Modi and then add a desktop headphone amp later.

Or, for a little more money, if you are into gaming, get the Schiit Modi with optical input and a Xonar DG or DGX. Then you can use the Dolby Headphone feature on the Xonar, which is a big plus for a more immersive gaming experience.