RothkoRed
Head-Fier
- Joined
- Apr 8, 2015
- Posts
- 65
- Likes
- 12
Hi,
I recently purchased DT880 600ohm headphones so I'm looking at buying an amp and possibly also a DAC to connect between my iMac and my headphones. I have a late 2013 iMac with fusion drive so USB audio devices can cause the machine to freeze up after a few minutes. Yosemite is meant to resolve this issue but certain software compatibility reasons are forcing me to stick with Mavericks. I would therefore have to setup either a wireless or an optical system (iMac has optical out). I currently have an airport express and Audioengine W1 wireless dac to make use of, although I would prefer the airport due to reason mentioned.
My budget is very limited at the moment so I would like to ask what I should buy to get the most out of my headphones for the least amount of money. I don't want to spend an extra $400 for 10% improved sound quality, I just want the best value amp / dac recommendation to make the sing. But I also don't want to buy something that doesn't bring out the best in the headphone. My budget is currently only $200, maybe $250 if I push it a bit. Is there anything I can get for that price or would you recommend I save up a bit more instead of wasting my money? I'm also based in South Africa so purchasing a used amp/dac is unfortunately not an option.
Some additional thoughts:
- Should I skip getting a DAC right now and use the built in DAC of the airport express?
- I listen to most genres except for hip-hop, rave, dance, etc.
- I would love to have a warmer sound, would a tube amp be a good choice?
Thanks!
I recently purchased DT880 600ohm headphones so I'm looking at buying an amp and possibly also a DAC to connect between my iMac and my headphones. I have a late 2013 iMac with fusion drive so USB audio devices can cause the machine to freeze up after a few minutes. Yosemite is meant to resolve this issue but certain software compatibility reasons are forcing me to stick with Mavericks. I would therefore have to setup either a wireless or an optical system (iMac has optical out). I currently have an airport express and Audioengine W1 wireless dac to make use of, although I would prefer the airport due to reason mentioned.
My budget is very limited at the moment so I would like to ask what I should buy to get the most out of my headphones for the least amount of money. I don't want to spend an extra $400 for 10% improved sound quality, I just want the best value amp / dac recommendation to make the sing. But I also don't want to buy something that doesn't bring out the best in the headphone. My budget is currently only $200, maybe $250 if I push it a bit. Is there anything I can get for that price or would you recommend I save up a bit more instead of wasting my money? I'm also based in South Africa so purchasing a used amp/dac is unfortunately not an option.
Some additional thoughts:
- Should I skip getting a DAC right now and use the built in DAC of the airport express?
- I listen to most genres except for hip-hop, rave, dance, etc.
- I would love to have a warmer sound, would a tube amp be a good choice?
Thanks!