[Eithay]

Hi guys, I am new here so please excuse me if it has been discussed before.
 
I am looking for an amp (and maybe a DAC) for under 150$ to power my Dt880 (250 omhs)
 
I don't really care if it's used or not, but I would assume that something used for 150$ is way better than something new for the same price.
 
I've been looking into an O2, a LD MKII, an used E17 or a used Ibasso D7.
 
I don't want something too big, but if it's worth it, it's fine.
 
Thanks in advance.

 

[MattTCG]

I would go with the e17...no question for your price range. The e17 does not disappoint.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

Hi guys, I am new here so please excuse me if it has been discussed before.
I am looking for an amp (and maybe a DAC) for under 150$ to power my Dt880 (250-Phms)
I don't really care if it's used or not, but I would assume that something used for 150$ is way better than something new for the same price.
I've been looking into an O2, a LD MKII, an used E17 or a used Ibasso D7.
I don't want something too big, but if it's worth it, it's fine.

What source(s) are you using? MAC, PC, iPod, etc.
Is the setup for music? movies?, gaming?

 

[Eithay]

Thanks Matt for your input.
 
It will be used from a PC most of the time, and maybe from mp3 player (Galaxy Nexus, Ipod classic). I want something that is versatile, but I'd say it's pretty much 70% music, 20% movies, 10% gaming.

 

[MattTCG]

The e17 punches above it's weight class. Very versatile and the hardware eq is not a gimmick. You could also connect it to your ipod and have a serious mobile setup.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

Thanks Matt for your input.
 
It will be used from a PC most of the time, and maybe from mp3 player (Galaxy Nexus, Ipod classic). I want something that is versatile, but I'd say it's pretty much 70% music, 20% movies, 10% gaming.

Asus Xonar DX or D1 sound card (sells used for $55)
Fiio E11 ($65) portable sound card, and Fiio L cable ($8) for iPod.
For $13 (off eBay) you can get a battery charger and two spare batteries (for the Fiio E11).

 

[Eithay]

Is the Xonar or D1 + e11 is better than the E17 alone? I'd prefer to have everything in one if it's the same quality.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

Is the Xonar or D1 + e11 is better than the E17 alone? I'd prefer to have everything in one if it's the same quality.

The Xonar DX/D1 come with Dolby Digital (Dolby Virtual headphone 7.1) which is great for movies and some games.
The E17 is 2-channel only (stereo).
DAC wise, I would guess the DX/D1 is better, or more towards equal?
When using the E17 with a portable, chances are you will not be able to use the E17 DACs, just amp.
The E11 and E17 are about equal amplifier wise.

 

[Eithay]

Thanks for the input. However, it's a PCI card.. I forgot to mention that I had a laptop, not a desktop. Sorry about that.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

Thanks for the input. However, it's a PCI card.. I forgot to mention that I had a laptop, not a desktop. Sorry about that.

Ok, how about the DAC Destroyer (USB DAC), sells for $50 on eBay.
You can plug the E11 in to it.

 

[Eithay]

Seems pretty good! Thanks a lot.
 
Also, would I gain a lot by raising my budget to 200 or the gain would be minimal?

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

Seems pretty good! Thanks a lot.
Also, would I gain a lot by raising my budget to 200 or the gain would be minimal?

I believe the O2 (Objective 2) portable headphone amplifier ($155) is as good as it gets for a battery powered headphone amplifier.

 

[Zombie_X]

I think I'll toss the FiiO E9 out there as well as the PHENIX G3. Both are exceptional and con power the DT880 nicely.

 

[Eithay]

Ok. Thanks guys!

 

[Johnsgroto91]

Hi eithay am in the same boat as you were, have you bought the fiio? How has your set up worked? Beyers are on the way mid July some time and looking at getting maybe the e-17/11 as they seem to be a pretty good all rounder and very cheap! Would it keep me going till I can save for a better amp?