[RikudouGoku]

Hi I am going to buy the Thieaudio Phantom that is a planar driver, I have the Fiio M11 but heard that a better amp will improve the sound. Can anyone help me with some recommendations? I want to use the Dac in my M11 but a separate more powerful amp that does not change the sound, only give the headphone more power.

I seen this one with my setup: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audio-V3-H...id=1570744896&sprefix=bravo+au,aps,178&sr=8-3

but I dislike that it doesnt have any protection on it so it looks "dangerous".

Is this better?:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nobsound-N...JZHY2&qid=1570744896&sprefix=bravo+au,aps,178

Fiio E10K?

TIA

 

[kukkurovaca]

Hi I am going to buy the Thieaudio Phantom that is a planar driver, I have the Fiio M11 but heard that a better amp will improve the sound. Can anyone help me with some recommendations? I want to use the Dac in my M11 but a separate more powerful amp that does not change the sound, only give the headphone more power.

I seen this one with my setup: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audio-V3-Headphone-Amplifier-Equalizer/dp/B00A2QKUES/ref=sr_1_3?crid=7KZIZH3PD2NR&keywords=bravo+audio+v3&qid=1570744896&sprefix=bravo+au,aps,178&sr=8-3

but I dislike that it doesnt have any protection on it so it looks "dangerous".

Is this better?:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nobsound-NS-08E-Integrated-Amplifier-Headphone/dp/B01LY19JX4/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp?crid=7KZIZH3PD2NR&keywords=bravo+audio+v3&pd_rd_i=B01LY19JX4&pd_rd_r=91e09c07-9984-45f5-9c0f-4d82aea930b0&pd_rd_w=CTcAo&pd_rd_wg=FYk8B&pf_rd_p=7dc56c0d-8a5f-4d97-9143-7233b106859a&pf_rd_r=G2X56HKBHZ3T7N6JZHY2&qid=1570744896&sprefix=bravo+au,aps,178

Fiio E10K?

TIA

Some tube amps don't play well with planars. I don't know those particular ones offhand, though. E10K is a DAC so not what you're looking for.

Would something like a Schiit Magni 3 or Monoprice Liquid Spark be in budget? (Or a Fiio A5 if portable is better.) Those are all well-regarded and will have plenty of power. You might also consider getting a balanced cable as an alternative. That will let you get quite a bit higher output from your M11.

 

[Jumbotron]

The M11 should output at least 195mW for a load of 32 Ohms connected to the 3.5 mm port, according to specs. https://www.fiio.com/m11_parameters

That should be OK to drive properly enough the Phantom (~47 Ohms / ~93 dB). If I were you I would just try them with just the M11. If you do not like what you listen to, you can always spend more money on a dedicated amp. But that is your decision to make.

 

[buke9]

Hi I am going to buy the Thieaudio Phantom that is a planar driver, I have the Fiio M11 but heard that a better amp will improve the sound. Can anyone help me with some recommendations? I want to use the Dac in my M11 but a separate more powerful amp that does not change the sound, only give the headphone more power.

I seen this one with my setup: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audio-V3-Headphone-Amplifier-Equalizer/dp/B00A2QKUES/ref=sr_1_3?crid=7KZIZH3PD2NR&keywords=bravo+audio+v3&qid=1570744896&sprefix=bravo+au,aps,178&sr=8-3

but I dislike that it doesnt have any protection on it so it looks "dangerous".

Is this better?:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nobsound-NS-08E-Integrated-Amplifier-Headphone/dp/B01LY19JX4/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp?crid=7KZIZH3PD2NR&keywords=bravo+audio+v3&pd_rd_i=B01LY19JX4&pd_rd_r=91e09c07-9984-45f5-9c0f-4d82aea930b0&pd_rd_w=CTcAo&pd_rd_wg=FYk8B&pf_rd_p=7dc56c0d-8a5f-4d97-9143-7233b106859a&pf_rd_r=G2X56HKBHZ3T7N6JZHY2&qid=1570744896&sprefix=bravo+au,aps,178

Fiio E10K?

TIA

While I don’t know those amps as I haven’t heard them and they are hybrid amps so would probably work fine but don’t know the power output of them . As for the headphones haven’t heard of them either but no matter and as per specs they say 47 ohm and 93 dB in sensitivity don’t know if it’s /mW or /mV but then again not a big deal but I would think would need a amp but we are not talking multiple Watts of power. As was suggested a Magni3 will power them fine or if you are looking for portable a Fiio A5 will definitely do it but my suggestion would be a Monoprice Liquid Spark it just loves planars and I have a few just something about Cavalli amps .

 

[buke9]

You could also try a balanced cable for the M11 and your headphones as they are dual entry and don’t know for sure but might be 3.5mm and a balanced cable can be had for like under $40 so cheaper than a amp.

 

[RikudouGoku]

While I don’t know those amps as I haven’t heard them and they are hybrid amps so would probably work fine but don’t know the power output of them . As for the headphones haven’t heard of them either but no matter and as per specs they say 47 ohm and 93 dB in sensitivity don’t know if it’s /mW or /mV but then again not a big deal but I would think would need a amp but we are not talking multiple Watts of power. As was suggested a Magni3 will power them fine or if you are looking for portable a Fiio A5 will definitely do it but my suggestion would be a Monoprice Liquid Spark it just loves planars and I have a few just something about Cavalli amps .

thanks, gonna check out the Monoprice Liquid spark and the Magni3 thanks for the directions.

 

[RikudouGoku]

You could also try a balanced cable for the M11 and your headphones as they are dual entry and don’t know for sure but might be 3.5mm and a balanced cable can be had for like under $40 so cheaper than a amp.

Will do that before I order anything else, I believe that you get a 2,5mm balanced cable with those headphones.

 

[gimmeheadroom]

I agree with the guys who say tube amps and planars are usually not a good pairing. I don't have a lot of experience but the Audeze LCD-2C is a stinker with the Lyr 2 with stock tubes, is meh with a Valhalla 2, but shines right out of my Oppo 205 and a Meier Corda Jazz. Based on the minute sample I would say a solid state amp is the way to go. The LCD-2C is very easy to drive but in general since planars are low impedance a solid state amp is probably going to sound better.

 

[RikudouGoku]

I agree with the guys who say tube amps and planars are usually not a good pairing. I don't have a lot of experience but the Audeze LCD-2C is a stinker with the Lyr 2 with stock tubes, is meh with a Valhalla 2, but shines right out of my Oppo 205 and a Meier Corda Jazz. Based on the minute sample I would say a solid state amp is the way to go. The LCD-2C is very easy to drive but in general since planars are low impedance a solid state amp is probably going to sound better.

What do you think about this?

 

[blackdragon87]

i really like the spark, pairs well with the 2c from audeze