DAC + Amp for Beyerdynamic DT 880 32ohm

[Lucagfc]

Hi

I've just ordered a new pair of Beyerdynamic DT 880 32ohm to use directly connected to my iMac Retina 5k. I know that, even if the headphones are only 32ohm for best sound quality i need a amp to drive it. I prefer to use a DAC + amp combo to have the same sound regardless of the device used. The FiiO E10K Olympus 2" could be a good choice or within the 120-150 dollars range there's something better? Thanks!

 

[Brainiac9000]

For long term use, I would recommend saving up a little more and then getting the JDS Labs OL DAC and Atom Amp for $200. The Atom is a powerful amp with 1W of power at 32 ohms and will be able power any headphones with ease.

Otherwise, I would recommend a Fiio portable dac/amp combo like the Q1 Mk.2 for $99. If you don’t care about balanced, I would recommend the Fiio Q1 Mk.1. It has more power and sounds better, in my opinion. They’re harder to come by though.

 

[BrokenTangent]

Schiit Fulla 2 is a nice entry DAC/Amp for a very reasonable price.

Also, Massdrop is doing a drop on the Objective 2 right now, I believe. Both should be adequate.

 

[Lucagfc]

For long term use, I would recommend saving up a little more and then getting the JDS Labs OL DAC and Atom Amp for $200. The Atom is a powerful amp with 1W of power at 32 ohms and will be able power any headphones with ease.

Otherwise, I would recommend a Fiio portable dac/amp combo like the Q1 Mk.2 for $99. If you don’t care about balanced, I would recommend the Fiio Q1 Mk.1. It has more power and sounds better, in my opinion. They’re harder to come by though.

Here in Italy JDS Labs product are not easy to find. Do you suggest me the FiiO Q1 instead of e10k because of portability or sound quality?

 

[Lucagfc]

Schiit Fulla 2 is a nice entry DAC/Amp for a very reasonable price.

Also, Massdrop is doing a drop on the Objective 2 right now, I believe. Both should be adequate.

Schiit Fulla 2 is a little more expensive (85€ for the Fiio and 135 € for the Fulla). do you think it's worth it?

 

[Lucagfc]

Up. Anyone can help me? Thanks

 

[Brainiac9000]

Hello @Lucagfc, sorry for the delayed response. The E10K will put out 200mW at 32 ohms, whereas the Fiio Q1 Mk.2 will put out 220mW at 32 ohms. So, they're about equal in power with the Q1 Mk.2 having a touch more, plus having the option of being portable and having a 2.5mm balanced out port. So in this case, I would lean towards the Fiio Q1 Mk.2.

You can compare specs between both here:
Fiio Q1 Mk.2: https://fiio.com/q1mkii_parameters
Fiio E10K: https://fiio.com/e10k_parameters

 

[Lucagfc]

No problem for the delay. indeed thanks for your reply. Speaking about the two Fiio model I’m not interested in portability and balanced output. I prefer the desktop size of the e10k but if you say that the Q1 is better I prefer it

I wonder if there’s something better than this two model but equally simple to find here in Italy. I can increase the budget a little if is whorted but is important that the product is easy to fin on common on line store (Amazon.it basically). Thanks.

 

[Brainiac9000]

No problem for the delay. indeed thanks for your reply. Speaking about the two Fiio model I’m not interested in portability and balanced output. I prefer the desktop size of the e10k but if you say that the Q1 is better I prefer it

I wonder if there’s something better than this two model but equally simple to find here in Italy. I can increase the budget a little if is whorted but is important that the product is easy to fin on common on line store (Amazon.it basically). Thanks.

I looked on amazon.it and I would would recommend the following in order of preference:
ifi Nano iDSD
Audioengine D1
Audioquest DragonFly Red
Audioquest DragonFly Black

 

[Lucagfc]

I looked on amazon.it and I would would recommend the following in order of preference:
ifi Nano iDSD
Audioengine D1
Audioquest DragonFly Red
Audioquest DragonFly Black

ifi Nano iDSD is too expensive (over 200€)

The Audio ngine d1 cost 100 € more then e10k (85 vs 185 €) do you think that the difference in sound quality is worth? Thanks!!

 

[Lucagfc]

What if I rise th budget and buy the combo Modi and Magni by Schiit? Is a good combo?

 

[BrokenTangent]

Schiit Fulla 2 is a little more expensive (85€ for the Fiio and 135 € for the Fulla). do you think it's worth it?

I'd say for raw power, the Fulla 2 wins by far. However, if portability is important, go with the Fiio. The Fulla also has way more inputs/outputs, such as an option to output only as a DAC, or even a preamp.

The Schiit 'stack' of the Modi/Magni is perhaps one of the best entry amp/DAC combos out there bar none, as far as value goes. Each has enough power to 'grow' with whatever audio equipment you end up buying well into the future--and their build quality is excellent.