DAC/AMP for Shure SE425

[thrand1]

Hello,
 
I am looking for a DAC/AMP combination for my Shure SE425. Will be used primarily at work (desktop) about 70% of the time, with 10% being portable use and 20% at home additional desktop listening time. Form factor is not a high concern- being "transportable" is fine. Will be used with iPhone/iPad, compatibility with CCK for high-res audio is important.
 
Considering the following:
- Oppo HA-2 SE ($299)
- iFi Audio Nano iDSD ($200)
 
- iFi Audio Micro iDSD ($500)
- Chord Mojo ($500-600)
 
Obviously two of these items are more expensive than the others.
 
My questions:
1) Would the Micro and Mojo be overkill for SE425 given they are more expensive than SE425? Would provide "futureproofing" for future headphone purchases as well.
2) Any users of HA-2 SE or Nano iDSD with Shures with comments on hiss levels? Micro iDSD iEMatch would be useful feature to prevent hiss.
 
If I went for Micro or Mojo, I would need to save up for quite some more time, as this needs to be purchased via Amazon (gift cards).
 
Given my current headphone, Shure SE425, what would provide the best value and features for my money?

 

[Koukaracha]

Hello,
I also have the Shure SE425 and I am not satisfied with the sound of my Galaxy S7 which I found to be worse than any other player I ever owned (huge distorsion).
 
Can you tell me if you found a good DAC/AMP for your Shure SE425 ?
 
I would like to use it with my computer too. Seems to me that the creative E5 and the Fiio E18 good fulfill my needs
 
Thanks

 

[thrand1]

Hi!
 
No, I have not found a device yet, I am going through analysis paralysis at this point...
 
I have narrowed some options down to the iFi Nano iDSD LE, Oppo HA2-SE, and maybe the Micro iDSD. Having a hard time balancing budget for a DAC/AMP versus the cost of the 425s. The Nano is excellent value, but there is the potential of having to buy the iEMatch adapter if there is hiss from the LE on the 425s. The Oppo offers bass boost (which sometimes is good on the 425s!) and powerbank capability, but there are user reports of issues with iOS products in relation to dropped signal and connection which Oppo doesn't seem to have any solution in mind. The Micro iDSD/Mojo offer the best performance, but at 2x the price of the IEMs...?
 
A lot to consider here for sure. I had opened another thread asking for votes on those three options, but no responses yet...

 

[wmak79]

I had the chance to try the iFi Micro iDSD BL for about two weeks. Didn't try them with iems, only headphones. I did see that they had sensitiviy switches for iems. While they certainly are pricey, I believe it gives so much flexibility for future proofing and possible setups. I don't have other mid tiered dac/amps to compare to, but they sounded great to my newbie ears. It's like the swiss army knife of portable dac/amps, so many interface options.
 
I think you just have to consider what you truly want and if you'll really be using that portability option. Good luck and let us know what you decide.