DAC/AMP or MacStudio for my Neumann NDH30?

[andlum]

Hello everyone,

I already asked this question in another thread, but I was wondering if I could reach a broader audience with a dedicated post.

I currently own the following for listening at my desk:

Mac Studio - Cayin RU6 - Neumann NDH30

As I‘ve read lots of good things about the Mac Studio audio jack I am wondering:

1. Do I really need the Cayin RU6?
2. If I‘d like to spent on a external Dac, what money is required to top the Mac Studio and what Dac comes to your mind? Mojo? RME?

Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[PurpleAngel]

How does the sound differ from plugging the NDH30 into the Cayin RU6 vs plugging the NDH30 into the Mac Studio?

 

[andlum]

How does the sound differ from plugging the NDH30 into the Cayin RU6 vs plugging the NDH30 into the Mac Studio?

Tbh I do not hear that much of a difference between the two. This brings me to the question: what kind of money do I need to invest to achieve better sound out of my Mac Studio using Qobuz?

I researched the web (it feels like I walked every corner), but unfortunately did not find a final answer. For now, I see two possible upgrade paths:

1. Buy a DAC/AMP, e.g. something from Topping or RME (used)
2. Spent the same amount of $$$ on an Amp and use the DAC in the Mac Studio

My budget will be around 500-800€. If there is no significant improvement expected at this kind of cash, I would rather keep things like they are.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Tbh I do not hear that much of a difference between the two. This brings me to the question: what kind of money do I need to invest to achieve better sound out of my Mac Studio using Qobuz?

I researched the web (it feels like I walked every corner), but unfortunately did not find a final answer. For now, I see two possible upgrade paths:

1. Buy a DAC/AMP, e.g. something from Topping or RME (used)
2. Spent the same amount of $$$ on an Amp and use the DAC in the Mac Studio

My budget will be around 500-800€. If there is no significant improvement expected at this kind of cash, I would rather keep things like they are.

Apple products (like Mac) usually come with a better DAC function, than what usually comes in the same Windows PC.
So your Mac has a very decent DAC function.
Maybe find the best deal on a used Topping DAC/amp?
(300 to 400 Euros?)

 

[megabigeye]

Oops... Didn't mean to post, but since I'm here...

Like @PurpleAngel said, Macs have very good DACs built into them, and very good amps to boot. My Macs have all sounded as good as any other solid state amp I've ever used, with any of my headphones. It's likely that you don't hear a difference between your Studio and the Cayin because there is no difference to be heard.

I don't think more money will get you a different (let alone better) sound, unless you go with tubes or something that's applying DSP or has an audible filter. Honestly, the only reason I'd suggest getting an amp to use with a Mac is if you need more volume or if you want some feature like a volume knob.

 

[andlum]

Thanks for your reply!

So, would e.g. a Topping A30 Pro/D30 stack improve anything? I am currently listening to the NDH30 directly connected to the Mac, which results in plenty of volume; more than I'd need.

 

[megabigeye]

You're welcome!

Sound wise? Seems doubtful, unless either your Mac or the Topping set isn't functioning properly. Or I guess if the Topping DAC is applying DSP or has an audible filter, but that seems doubtful given that their MO is all about good measurements. And from your description, the Mac is performing well.

Features wise, you'd get extra connectivity, which could be nice depending on what you want. I do like having a volume knob since volume steps on a computer can be a little large.

All of that power is entirely unnecessary unless you have some seriously demanding 'phones (which the Neumanns are not... I mean like sensitivity in the low 80 dB range). You're only using a few fractions of a milliwatt for 99% of your listening, except, perhaps, for the very loudest transients where you might use 1 or 2mW at most. Contrary to popular belief, more power will not get you better sound unless you're running into clipping, but that will be obvious.