DAC/Amp recommendation for Audio-Technica R70X

Aug 23, 2024 at 10:41 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 8

Druantia

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Hi Everybody! :)

This is my first post here, and it's also my first time investing in a quality sound system.

I've ordered the Audio-Technica R70X headphones, primarily for gaming and music listening, and now I'm looking for a DAC and amp that would be a good match. I'm willing to spend money on quality gear, as long as it truly makes a difference and has an impact.

Here are the setups I’m considering:
  • FiiO K7
  • Schiit Hel
  • Schiit Modi + Schiit Magni
  • Schiit Modius + Schiit Jotunheim 2 (with balanced replacement cables)
What do you think would be the sweet spot for these headphones? Since this will be my first proper audio setup, it's hard for me to imagine how significant the differences are between these options.

For example, how big is the jump in sound quality from the Schiit Hel to the Schiit Modius + Schiit Jotunheim 2 stack? Would it be noticeable with these headphones even for someone whose ears aren’t trained for audiophile gears? I just don't know where to draw the line.

(+1 question: would a multibit DAC make sense?)

Any advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated!
 
Aug 23, 2024 at 5:51 PM Post #2 of 8
Hi Everybody! :)

This is my first post here, and it's also my first time investing in a quality sound system.

I've ordered the Audio-Technica R70X headphones, primarily for gaming and music listening, and now I'm looking for a DAC and amp that would be a good match. I'm willing to spend money on quality gear, as long as it truly makes a difference and has an impact.

Here are the setups I’m considering:
  • FiiO K7
  • Schiit Hel
  • Schiit Modi + Schiit Magni
  • Schiit Modius + Schiit Jotunheim 2 (with balanced replacement cables)
What do you think would be the sweet spot for these headphones? Since this will be my first proper audio setup, it's hard for me to imagine how significant the differences are between these options.

For example, how big is the jump in sound quality from the Schiit Hel to the Schiit Modius + Schiit Jotunheim 2 stack? Would it be noticeable with these headphones even for someone whose ears aren’t trained for audiophile gears? I just don't know where to draw the line.

(+1 question: would a multibit DAC make sense?)

Any advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated!
Welcome to Head-fi!

It really depends on how you want to go about things. I am in the camp of starting low and working your way up to better gear, but I do understand wanting to get "the best" pairing for you. Working your way up trains your ears, and brain to pick up on the differences between gear.

That being said, I have more experience with Schiit Audio products. Hel being about the same price as the Magni Modi stack makes the stack the better buy in my opinion. It has more power, and has a pleasing sound to many. I have recommended that stack to several friends who are still enjoying it.

The Jotunheim 2 and Modius stack is a jack of all trades stack. It is able to power nearly any headphone you throw at it. The Modius itself has been referred to as a step above in detail vs the Modi (how much of a step I can't speak to personally).

Honestly all any of us can do is try to point you in the right direction, as your ears will tell you what works best for you. Hence my usual comment regarding starting low and working your way up. It allows you to get an idea about your personal preference in audio gear.

Good luck in your decision, and Happy Listening!
 
Aug 24, 2024 at 7:50 AM Post #3 of 8
I've got a pair of the new ones in the way. They peak at 1,000 ohms in the bass range and need big power. The Topping L50/E50 or even better the A30Pro D30Pro. The SMSL Drop HO150x and matching DO100 DAC is another I've had and affordable too. A pair with a balanced DAC at 4 volts will help keep up with the demands during bass heavy tracks.
 
Aug 24, 2024 at 12:24 PM Post #5 of 8
ATH-R70X are a great choice -- I love mine.

What is your source? Computer, phone, gaming setup?

If you're using a recent Apple laptop -- after 2021 -- it's supposed to adapt to high-impedance headphones, though the ATH-R70X are higher than most. Apple's built-in DAC is already quite accurate.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/108351

Since you are in Hungary, importing Schiit from the US might not be the best value. You should look at Topping, SMSL, FiiO, etc.--better to spend money on power than on shipping costs.

Or if you want to start modestly, just get the VE Megatron, a USB-powered DAC/Amp that has SE and balanced outputs and sounded great with my ATH-R70X. It has power and good specs. It doesn't have a volume control -- you'd control that from your source.

https://twister6.com/2022/05/05/venture-electronics-ve-megatron/2/

It's only $50 + shipping to the US. That's not a typo.

https://www.veclan.com/engappliance_sel_one?eng_ApplianceVo.eac_id=63

Spending 8 or 10 times as much on a DAC/Amp will not give you 8 or 10 times better sound. The ATH-R70X do need power, but once they have enough power, the differences with much pricier gear are going to be subtle at best, not night and day.
 
Aug 25, 2024 at 11:46 AM Post #6 of 8
Thank you all for your advice and opinions.
I think the next logical step is to go to an audio store (perhaps with my headphones) and try out different amplifiers to see how much of a difference they make and how much of an impact it has for me.

Dunring:
Have fun with your new headphones! :)
I'll definitely take a look at those amps and DACs—though I'm really leaning toward Schiit products because I've read good things about the brand, and I find the design really appealing.

earmonger:
Yeah, I've read great things about these headphones—right now, it's the only thing I'm sure about regarding my audio setup. :D


My source will be a PC—it's surprising how well Apple implements audio, but (un)fortunately, I don't have one. Instead, I'll be using an Asus Tuf x670e-plus motherboard.

As far as I know, Schiit has European retailers, so the shipping cost might not be too high—otherwise, it's around $100, which I agree is not ideal.
But I really like Schiit's products, so I'm trying to build my setup with their gear. I'll also check out the VE Megatron.

And just out of curiosity—two other Schiit products caught my eye that I hadn't checked out before, and since you have some experience with Schiit, I thought it was worth asking about them.

Schiit Midgard - As far as I can tell, this performs similarly to the Jotunheim, except it's not a true balanced amp, right? But other than that it's really close to the Jot2.

Schiit Syn - Since I'll be using this gear for gaming too (something like 40% gaming, 30% movies, and 30% music), I wonder if this product makes sense for me, especially because of the crossfeed feature, which in theory, could improve immersion a lot.
Is this considered blasphemy by audiophiles? (I only intend to use a stereo system, but I'll have two active or passive speakers as well, and I want to switch between speakers and headphones easily.)
 
Aug 25, 2024 at 7:00 PM Post #7 of 8
Thank you all for your advice and opinions.
I think the next logical step is to go to an audio store (perhaps with my headphones) and try out different amplifiers to see how much of a difference they make and how much of an impact it has for me.

Dunring:
Have fun with your new headphones! :)
I'll definitely take a look at those amps and DACs—though I'm really leaning toward Schiit products because I've read good things about the brand, and I find the design really appealing.

earmonger:
Yeah, I've read great things about these headphones—right now, it's the only thing I'm sure about regarding my audio setup. :D


My source will be a PC—it's surprising how well Apple implements audio, but (un)fortunately, I don't have one. Instead, I'll be using an Asus Tuf x670e-plus motherboard.

As far as I know, Schiit has European retailers, so the shipping cost might not be too high—otherwise, it's around $100, which I agree is not ideal.
But I really like Schiit's products, so I'm trying to build my setup with their gear. I'll also check out the VE Megatron.

And just out of curiosity—two other Schiit products caught my eye that I hadn't checked out before, and since you have some experience with Schiit, I thought it was worth asking about them.

Schiit Midgard - As far as I can tell, this performs similarly to the Jotunheim, except it's not a true balanced amp, right? But other than that it's really close to the Jot2.

Schiit Syn - Since I'll be using this gear for gaming too (something like 40% gaming, 30% movies, and 30% music), I wonder if this product makes sense for me, especially because of the crossfeed feature, which in theory, could improve immersion a lot.
Is this considered blasphemy by audiophiles? (I only intend to use a stereo system, but I'll have two active or passive speakers as well, and I want to switch between speakers and headphones easily.)
Midgard is not as powerful as the Jot2, but it does get you most of the way there for most headphone loads. It uses a different amplification design than the Jot2, and there are quite of a few people who are quite taken with the Midgard. I would say it is a better deal over the Asgard 3 (which was my starting point). You would still get the benefit of feeding it from a balanced DAC due to XLR putting out 4v vs RCA at 2v (higher output from the DAC will get you a little more headroom).

As for the Syn, I would ask around the other Schiit threads to get impressions on it. I have used their speaker amps with a pair of Klipsch RP600m speakers, but that is as far as I have gone in that portion of their product stack. Two Gjallarhorns are sitting on my desk to drive said speakers and one or two headphones that have speaker like loads (5.6 ohms and 10 ohms).

I am admittedly a fan of Schiit Audio (a Schiit Head), so take my suggestions and opinions with a grain of salt. That being said there is a good reason why they have such a large fan base. They have great products, supported by good warranties, and they do out of warranty repairs on their products (including some really old ones). My Mjolnir 3 is backed by a 5 year warranty for example.
 

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