[AUTigers2016]

Hello, I'm a college student starting off on the path of being an audiophile. That being said, I unfortunately cannot spend ridiculous amounts of money on audio components yet. I have a pair of Audio-Technica ATH-M50s which I mainly listen to through my Dell laptop, and I do not have an amplifier for them yet. I can either buy a DAC and an amp separately or buy something with both built in. I was hoping you all could give me good recommendations for a DAC (or DAC/amp combo) below $200 that I can use to compliment my headphones.

 

[kaufex]

Hmm...I heard lots of people like Schiit Audio products but not sure about their entry level amp "Magni" and their entry level dac "Modi".    The amp and dac cost $99 each.  Seems very reasonable especially since they are made in the USA!  
 
Check it out:  http://schiit.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=0&products_id=13

 

[PurpleAngel]

Fiio E10 USB-DAC-Headphone amplifier, only $44.99 at Adorama.
http://www.adorama.com/FIE10.html

 

[AUTigers2016]

I appreciate the replies. I checked out both the Schiit Modi/Magna combo and they seem like they'd be a better buy than the Fiio E10 (and they look pretty sweet too). How would the Fiio E17 stack up compared to the Schiit stuff?

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

I appreciate the replies. I checked out both the Schiit Modi/Magna combo and they seem like they'd be a better buy than the Fiio E10 (and they look pretty sweet too). How would the Fiio E17 stack up compared to the Schiit stuff?

I would still suggest getting the E10, sell off the ATH-M50 and put all the cash towards better headphones (not really against the ATH-M50, but should be able to get better).

 

[RMac]

I have the Fiio E17, but like another user said I don't think those M50's really need a DAC or an amp, they should be able to run fine with your laptop.  That being said I have owned both the Fiio E10 and the E17 and the sound is fairly comparable, but go with the E17 if you want more functionality (EQ, portability, S/PDIF, all that jazz)
 

 

[kaufex]

The review for the Shiit's amp and dac sounds promising.  Here's the link on the latest review by CNET: 
 
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13645_3-57563492-47/a-headphone-amp-and-usb-digital-to-analog-converter-for-just-$99-each/