Desktop amp for IEMs / full sized cans?

[L33ad]

Hey guys,
 
This is my first post here, so apologies if it's in the wrong area!  I'm still familiarizing myself with the site.
 
I was hoping to get a recommendation on a desktop amp / DAC combo.  I'm looking at buying a pair of Sennheiser IE80s to replace my somewhat aging HD-280s.  Portability is a major concern right now.  I'm also looking at getting a desktop amp and DAC for the office.  I plan on eventually getting a good pair of full-size (closed) cans for the office, but for right now the IE80s will have to suffice.
 
This is my first dabble into having some extra upstream bits aside from my audio player, so I've got a couple questions.
 
- Is it worth getting an AMP/DAC for the IE80s?  When I'm not traveling they'll likely be plugged in at the office.
- Are there any specific combos that will be good for IEMs at first until I can get something more permanent for the office? I don't plan on buying another DAC/amp
- Off topic for this forum, but any recommendations for a full size closed headphone for in the future are welcome
 
Right now I'm considering the Magni/Modi or Asgard/Bifrost stack from Schiit.  I've been playing bass for 12 years now, so I'm looking for a sound focused on those deeper tones.  Not that I want to sacrifice mids or highs, but I definitely don't want to be lacking in the bass.
 
Cheers!

 

[lukEM22]

IEMs are usually efficient enough to not need an amp. If only being used at a computer, look into a dac. Otherwise I say wait until you buy a full sized headphone.

 

[ProtegeManiac]

Quote:

IEMs are usually efficient enough to not need an amp. If only being used at a computer, look into a dac. Otherwise I say wait until you buy a full sized headphone.

 
@L33ad,
 
It's your first post so I'll clarify this further before you get confused about technicalities. Technically, a dedicated DAC can't be used with an IEM (or any transducer for that matter) as it needs some kind of amplification circuit to produce a signal that can drive the IEM (or whatever transducer design you throw at it). Devices that have both a DAC and an amplifier in the same box, however, tend to have compromises based on size and price, as well as power supply, so generally, what is recommended for one who has an IEM but not yet a fullsize headphone will be better off spending money on a device where you're paying more for a good DAC than a clean, powerful amp*. When the time comes to buy a fullsize headphone, you can just try it first with the same DAC to determine how badly (in absolute terms, or if you can wait it out a bit longer) you need a separate amp.

Just some notes on these DACs though - if the amp is so basic, it doesn't necessarily just mean you have a "weak" amp and that automatically means it would do well with an IEM. Aside from actual output, gain is another thing you have to consider, since an amp producing up to 300mW RMS with a gain of -10db can be safer for use with an IEM than one with only 160mW but at a gain setting of +5. Some basic desktop DACs with headphone amps might not have the proper design or selectable settings for driving very sensitive IEMs,  although most portable DACs with headphone amps though have this feature, so make sure to read reviews on whether they can drive an IEM without going from hissing silence at 8:00 to deafening on one ear at 9:00.


*There are amps with a basic USB DAC built in, BTW - like the Matrix M-Stage USB, or the Meier Cantate
 
Quote:

Portability is a major concern right now.  I'm also looking at getting a desktop amp and DAC for the office.  I plan on eventually getting a good pair of full-size (closed) cans for the office, but for right now the IE80s will have to suffice.
 
This is my first dabble into having some extra upstream bits aside from my audio player, so I've got a couple questions.
 
- Is it worth getting an AMP/DAC for the IE80s?  When I'm not traveling they'll likely be plugged in at the office.
- Are there any specific combos that will be good for IEMs at first until I can get something more permanent for the office? I don't plan on buying another DAC/amp
- Off topic for this forum, but any recommendations for a full size closed headphone for in the future are welcome
 

 
If portability is a major concern and you'll be listening through IEMs with only the possibility of getting full-size cans in the future, I suggest you look through the portable amp boards and get one that has both DAC and amp in the same box. Some, even while running off a Li-Ion battery, can have enough power evn for full-size cans, and their low-gain setting is optimized for IEMs. Look at amps like the Ibasso D6, the Ray Samuels Intruder, and Fiio E17, and check reviews on how they're like with the IE80.