Hello everyone. I got my Fiio X3 and I want to buy some external DAC to use with Sennheiser HD 600, I have understood that Fiio X3 has a DAC chip that works only for the USB mode (connected in a computer like a music server), that means Fiio X3 DAC chip is not active when I usually listen the music with the headphones and it has no way to get it on, so I`m about to buy some external DAC from the Fiio products, to be more exactly the model I`m interested is the Fiio E18 Kunlun (DAC/AMP) If you have some comments about that idea please let me know. I`m only interested in Fiio products but maybe I could change my mind. Until this days I dont know if Fiio X3 has an internal DAC that is ON when I listening music with my headphones on my bed for example or that DAC is activated only when the Fiio X3 is conected in USB mode to a computer. I`m trying to learn. Thanks a lot.
Fiio X3 External DAC
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gimmeheadroom
Headphoneus Supremus
Hi, the X3 has dual DACs and they are used to decode your music files and play them. When you have your headphones plugged in you are using both DACs. Without a DAC, no digital music can be played.
In addition, those DACs can be used as an external "USB soundcard" for a PC or other device that sends PCM audio through it.
The X3 Mark III in my very limited experience (just got mine yesterday or the day before) will not drive the HD 600s acceptably. I also have an X5ii and it can't either, and it has a lot more amplifier than the X3.
If you don't have the need for a USB DAC, you should be looking for a headphone amplifier. If you want or need a USB DAC you can buy a combo unit that contains headphone amp + USB DAC.
Thanks for help me. How I know if I need an external DAC like Fiio E18 Kunlun?
I only have Fiio X3 and Sennheiser HD 650. The sound is good but I know the sound can be better for sure...
My options are : Fiio E18 (AMP/DAC) and Fiio Mont blanc E12 (AMP Only!)
Which one do I should to buy and why? (need to learn thanks)
I only have Fiio X3 and Sennheiser HD 650. The sound is good but I know the sound can be better for sure...
My options are : Fiio E18 (AMP/DAC) and Fiio Mont blanc E12 (AMP Only!)
Which one do I should to buy and why? (need to learn thanks)
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onevstheworld
100+ Head-Fier
Why don't get a desktop unit? My experience with portable sources is limited but I'd imagine having something powerful without the limitations of a portable source would give you the best improvement for your money. You mention listening in bed, so portability isn't really needed.
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gimmeheadroom
Headphoneus Supremus
You only need an external DAC if you want to play music from a PC or other digital source and you feel the DAC in your X3 isn't good enough or you're not using it with Windows. The X3 Mark III DAC only works with Windows at the moment, not MacOS or Linux. As far as I know from having very similar equipment (X3 Mark III and HD 600) you definitely *need* a separate amplifier. I bought the K5 and it is fine, but if I had more time I should have bought something else better instead. Eventually I will.
Agreed. Portable equipment is always a compromise. If you have room for desktop/tabletop equipment and you don't need something specifically for travelling you should not get portable gear.
Yes. Great idea... I though the same today about 3:00 am I have to buy a desktop unit, even they say it`s the best option if I want to know the real power of my HD600 Headphones please Can you help me with some suggestions? Some desktops AMP under $300 It will be great. Thanks a lot...
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My new idea is to get bouth of them. Portable AMP when I go to the beach and desktop AMP when I`m home. Perfect! New problem is about brands under $300. I dont have money.
Me x3
Member of the Trade: FiiO Store Argentina
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Since you have the FiiO X3, you already have a good performing DAC.
The DAC on the X3 works when you're using the X3 as a portable player just like when you use it plugged into a computer via USB.
If you want to get higher performance out of your HD650 then you need an amplifier.
FiiO A5 works very well with HD650, it drives it with ease and has a natural tonal balance.
If you can't get the FiiO A5, then FiiO E12 will work too. These are relatively similar, although the A5 is the latest model.
Once you get the amp, make sure to connect it to the line out of your FiiO X3 to get the highest performance.
The DAC on the X3 works when you're using the X3 as a portable player just like when you use it plugged into a computer via USB.
If you want to get higher performance out of your HD650 then you need an amplifier.
FiiO A5 works very well with HD650, it drives it with ease and has a natural tonal balance.
If you can't get the FiiO A5, then FiiO E12 will work too. These are relatively similar, although the A5 is the latest model.
Once you get the amp, make sure to connect it to the line out of your FiiO X3 to get the highest performance.
hemipowered007
Headphoneus Supremus
Just an amp a project ember works really well with the hd650. Find a used one under 300. Then you can tinker with tube rolling also.
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