[Andyb90]

Hi all,

I’m looking to get my first headphone amp and dac separates.

I was thinking of a Topping amp and DAC to start me off.

Can anyone recommend a combo to start with? I don’t want to invest too heavily to begin with as I’m new to separates.

Thanks

 

[pbui44]

This is a cheap AIO DAC/Amp with plenty of amplification to spare:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Topping-Bluetooth-Headphone-Amplifier-Computer-Black-01/dp/B09JC3TCJF

If you are going to upgrade to a planar-magnetic over-ear, then this amp should power it very well:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Topping-Headphone-Amplifier-Balanced-Earphone/dp/B093PZFHWS

 

[Andyb90]

Looking again at the Topping range I can see the DACs have remote controls. I’d need to use the remote for volume control as I’m not close enough to my listening station to manually adjust the volume on the headphone amp.

Will controlling the volume via the DAC instead of the headphone amp cause loss in sound quality?

 

[tesarpa]

If you stay in 0 to approx. -25 dB, you should be OK. I generally feel some lost of dynamics when attenuation gets to some -40 dB. Surprisingly, independently whether analog or digital attenuation.

 

[Andyb90]

If you stay in 0 to approx. -25 dB, you should be OK. I generally feel some lost of dynamics when attenuation gets to some -40 dB. Surprisingly, independently whether analog or digital attenuation.

Thanks for the advice. Would I need to set the headphone amp volume to maximum when using the DAC volume control?

 

[pbui44]

Thanks for the advice. Would I need to set the headphone amp volume to maximum when using the DAC volume control?

Unless you want to succumb to permanent hearing damage, NO.

 

[tesarpa]

Thanks for the advice. Would I need to set the headphone amp volume to maximum when using the DAC volume control?

I'd say set it to your personal listening maximum and then reduce volume on DAC.

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Because really, controlling the volume at a source (i.e. DAC) is a dangerously bad idea. And you will not get the best sound out of your system.

All sources should always be run at full output and volume should be controlled at the amp. That way the amp is fully driven and you don't risk destroying your gear or your hearing as @pbui44 mentioned.

 

[Andyb90]

Unless you want to succumb to permanent hearing damage, NO.

Because really, controlling the volume at a source (i.e. DAC) is a dangerously bad idea. And you will not get the best sound out of your system.

All sources should always be run at full output and volume should be controlled at the amp. That way the amp is fully driven and you don't risk destroying your gear or your hearing as @pbui44 mentioned.

Thanks for the advice and words of caution. I’ll either find an amp with a remote or adjust the position of my listening station so I can control the amp volume manually.

 

[pbui44]

The remote on the Topping DX3 Pro Plus will control the volume by digital steps, just know that you will have to accustomed to looking at the display while using the remote and see what gain level and dB is best for you that is based on the digital volume range.