[Nafixd]

So I am going to purchase the Grado SR80e mainly because it fits my genres of rock and classical. 
Now from my understanding, a DAC converts binary into analogue and that all computers with headphone jacks and mp3 players have DAC's that aren't good. And if I'm correct, an amplifier helps produce more sound from the DAC (I'm unsure on this even though I looked through numerous explanations). And all DAC has it's own line of power and without an Amp, it won't produce enough sound.
 
Now since I'm a student on a budget, I went for the SR80e and I heard a good quality DAC is a good purchase for future headphones or speakers. But since I'm on a budget, a good quality DAC isn't really possible (since most of the highly recommended ones are all $100+).
 
So my question is, if I have a budget of $50-$60ish budget for   the DAC, is it really worth buying? And is the Amp necessary or will a DAC alone be enough. Will a DAC for the SR80e at that budget really make a difference or should I not buy it?
 
 
In case it's needed..: I will use these headphones mainly in my dorm room and I use a Macbook Air (2013) as my source of music (the headphone jack). I will also be using ALAC files. If I'm correct, my laptop cannot output 24bits.
 
Im sorry if this question is kind've sloppy and "noobish".


 

 

[Nafixd]

Anyone?

 

[Sam21]

  So I am going to purchase the Grado SR80e mainly because it fits my genres of rock and classical. 
Now from my understanding, a DAC converts binary into analogue and that all computers with headphone jacks and mp3 players have DAC's that aren't good. And if I'm correct, an amplifier helps produce more sound from the DAC (I'm unsure on this even though I looked through numerous explanations). And all DAC has it's own line of power and without an Amp, it won't produce enough sound.
 
Now since I'm a student on a budget, I went for the SR80e and I heard a good quality DAC is a good purchase for future headphones or speakers. But since I'm on a budget, a good quality DAC isn't really possible (since most of the highly recommended ones are all $100+).
 
So my question is, if I have a budget of $50-$60ish budget for   the DAC, is it really worth buying? And is the Amp necessary or will a DAC alone be enough. Will a DAC for the SR80e at that budget really make a difference or should I not buy it?
 
 
In case it's needed..: I will use these headphones mainly in my dorm room and I use a Macbook Air (2013) as my source of music (the headphone jack). I will also be using ALAC files. If I'm correct, my laptop cannot output 24bits.
 
Im sorry if this question is kind've sloppy and "noobish".


 

 
it is worth buying an introductory DAC, for 60 bucks you could get this :
 
http://hifimediy.com/DACs/ready-made-dacs/U2-DAC
 
which was a huge improvement for me when I upgraded to it from MOBO soundcard.
 
You need an amp, IMO, All audiophile grade headphones benefit from an AMP.
 
There is also a good DAC+AMP combo that might interest you:
 
http://audioengineusa.com/Store/Digital-Audio-Converters/D1-24-Bit-DAC
 
And here is an AMP that IMO is the best introductory AMP:
 
https://www.jdslabs.com/products/35/objective2-headphone-amplifier/
 
Many people prefer this amp for their grados :
 
http://www.littledot.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=819&sid=c647351c88a3df9df7e5caed097f0ad7
 
look up grado threads.

 

[Nafixd]

So the one you bought that was just a DAC ($60), is that worth it? Like just the DAC since I've noticed the DAC and Amp combo is quite out of my budget at the time. So will I be able to notice a huge difference from just the DAC?

 

[Sam21]

yes you will, if you listen carefully.