[DatGameh]

The FiiO Q1 and A3 are similarly priced.
The A3 specializes in amplifying, but the Q1 can double as a DAC.
But, is it more worth the money to buy the combo or a standalone device for the same price?

I am planning to get the Fostex T50RP, by the way.
Its impedance is not bad (50 Ohm), but its sensitivity is quite low (98 dB/mW). This means that it is quite hard to drive compared to other headphones, so I feel like I need an AMP.

 

[navydragon]

Depends on which source are you planning to use. If using a phone with ****ty Dac then, DAC/AMP is the way to go.

Sent from my LG-H961N using Tapatalk

 

[DatGameh]

Alright.
But, its not wrong to think that the Q1 is just a mediocre dac with a mediocre amp, right?
The A3 is only an AMP. Which means that the amp is pretty high end, although there is no dac to bring down the price.

 

[PurpleAngel]

The FiiO Q1 and A3 are similarly priced.
The A3 specializes in amplifying, but the Q1 can double as a DAC.
But, is it more worth the money to buy the combo or a standalone device for the same price?

I am planning to get the Fostex T50RP, by the way.
Its impedance is not bad (50 Ohm), but its sensitivity is quite low (98 dB/mW). This means that it is quite hard to drive compared to other headphones, so I feel like I need an AMP.

 
What sources exactly will you be plugging the headphones into?
If a desktop PC, might consider getting the Sound Blaster Z sound card.

 

[DatGameh]

My desktop MB is quite high end.
The audio parts are placed in one side of the motherboard, seperated by a small border from the other components.
Its the MSI Gaming 5 Z170
Its rated to drive 300 ohm headphones, so that's the least of my worries.

I want to use my samsung as a portable music player.
Thats why I want to get an amp.
I just cant decide between a combo or not, which is why I started his thread.

 

[navydragon]

You can also have a look at the Creative E5, a decent DAC/AMP combo with tons of features. Also with bluetooth Aptx capability, great for mobile use.

Sent from my LG-H961N using Tapatalk

 

[ProtegeManiac]

The FiiO Q1 and A3 are similarly priced.
The A3 specializes in amplifying, but the Q1 can double as a DAC.
But, is it more worth the money to buy the combo or a standalone device for the same price?

I am planning to get the Fostex T50RP, by the way.
Its impedance is not bad (50 Ohm), but its sensitivity is quite low (98 dB/mW). This means that it is quite hard to drive compared to other headphones, so I feel like I need an AMP.

 
That sensitivity is actually very high, it's only low compared to IEMs that can go beyond 125dB/1mW. Even a 300ohm Sennheiser HD600 with 97dB sensitivity can get to ear splitting levels without getting a decent, modern portable amp to its high distortion levels.

 

[DatGameh]

Hm...
So you're suggesting that a low-end amp is enough to power me speakers?
Well, in that case, what amp might you suggest?
I'm in a tight budget now.

Getting a pair of earpads is already expensive, so I need somehig wih good price perf value.

The Sound Blaster E5 is pretty much out of the question. Sorry, navydragon.

These amps are in my list (please add more if you can)
Fiio A3
Fiio A1
Sound Blaster E1
Fiio Q1
Dragonfly Black

Generally, the lower the price, the better.
I don't really like spending half a hundred dollars on something that makes my earphones louder. But if the benefits are pretty big, I'll take it.

 

[ProtegeManiac]

So you're suggesting that a low-end amp is enough to power me speakers?
Well, in that case, what amp might you suggest?
I'm in a tight budget now.

 
As long as the gain isn't too low it will not be a problem - something like the Ibasso D-Zero Mk2 likely works. That said, if you prefer getting more for your money, save up a little bit and just get a desktop unit. You won't be able to use those headphones well on the go anyway.