[arcsurfer]

Ok so I'm new to this website but I've been reading the forums quit a bit for some product knowledge. I've just recently got into the headphone realm and purchased a pair of ATH-M50's (I know these aren't the holy grail of headphones...but I like them). I've been looking at DACs to get for them and I've decided on the Audioengine D1. 
 
So I have a few questions in regards to the pairing of the two?
 
1. Will It really make that much of a difference in audio quality? (I listened to mostly FLAC.)
2. Is the D1 a DAC or a DAC/Headphone AMP? (Some Sites say it is, others just say DAC)
3. The ATH-M50's are a low ohm headphone, they shouldn't require amplification, correct?
 
Thanks, 
Troy

 

[av2606]

I know this thread is old. but it seems unanswered and I would also like to know if these are a good match.

 

[CheeseWithWorms]

Just stop watching mkbhd videos.

 

[b3wannabe]

The M50's I thought were okay and I tried them on a number of amps and a couple of DACs. All of sudden though, I played them with my HiFiMan EF2A and it was like someone threw a switch and the light came. They sounded terrific and I didn't want to put them down. The EF2 tubes were swapped with matched Mullards and burned in for a good while, and they made the M50's come to life. Oh, and I do have the D1 DAC and the M50 sounds okay enough, but not the wow factor I got on the HiFiMan DAC/amp. No affiliation, no axe to grind, no vested interest. Cheers. P.S., to my ears velour ear cushions helped my enjoyment as well.

 

[av2606]

Is there anything better than the Audioengine D1 around the same price range that also has optical /digital and USB inputs?