Looking at improving my audio life

[lodonnell021]

Hello All,
First allow me to say I am by no means an audio expert, seriously I am still learning how Ohms and other things work on headphones.
Anyways I am looking at improving my audio setup, I run on a Chromebook which wasn't exactly expensive so the current audio solution provided by it is likely sub-par at best.
So I was looking at either the Audio Technica ATH-M50X or the Beyerdynamic DT770 as I am currently using some Marshall Major 2 which I picked up cheap last year.
In addition I am looking at picking up a portable DAC/AMP, currently I am looking at the Schiit Fulla 2 as it seems rather portable.

What is the communities take on these options? I would prefer a portable DAC/AMP unit like the Fulla 2 as of course I work from a laptop and it would be nice to use if I am in an hotel.

Thanks All!

 

[ProtegeManiac]

Hello All,
First allow me to say I am by no means an audio expert, seriously I am still learning how Ohms and other things work on headphones.
Anyways I am looking at improving my audio setup, I run on a Chromebook which wasn't exactly expensive so the current audio solution provided by it is likely sub-par at best.
So I was looking at either the Audio Technica ATH-M50X or the Beyerdynamic DT770 as I am currently using some Marshall Major 2 which I picked up cheap last year.
In addition I am looking at picking up a portable DAC/AMP, currently I am looking at the Schiit Fulla 2 as it seems rather portable.

What is the communities take on these options? I would prefer a portable DAC/AMP unit like the Fulla 2 as of course I work from a laptop and it would be nice to use if I am in an hotel.

Just note the Fulla2 actually sucks a lot of power, and will need a USB charger as its power supply. If you're not looking to use it for example in a cafe where you can plug in and recharge the laptop, then it will work; otherwise you might want to look at a device that has its own battery.

 

[lodonnell021]

Just note the Fulla2 actually sucks a lot of power, and will need a USB charger as its power supply. If you're not looking to use it for example in a cafe where you can plug in and recharge the laptop, then it will work; otherwise you might want to look at a device that has its own battery.

That's a fair point didn't think about the power draw of the device, even though I don't think it would matter as when I listen to music I am near power, what would you recommend with a battery?

Thanks

 

[cossix]

You should check out FiiO's website and see what they have in terms of portable dac/amps! I don't remember model names but they have plenty of really great entry level gear and it's all priced attractively

 

[ProtegeManiac]

That's a fair point didn't think about the power draw of the device, even though I don't think it would matter as when I listen to music I am near power/QUOTE]

One thing you have to remember is if you're going to use just the laptop to power the Fulla2, at minimum it will draw more power. Not a problem if you're plugged in. What might be a problem is if your laptop's USB ports can't power it (you need two wires) at which point you'll need an extra socket to hook up the Fulla2 to wall power with a USB charger. If you're in a cafe for example that's one less person who can't charge his laptop. At least get one of those compact travel-size surge protectors that have more than one AC outlet or has a 2100mAh or higher USB fast charge socket.

what would you recommend with a battery?

Ibasso D-Zero MkII or wait for stocks of the Fiio Q1 MkII to arrive near you. It has less power but it's half the price. Actually comes in a nicer chassis than the D-Zero which also happens to be shorter (but a bit thicker), which might be easier to slip into your bag.

 

[lodonnell021]

Amazon has some of the Q1's in stock at the moment at around £59.