Looking for headphone Dac/Amp

[Nick24JJ]

Hello,

I am looking to buy a DAC/Amp for my IEMs and Headphone(s). Right now I have the 7Hz Timeless and the TRI I3. I also have a pair of Sennheiser HD600. In the future, I will buy another pair or two of IEMs, like the THIEAUDIO Monarch MKII and/or the 7Hz Eternal, but right now the above is all I've got. All of my IEMs have 2.5mm cable connectors.

I'm looking to buy a DAC/Amp for desktop use. I do not mind at all if it will be a portable device, I am just planning to use it with my desktop computer. If it could connect with my Android phone, as well, that would be great, if not, no worries, I am using my Qudelix-5K and my FiiO UTWS5 for that.

I was looking for a Bluetooth Transceiver, like the FiiO BTA30 Pro, but I cannot find anything, and the FiiO does not suit me.
So, I am looking for a headphone DAC/Amp. I will never connect it with speakers. My sources will always be my phone and/or my desktop computer.

I am willing to pay up to £500 (pounds).

What do you suggest?

PS: from a few things I'm reading, I quite like the Chord Mojo 2

 

[mugbot]

Qudelix-5k should be plenty of power for your purposes, and won't sound any different to the Mojo 2.

You could consider a DAC/AMP with more features (eq, crossfeed etc.). I have the RME ADI-2 DAC FS which is a beautiful device, but above the price range you've provided.
The Qudelix can do a lot as well, it's a remarkable device for the price.

 

[surfgeorge]

The Mojo 2 would be an excellent choice IMO.
I have the original Mojo and after hearing what this little gem can do I replaced the $4000 DAC in my stereo system with a Chord 2Qute and in 2020 bought the Hugo 2.
The Mojo 2 should be right in between the original and the $2200 Hugo 2, and I was very excited to see the cross-feed included in the M2. This is really useful with headphones and even more so with IEMs. With desktop mode and the unique EQ the M2 is simply incredible value IMO.

 

[Nick24JJ]

Thank you, guys

@mugbot , really surprised to hear that the Mojo 2 will sound the same, or nearly the same, as my Qudelix 5K! I've just listened to my Sennheiser HD600 through my 5K, using the 3.5mm Unbalanced output, as I do not have a 2.5mm adapter, and they do not sound good... I have the cable from the HD650, as well, and I will try that later.

@surfgeorge , thank you! I am feeling the same. Even though my Qudelix 5K offers a Parametric EQ, I kind of feel that the Mojo 2 is more versatile. I cannot be sure because I have never listened to it. So, with this DAC/Amp, I am planning to be listening from my desktop computer, mostly. I will be using Foobar2000 and my own FLACs and mp3 320 fixed bit rate from my external HD, in an enclosure. Also to Amazon HD and/or Qobuz, I'm currently subscribed to both but I will keep only one. I wish I could have a Bluetooth transmitter, or transceiver, with aptx Adaptive, so that I could listen to my IEMs without cables. With my UTWS5. But I cannot find such a device with good quality and support. This is why I am looking for a DAC/Amp, for now.

 

[gimmeheadroom]

I have not heard it, but on paper Qudelix cannot drive the HD 600s properly.

 

[u2u2]

Mojo 2 is an excellent suggestion but you have to cope with cables exiting both ends. The new lockout feature is really useful when you toss it in a pocket or bag. Indoors the Intelligent Battery function is a brilliant addition. If you go the Mojo 2 route be very careful as a Poly might become a want, then a need, or even a necessity. Extreme versatility and less cables without audio sacrifice. Your IEMs and ears will thank you though.

Edit: Ooops… I see you are in the U K. Users there seem to have phone/Mojo interference issues. Older cell frequencies compared to over the pond?

 

[Nick24JJ]

@u2u2 , thank you for your suggestion, yes I agree, I am very positively inclined towards the Mojo 2, as well. I've asked a question in the respective thread, just want to make sure it will be capable of driving my current IEMs/Headphone without any issue, no reply yet, no worries, I've also contacted the customer service at Chord, and I am waiting for an answer within 48 hours. I'm sure there won't be any issue, so I will order it, most probably.

Too bad there isn't a transceiver with decent build in quality, some fundamental features and robust customer care + support, besides the FiiO.

I am compromising with the fact that I will have to sit down and listen to my music but the portable nature of the Mojo 2 makes it easier. I am always referring to listening indoors because on the streets I am always wearing my UTWS5. I am also expecting a second pair of the 7Hz Timeless with a XINHS 4 Cores Graphene cable and some Whizzer EASYTIPS SS20, and it is then when I'm expecting to hear the Timeless "properly".

I am kind of surprised that no one has suggested anything from Topping, SMSL or iFi, yet. Is it my fault or is it that the Mojo 2 is much better?

PS: I have never faced any audio issues with my android phone and my telecommunication's provider here, in the UK.

 

[u2u2]

Hope you get a positive response from Chord.
Haven’t experienced any Timeless but they look like a lot of fun!
Suggestions of other brands are mostly likely slow just because Mojo 2 has the monthly spotlight being a new release.
Better? Can’t say but I love the concept and how they executed it plus I still have my original. Mojo 2 is better than Mojo Original.
Doing your due diligence as you are will get you to a good place. Enjoy.

 

[surfgeorge]

@u2u2 , thank you for your suggestion, yes I agree, I am very positively inclined towards the Mojo 2, as well. I've asked a question in the respective thread, just want to make sure it will be capable of driving my current IEMs/Headphone without any issue, no reply yet, no worries, I've also contacted the customer service at Chord, and I am waiting for an answer within 48 hours. I'm sure there won't be any issue, so I will order it, most probably.

Too bad there isn't a transceiver with decent build in quality, some fundamental features and robust customer care + support, besides the FiiO.

I am compromising with the fact that I will have to sit down and listen to my music but the portable nature of the Mojo 2 makes it easier. I am always referring to listening indoors because on the streets I am always wearing my UTWS5. I am also expecting a second pair of the 7Hz Timeless with a XINHS 4 Cores Graphene cable and some Whizzer EASYTIPS SS20, and it is then when I'm expecting to hear the Timeless "properly".

I am kind of surprised that no one has suggested anything from Topping, SMSL or iFi, yet. Is it my fault or is it that the Mojo 2 is much better?

PS: I have never faced any audio issues with my android phone and my telecommunication's provider here, in the UK.

Saw your question - no worries, the Mojo is quite powerful, it can even drive efficient speakers. It also has very good control of the speaker due to its low output impedance.
Only issue with IEMs IMO is that if you have an IEM like the Campfire Andromeda which changes tuning with the source impedance you may need an adapter like the IFI IEMATCH.

Regarding SQ - I tried other DACs and found no alternative close to this price range that had a similar combination of detail and natural, smooth yet precise sound. The original Mojo gave up some definition and extension in the bass, making it sound wamer and fuller. Hugo 2 provides impeccable definition and extension in the complete frequency range, making it sound much more authoritative in the bass region. Mojo 2 is said to be a big step towards the definition of Hugo 2, which makes me really want one...

BTW - for portable use with SD card, it pairs really well with a HiBy R3 DAP:

 

[sebek]

Qudelix 5K in terms of driving power is enough to drive an HD600, especially from balanced output.

Mojo 2 will surely give you a better and more refined sound.

I've had Mojo 1 and FiiO BTR5 - which is probably similar to Qudelix 5K - and they really were on two different levels.

 

[Nick24JJ]

Saw your question - no worries, the Mojo is quite powerful, it can even drive efficient speakers. It also has very good control of the speaker due to its low output impedance.
Only issue with IEMs IMO is that if you have an IEM like the Campfire Andromeda which changes tuning with the source impedance you may need an adapter like the IFI IEMATCH.

Regarding SQ - I tried other DACs and found no alternative close to this price range that had a similar combination of detail and natural, smooth yet precise sound. The original Mojo gave up some definition and extension in the bass, making it sound wamer and fuller. Hugo 2 provides impeccable definition and extension in the complete frequency range, making it sound much more authoritative in the bass region. Mojo 2 is said to be a big step towards the definition of Hugo 2, which makes me really want one...

BTW - for portable use with SD card, it pairs really well with a HiBy R3 DAP:

Thank you so much, I appreciate your input, great pictures! Well, I will not buy a DAP, I will be using my phone and, much more, my desktop computer as my sources.
I've a response from Chord. They say, they are not familiar with my IEMs so they cannot tell. I've emailed them back, the specifications, they might reply tomorrow. In any case, I am 99% sure that there will no issues at all with my IEMs

 

[Nick24JJ]

Qudelix 5K in terms of driving power is enough to drive an HD600, especially from balanced output.

Mojo 2 will surely give you a better and more refined sound.

I've had Mojo 1 and FiiO BTR5 - which is probably similar to Qudelix 5K - and they really were on two different levels.

Hello there, very interesting, thanks for your input! So, you mean that your original Mojo was that much better, indeed, than the FiiO BTR5?

 

[sebek]

Hello there, very interesting, thanks for your input! So, you mean that your original Mojo was that much better, indeed, than the FiiO BTR5?

Yes, absolutely superior Mojo, a much smoother and more refined sound, details and a depth of soundstage that just didn't exist on the BTR5, an upgrade across the board.

And I also used the BTR5 a lot as a USB DAC and on balanced output, so at its full potential.

 

[mugbot]

Thank you, guys

@mugbot , really surprised to hear that the Mojo 2 will sound the same, or nearly the same, as my Qudelix 5K! I've just listened to my Sennheiser HD600 through my 5K, using the 3.5mm Unbalanced output, as I do not have a 2.5mm adapter, and they do not sound good... I have the cable from the HD650, as well, and I will try that later.

@surfgeorge , thank you! I am feeling the same. Even though my Qudelix 5K offers a Parametric EQ, I kind of feel that the Mojo 2 is more versatile. I cannot be sure because I have never listened to it. So, with this DAC/Amp, I am planning to be listening from my desktop computer, mostly. I will be using Foobar2000 and my own FLACs and mp3 320 fixed bit rate from my external HD, in an enclosure. Also to Amazon HD and/or Qobuz, I'm currently subscribed to both but I will keep only one. I wish I could have a Bluetooth transmitter, or transceiver, with aptx Adaptive, so that I could listen to my IEMs without cables. With my UTWS5. But I cannot find such a device with good quality and support. This is why I am looking for a DAC/Amp, for now.

Oh I thought we were talking about the 2.5mm balanced output. You'll definitely want that for HD650 but it's plenty of power on balanced mode.

 

[WorksUnit]

Mojo2 and Fiio K9Pro are well worth a look imho.
Previous being Mojo, EiDA Powerdac, ZenDAC2...