Need help finding a DAC and AMP for new IEM's

[dirtyblacksocks]

Basically I'll be using these for anything from gaming on my PC to listening to watching movies on a laptop to listening to music while I'm out and about on an iPhone.
 
I'm looking for a portacle DAC/AMP combination that will be sensitive enough for them - as well as a desktop DAC and AMP for them.
 
When it comes to the sound I like, the only thing that really gets me is high trebble - I like my music to sound bright, and I like my overall gaming audio to sound rich and realistic. No muddled bass etc.
 
I've read through tons of reviews, but most of them don't mention IEM's in particular, so I'm at a loss as to what will and will not work here - if you're going to link to a bunch of reviews of different DAC's or AMP's without giving a recommendation, I appreciate it, but it's not going to help me much at this point.
 
IEM's are here:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I4KPBF2/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1FCDNNAXWGFE5&coliid=I2L5D408SGAY9I
 
Thanks for your input - budget is around $500 at the most - for both portable and desktop combined.

 

[billybob_jcv]

Those IEMs are quite efficient and really do not need an amp. Do these IEMs provide the sound you like and do they currently get loud enough for you? I'm really not a believer in buying an amp in order to change the basic sound signature of the headphones. I think you would better off buying headphones that match the sound you prefer, and then buy an amp if they need more power. If you have an iphone 5 or newer, most DACs will not work as a DAC for your iphone unless you get the apple camera kit. You can still use the amp portion from the headphone jack - but again, those IEMs probably do not need additional power. I'm just fearful that you will spend $500 on an amp, and then come back and say that it really didn't make a significant difference.

 

[dirtyblacksocks]

Those IEMs are quite efficient and really do not need an amp. Do these IEMs provide the sound you like and do they currently get loud enough for you? I'm really not a believer in buying an amp in order to change the basic sound signature of the headphones. I think you would better off buying headphones that match the sound you prefer, and then buy an amp if they need more power. If you have an iphone 5 or newer, most DACs will not work as a DAC for your iphone unless you get the apple camera kit. You can still use the amp portion from the headphone jack - but again, those IEMs probably do not need additional power. I'm just fearful that you will spend $500 on an amp, and then come back and say that it really didn't make a significant difference.

 
Fair enough, I've never actually used an external DAC or AMP for IEM's and my main concern was the DAC over the AMP itself.
 
I'm not so worried about my iPhone 5 listening as I am with plugging into my laptop, or my PC (which has a Soundblaster Z soundcard in it that is "iffy" with the performance it offers).
 
I really just want the cleanest signature I can get in terms of no extra distortion from what I'm plugging into, including not hitting the floor with how sensitive IEM's are.
 
An AMP would be a bonus in that these aren't the only headphones I have that are fairly expensive - and while I understand an AMP for IEM's and an AMP for cans are two completely different things, I figured it couldn't hurt to start with.
 
At the end of the day I'm really just looking for a DAC/AMP combination that is sensitive enough for these IEM's, but quality enough for something like a pair of Sennheiser 598 or Shure SRH1440.
 
I listed these IEM's as the source, because at the end of the day they are the source - they're what I listen with more than anything else because I prefer IEM.
 
If you think there's something I can get my feet wet with without blowing my budget through the roof in terms of a DAC and AMP for a Desktop setup and a portable DAC/AMP (or just singular DAC) combo I'd appreciate it. Perhaps it's best to go without the amp and just the DAC?

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Fair enough, I've never actually used an external DAC or AMP for IEM's and my main concern was the DAC over the AMP itself.
I'm not so worried about my iPhone 5 listening as I am with plugging into my laptop, or my PC (which has a Sound Blaster Z sound card in it that is "iffy" with the performance it offers).
I really just want the cleanest signature I can get in terms of no extra distortion from what I'm plugging into, including not hitting the floor with how sensitive IEM's are.
An AMP would be a bonus in that these aren't the only headphones I have that are fairly expensive - and while I understand an AMP for IEM's and an AMP for cans are two completely different things, I figured it couldn't hurt to start with.
At the end of the day I'm really just looking for a DAC/AMP combination that is sensitive enough for these IEM's, but quality enough for something like a pair of Sennheiser 598 or Shure SRH1440.
I listed these IEM's as the source, because at the end of the day they are the source - they're what I listen with more than anything else because I prefer IEM.
If you think there's something I can get my feet wet with without blowing my budget through the roof in terms of a DAC and AMP for a Desktop setup and a portable DAC/AMP (or just singular DAC) combo I'd appreciate it. Perhaps it's best to go without the amp and just the DAC?

 
As your IEMs are only 16-Ohm, you really have no need for a portable headphone amplifier.
If you want better audio quality for your music, while on the move, you might consider investing into a DAP, like the FiiO X3 (or newer X3K).
Leave your phone in your pocket, unless you making or receiving a phone call.
 
PC audio is usually not designed to work with 16-Ohm headphones (impedance issues).
So you might consider investing into full sized headphones, to plug into the SB-Z, like the AKG K612 Pro or AKG KXX (sold on Massdrop).

 

[dirtyblacksocks]

   
As your IEMs are only 16-Ohm, you really have no need for a portable headphone amplifier.
If you want better audio quality for your music, while on the move, you might consider investing into a DAP, like the FiiO X3 (or newer X3K).
Leave your phone in your pocket, unless you making or receiving a phone call.
 
PC audio is usually not designed to work with 16-Ohm headphones (impedance issues).
So you might consider investing into full sized headphones, to plug into the SB-Z, like the AKG K612 Pro or AKG KXX (sold on Massdrop).

The SB Z does have 10 Ohm Impedence, which is an issue - but my onboard audio doesn't, I believe.
 
I'm really just looking for recommendations on a DAC/AMP here guys, not opinions on whether you think this setup is ideal. If it doesn't work out to my tastes, I have other headphones I can use.
 
I do find it funny that I see a lot of resistance in this thread, while I get nothing but suggestions in another area based around IEMs.
 
It makes it very hard to trust any information given when I literally see a different opinion from every single person who replies to me, yes I do realize this is all subjective and personal preference. I would still think there is a "go to" DAC/AMP for newbies, or at least a handful of them.
 
That's not to say I do not appreciate everyone's feedback here, I do. It just becomes very frustrating to go through every single expert opinion on my proposed setup when all I'm looking for is a singular recommendation.
 
I'll look into a DAP for portable use.
 
In the meantime these are what I've come up with so far - maybe it will be easier to criticize each and come up with the best solution:
 
iBasso D-Zero MK2 - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QOSQ4RU/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1FCDNNAXWGFE5&coliid=I36QOSRO65MP69
 
Fiio E07k Andes - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A9LHLQ6/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1FCDNNAXWGFE5&coliid=I1XL2M8X1FNJ6W
 
Fiio E12 Mont Blanc - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B6QXWIY/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1FCDNNAXWGFE5&coliid=I2Z433178SWC34&psc=1
 
Sony PHA-1 - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00931SFZO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1FCDNNAXWGFE5&coliid=I2TC29UVPL8YVB

 

[PurpleAngel]

  The SB Z does have 10 Ohm Impedance, which is an issue - but my on-board audio doesn't, I believe.
I'm really just looking for recommendations on a DAC/AMP here guys, not opinions on whether you think this setup is ideal. If it doesn't work out to my tastes, I have other headphones I can use.
I do find it funny that I see a lot of resistance in this thread, while I get nothing but suggestions in another area based around IEMs.
It makes it very hard to trust any information given when I literally see a different opinion from every single person who replies to me, yes I do realize this is all subjective and personal preference. I would still think there is a "go to" DAC/AMP for newbies, or at least a handful of them.
That's not to say I do not appreciate everyone's feedback here, I do. It just becomes very frustrating to go through every single expert opinion on my proposed setup when all I'm looking for is a singular recommendation.
I'll look into a DAP for portable use.
In the meantime these are what I've come up with so far - maybe it will be easier to criticize each and come up with the best solution:
iBasso D-Zero MK2 - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QOSQ4RU/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1FCDNNAXWGFE5&coliid=I36QOSRO65MP69
Fiio E07k Andes - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A9LHLQ6/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1FCDNNAXWGFE5&coliid=I1XL2M8X1FNJ6W
Fiio E12 Mont Blanc - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B6QXWIY/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1FCDNNAXWGFE5&coliid=I2Z433178SWC34&psc=1
Sony PHA-1 - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00931SFZO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1FCDNNAXWGFE5&coliid=I2TC29UVPL8YVB

 
The Creative SB-Z and SB-Zx are considered to have a headphone jack with a 22-Ohm output impedance, but the SB-ZxR headphone jack might have a headphone output impedance of 10-Ohms.
Chances are the motherboard's on-board audio headphone jack has an output impedance of at least 22-Ohms, or higher (depending on the make and model of the motherboard).
Really high end motherboard might(?) offer better (lower) output impedance, for the headphone jack.
For 16-Ohm headphones, it's recommend (rough guide line) to plug then into a jack with an output impedance of 2-Ohms or less.
 
The SB-Z comes with a CS4398 DAC chip, which is great for the price you pay for the card ($60-$80).
So you could use the iBasso D-Zero MK2, amplifier function (analog connection), with the SB-Z, this would allow you to still use the SB-Z's features, for FPS gaming.
Connecting the iBasso D-Zero to the PC using USB (digital connection), will bypass all the sound card features (and the SB-Z's DAC chip), but might offer better audio quality, so the USB connect would be fine for music or basic (stereo audio) videos.

 

[dirtyblacksocks]

   
The Creative SB-Z and SB-Zx are considered to have a headphone jack with a 22-Ohm output impedance, but the SB-ZxR headphone jack might have a headphone output impedance of 10-Ohms.
Chances are the motherboard's on-board audio headphone jack has an output impedance of at least 22-Ohms, or higher (depending on the make and model of the motherboard).
Really high end motherboard might(?) offer better (lower) output impedance, for the headphone jack.
For 16-Ohm headphones, it's recommend (rough guide line) to plug then into a jack with an output impedance of 2-Ohms or less.
 
The SB-Z comes with a CS4398 DAC chip, which is great for the price you pay for the card ($60-$80).
So you could use the iBasso D-Zero MK2, amplifier function (analog connection), with the SB-Z, this would allow you to still use the SB-Z's features, for FPS gaming.
Connecting the iBasso D-Zero to the PC using USB (digital connection), will bypass all the sound card features (and the SB-Z's DAC chip), but might offer better audio quality, so the USB connect would be fine for music or basic (stereo audio) videos.

 
Thank you very much. I was leaning towards that or the Sony PHA 1.

 

[PurpleAngel]

   
Thank you very much. I was leaning towards that or the Sony PHA 1.

 
Sony makes some nice stuff, but your paying a big markup for that name.

 

[dirtyblacksocks]

   
Sony makes some nice stuff, but your paying a big markup for that name.

 
A lot of the reviews say that it seems to change the overall sound signature to a more pleasant one - I'm guessing by your response that there is no difference between what you recommended and the Sony?
 
I was more interested in the modality to be able to switch between lo and hi gain

 

[dirtyblacksocks]

   
Sony makes some nice stuff, but your paying a big markup for that name.

One last question I'll ask, on top of what's above.
 
What are your thoughts on Mayflower products?

 

[PurpleAngel]

  A lot of the reviews say that it seems to change the overall sound signature to a more pleasant one - I'm guessing by your response that there is no difference between what you recommended and the Sony?
I was more interested in the modality to be able to switch between lo and hi gain

 
I'm not an expert on the iBasso D-Zero or the Sony PHA-1, so I can't say the Sony is not better sounding then the iBasso.
I just know a part of the price you pay for a Sony product goes for Sony's huge marketing budget.
 
The iBasso uses dual WM8740 DAC chips, while I believe the Sony PHA-1 appears to use one WM8740 DAC chip.
 
The iBasso has an output impedance of less then 1-Ohm
Not sure about the Sony.

 

[dirtyblacksocks]

One last question before I wrap all this up.
 
Would any of you recommend the Schiit DAC and AMP combination over the iBaso for this setup?