[iLovPieNCake]

Hello All
 
Can y'all recomend me a DAC or DAC/AMP combo or help me make up my mind. I will be primarily using this at work driving my In-Earz P350 CIEMs from my work laptop. Here are my target feature list
 
Wants (But don't need)
- Powerful enough to work with my ~64 ohm Fischer Audio FA-003
- Portability(Compact enough)
- Line Out (For my at home speaker setup)
- Android support (This would be a fun toy for my GS7)
- Sub-$100
 
Don't Want (But can live with)
- External Power
 
Possible Choices
- SMSL M2
- SMSL M3 - Could deal with it's size if needed
- NuForce uDAC3 - I like the looks and the I/O but is it still relevant??? No one recommends it anymore.
- FiiO Q1 - Don't like the form factor
- FiiO E18 - More of a portable DAC that can do computer duty
- FiiO E17K - Weird form factor, integrated EQ is a plus, I/O outputs are small and require me to get adapters
- FiiO E10K - Classic recommendation although supposedly sound output isn't as good as others.
- Schiit Fulla - My current #1 although it's only headphone out.
- ODAC - Don't want to pay the extra $50 so I would build it. 
 
Help me choose or recomend me something better.

 

[Roen]

Encore mDSD?

Can do coax through the 3.5 mm jack. Draws power through the USB, so no need to charge.

 

[iLovPieNCake]

@Roen, Looks like a nice converter but I don't like the limited output 40mW & I don't like direct plug in form factor.

 

[Roen]

What will you be driving?

 

[dev0lver]

hi everyone
i am lurking this forums for quite some time for the information about some dac/amps for my setup, and now i finally registered here to get some more help from experts, since i never used or owned a DAC, only steelseries usb sound card which is my main sound source for like 5 - 6 years, and i am really satisfied with it, but i think that it's time to make some upgrades
i am using Kingston HyperX Cloud headset for almost 2 years now, you all know that hyperx clouds are re brand of takstar pro 80, so in some good /entry level headphone part, i am covered i think
i was never using onboard audio on my laptop...
 
this is my first post here on this forums, so i hope that it wouldn't be problem if i am joining this thread, since i am in the completely the same situation and quest, as the guy from the first post, even the possible solutions and DACs he was looking, was / are also on my what to buy list
 
so i am in a same situation as the guy which started the thread, only difference is that, i am not looking for something to be portable, only under 100$, since i will gonna use it with my desktop setup
headphones which i will be driving are Kingston HyperX Cloud 1 / Takstar Pro80
 
and also, what about HiFimeDIY Sabre USB DAC 2, it's also under 100$
is that also a viable option ??
 
thanks anyone who helped

 

[iLovPieNCake]

Encore mDSD?

Can do coax through the 3.5 mm jack. Draws power through the USB, so no need to charge.

 
As mentioned in the OP, In-Earz P-350 & Fischer Audio FA-003s

 

[U6astik]

iLovPieNCake, why do you need portability providing you are going to use it as a desktop unit at work?
 
Quote:

- FiiO E18 - More of a portable DAC that can do computer duty

 
So, do you like it?
 

 - FiiO E17K - Weird form factor, integrated EQ is a plus, I/O outputs are small and require me to get adapters

 
I've been using E7 for some time and I have to say it is quite handy. This is a classic form factor for portable FiiO products.
Then only thing I would complain about is micro USB ports - they can wear out and can have connetivity issues. Be aware of that.
 
Which adapter do you have in mind?

 

[Viqor]

Sounds like e18 might be what you want if Android support is important. I think most of them will work with Android, but others might require some sort of external power source or USB hub.

 

[Roen]

Roen, why do you need portability providing you are going to use it as a desktop unit at work?


So, do you like it?


I've been using E7 for some time and I have to say it is quite handy. This is a classic form factor for portable FiiO products.
Then only thing I would complain about is micro USB ports - they can wear out and can have connetivity issues. Be aware of that.

Which adapter do you have in mind?

I'm not the OP.

 

[U6astik]

I'm not the OP.

 
Oops, pardon

 

[Music Alchemist]

The Fulla is good enough for the vast majority of headphones. You can even connect it to external components if need be.