[trippinonprozac]

Just got a pair of ATH M-50's to use for portable audio and I am trying to work out if its best I just use the internal DAC and run a mini-jack out to something like a Fiio E12 or should I get a combined amp/dac that is compatible with the S3?
 
I hear the DAC is fairly good in the S3 (I have the international version) so maybe I should get a better amp and use the standard DAC?

 

[lin0003]

Just got a pair of ATH M-50's to use for portable audio and I am trying to work out if its best I just use the internal DAC and run a mini-jack out to something like a Fiio E12 or should I get a combined amp/dac that is compatible with the S3?
 
I hear the DAC is fairly good in the S3 (I have the international version) so maybe I should get a better amp and use the standard DAC?

 
The internal DAC is pretty bad I think. It may be more worthwhile for you to get an external DAC/amp.

 

[trippinonprozac]

Mine is the international version which has the Wolfson DAC. Its not too bad at all to be honest. I am sure there is plenty better out there but I am wondering if I will find a single device that will give me better audio quality for under $200??

 

[lin0003]

Quote:

Mine is the international version which has the Wolfson DAC. Its not too bad at all to be honest. I am sure there is plenty better out there but I am wondering if I will find a single device that will give me better audio quality for under $200??

I'm not sure but if you are willing to spend $200, your best bet would be the Fiio X3. It has a good WM8740 DAC chip that is used on the $1400 AK120. The amp section is dedicated as well. Other's say that it is basically a improved version of the E17. 

 

[Mooses9]

Quote:

 
The internal DAC is pretty bad I think. It may be more worthwhile for you to get an external DAC/amp.

i have to agree i found my s3 to be pretty awful, i even felt going from the s3 to a ipod touch 3g the improvements were major over the s3. mabe yours is better? my expierence is just not that.

 

[trippinonprozac]

From what I understand the international version has the Wolfson DAC however the US version has a lower spec non Wolfson.

 

[lin0003]

Quote:

From what I understand the international version has the Wolfson DAC however the US version has a lower spec non Wolfson.

I have the international version. 

 

[Swy05]

I agree. I have the international s3 with the wolfson chip and the sound quality isnt the best.

My ipad1 has better quality. I always dismissrd the ipad (I dont know why) until one day I hooked up my iems and my bh amp to it. Much better quality on the ipad.

 

[lin0003]

You can probably take my comments with a grain of salt because I'm using an iBasso DX100.

 

[trippinonprozac]

Quote:

You can probably take my comments with a grain of salt because I'm using an iBasso DX100.

 
Where did you source the IBasso from in Aus mate?

 

[kiwirugby]

So, what kind of cable does one use from the S3 to, say, an amp like a Pico Slim or RSA Shadow?  I'm assuming some USB > mini.  That right?

 

[trippinonprozac]

Quote:

So, what kind of cable does one use from the S3 to, say, an amp like a Pico Slim or RSA Shadow?  I'm assuming some USB > mini.  That right?

Yeah I believe so. Most use a usb mini to usb adapter so you can then you can use you standard charge cable from that to the amp/dac.

 

[lin0003]

Quote:

 
Where did you source the IBasso from in Aus mate?

I got the Japanese edition from Japan, but you can get a normal one from Minidisc in Sydney or Addicted to Audio in Melbourne. 

 

[trippinonprozac]

Thanks for your help. I ended up pulling the trigger on a Practical devices XM6. Should have it tomorrow. Its got upgraded opamps too

 

[Tman5293]

I highly recommend getting an external DAC for the S3. I have the US AT&T version and I use a FiiO E07K with it. Also for anyone that's wondering, iBasso makes a short patch cable that connects directly to the USB DAC from the USB port on the S3. YOu can get it here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-Mini-B-to-Micro-B-Android-4-0-Above-OTG-cable-4-5-inches-By-iBasso-Audio-/111036655521?pt=UK_MobilePhones_MobilePhoneAccesories_MobilePhoneDataCables_JN&hash=item19da4ce7a1.
 
That is the best cable for the job and it took me forever to find the right one.