Suggestions for dac/amp to use with Audio Technica ath-m50x

[1mrdad]

Hello everyone. My first post. I just purchased an Audio Technica ath-m50x headphones. My source will be a Samsung Galaxy S6 running Android 6.0.1. I want to purchase a dac/amp combo that will complement the m50x. It can be.portable or desktop, tube or solid state, separates or integrated. Price cap of $300 (I'm on a tight budget.) Any suggestions would be appreciated.Thanks.

 

[cel4145]

The S6 has very good audio quality: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s6-review-1227p7.php. Note how it measures even better when an external amp is connected. So you could just run an amp with it. For instance, a Fiio A3 would easily power the M50X to loud volumes.

Otherwise, before spending $300 on a dac/amp for $150 headphones, I would return the M50x and get a better grade of headphone and spend less money on an amp. You'll get better SQ that way.

 

[Beyakusenn]

I completely agree with cel4145. It's unlikely you will hear much difference with a DAC/amp combination.
Getting different headphones would make a much more significant difference.

 

[buke9]

I think it depends on where your volume slider is when you listen. Not that you listen to music very loud you shouldn't if you want to hear when you get old like me. There is something to be said for headroom with a amp. You can get more dynamics at lower volumes. My HE-400S's can run on anything but they sound better amped in my opinion .

 

[1mrdad]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Cel4145 thanks for the s6 link. I won't be spending money for a dac. The $300 budget was really wishful thinking on my part. Realistically, the m50x were at the top end of my headphone budget. I like buke9's idea of more headroom, so I'm going to budget a $100 for an amp.

 

[Music Alchemist]

If you're looking for an amp under $100, the Schiit Magni 2 is good. Or if you want a DAC/amp, there's also the Schiit Fulla. You'd only really need the Magni if you plan on upgrading to headphones that are harder to drive.

 

[1mrdad]

Actually, the magni2 is the amp I intended to buy. Being an old, old school audiophile, I like buke9's idea of having more headroom (plus I'm probably older than him anyway). Also, I listen to music quite a bit over my computer, I could eventually buy a modi2 to use with it.

 

[buke9]

Actually, the magni2 is the amp I intended to buy. Being an old, old school audiophile, I like buke9's idea of having more headroom (plus I'm probably older than him anyway). Also, I listen to music quite a bit over my computer, I could eventually buy a modi2 to use with it.

53 that is the last time .

 

[Music Alchemist]

Actually, the magni2 is the amp I intended to buy. Being an old, old school audiophile, I like buke9's idea of having more headroom (plus I'm probably older than him anyway). Also, I listen to music quite a bit over my computer, I could eventually buy a modi2 to use with it.

 
I had a Magni 2 Uber and Modi 2. How much of an improvement you'll get from them depends partially on the source you are using. With many headphones, I did not hear a difference between the Schiit stack and my laptop's headphone outputs. The Fulla (or perhaps an even more affordable DAC/amp...I'm using the Creative Sound Blaster E1 at the moment) is a better value, regardless. You won't use anywhere near any of their maximum output power with the M50x. That headphone got loud even directly from my laptop, and much harder to drive headphones get loud from the Fulla.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Actually, the magni2 is the amp I intended to buy. Being an old, old school audiophile, I like buke9's idea of having more headroom (plus I'm probably older than him anyway). Also, I listen to music quite a bit over my computer, I could eventually buy a modi2 to use with it.

 
FiiO X3 Gen II, #200.
Use as an external USB DAC/amp, with your computer.
And also as a standalone portable music player.

 

[cel4145]

Actually, the magni2 is the amp I intended to buy. Being an old, old school audiophile, I like buke9's idea of having more headroom (plus I'm probably older than him anyway). Also, I listen to music quite a bit over my computer, I could eventually buy a modi2 to use with it.

It is possible to calculate the headroom you need using the sensitivity of the headphones if you know your average listening level. That way you are not buying more amplification for just the sake of buying it. For example, the M50X require only 0.05 mW to reach 90d SPL into 38 ohms. So something like the Fiio A3 which is rated 270 mW (32 Ω) could easily reach volumes louder than you want to listen with plenty of headroom for dynamics.

That being said, the Magni 2 is an excellent enthusiasts level desktop headphone amp choice, and I think it's a great option to support future headphone upgrades.

 

[1mrdad]

What I failed to mention was that I found a deal on Amazon. I was able to get a fiio e6 with the m50x for the same price as the headphones alone. I had planned on comparing the sound from Galaxy s6 with and without the fiio to see if there was any difference. The perfectionist in me (and my tendency to over think a problem) is why I was considering the magni2. Plus, as you said it would support any future headphone or small desk top upgrades.

 

[PurpleAngel]

What I failed to mention was that I found a deal on Amazon. I was able to get a fiio e6 with the m50x for the same price as the headphones alone. I had planned on comparing the sound from Galaxy s6 with and without the fiio to see if there was any difference. The perfectionist in me (and my tendency to over think a problem) is why I was considering the magni2. Plus, as you said it would support any future headphone or small desk top upgrades.

 
While using the FiiO E6 daisy chained off the smart phone.
Max out the volume setting on the phone and control volume using the E6.

 

[1mrdad]

While using the FiiO E6 daisy chained off the smart phone.
Max out the volume setting on the phone and control volume using the E6.

K. Thanks. I'll try that. I'm supposed to get delivery of the headphones and amp tomorrow.