What is the difference between DAC and AMP?

Sep 15, 2024 at 5:45 PM Post #4 of 19
The Digital Analogue Converter turns files into an analog signal for your headphones. Every computer, phone or DAP (digital audio player) already has one built in. Do you need a better one? Maybe if you have a cheaper computer or phone. But maybe not.

Two I have tried:
DAC without powerful amp: Apple Dongle (US version, not Europe version with reduced volume)
DAC with powerful amp: VE Megatron

But there are plenty of good choices. Look at this comprehensive comparison of dongles (DACs and DAC/Amps):
https://docs.google.com/file/d/1eKvWteIUUp61kpZcjRSxVI6NtllHzVos/edit

The columns go in descending quality from left to right. Anything from three stars up should be fine -- chose by price, looks, brand name, whatever.
 
Sep 15, 2024 at 5:52 PM Post #5 of 19
A really good one I've had is the Tanchjim Space, excellent performance and power in a tiny package. The $9 U.S. version Apple 3.5mm adapter wins the value for money category. I use one with my Moondrop Chu 2 and really happy to wash the car with them or hit the treadmill.
 
Sep 16, 2024 at 12:34 PM Post #11 of 19
can't have one without the other
 
Sep 16, 2024 at 3:36 PM Post #12 of 19
okay, what about some home DAC for Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro?
Depends on the impedance of the DT 770 Pro you have. There are different models. If it's 80 ohm or 250 ohm you'd do better with something with more power than the JA11. If it's 32 ohm, worth a try.

Take a look at the DongleMadness list I linked above and do some comparisons.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/1eKvWteIUUp61kpZcjRSxVI6NtllHzVos/edit

The $50 VE Megatron is like a large dongle, the size of a cigarette pack, and will run power-hungry headphones. Smaller dongles from Tanchjim, Hiby, FiiO, Shanling, etc. etc. etc. should also work. Check out some reviews.
 
Last edited:
Sep 16, 2024 at 4:23 PM Post #13 of 19
Depends on the impedance of the DT 770 Pro you have. There are different models. If it's 80 ohm or 250 ohm you'd do better with something with more power than the JA11. If it's 32 ohm, worth a try.

Take a look at the DongleMadness list I linked above and do some comparisons.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/1eKvWteIUUp61kpZcjRSxVI6NtllHzVos/edit

The $50 VE Megatron is like a large dongle, the size of a cigarette pack, and will run power-hungry headphones. Smaller dongles from Tanchjim, Hiby, FiiO, Shanling, etc. etc. etc. should also work. Check out some reviews.
where can i buy VE Megatron? and can i use it with my pc?
 
Sep 17, 2024 at 3:52 PM Post #15 of 19

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top