Which AMP/DAC should I get?

[fernandodeidre]

Hey Head-Fi guys, i'm kind of new to this audio thing, and I just upgraded from some old Beats Studio to Bowers & Wilkins P7's and I can note the huge difference. I've been reading about how the P7's improve massively with a dedicated amp or DAC. Since I don't really know the difference/what they are, I did some research and found I should buy the MeridianExplorer DAC. But I don't know whether I should get a DAC or an Amp, or both. If there's something better, or i'm just getting the full picture totally wrong, i'd love some advice. I have around 300 dollars of a budget. Thanks! 

 

[PurpleAngel]

Audio-GD NFB-15.32 external DAC/Amp, $255+shipping.
http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/NFB1532/NFB15.32EN.htm

 

[manbear]

There is no way to connect headphones to a DAC without an amp. You need both. However, some DACs come with a built-in amp so it's possible to get both in one product.

Do you want something portable (i.e. doesn't need to be plugged into the wall outlet)?

Will you be using a computer, phone, portable music player, or some combination of those three?

 

[fernandodeidre]

A combination of those three, but mostly a laptop (so id rather have a portable one) 

 

[fernandodeidre]

So would the Meridian Explorer or the Audioquest Dragonfly work?

 

[manbear]

Those would both work with a laptop, not sure about phones or other devices though.

 

[fernandodeidre]

Okay, so all I need is a meridian explorer + my P7's and i'm set?

 

[manbear]

Yep, just plug it into your laptop via USB and you have a DAC and an amp. It might work over USB with your phone as well, but I don't really know.

 

[fernandodeidre]

Thanks!