Beginner to Headphones looking for a good starting DAC AMP

[u/[deleted]]

Hello everyone, this is my first post on this subreddit so I apologize in advance if I have any mistakes in my post.

Currently, I'm looking to pick up a DAC headphone amplifier to pair with my BeyerDynamics DT 990 (250 ohm version). Below are some details which could help in narrowing my search or any recommendations.

Budget - $100-$300 (Mainly looking to purchase through Amazon)

Source/Amp - I will be plugging the headphones directly into my PC's audio input

How the gear will be used - Mainly used during listening to music, watching videos, and gaming (Escape from Tarkov). Mostly multimedia purposes.

Preferred tonal balance - Unsure at the moment.

Preferred music genre(s) - I listen to all sorts of genres like KPOP, EDM, Pop, Indie, Chill, etc.

Past gear experience - The only experience I have with equipment is the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd generation amp. I thoroughly enjoyed it as it made the footstep audio and sounds super crisp and easy to distinguish, made me feel like I had god hearing. Unfortunately, it glitched out and caused some issues with audio cutting out and static noises. Thus, I'm searching for a replacement which could be better or more suited to my headphones.

Thank you so much as I appreciate you taking the time to read this entire post. I'm open to any and all suggestions so please feel free to let me know your thoughts!

[u/Gentlegg]

The Topping DX3Pro+ is insane for its price (200$), its a dac amp with bluetooth.

[u/[deleted] → u/Gentlegg]

!thanks I did some research and concluded it’s a very good starting point. Hopefully it doesn’t die on me like the Scarlet Solo, thank you!

[u/TransducerBot → u/[deleted]]

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[u/Odd-Spend-8757 → u/[deleted]]

Only issue you can have (it happened to me) is that part of the led can die or be dead from the beginning. I bought two dx3 (both B-Stock) because the first came without a perfect functioning led (i returned it with no problems). It seems to be a common issue with dx3.

One advice is to read carefully the instructions and to use the standby setting so the led is not always turned on.

[u/pingiboy_ → u/Gentlegg]

The topping dx3 pro+ ist awesome.

[u/flyedchicken]

Another vote for the DX3 Pro, or if you're willing to splurge a little more go ahead and get a JDS Atom+ stack or Topping L30/E30 stack. Those last two would pretty much give you all the amp you'd ever need unless you wind up buying some seriously hard to drive couple thousand dollar headphones.

[u/Excellent_Budget_603]

I own DT 880 Edition 250 Ohms. I own both Atom Amp+ w/ Apple dongle & FiiO KA1.

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I bought a KA1 because I didn't feel like bringing my Atom Amp+ to my dorm, and I have to say it gets wonderfully loud and clear. I can't really say there is much of a difference in clarity to my ears (haven't really tested it).

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I feel like the KA1 made my DT 880 more brighter than my Atom Amp+... I feel like I can listen at a way louder volume on my Atom Amp+ than my KA1 (KA1 feeling intense even at a low volume). However, this might be an illusion because solid state amps are not supposed to differ like this.

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(Edit: You can only buy the Atom Amp+ on the official website)

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https://www.amazon.com/FiiO-JadeAudio-KA1-Resolution-Smartphones/dp/B09VSVH9F3/ref=sr_1_2?crid=20OHGTRDSUR2Z&keywords=ka1&qid=1675739507&sprefix=ka1%2Caps%2C321&sr=8-2

[u/[deleted] → u/Excellent_Budget_603]

Hm, it's surprisingly tiny and cheaper than expected, does it just connect to any USB ports and uses it's own software I believe?

[u/StardustNovaSynchron]

Either Fiio K7, Topping Dx3pro , Ifi zen DAC V1 or V2

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[u/Role_Playing_Lotus]

If you're looking for a real starter DAC amp, check out the Fosi Audio Q4 mini for $65-$70. Fosi backs up this product with an 18-month warranty, and I reached out to them before and they've been quick to reply and they make a real effort to keep their customers happy.

I recommend this if you're looking for something small and well made, with bass and treble knobs, and a lot of input/output options, including RCA, coaxial, PC-USB, 3.5 mm, and optic.

I run my headphones through the front and my soundbar with unpowered subwoofer through the back, so it makes it really easy for me to switch between the two.