ANC headphones (Bose QCU2 Sony XM6) do they benefit from DAC/AMP?

[randomw426]

Headphones like Sony XM6 and Bose QCU2, do they benefit from a quality DAC/AMPs? I understand these headphones have their own internal DAC that cannot be bypassed? is that right? so I'm not sure if its really needed.

My use cases are these

Nvidia Shield & Ugoos AmB 6+ connecting to USB A port output the dac/amp I'm looking at Fiio K11 or similar
Gaming PC USB A or C port out to Fiio K11

Would the headphones I listed benefit from a nice dac/amp like the Fiio K11 or similar? or is it not needed in the above situations?

Thanks for the help

 

[kemmler3D]

In general most wireless headphones today use internal EQ, so there will be an ADC / DAC on any analog input, so not much point in using an external one beyond the very basics.

 

[randomw426]

In general most wireless headphones today use internal EQ, so there will be an ADC / DAC on any analog input, so not much point in using an external one beyond the very basics.

thanks, have any recommendations for a basic dac/amp?

 

[kemmler3D]

thanks, have any recommendations for a basic dac/amp?

The most basic competent DAC I know of is the Apple dongle. The right DAC mostly just depends on what features you need, most DACs that Amir has reviewed are perfectly good.

 

[KSTR]

Headphones like Sony XM6 and Bose QCU2, do they benefit from a quality DAC/AMPs? I understand these headphones have their own internal DAC that cannot be bypassed? is that right? so I'm not sure if its really needed.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 has an analog 3.5mm input which offers direct access to the drivers. I haven't tried this feature yet on mine but I read that doesn't sound as good as in active bluetooth mode, lacking bass and treble.