The Centrance DAC Port HD is the only USB-powered DAC that I know of which can power high impedance headphones. I wanted to buy one for a long time and now that I remembered I saw it's out of production and I can't find any used for sale. So is there something similar? I know of battery-powered large ones but I'd like something small. Thanks.
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Any small USB-powered DAC with high output like the Centrance DAC Port HD?
- Thread starter gn77b
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The Tanchjim Space measures best on the 4.4mm balanced side, or Soundblaster X1 outputs 2.4volts at 120ohm or higher. I've used the 600ohm Beyerdynamic DT880 with the X1 and it sounded good, but near max volume.
staticV3
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My HD600 gets way too loud, even with the measely 0.5V EU Apple dongle.
That makes me think that perhaps you're not sending your audio to the dongle at full volume, hence you need a dongle with high output voltage to compensate.
Anyway, the DAC Port HD can output 4.1V into high impedance loads.
There are probably 50+ dongles on the market with balanced 2.5mm/4.4mm ouput jacks, which can about match it at 4V into high impedance loads.
However, those will require you change the headphone cable to a balanced one, otherwise you'll only get 2V via 3.5mm.
If you have headphones with fixed, 1/4" cables, so you need something that can output high voltages even with single-ended 3.5mm/6.35mm output, then the only alternative AFAIK is the Apogee Groove.
It'll play even louder than the DAC Port HD at 4.6V into high impedance loads.
Seriously though. Look into how much voltage you actually need to drive your headphones to your desired levels. It's probably way less than you think.
For example, using my HD600 I need about 0.06Vrms Peak for EDM and at most 0.17Vrms Peak for less compressed, classic rock. 4V or more would be insanity!
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- Thread Starter
- #5
TBH honest I haven't used my AKG K7XXs in a while so I was under the impression that theý're not reaching satisfying levels. My FiiO E10K was lying in a drawer too so I thought I'd give the combo another listen and you're right, it reaches levels above satisying. But when turned a bit up it gets a bit hash and maybe these are the limits of the FiiO. It may very well be that it's this impression that got stuck with me. After getting the K7XX I remember thinking they're a bit underwhelming as they kinda fall apart (well maybe an exaggeration) under loud, complex passages. So maybe they're underamped.
Now as for the Apogee. Looking at power out specs:
- Max output level: 225mW into 30 Ohm
- Max output level: 40mW into 600 Ohm
staticV3
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How does the math not add up exactly?
Max output voltage decreases with load impedance. That's normal for every Amp.
- Thread Starter
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Such a large decrease in output voltage indicates a very high output impedance which would make its FR vary with headphone impedance. I would expect that an amp either had a very low output impedance or a switch for low/high load.
staticV3
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Centrance specify an output impedance of 1Ω and Amir measured 1.9Ω in his test.
The reason why output voltage decreases so much is that the Dacport HD just has low output current capability, so is optimized for high impedance loads.
Has nothing to do with output impedance.
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The TempoTec Sonata HD could power my HD6XX more than adequately, and Amir was satisfied with it with his HD650.
www.audiosciencereview.com
Tempotec Sonata HD Pro Review (headphone Adapter)
This is a review and detailed measurements of the Tempotec Sonata HD Pro. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $54 on Amazon including Prime shipping. The Sonata HD Pro comes in the usual rectangular dongle size: The differentiation as you can barely see are the volume control...
www.audiosciencereview.com
- Thread Starter
- #11
staticV3
So I'm assuming it's an atypical design because such a large variations with load are not expected with a regular amplifier. Anyway at this size and being USB powered I'm not expecting wonders. And I are we talking about Centrance or Apogee? I was talking about the latter.
So I'm assuming it's an atypical design because such a large variations with load are not expected with a regular amplifier. Anyway at this size and being USB powered I'm not expecting wonders. And I are we talking about Centrance or Apogee? I was talking about the latter.
staticV3
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Oh I'm sorry, I got them mixed up.
Amir indeed measured the Groove's output impedance at 21Ω:
Review and Measurements of Apogee Groove DAC and Amp
This is a review and measurements of the Apogee Groove portable DAC and headphone amplifier. It is on kind loan from a forum member. As small portable DAC+Amps go, its retail price of $295 is quite high. I see factory refurbished ones at $149 though on Apogee website. Apogee is best known...
www.audiosciencereview.com
So for that model, voltage drop due to high Zo definitely is a factor.
