Bigger Impact For Upgrading PC Audio DAC or Amp or DAC/Amp?

[B00tySalads]

If one were to get a single product to improve the sound from a PC for listening on mid-range (B&O Portal/Audeze Penrose) headphones (mostly listening to Tidal, Youtube, gaming), what would provide the most noticeable improvement assuming you spent the same $?

For example: Dongle DAC/Amp (E1DA, Earmen Eagle etc) vs a standalone desktop headphone amp while using the onboard DAC (Schiit Heretic etc) vs a desktop DAC (ZEN Air DAC, SMSL Sanskrit) vs combo (FIIO K3, iFi GO BAR etc)

I know price points will vary but just wanting a general idea overall what should have a larger impact for the same total dollars spent.

 

[Dunring]

For the Penrose are you using them in Bluetooth mode? I'd always upgrade headphones first, it'll be the most dramatic difference. A used Hifiman Ananda would be my first stop. They're easy to drive too.

 

[B00tySalads]

For the Penrose are you using them in Bluetooth mode? I'd always upgrade headphones first, it'll be the most dramatic difference. A used Hifiman Ananda would be my first stop. They're easy to drive too.

Not using the Bluetooth.

 

[Dunring]

I'd try using it in bluetooth mode and use the onboard amp/DAC it has to dial in the sound. It was designed to do that, so you might get the results you want without spending anything. I've had a few of the Cloud Orbits which uses Audeze drivers (and uses USB, those aren't wireless) and in stereo mode and flat EQ profile they sounded pretty good.

 

[B00tySalads]

I don't really dislike anything about the sound, but I know PM tend to like a little power but I don't want to get just an amp if using my on board DAC with an external amp would not be a better/more noticeable upgrade vs a standalone DAC or an amp/DAC (assuming pricing is all about the same). Just considering options as I can't get the $800 Audeze gaming headset right now haha