Budget Friendly DAC/AMP for office use

[mediumraresteak]

Hi,

I'm looking for recommendations on a dac/amp combo to run tidal on my phone and LCD-XC 2021. I originally wanted to get a DAP, but seeing as how this set up will stay at my cubicle, I think a dac/amp will offer better bang for the buck. My budget is ~$500.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Karu]

Topping EX5

 

[Holmz]

Unless you are running speakers…

ER2SE Earphones - Etymotic

ER2SE (Studio Edition) delivers clear, accurate sound using high performance dynamic drivers.

www.etymotic.com

 

[H-713]

Amir has reviewed more DACs and headphone amps (and combos) than just about anything else. He's reviewed so many that I've lost track. The short answer is to pick one of the ones that is on the "recommended" list that looks good to you and you'll be fine.

 

[Holmz]

I have many sets of the Etymotics in the cheaper versions, and a good set.

I used them yesterday and today while sanding with the cord not pluged into anything, as they also have the advantage of ~25 dB lower outside noise.
I did have some custom moulded ones, but the cord got damaged

They have pretty low distortion, so unless you want a speaker, and do not want noise suppression or an in eater monitor, they are hard to beat.
And with the $10 iPad dongle they sound pretty good. (I think Amir tested those dongles was well?)

Here is the Etymotics review:

Headphone Measurements Using Brüel & Kjær 5128 HATS

Just found my Etymotic ER4SR. Alas, all I have are foam tips and they simply don't want to fit inside the artificial ear. Variation in bass is massive with slight movement: Looking at other measurements, they either don't show the 6 kHz bump or show it ever so slightly. I dialed in a -3 dB...

www.audiosciencereview.com

But I have been looking at DACS… (I dunno why).