Buying a headphone amp - comparison to Naim?

[Monosauras]

Hey all

Just came from trying out headphones and think I’m settled on the Focal Utopia (currently heavily discounted). I could justify it because they sounded so damn good.

Problem is, they had it hooked up to a Naim Unity Atom headphone edition, which suddenly takes me to an “I can’t justify this” price. I had them connect it to a Fiio R7 streaming amp, and it definitely sounded less dynamic.

I don’t need an all-in-one solution, so just wondering what I could get away with amp and dac wise that won’t leave me feeling I wasted my money on the Focal.

I hear recommendations of the Topping D 3 Pro+. Doesn’t look anywhere near as nice, but I’m only focused on the actual end sound quality.

Thoughts? Need some guidance here.

Edit: important to note is that I’m in Australia.

Thank you

 

[Doodski]

Look for a more powerful headphone amp. There are powerful amps available from ~109.00 and up. The Schiit Magni Heretic is priced @ $109.00 USD. It is a capable amp that can be combined with a DAC of your choice and you will have a powerful setup. If you want to spend more you can but it's not necessary.

Schiit Audio: Audio Products Designed and Built in Texas and California

www.schiit.com

 

[Monosauras]

Thank you!
One key detail I left out is that I’m in Australia. Quick search couldn’t find the Heretic sold locally.

I’m keen for more suggestions, but so long as I know I’m not waisting my money by not going fully in with the Nair as well (currently over $3000AUD), then I’ll jump in.

 

[Doodski]

I’m keen for more suggestions, but so long as I know I’m not waisting my money by not going fully in with the Nair as well (currently over $3000AUD), then I’ll jump in.

You are making a wise choice by not spending $3000 AUD. It is not necessary. I'm not familiar with the Australian market so I can't suggest anything local to you. The Heretic can be purchased at the Schiit web page and there are shipping options available globally. It has a 2 year warranty too.

 

[Monosauras]

You are making a wise choice by not spending $3000 AUD. It is not necessary. I'm not familiar with the Australian market so I can't suggest anything local to you. The Heretic can be purchased at the Schiit web page and there are shipping options available globally. It has a 2 year warranty too.

Thanks for that! Looks like I’d be down about $250AUD for the Heretic shipped to me. That’s a great option!

 

[Dunring]

We have a DX3Pro+ and it's really great, the HD6xx in low gain is no sweat. Plenty of power for most things. I have a DX5 also and it's just not a good value compared to the DX3Pro+. I personally use a Topping E50 and A30Pro and wouldn't change a thing or upgrade this combo. The D30Pro matching DAC is great, but discontinued so really hard to find.

 

[Monosauras]

Thanks, Dunring.

I've put it on my shortlist. I like the look and function of the D70 Pro as well. I'm in no rush so will keep a look out at prices over the next month.

Thinking of Raspberry Pi with Plexamp for the streamer, A70 or Eversolo Z8 for DAC, and then D70 Pro or DX3Pro+ for amp.