DAC/Amp question

[Phidel]

Hello!

I bought the Hifiman Ananda Nano headphones for music and games. At this moment I'm using the FiiO k7 with 4.4mm balanced wire but I feel this headphones needs more.

I'm thinking to buy the Topping DX5, the Loxjie D40 Pro or the Sabaj A20d 2022.

I think the Loxjie or Sabaj are the best, maybe the Sabaj is bit better but the question is... Will I feel any audible difference between these DACs? Is there any audible difference between balanced or unbalanced output?

Thanks!

 

[Berwhale]

Unless the K7 is broken, you won't hear any difference in a blind test.

 

[Phidel]

Unless the K7 is broken, you won't hear any difference in a blind test.

Won't I gain in sound quality if I change the k7 to any of these DACs?

The k7 has dual mid range ES chips and these other have high or ultra high range chips then, what sense have to buy a superior DAC?

 

[Berwhale]

Won't I gain in sound quality if I change the k7 to any of these DACs?

The k7 has dual mid range ES chips and these other have high or ultra high range chips then, what sense have to buy a superior DAC?

Once performance surpasses the threshold of hearing (i.e. becomes 'transparent') then there is no point buying a more expensive DAC for to improve sound quality. Have a read through this thread: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...-thresholds-of-amp-and-dac-measurements.5734/

Other potential reasons to spend more on a DAC/Amp: functionality, power output, number and type of inputs/outputs, display, remote control capability, looks, build, warranty, etc.

 

[Phidel]

Once performance surpasses the threshold of hearing (i.e. becomes 'transparent') then there is no point buying a more expensive DAC for to improve sound quality. Have a read through this thread: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...-thresholds-of-amp-and-dac-measurements.5734/

Other potential reasons to spend more on a DAC/Amp: functionality, power output, number and type of inputs/outputs, display, remote control capability, looks, build, warranty, etc.

I understand what you saying but I feel a different sound when I changed from the k5 ESS Pro to the k7. The k7 is more musical and the k5 has better imaging, the first uses AK chip and the other uses ES chip, maybe this is the reason that I feel differences between them. I preffer ES sound and for this reason I'm looking for a high end DAC with ES top range chip.

 

[Berwhale]

I understand what you saying but I feel a different sound when I changed from the k5 ESS Pro to the k7. The k7 is more musical and the k5 has better imaging, the first uses AK chip and the other uses ES chip, maybe this is the reason that I feel differences between them. I preffer ES sound and for this reason I'm looking for a high end DAC with ES top range chip.

Serious Question: How can DAC's have a SOUND SIGNATURE if they measure as transparent? Are that many confused?

I know there are people out there that think cables affect sound, which is much worse, but there really is no response to something like that, but just to smile and nod. But what about people who talk about DACS as if they were headphone drivers or speakers, and talk about the SOUNDSTAGE...

www.audiosciencereview.com