DAC/Headphone AMP suggestion

[REZAS]

Hi there,

I'm new to this field and recently bought a Yamaha A-S301 amplifier paired with Focal Theva N.1 speakers (an entry-level setup). Since then, I’ve found my old Logitech gaming headphones intolerable and am looking to upgrade to the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pros. However, after testing them with my amplifier’s headphone jack, something seems off.

I’m currently using a Creative Sound Blaster internal sound card as my DAC, which sounds about the same as the Yamaha’s internal DAC. I’m wondering if adding an external DAC would significantly improve my setup. Also, is the Topping DX3 Pro+ a good choice for powering these headphones?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[kemmler3D]

I’m wondering if adding an external DAC would significantly improve my setup.

It's possible there is some impedance mismatch between the Yamaha and the headphones, but otherwise not likely.

What do you think is "off" about the sound?

Also, is the Topping DX3 Pro+ a good choice for powering these headphones?

That's a solid DAC / Amp, should be great.

And, welcome to ASR!

 

[REZAS]

It's possible there is some impedance mismatch between the Yamaha and the headphones, but otherwise not likely.

What do you think is "off" about the sound?

That's a solid DAC / Amp, should be great.

And, welcome to ASR!

Hi .Thanks
I'm experiencing a lack of bass and very low volume. Even when I turn the knob past 75%, I get distortion—and the volume is still too low. maybe it is the impedance but I don't know how to recognize that.
If i buy the DX3 Pro+ Would I notice a difference compared to my current DAC or should I just buy a Headphone Amp ?

 

[kemmler3D]

Hi .Thanks
I'm experiencing a lack of bass and very low volume. Even when I turn the knob past 75%, I get distortion—and the volume is still too low. maybe it is the impedance but I don't know how to recognize that.
If i buy the DX3 Pro+ Would I notice a difference compared to my current DAC or should I just buy a Headphone Amp ?

If there is an impedance and/or power problem with the Yamaha, either a DAC/amp or just an amp will probably fix it.

 

[Henryk]

Hi there,

I'm new to this field and recently bought a Yamaha A-S301 amplifier paired with Focal Theva N.1 speakers (an entry-level setup). Since then, I’ve found my old Logitech gaming headphones intolerable and am looking to upgrade to the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pros. However, after testing them with my amplifier’s headphone jack, something seems off.

I’m currently using a Creative Sound Blaster internal sound card as my DAC, which sounds about the same as the Yamaha’s internal DAC. I’m wondering if adding an external DAC would significantly improve my setup. Also, is the Topping DX3 Pro+ a good choice for powering these headphones?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

First off, welcome!

Second: What's your budget?

If you weren't aware, we're living in the golden age of affordable audiophile equipment.
You'd be amazed with the sound quality that a modest investment can achieve.
But to make a recommendation, we'll need to know a price range.