SimpleAuricle
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- Joined
- Dec 20, 2023
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I've been grappling with a question recently: the necessity and impact of a DAC/amp on high-end headphones, specifically the HiFiMan HE1000 Stealth.
I currently own the HE1000 Stealth and have recently started using them directly with my 2019 MacBook Pro and iPhone via the Apple dongle instead of a separate dac/amp. To my ears, they sound quite good. However, I've also experimented with the EF400 and noticed a subtle but distinct difference in sound—it seems a bit more "airy." Similarly, the iFi Gryphon offered a slightly different auditory experience.
This has led me to a crossroads of confusion. There's a lot of hype and conflicting opinions online about the need for DACs and amps, especially for low-impedance, planar magnetic headphones like mine. Some say it's essential, while others suggest it's not as critical.
Here are my key questions for the community:
1. Necessity of a DAC/Amp: Is there a consensus on whether a DAC/amp is truly necessary for headphones like the HE1000 Stealth? Could the differences I'm hearing be due to intentional distortion or coloration from the amps?
2. Sound Quality: For those of you who have experience with the HE1000 Stealth, did you find that a DAC/amp significantly improved the sound quality? If so, in what ways?
3. Product Recommendations: If you do believe a DAC/amp is beneficial, could you recommend some high-quality options that pair well with the HE1000 Stealth? I'm looking for something that can bring out the best in these headphones without overspending for no reason or ending up with an over-hyped product.
4. Cost vs. Benefit: With the high price tags on some of these audio components, I'm trying to understand the cost-benefit ratio. Why are some DACs and amps so expensive, and is the investment justified by the improvement in sound quality? After perusing post after post, I feel more confused than before. My current understanding is that any well designed DAC should be transparent, and you only need an Amp if your source isn't powerful enough. And the reason to buy an amp is for the sound signature of that product?
I appreciate any insights or personal experiences you can share. Your advice will help me (and perhaps others in a similar situation) make a more informed decision.
Thank you in advance!
I currently own the HE1000 Stealth and have recently started using them directly with my 2019 MacBook Pro and iPhone via the Apple dongle instead of a separate dac/amp. To my ears, they sound quite good. However, I've also experimented with the EF400 and noticed a subtle but distinct difference in sound—it seems a bit more "airy." Similarly, the iFi Gryphon offered a slightly different auditory experience.
This has led me to a crossroads of confusion. There's a lot of hype and conflicting opinions online about the need for DACs and amps, especially for low-impedance, planar magnetic headphones like mine. Some say it's essential, while others suggest it's not as critical.
Here are my key questions for the community:
1. Necessity of a DAC/Amp: Is there a consensus on whether a DAC/amp is truly necessary for headphones like the HE1000 Stealth? Could the differences I'm hearing be due to intentional distortion or coloration from the amps?
2. Sound Quality: For those of you who have experience with the HE1000 Stealth, did you find that a DAC/amp significantly improved the sound quality? If so, in what ways?
3. Product Recommendations: If you do believe a DAC/amp is beneficial, could you recommend some high-quality options that pair well with the HE1000 Stealth? I'm looking for something that can bring out the best in these headphones without overspending for no reason or ending up with an over-hyped product.
4. Cost vs. Benefit: With the high price tags on some of these audio components, I'm trying to understand the cost-benefit ratio. Why are some DACs and amps so expensive, and is the investment justified by the improvement in sound quality? After perusing post after post, I feel more confused than before. My current understanding is that any well designed DAC should be transparent, and you only need an Amp if your source isn't powerful enough. And the reason to buy an amp is for the sound signature of that product?
I appreciate any insights or personal experiences you can share. Your advice will help me (and perhaps others in a similar situation) make a more informed decision.
Thank you in advance!