TechEnthusiast
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Through experimentation amongst various products and advice from this forum, I think that I have finally narrowed it down to 2 choices. I am primarily using Sundara headphones and sometimes some old Grado 325's, Senn HD 590, and Sony MDR 1A.
Currently I have a Topping L30/E30 ($270) and an Ifi Zen Can ($170) set up side by side. So far the only difference in sound that I can determine is that the Zen can get louder but that can be managed with the Topping with a pre-amp in software. Really both of them get loud enough for most listening experiences, however , there are times when I do crank it just for a few seconds...just like having that ability, and through the software the Topping can then match the highest levels I would ever go for that short moment or so.
I realize that the Zen only serves as an amp and I do not find any real advantage of a separate DAC. My PC contains both a Soundblaster Z card and the MB which is an Asus H170 Pro Gaming board that has a quality DAC as well. I have A/B'd these 2 set ups for some time now and it's getting time to keep one over the other. I just need a little help from the experts here.
Looks and convenience wise I really like both. The stack works great on my desktop as does the Zen. With the Zen it works perfect by itself and minimizes cable management but it is not something that makes that much of a difference to me.
I did try the Monolith 788 but it provided no benefit over the other 2 set ups other than being a single unit and pricier. Possible would have kept it as I do like the single unit look but could not get past the Volume control, lack of a remote, and ability to use as pre-amp on the fly (you have to go through the menus).
So help guide me through this decision if you can....I know that it just may come down to personal preference but I am hoping that someone can help me to lean one way or the other.....I like both setups a lot. Also would be open to a combo unit if it could be under $300 and serve as a pre-amp and compete with these 2 power-wise....the K5 pro almost does this...but no switch for output.
Currently I have a Topping L30/E30 ($270) and an Ifi Zen Can ($170) set up side by side. So far the only difference in sound that I can determine is that the Zen can get louder but that can be managed with the Topping with a pre-amp in software. Really both of them get loud enough for most listening experiences, however , there are times when I do crank it just for a few seconds...just like having that ability, and through the software the Topping can then match the highest levels I would ever go for that short moment or so.
I realize that the Zen only serves as an amp and I do not find any real advantage of a separate DAC. My PC contains both a Soundblaster Z card and the MB which is an Asus H170 Pro Gaming board that has a quality DAC as well. I have A/B'd these 2 set ups for some time now and it's getting time to keep one over the other. I just need a little help from the experts here.
Looks and convenience wise I really like both. The stack works great on my desktop as does the Zen. With the Zen it works perfect by itself and minimizes cable management but it is not something that makes that much of a difference to me.
I did try the Monolith 788 but it provided no benefit over the other 2 set ups other than being a single unit and pricier. Possible would have kept it as I do like the single unit look but could not get past the Volume control, lack of a remote, and ability to use as pre-amp on the fly (you have to go through the menus).
So help guide me through this decision if you can....I know that it just may come down to personal preference but I am hoping that someone can help me to lean one way or the other.....I like both setups a lot. Also would be open to a combo unit if it could be under $300 and serve as a pre-amp and compete with these 2 power-wise....the K5 pro almost does this...but no switch for output.
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