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Need advice for buying amp/dac for HD6XX!

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eXodus

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Dec 31, 2019
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Bought the HD6XX awhile back. I need to buy amp/dac combo or separately since I'm using these at my desk on my PC and my mobo isn't able to put out anywhere near enough to power these cans.

So any suggested amp/dac's for this headphone to really make it shine but not break the bank. I'm in Canada, so keeping the budget to 200-600ish? Am I even in the right ball park? It seems everyone has a different opinion and I have no basis on what to look for.

I'm outputting from my PC via DAC-UP (USB) so the DAC needs to have a USB in at least. I've been looking at the Schiit Stack, JDS, Topping DX7 Pro, THX 788/789, but I guess I need some guidance. Again trying to find something to make the HD6XX's shine.
 
I would recommend an outboard DAC, if only because most motherboards are not designed for quality line output. There's a whole lot of noise and interference going on inside a computer.
 
For desktop solution, I have both Atom+Topping D50s and all in one Fiio K5 Pro. They both sound nice. I back and forth between the two with my hd6xx, hd660s, sundara, m50x and sony 1am2
 
Maybe you can grind down for a good deal on a Monoprice Monolith THX887 from Canuck Audio Mart. It's a bit of a stretch but you get the best.
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...thx-887-balance-headphone-amp-new-champ.8942/
https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649577118-monolith-thx-887/
https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/classifieds/57-headphone-amplifiers/?page=1
393591.jpg
 
NTomokawa said:
Computer line-out directly into a headphone amp? No audible hiss or noise?
Click to expand...
The newer motherboards have excellent mute circuitry and are near silent. I know my ALC1220 CODEC motherboard is silent and no noises. But using that output is kinda durty. A DAC added on later or now is good.
 
My motherboard has the ALC1220 Codec. I ideally wanted just about the best setup for these headphones. I don't mind paying a bit more, and I live 5 mins from the US border, have an address over there so duty/shipping isn't a concern necessarily.
 
eXodus said:
My motherboard has the ALC1220 Codec. I ideally wanted just about the best setup for these headphones. I don't mind paying a bit more, and I live 5 mins from the US border, have an address over there so duty/shipping isn't a concern necessarily.
Click to expand...
Go for the best your money can afford and get the balanced output amp for now and for later. Are balanced headphone cables available for the HD6XX?
 
Doodski said:
Go for the best your money can afford and get the balanced output amp for now and for later. Are balanced headphone cables available for the HD6XX?
Click to expand...

Just requested the cable, do I even need one really? As I understand it just helps to provide more power up to the headphones? As for the amp/dac not even sure what the best is to get?
 
eXodus said:
Just requested the cable, do I even need one really? As I understand it just helps to provide more power up to the headphones? As for the amp/dac not even sure what the best is to get?
Click to expand...
Generally the balanced power output is usually about double.
 
Topping D3X Pro, under $200 and it rocks. I use it with My HD6xx
 
Last edited:
If you do get a balanced cable for hd6xx, you'll need an amp that has balanced out like the monoprice thx mentioned here.
 
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