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Need Audio interface for HD600 + eguitar + speakers

EvilGod

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Aug 13, 2024
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Hi everyone,
I am looking for a unified audio interface to drive my HD600 (requiring approximately 200mW at 300 Ohms / 8V RMS at 300 Ohms) and also be able to connect my electric guitar and speakers to it.
I do not need microphone input.
I was checking out the Topping DX5 and Schiit Magni but they don't have a guitar input.

Ideally Id like to keep this under $250 or cheaper if possible

In case if its impossible to have something like this at this price range or features, I can ditch the guitar input since i currently have audiobox go and can use it for guitar exclusively. For me Headphones and speakers are priority. Also I will be connecting it to my PC.

thanks in advance!
 
Last edited:
Hi @EvilGod! Welcome to ASR.

to drive my HD600 (requiring approximately 200mW at 300 Ohms / 8V RMS at 300 Ohms)
Are you aware that 8Vrms into an HD600 would result in a hearing damage inducing and potentially headphone damaging 122dB SPL Peak?
 
im going to EQ the headphone with around -7db, and i actually recalculated everything after your comment and seem slike i need around 100mw at around 6v RMS
please let me know if i made mistakes in my calculation.

So far I am inclined to buy Topping DX5 but cant find a good alternative which has instrument input.
 
im going to EQ the headphone with around -7db, and i actually recalculated everything after your comment and seem slike i need around 100mw at around 6v RMS
please let me know if i made mistakes in my calculation.
That depends on what kind of Peak SPL at what frequency you're looking for.

So far I am inclined to buy Topping DX5 but cant find a good alternative which has instrument input.
Here's Krause's spreadsheet showing headphone output performance of various audio interfaces:
Screenshot_20240813-115226_YouTube.png

Class-leading for headphone output voltage are Audient, Topping, and Focusrite Clarett.

Since you only need one input channel (afaik), I would recommend the Topping E1x2

It has the same output power as the E2x2 in the chart, 105mW at 300Ω.
 
Topping E1x2
Absolute insane find. I couldnt find any benchmarks or testing for this model. Do you happen to know how does this compare to DX5 by SINAD and other benchmarks?

also, I would assume I can connect the guitar via male 6.35mm to XRL, correct?
 
I couldnt find any benchmarks or testing for this model.
Check out Julian's and Amir's testing of the E2x2 below.
The E1 will perform essentially the same, just with one fewer input channel.

https://youtu.be/CHJGwVBGPXE

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ds/topping-e2x2-audio-interface-review.49127/


You can also compare specs and measurements on Topping's website:

also, I would assume I can connect the guitar via male 6.35mm to XRL, correct?
The E1x2 has an XLR/6.35mm combo jack.

To connect your guitar, you can use a regular 1/4" instrument/guitar cable.
61HN81aybrL.jpg

A 1/4" to XLR cable would work as well, if you already have one lying around.
 
Check out Julian's and Amir's testing of the E2x2 below.
The E1 will perform essentially the same, just with one fewer input channel.

https://youtu.be/CHJGwVBGPXE

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ds/topping-e2x2-audio-interface-review.49127/


You can also compare specs and measurements on Topping's website:


The E1x2 has an XLR/6.35mm combo jack.

To connect your guitar, you can use a regular 1/4" instrument/guitar cable.
View attachment 386266

A 1/4" to XLR cable would work as well, if you already have one lying around.
I appreciate the help, this was very informative. As someone with limited expertise in this area, I'm wondering about equipment recommendations.
Would you suggest using only the E1x2 or DX5 with guitar connected directly to the AudioBox Go? I am asking because I see that DX5's DAC is 122 SINAD and E2x2 is 101, but I'm not sure how much will it affect the experience.
 
Would you suggest using only the E1x2 or DX5 with guitar connected directly to the AudioBox Go? I am asking because I see that DX5's DAC is 122 SINAD and E2x2 is 101, but I'm not sure how much will it affect the experience.
This SINAD difference is meaningless.
Your experience will not be affected in any way.

I suggest using only the E1x2.
 
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