Portable AMP/DAC for DCA Stealth

[gallionetech]

Hey all,

I'm looking for a portable amp/dac that would work for the DCA Stealth. Any suggestions?

I'm leaning towards the Topping G5 atm. Just not sure as I know the DCA Stealth require a decent amount of power.

Basically just looking for something I can hook up to my iphone when im on a flight & to my laptop when im working on the go.

Thanks in advance!

 

[someguyontheinternet]

I think Dan Clark mentioned using the iFi Diablo somewhere.

 

[staticV3]

Please ignore Dan Clark's list of recommended equipment. There's some shady stuff going on there: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...k-expanse-headphone-review.37332/post-1433921

First he recommends an Amp with at least 500mW at 32Ω, then he says a $2500 DAP with 150mW at 32Ω is a good choice.

The ifi Diablo at least gets to 600mW at 32Ω (source), but considering its supposed to do 5000mW at 32Ω, not impressive.

 

[gallionetech]

@staticV3 that’s sketchy lol, what do you think about the Topping G5? I see Amir used the Stealths with it in his tests. He did say there was a little bit more volume to be had at max volume. I was hoping to find something that I can keep in my laptop bag or small enough to bring on a plane so the Topping G5 was appealing.

Thanks!

 

[someguyontheinternet]

Please ignore Dan Clark's list of recommended equipment. There's some shady stuff going on there: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...k-expanse-headphone-review.37332/post-1433921

First he recommends an Amp with at least 500mW at 32Ω, then he says a $2500 DAP with 150mW at 32Ω is a good choice.

The ifi Diablo at least gets to 600mW at 32Ω (source), but considering its supposed to do 5000mW at 32Ω, not impressive.

Good to know and sadly very disappointing.

 

[gallionetech]

Bumping this up. Does anyone know if a Topping G5 would work well here? Or if I should look for something with a bit more power

 

[_thelaughingman]

Bumping this up. Does anyone know if a Topping G5 would work well here? Or if I should look for something with a bit more power

Looking at the Spec sheet for G5, it should be plenty powerful to drive the Stealths.

 

[gallionetech]

Looking at the Spec sheet for G5, it should be plenty powerful to drive the Stealths.
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Thank you!! Do you have any resources you could point me to so I can learn how to tell if an AMP is powerful enough to drive a headphone? Tyvm!

 

[_thelaughingman]

This is the handy tool that gives you rough idea on how to calculate what you need.

Headphones Power Calculator

Calculate the power needed to drive your headphone based on sensitivity (db/mw or db/V), impedance (ohms) and loudness (dbSPL)

www.headphonesty.com

 

[staticV3]

This is the handy tool that gives you rough idea on how to calculate what you need.

https://www.headphonesty.com/headphone-power-calculator/

Honestly I'd use this one instead: http://www.digizoid.com/headphones-power.html

Headphonesty's underlying math is questionable at best:

 

[_thelaughingman]

Honestly I'd use this one instead: http://www.digizoid.com/headphones-power.html

Headphonesty's underlying math is questionable at best:
View attachment 259325
View attachment 259324
View attachment 259323

Glad you responded to this, I concur that heapdhonesty’ calculator is iffy.