Quick question about L30 from an audio newbie

[eel]

Hi, I recently ordered Monolith m1070, only to realize that I'll probably need a new amp to drive them. Everyone always harps on how planar headphones need a lot of juice to power them properly, so I decided to go with the best performer in my price range: Topping L30. My only worry comes from some posts I've read on headfi and reddit cautioning that L30's power is dependent on the input coming from the DAC.

https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/imjjld/_/g48xpan

That seemed strange to me (I mean, what's the point of an external power supply if the amp still requires high voltage from the DAC), but again, I'm a complete newbie when it comes to audio.

Now, my plan was to play the music from my phone connected to the DAC via an USB OTG cable:

phone->USB OTG->Epiphany Acoustics E-DAC (objective odac clone)->L30->M1070,

but now I'm no longer sure if L30 will output enough power to drive the headphones properly.

So, basically, I wanted to know if I'm worrying about nothing or if there really is a problem with my setup.

 

[abdo123]

Most DACs with digital volume control can reach 3 Vrms on max volume on RCA outputs.

Anyway the only difference i think the voltage of the DAC output makes is how much gain you need to add from the amp.

Your DAC outputs 2 Vrms, which is standard. So I wouldn’t be worried

 

[eel]

Gotcha, thanks for the quick reply! I have a follow up question, though. I've also been thinking of just ditching the E-DAC altogether and switching to something like Chromecast Audio, the only caveat being that it's been discontinued and I couldn't find it on sale anywhere. Is there some alternative in similar price range?

 

[wasnotwasnotwas]

Most DACs with digital volume control can reach 3 Vrms on max volume on RCA outputs.

Is that actually true? Especially in the sub $200 bracket?

The reason for the minor stink about the L30 specs was that the "matching" E30 DAC from Topping is nominal 2v - so buying the stack meant the L30 couldnt deliver the max output in the specs with its sibling DAC. (The spec sheet/ website now lists with 2v).

 

[wasnotwasnotwas]

Gotcha, thanks for the quick reply! I have a follow up question, though. I've also been thinking of just ditching the E-DAC altogether and switching to something like Chromecast Audio, the only caveat being that it's been discontinued and I couldn't find it on sale anywhere. Is there some alternative in similar price range?

There really isnt a replacement for the Chromecast Audio- the next best thing (maybe actually better- but possibly not as "simple") is a Raspberry Pi set up, with a DAC module

 

[BDWoody]

Gotcha, thanks for the quick reply! I have a follow up question, though. I've also been thinking of just ditching the E-DAC altogether and switching to something like Chromecast Audio, the only caveat being that it's been discontinued and I couldn't find it on sale anywhere. Is there some alternative in similar price range?

You can find them on eBay...$35-50 or so. Sometimes less.

If I didn't already have enough for my needs, that's still what I'd do.

 

[M00ndancer]

Gotcha, thanks for the quick reply! I have a follow up question, though. I've also been thinking of just ditching the E-DAC altogether and switching to something like Chromecast Audio, the only caveat being that it's been discontinued and I couldn't find it on sale anywhere. Is there some alternative in similar price range?

I might be able to sell one for cheap if you want one.

 

[eel]

I might be able to sell one for cheap if you want one.

Thanks for the offer! I really appreciate it especially since most auctions on eBay have shipping restrictions. I'm still debating which set up I want to go with, but I'll send you a PM if I decide on CCA.

 

[abdo123]

I might be able to sell one for cheap if you want one.

How much are you selling it for?

 

[M00ndancer]

How much are you selling it for?

If I sell one of them (have a "few") it's first come, first served basis. Price? Depends, we all know that price have nothing to do with anything when we talk about audio. (please PM, don't want to clutter this thread)