OneHellOfaNerd
Member
- Joined
- May 10, 2025
- Messages
- 8
- Likes
- 1
I'm relatively new into HiFi but I recently bought some new IEMs (MOONDROP DUSK 3) and I also have a set of speakers that I plan on upgrading, and I plan on experimenting with Closed/Open back headphones after I get a proper stack.
Currently this is all at a desk setup that I stream through, so eventually I wanna work a XLR mic into this somehow just don't really know how that fits in yet.
I'm looking for a budget of around $500 (That's not a hard limit).
Something I've had a lot of confusion about is do I need a specific headphone amp for headphones/IEMs or can I just buy an amp for my speakers to pair up with a DAC and run the headphones/IEMs through that?
Also I've heard that both that AMPs, and DACs both are "minor and won't effect sound as much" so what's actually true? Should I be looking for an AMP first or a DAC first?
I've been looking at the SMSL RAW MDA1 for a DAC/Amp combo seems good, but I dunno I've heard mixed things about AIO stuff.
Also looked at the Fosi Audio Z3/D3 Stack but not sure.
Also I mainly listen to Metal/Rock, but I do listen to literally a bit of everything. I prefer the vocals and guitar work to be more prevalent (which if I'm correct is Treble and Mids) as far as a sound signature goes.
Lastly I live in the US and yes I'm aware now is a bad time to get into this but... here we are.
Currently this is all at a desk setup that I stream through, so eventually I wanna work a XLR mic into this somehow just don't really know how that fits in yet.
I'm looking for a budget of around $500 (That's not a hard limit).
Something I've had a lot of confusion about is do I need a specific headphone amp for headphones/IEMs or can I just buy an amp for my speakers to pair up with a DAC and run the headphones/IEMs through that?
Also I've heard that both that AMPs, and DACs both are "minor and won't effect sound as much" so what's actually true? Should I be looking for an AMP first or a DAC first?
I've been looking at the SMSL RAW MDA1 for a DAC/Amp combo seems good, but I dunno I've heard mixed things about AIO stuff.
Also looked at the Fosi Audio Z3/D3 Stack but not sure.
Also I mainly listen to Metal/Rock, but I do listen to literally a bit of everything. I prefer the vocals and guitar work to be more prevalent (which if I'm correct is Treble and Mids) as far as a sound signature goes.
Lastly I live in the US and yes I'm aware now is a bad time to get into this but... here we are.