Seeking Advice for a Amp/DAC stack [Budget $500]

[OneHellOfaNerd]

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.

 

[OneHellOfaNerd]

bump?

 

[Power Pop 23]

Welcome to ASR,

What loudspeakers and source(s) are you using ?

You do not necessarily need a separate amp but I am unware of 'consumer audio' gear that includes an XLR mic input outside of some amps that allow for karaoke singing.

An XLR mic input is usually found on audio interfaces intended for the professional market. You may want to narrow your search. Other ASR members are better versed on what is available with an XLR mic input. Amps and DAC's do not matter as much but some amps do a better job of handling a range of impedances presented by headphones and IEM's better than other amps.

 

[OneHellOfaNerd]

Welcome to ASR,

What loudspeakers and source(s) are you using ?

You do not necessarily need a separate amp but I am unware of 'consumer audio' gear that includes an XLR mic input outside of some amps that allow for karaoke singing.

An XLR mic input is usually found on audio interfaces intended for the professional market. You may want to narrow your search. Other ASR members are better versed on what is available with an XLR mic input. Amps and DAC's do not matter as much but some amps do a better job of handling a range of impedances presented by headphones and IEM's better than other amps.

Thanks for the warm welcome!

Currently I'm just using the PreSonus Eris 3.5 Studio Monitors, but... I'm going to be moving to the Cambridge Audio SX-60 Bookshelf speakers.

Thanks for the info for the XLR stuff.

With all that said any suggestions for a good Amp/Dac Stack for around $500?

 

[F1Fan72]

Wiim Amp

 

[EasyC]

Why not a good audio interface? It has a good dac in it, an XLR for a mic, headphone amp… I would also use active speakers in a streaming or studio setup. Computer to interface, interface to speakers.
The Wii is nice but has no XLR in for a mic.
You can look at Topping, Motu, Audient etc for good interfaces. All their DAC’s are ok, headphone amp depends on your headphone’s sensitivity.

 

[Steven Holt]

For what you're looking for, and at your price point, you're going to have a hard time beating the WiiM. Your other option would be to go with powered speakers wired directly into your PC. I believe that Edifier makes some in your price range.

 

[Power Pop 23]

Thanks for the warm welcome!

Currently I'm just using the PreSonus Eris 3.5 Studio Monitors, but... I'm going to be moving to the Cambridge Audio SX-60 Bookshelf speakers.

Thanks for the info for the XLR stuff.

With all that said any suggestions for a good Amp/Dac Stack for around $500?

I second and third the recommendations for a WiiM Amp.

 

[OneHellOfaNerd]

So in regards to the Wiim amp the SMSL RAW MDA1 has a better chip on it and is $100 less any reason to recommend the Wiim over that?

 

[Power Pop 23]

So in regards to the Wiim amp the SMSL RAW MDA1 has a better chip on it and is $100 less any reason to recommend the Wiim over that?

The SMSL may have a newer chip. I doubt I would hear a difference in double-blind testing. The WiiM Amp can apply Parametric EQ to the signal. The USB-A jack on the back of a WiiM Amp can be a digital output that supports a headphone jack via an audio dongle like the Fosi Audio DS1 or DS2. Each has been measured and recommended by Amir.

 

[obsessive9119]

I’m as big a WiiM fanboy as anyone, but I don’t see it as the best choice here. OP asked for a headphone stack and I don’t see how a dongle on the back of a WiiM Amp is a good solution.

Personally, I’d be looking at SMSL C200 or DL200, and some active speakers (Kali LP UNF maybe).

You didn’t mention your source - I assume it’s a PC at the moment? In that case you don’t need the main things that the WiiM gives you: streaming and EQ.

 

[Brian Hall]

Wiim Amp

No headphone option with that.

 

[OneHellOfaNerd]

I’m as big a WiiM fanboy as anyone, but I don’t see it as the best choice here. OP asked for a headphone stack and I don’t see how a dongle on the back of a WiiM Amp is a good solution.

Personally, I’d be looking at SMSL C200 or DL200, and some active speakers (Kali LP UNF maybe).

You didn’t mention your source - I assume it’s a PC at the moment? In that case you don’t need the main things that the WiiM gives you: streaming and EQ.

Yes my source is a PC.

 

[OneHellOfaNerd]

No headphone option with that.

Does the SMSL RAW MDA1 have headphone amp?

 

[Power Pop 23]

Does the SMSL RAW MDA1 have headphone amp?

Yes

SMSL RAW-MDA 1 DAC & Headphone Amp Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the SMSL RAW-MDA 1 stereo DAC and headphone amplifier. It was sent to me by SMSL and it is a collaboration with Shenzehenaudio (available elsewhere as well) and is on sale for $246. The first thing I noticed was the much more polished display. It is...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Brian Hall]

Does the SMSL RAW MDA1 have headphone amp?

Yes, with two jack options. 1/4 inch (6.35mm) and 4.4mm.

 

[OneHellOfaNerd]

So would that be a better option for me here then?

 

[Brian Hall]

So would that be a better option for me here then?

Fosi ZA3 and the SMSL Raw-MDA1.

 

[OneHellOfaNerd]

I'd just like to say thank you to everyone who has been apart of this conversation! I appreciate you!