Upgrading DAC/AMP to future proof portable audio chain

[BlkSDX]

I've been using the Moondrop Dawn Pro for some years now. It's a perfect device for IEMs, it delivers enough power for pretty much anything I've thrown at it, but I've been considering getting into headphones so I'd like to future proof my portable audio chain with something more powerful.

I have been considering four options: FiiO KA15, Shangling Onix Alpha XI1, Tanchjim Space Pro and NiceHCK Octave. All have very similar specs and are around my current budget.

I'd like to know if any of you have any experience with these particular models or if there's another option you'd like to suggest

 

[LTig]

Before buying a new headphone DAC/amps why not first chose the headphone? If then your DAC/Amp seems to have insufficient power you can still look for a stronger one. Headphones vary a lot regarding required voltage and current. Chances are high you buy a headphone which is fine with your current DAC/Amp.

Also I don't think any portable DAC/Amp can deliver more than 2V single ended and 4V balanced, so it comes down to how much current is available which is only relevant for low ohm headphones.

 

[john61ct]

Presumably the idea of "future proof" is an HPamp that puts out enough power (& current) to cleanly drive 99% of headphones out there.

While still being suitable for IEMs.

Once that is purchased, then one can experiment with different phones, without worrying about whether they match the amp.

 

[HalSF]

Presumably the idea of "future proof" is an HPamp that puts out enough power (& current) to cleanly drive 99% of headphones out there.

While still being suitable for IEMs.

Once that is purchased, then one can experiment with different phones, without worrying about whether they match the amp.

"Portable chain" may be the sticking point here. I've struggled for years with the mismatch between slightly too demanding headphones I've bought and the inability of portable headphone amps I've bought to adequately power them. Leaving me chronically maxing the volume and still not getting quite the cranked-up volume I frequently want, especially with quieter masterings or when I'm using loudness-lowering headphone EQ.

 

[john61ct]

I bought a Periodic Audio "Nickel amplifier" for extra power, pure analog portable HPamp, no decoder, BT or DAC

From my notes :

tiny like a 9V battery, 1.25 x 2 x 0.5", 0.7 ounces

no balanced output, to single ended only

no volume

auto-sensing power on, both input and output

dead quiet, even with very sensitive HPs

excellent SQ transparent, clean solid bass

3.5mm TRRS on both line input and HP output
**passes the microphone** through both ways!

fixed 6.5dB gain that generates more headroom and maintains a full dynamic range of volume from any source

large **damping factor** > 100 @ 32 Ohms

rating 4Vrms
with 150 mA current (?)
150mW into 50Ω, 250mW into 32Ω, and 270mW into 16Ω
should work with anything above 8Ω

Really only worthwhile for high-quality difficult-to-drive headphones, high impedance IEM/ earbuds. Not much difference for low impedance and very efficient cans, nor crappy cheap ones.

‘garbage in garbage out’, can amplifying more flaws than enhancing the overall sound. So do avoid amplifying the 3.5mm output from a poor source, will not improve anything other than loudness.

a truly bad source might need an impedance adjuster gadget to lower the noise floor

internal battery, 220mAh lipo battery, 30min charge, 8hrs runtime

dedicated split power supply for the audio stage so you can charge while you listen via micro USB B charging port, power indicator light

separate power stage that generates +/- 5VDC rails, independently regulated, off the battery. So we get a lot more voltage range than most who run off a single 4V battery rail and a floating ground.