USB Headphone AMP / DAC under $100

[Sonnie]

So I think I have landed on upgrading my Audio Technica ATH-A900 headphones to the Beyerdynamics DT 770 Pro (80 ohm) headphones. I couldn't quite get the volume I wanted out of my laptop... 100 was close for some music, but other music I want it a little louder. So I remembered about 6 years ago when I got the A900's, I purchased a FiiO E10 USB DAC headphone amp. Plugged it up and voila ... a definite improvement that I can actually hear. And the bass boost on this is pretty cool too.

HOWEVER... got a itch to get something else. The newer FiiO E10k is supposedly a better DAC/amp ... with an improved bass boost. It runs about $75. Just curious along in that price range what else I might consider. Not wanting to go deep in the pocket book with this... something simple and inexpensive.

 

[1_sufferin_mind]

The Audioquest Dragonfly USB DAC/amp might fit your bill for just under $100. It features plug-n-play functionality, selectable resolution up to 24bit/96kHz, and analog volume control. Connect to any computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone for use as a true high-fidelity music player. Firmware upgradable.

 

[Jack]

Will it be used for travel or can you plug it in to an electrical line.

I do agree with sufferin in that the dragonfly is really good. I owned one for awhile and I have nothing bad to say, especially at that price. It drove mt DT880's well

 

[Sonnie]

I will have it next to my recliner for the most part, so I could plug it up, although if it's one of those AC adapters, I have not room for it.

The issue I have with the Dragonfly is that it is plugged into my laptop USB on the side and sticks out too far. So this will have to be a separate that connects via USB.

I updated the name of the thread for clarification.

 

[Leonard Caillouet]

You can connect the Dragonfly with a cable. I have one if you want to try it.

 

[Sonnie]

Yeah... you can bring it with you for the evaluation we can compare it to the FiiO unit's I have.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Have you checked out the Monoprice Monolith headphone amps? I saw them at CEDIA last year... I think they hover right around that $100 price point.

 

[Sonnie]

I have not... it looks very similar to the FiiO. It has good reviews from what I see.

 

[Todd Anderson]

They looked good to the eye... it's part of Monoprice's attempt to enter the affordable realm of high-end design. I chatted with the product engineer for quite a while... he said they had tweaked/improved the amps from original launch.

Might be something to check out!

 

[Sonnie]

They have a tube version as well, but it has some mixed reviews. Looks cool for 99 bucks.

 

[Todd Anderson]

I believe that's the version that's been tweaked since it's original launch (to address some buzzing introduced into the audio??)

 

[Jack]

I have tried but i do not have a better suggestion for $100. I did just recently obtain the Schiit Magni headphone amp and the Modi Dac. I have the last version of the Magni which in my case is a tube amplifier. I cannot say enough good about these two little boxes but they really stand out audio wise and trump the two other headphone amp/dacs I have in house. There is plenty of volume and the dac ..well I just cant say enough. If you wish to double your budget, you might love them.

 

[JBrax]

At that budget I'm thinking your best bet is FiiO or the Dragonfly. I'd probably just get the latest version of the FiiO offerings within your budget. Is there something wrong with the E10 you own or you just want something new and shiny?

 

[Sonnie]

Yeah... just want something more recent I guess... I ordered the new E10k and will try it out. Don't suspect I'll notice any difference in it or the E10, but it's still better, right?

I don't think I am going to get too much out there, under $100 is okay for now. I am really just waiting on the Realiser, which is what I really want for that speaker type sound stage and imaging out front... and maybe even some surround sound music too.

 

[JBrax]

Well yeah, of course it's better! Shiny and new equals better every single time. I expect quotes such as "night and day difference", "blows it out of the water", and "hands down better".