DAC/AMP Combo Recommendations - Headfonia Headphone Reviews

On this page you’ll find the DAC/AMP Combo recommendations of this moment. This is an ever evolving list and the units are ranked from cheap to expensive.

Portable DAC/AMP

Fiio E17K

It’s not Fiio’s cheapest unit but it certainly is one of their best portable DAC/AMP starter units. The E17K has a digital volume control and balance, bass & treble can all be modified just like the 0-6-12 gain setting. the E17K delivers a clear and reasonably neutral sound. Gone is the warmer sound of the “older” Fiio gear but you now in return get a more linear sound with moderate bass (for Fiio). The DAC section of the E17K is identical (sounding) to the E10K’s DAC section and we quite liked that one. The E17K is a very versatile entry level unit but don’t expect it to sound like a high end one.

Nathan is back with a review of the NextDrive Taiwan Spectra X, the original Spectra’s highly awaited successor. Spectra X blows his mind with great benchmarks, low noise floor and basically all the performance of a mid or high-end DAP but for a fraction of the price, size, and complication. Fully recommended in all possible ways!

Small but great sounding, that’s how you could describe the DragonFly RED in only 4 words. This USB dongle transforms your laptop or phone into a great sounding device and it even has the power to drive some full sized headphones. Yes the BLACK version costs only half but we prefer the RED version. Red gives you better layering from the lows to the highs and it has better depth and layering with even more body compared to the Black. I find the Red version to be a little warmer and more unforced/relaxed sounding than the Black one and that brings a lot more emotion and musicality to the sound. The Red version sounds a lot richer. Never go on a trip without a DragonFly in your pocket!

iFi has delivered marvelous work with the the BL version of the Nano iDSD. Although I’ve never had a chance to test the original version, I can easily say this is an amazing DAC/AMP for the price. I’m not sure you can ever find better technicalities from a device that costs this little. I’m sure the Micro iDSD BL is also very very good in its own price range. People say this one sounds close to the Micro version and if I ever listen to that one I will edit this review at that time. A superb little device, for those who are looking for a nice DAC/AMP that can give a good amount of power for not extremely hard to drive headphones, and with a competitive price. If you also like to listen to your in ear monitors with these types of devices, I just can’t recommend it enough. It’s flexible, built to last, useful and compact. Most importantly, it sounds flawless for the money. Just go for it.

There’s no way to exaggerate the utility, performance, and overall OCD funness of Play. Burson nailed it. If you need or want power, 299$ will get you power out the wazoo. If you want compatibility with DSD and other hi-res formats, bingo. If you want to eat your cake, too, Play is as reliable and stable an amp/DAC as I’ve ever tested. I’ve started mentioning prices; it’s something I didn’t want to do. It’s easy to get ugly. But gosh, I’ll be damned if Play hasn’t nailed the competition’s coffin shut. Buy it and forget about it. Add some new op-amps if you want. And be secure in your purchase, because it’s a hell of a deal.

It’s impossible not to put the Chord Mojo on this list. Mojo is small & Mojo is very good and a s a result Mojo is a big all over the world. It has two 3.5mm headphone outputs and sports a Micro USB, Optical and Coaxial input. It works with phones, DAPs and computers and it without doubt will upgrade your listening experience. Mojo isn’t cheap but gives a lot in return. Some say it sounds smooth, others say it sounds digital but it does sound good. Its big brother HUGO is better equipped to drive some full sized headphones though. Never the less, this is THE DAC/AMP combo ever since it was released in London.

I’ve never been the biggest fan of DAC/AMP combo’s but the Acro L1000 has won me over. AK gave it a high end, audiophile tuning and the result is very impressive. Not only does the L1000 sound great it also looks gorgeous, unlike anything you’ve ever seen. On top of that it’s also a very versatile unit that has a large number of single end and balanced outputs, as well as a 15W/channel speaker output. The Astell&Kern Acro L1000 is a do-it-all unit and if you like a top level neutral tuning and have headphones, earphones and small/high impedance speakers than the L1000 really is the only unit you need. The only bad things I can say about it is the lack of inputs and the limited effect of the sound filters, but AK – also in their DAPs – swears to minimalist changes.

The Original Hugo is still available from some seller so for now both units will be listed here.

The original Hugo was regarded a landmark in portable audio, and I think it’s offspring will follow the footsteps. You get real desktop class sound quality in a transportable package. It sounds really good with all ears and headphones I have used it with, and I am very much looking forward to trying out many more in the future.

If you are in the game for a high end DAC that appears to also be used on the go with your smartphone or DAP, the Hugo 2 is definitely worth serious consideration. The Hugo quickly won me over and has become my main DAC/amp at the office and my desktop DAC at home – it simply is that good. A recommended buy? How the hell could it not?!

The Woo WA8 is tube powered and it was chosen as best DAC/AMP of 2016 here on Headfonia.com. The WA8 can handle sensitive monitors, high impedance dynamic headphones and current hungry orthodynamics. The WA8 delivers a whole lot of detail and the sound is clear, clean and fast. While it often is the case that the amplifier section in AMP/DAC combos is better than the DAC section, the WA8 actually sounds its best as a combo. Oh and it’s so pretty.

The Element combines a smooth digital stage with a balanced amplifier, which makes this combo unit very intriguing and capable of sounding great with a lot of ear and headphones. The fact that it has a dead-silent background is very well received. It’s hard to find a desktop amplifier in this price range that offers the possibility to be used with efficient in ear monitors and hard to drive over ear headphones. The build quality is outstanding and if you can live with the limited file format support, I suggest you start taking a closer look at this one. Overall, the Element delivers more than enough power to drive any headphone I have at home. For the price it’s going for, I think you will have a tough time finding something similarly great performing.

The S2 Digital’s filter system should satisfy everyone but the hardcore valve listener. The S2’s got a solid, and largely load agnostic output system. Everything from its remote control to its input array work brilliantly with 99% of upstream sources. It syphons powers via USB and outputs decent power to most headphones. Its rich tones and encompassing stereo output are nearly in a league of their own in the camp of devices that ride on ESS DACs. It does all this at 349 Euro. In my books, it is a coup. Well done.

Extreme_reza

i have marshall major pairing with ipod classic 6 gen rev.3 (late 2009 edition) i listen ALAC more than mp3..i like alternative and rock..some times pop/jazz…why it sound so bad? pain in my ears especially for the high freq..should i add some cmoy BB amplifier or Fio E10 for make it better?

Extreme_reza

pDM

Hi mike. I just impress by beats solo hd for its portable use (direct ipod / blackbery), bass impact, and good isolation. Can you recommend me portable headphones which size is similar to solo hd, have a great bass impact, and good isolation (outside noises arenot heard) ? Btw Im considering hd25 adidas, but in jakarta it is 3.4millions rupiah ( the best price i could get), how is the hd25 adidas performance compared to dt1350 in bass and isolation? Thanks mike.

Pdm

I’m looking to replace my original PX100’s and was looking at the PX100-IIs before reading your reviews. In the UK, the PX-IIs are £35, the V-Jays £40 and the Tracks £50. I’m guessing by the love you give them that the Jays is the pick of those three, but I just wanted to make sure that’s still the current reccomendation. Thanks!

SoundEskimoo

Hello Mike, after your analysis of the ATH-m50, i was curious to try it, ordered a pair this week and i must say im pleasantly surprised at how good they sound, so much so that i seem to be reaching for them more than my HD25-1 II which i really love. Would you say they are portable for everyday use running around the city, because they are tempting me to replace my HD25-1 II as my main portables?

cyborg drackle

im thinking of buying px100 ii, nd had 1 ques. can i get same quality of bass, or even more in full size ones..-in the same price range? 😛 sennhisers r my first priority as they easily available in india (buying is less time consuming) i listen to metalcore, hard rock nd a little rap, i need bass, as i like the blend of base nd distortion. there r few new models also nd choosing is very confusing. plz do suggest me 1 with open back, either portable or full size, in 40$-70$. ur reply wld b a gr8 help for me mike. thx

Guest

Hi Mike! i’m searching for a good headphone with detail Sound.. i have two option: the ATH M50 and the Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro. i often listen to metal, rock, alternative, but also Jazz.. what do you recommend?

Sasmit

Hi Mike,

you reviewed the fidelio L1 in March. I was looking at the lower range but similar downtown and uptown primarily as the L1 is out of my current Budget. have you ever tried out these portables? What is your view on their strengths and weaknesses? Thanks for your help.

Marcilio

Hi mike, I’m from Brazil and want to buy a very nice headphones for my iPhone. I usually use it at the gym (a quiet gym) or on the go, and usually listen to pop rock. I’m in doubt about the px210bt – U$160, hd25 – U$200, dt 1350 – U$250 and the P5 – U$340. What is the best one? I like a good bass, not as beats, but good. Thank you very much

Marcilio

I’ve owned the M80 and have demo the HD25 also. Both are good headphones. But I think the HD25 with the split headband can stay in your head better while working out at the gym compared to the M80. So it’s more of a functionality preference rather than sound preference.

Marcilio

Both offers different traits, but more to modern music recordings. If you like agressive sound, but not in a Grado fashion, the HD25 is best. I think it’s also respond to a broader range of music genre than the M80. But if you like a more balanced, a bit laid back, and a bit airy sound, the M80 is for you. Though I’ve found the M80 did not quite match my taste in rock music. Other than that, I love the M80 more.

Marcilio

About IEM (here I come again), there are 2 on sale. The Monster Turbine Pro Gold Audiophile In Ear Speaker with ControlTalk for U$150 and the Klipsch Image X10 Noise-Isolating Earphone for U$85. Do you know any of them? Enviado via iPhone

Alton Britt

Chris Allen

Great recommendations! The Audio-Technica ESW-9 has to be my favorite out of of this list of recommendations with the Bowers & Wilkins P5 coming in close second. I do see these Marshall headphones receiving some talk lately and even my local Best Buy has started carrying some. I’ll have to try them out sometime. Great list once again!

Muhammad Osama Khann

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Robert Madison

GiantMuffinMan

Hi guys!

I’m thinking of buying a pair of portable headphones and a DAP – right now I’m deciding between a B&W P7 or a BD DT1350 to go with either a DX90 or AK120 II. Any thoughts on what the best combination would be out of those options? Any other suggestions are also most welcome!

GiantMuffinMan

Yavor Moskov

Hi. I just bought KEF M500 which by my opinion sounded pretty amazing and while still highly tuned, sounded more natural and relaxing than Bowers and Wilkins P7. The vocals are more pronounced and forward than both BW P7 and Bang and Olufsen H6. Also, I do not know how but the soundstage feels bigger than it should be, considering the fact these are on ear closed headphones. Only small issue, not very stable on the head and can fell off, if you are too active. I like it a lot as a portable, easy to drive headphone (really easy), for people who wear glasses like me. They are super comfortable. Maybe same level as B&O H6. Check it out.

Gregory Wodark

I too am a fan of the KEF M500! I generally like KEF speakers, having owned many of their products. I agree they are more comfortable than most other on ear designs, have great build quality, and sound quite satisfying. Especially, with a good portable AMP/DAC ( I use the Oppo HA2).

Yavor Moskov

I want to find now over-ear style headphones for on-the-go and as well to use them at home. I have Momentum over ear but it is a way too uncomfortable for my ears and I just used for no more than 10 hours. I will sell it for sure. I am looking for headphones that can handle complex classical orchestras, jazz, female vocals, chamber music and choirs, new age and celtic music, some rock, pop, funk and instrumental music. So far my list includes: Sony MDR -1A Bowers and Wilkins P7 Bang and Olufsen H6 Philips Fidelio L2

I can buy MDR-1A and Fidelio L2 for a lot cheaper than in USA, because I have friends in Netherlands and Japan but I never heard how they sound. I read already the interview about L2 on this website http://headfonia.com/the-phenomenal-philips-fidelio-l2-feat-fidelio-m1bt-review/ and is highly promising. I never had Sony headphones before and I don’t know. What do you think? Any suggestions or comments?

Since you said before that you like the M500 better than the P7, I don’t think the P7 should be on this list – i.e. you should be looking for a better headphone for “around ear”. You do mean “around ear” instead of “over ear”, yes? Because the Momentum “over ear” never did go around the ear properly. I wouldn’t choose the L2 either – maybe the X2.

Yavor Moskov

The H6 won’t fit around, the L2 is questionable, and the P7 is very, very snug. Sony sometimes has very good sound, but I don’t bother with them for various reasons. You’ll see some in studios, but other than that you’d be best to stick to models that have a good long track record. For home use, and comfort, I’d choose the DT770-32 or the AKG K712 (on a budget), or if money is available, get one of the better planars. Just get something with big earcups – it makes listening so much better.

BTW, check the individual reviews here so you can read the user comments. That way you can get a better idea of the users’ experiences.

Gregory Wodark

What? No iFi Micro iDSD BL? Surely, it is in the same ballpark as the Mojo. Maybe, you have not reviewed it yet. From what I have read, it is a virtual “Swiss Army Knife”, of AMP/DACs ( portable or at least transportable). Also, it is said to be at the same level of sound quality as the Chord Mojo.

Now that I think about it, what about the in-between iFi product? The new iFi XDSD portable. Does it not rate either? I find that hard to believe.

The own two products on this list, the Audioquest Dragonfly Red, and the Pro-Jet Pre Box S2 Digital. So, I have some experience with how they perform. I suspect the iFi products are superior ( Dragonfly vs. Nano, and S2 vs. iFi Micro). I also have an Oppo HA2, and I wonder how the Nano, or the XDSD might stack up? Any thoughts?