The Beyerdynamic DT 770, 880 and 990 even as 600Ohm version does really fine with the Fiio E10K. Its one of the msot recommended DAC for those headphones in audio forums.
The Fiio E10K actually is only 150Ohm but like I said it does pretty well in combination with Beyerdynamic DT 770, 880 and 990. I used 600Ohm for a while on that DAC and it had no real difference.
Hmmm. Interesting question. Actually, I'd totally forgotten that those 'pre-outs' were there. [My desire was for some pre-ins, so I could try it as a standalone amp, to compare against the H10.] But now, I realise that I may be able do a dac comparison, instead.
Are you saying that they're totally not controlled by the volume knob, or just at too high a level?
If they're bypassing the volume control, then I'd guess that they're bypassing the X6 dac/amp combi's amp section, altogether. The output is straight from the DAC part.
I'm no expert, but apart from your obvious disappointment at the lack of volume control, there really shouldn't be much difference, as I understand it.
You see, a headphone amp is just a glorified output stage; the circuitry, and voltage output, is little different from the circuit that feeds the rca outputs from a dac, or pre-amp.
So, in theory, you could connect an rca to 3.5mm converter cable, and then plug your headphones straight into that, to be powered directly from a pre-amp or dac. It only gets complicated because of the variety of headphones; their electrical properties can differ too much, or many output stages just aren't up to the task. But with a reasonable quality [and volume controlled] pre-amp/dac output stage, matched with a suitable pair of headphones, there would really be no need for a headphone amp. [The industry, for some reason, doesn't really advertise this fact.
] So, in reality, your concern about double-amping is quite unnecessary.
I've never tried this, and someone, who knows better, might comment and put me right, But, I have reasonable certainty. Here's an example: most computer's audio output can be used for 'phones [they're marked as such], or for connecting to a speaker system, or any analogue audio inputs, really.
So, don't give up on your X6 yet; I'd recommend getting a 6.5mm plug to rca socket converter cable, connecting it to your speaker system, and then plugging that into the headphone output, when you want to use your speakers.
Joined May 18, 2010 Posts 77 Likes 10
Is there a notable difference between these when using only the DAC? I want to connect the output to my Fiio A5 amplifier and HD650.
I own the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 ohm headphones. They're currently plugged directly in to my Asus P8Z77-V LX Motherboard via the onboard 3.5mm
I want to purchase a cheap AMP/DAC and after looking for a while I've stumbled across the FX Audio DAC-X6. It's apparently better than the FiiO E10K I've seen being mentioned, and they're the same price. I may upgrade to a Schiit Modi 3 + Magni 3 combo later, however I want a cheap one for now.
Thoughts?
I found the e10k to not have enough power for the 990 the dac x6 should have enough power and is excelent for the price. dont buy a magni as it has recently gotten overtaken as of last year in terms of value amps at around $100. the liquid spark and the ATOm are better sounding amps for the same price. the modi is fine though but you can get cheaper dacs for simillar performance like a topping d10, d30, grace design sdac.
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6 minutes ago, rice guru said:
Yeah, I also thought it was very good value for money. Considering, it was the only one in that price range that supported 250-300 ohm. I'll go for that, thank you.
Link to comment Share on other sites Link to post Share on other sites1 minute ago, CloudNug said: Yeah, I also thought it was very good value for money. Considering, it was the only one in that price range that supported 250-300 ohm. I'll go for that, thank you.
also in order to change the gain to high or low gain look up how to do so on the internet as it involves opening up the unit as you might have to do it for the dt 990. dont worry its completely safe and really quick and easy to do.
- CloudNug
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Just now, rice guru said:
Yes, I saw a couple of discussions about this when looking in to it. I'll do that if I need to. I'll probably order it for delivery tomorrow. Thanks again