ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 พ.ย. 2024
- I’m starting to creep into some pretty high dollar amps and DACs (for me at least). I’m currently using the Schiit Bifrost 2 and the Singxer SA-1 as my main set up. However, I also had on hand the SMSL SU-8 and the Schiit IEMagni.
The question I set out to answer in the video is if you already have an entry level amp and DAC, which one should you upgrade first to see the most improvement in your system? Well, the results are a little mixed, but you’ll just have to watch the video to see what my findings were.
This video is a continuation of a series that I’m doing called “Do DACs Matters?”. This is the fourth installment of the series. Essentially, it’s a documentation of my journey of trying different DACs and deciding how much they matter in my system.
Here’s the previous videos:
Do DACs Matter Part 1: • Do DACs Matter? (my ex...
Do DACs Matter Part 2: • SU-9 Review - Do DACs ...
Do DACs Matter Part 3: • Do DACs Matter? (part ...
Here’s reviews of some of the gear mentioned in the video:
IEMagni: • Clean Solid State (Jot...
Singxer SA-1: • 🔥 Singxer SA-1 Review 🔥
OG Nighthawk: • The OG - Nighthawk Rev...
Edition XX: • Edition XX vs Ananda -...
Here’s links (some affiliate) to the gear mentioned in the video. There’s also some of my favorites further below in the description:
IEMagni: www.schiit.com...
SMSL SU-8: (look used)
Bifrost 2: www.schiit.com...
Singxer SA-1: amzn.to/3Cv4HJo
HE6SEv2: www.adorama.co...
Edition XX: (look used)
OG Nighthawk: (look used)
Harmonicdyne Zeus: amzn.to/3GyMfBR
Sites to check out if you want to buy used and a link to a video where Sine Craft and I discuss how to buy used:
Video: • How To Buy Used Headph...
Head-Fi: www.head-fi.org/
HifiGuides: forum.hifiguid...
Reddit: / avexchange
Hifi-shark: www.hifishark....
US AudioMart: www.usaudiomar...
Some of my favorite equipment for various niches (some links are affiliate):
Cheap Gaming Headphone: AD700X: amzn.to/3b4ACUS
Cheap All-Around Headphone: SHP9600: amzn.to/3b6aUiP
Entry Level DAC: Modi 3+: www.schiit.com...
Entry Level Amp: IEMagni: www.schiit.com...
Entry Balanced DAC: SMSL SU8: (look used)
Or Modius: www.schiit.com...
My Main DAC: Bifrost 2: www.schiit.com...
My Main Amp: Singxer SA-1: amzn.to/3BgXJ97
Headphone #1: HE6SEv2: www.adorama.co...
Headphone #2: Edition XX: (look used or new XS: hifigo.com/pro...)
Headphone #3: OG NIghthawks: (look used)
Gaming Headphone: HE560v4: www.adorama.co...
Bluetooth Portable DAC/Amp: XCan: amzn.to/3vJG8WA
Wired Protable DAC/Amp: Mojo: amzn.to/3CbYWQs
TWS: Sony XM4: amzn.to/3Glr7Py
Cables:
Hart Audio Cables: hartaudiocable...
Worlds Best RCA Interconnects: amzn.to/3pB2Oa7
Worlds Best XLR Interconnects: amzn.to/3vEdwxO
Recording Gear:
Canon M50: amzn.to/3ba7KKJ
Sigma 16mm 1.4: amzn.to/3vF6SaB
Maono USB Mic: amzn.to/3CecbQO
Sony RX100 (overhead): amzn.to/3EazbAE
![F.HERO Ft. JSPKK x ลำไย ไหทองคำ x M-PEE - ไม่สนิทบิดหมด (Thai Riders Anthem) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kPJZ0UihBfk/mqdefault.jpg)
TY for your comparisons. I like to hear what people like, and why. Then I check out the specs as an after thought. If I like what I see, then I follow up with further reviews till I am satisfied enough to make a somewhat educated decision on what to buy. So far, this method has served me very well.
One thing to consider is a combined DAC-amp. With 150 vs 600 bucks units the difference in power supply/transformer quality is usually large. With a combined unit of about 700-800 bucks you will get a better shared power supply for both sections - and as a bonus, you won't have to worry about cables.
This is what I'm struggling with currently. I spread my money around entry level for both DACs and Amps with maybe my most competent stack having been a Zen DAC/Can that is now replaced by a JDS Atom+ stack. Where I struggle is in the fact that my Earmen Sparrow and my Hidizs DH80s absolutely wipe the floor with the entry level stacks I've tried, including Schiit (with a Loki+) and Monolith. Most of my headphones are easy enough to drive, even with an Aeolus, a 6XX, a Sundara, and a Aeon Noire, the dongles get the job done when I use the balanced inputs. There's no want for dynamics or bass response or control.
So what the hell is the upgrade path from there? If the DH80s had an optical input I wouldn't even consider anything else. But it doesn't tell me why, meaning is it the DAC implementation or the amp that is giving the device its charm? Or is it the total sum implementation?
Appreciate the video, this is one of the more frustrating topics in audio I've encountered. And it doesn't even take into account cables or power supplies.
Maybe try out a tube amp? That’ll definitely have some flavor. I’m loving the Bottlehead Crack.
Of course, you could always just stop buying things and enjoy what you have… if you have that kind of willpower (I don’t).
eh don't mind me just whining is all 😬, but I do appreciate you showing that when it comes to the chain you run it's not so cut and dry. This has been my experience at least, I'd love to settle on a stack but these funky dongles have done sound better.
@@dasninjastix just keep trusting those ears.
@@MrAyrit From the Atom dac Plus webpage:
_The ES9018’s THD Compensation registers expose an interesting option. By leaving 2nd harmonics optimized and boosting 3rd harmonics, the DAC approximates a tube-like sound. This is not something I encourage, but it’s an interesting experiment for those curious enough to try firmware v1.8.3. The difference between SINAD of 65dB and 110+dB is much smaller than you’d think._
Is your Bifrost 2 Multibit or AKM?
This was the first multibit bf2, not the 2/64
Thank you
I was a bit surprised about the ie Magni would properly power the he6se v2 (1.6w @50ohm) - I'm guessing the Bifrost is so much better than the su-8 that, while the amp was not as powerful, it was clean enough, and the sound from the DAC was so good it made up for it?
I'm considering Singxer SA-1 and maybe RME ADI2 FS. I do have Bifrost > Lokius > Magnius stack right now for the HE6SE v2 and Senn HD8XX. Using Jottenheim 2 with MultiBit DAC card on my other setup
Thank you for your video. I've watched a few of yours and have subscribed.
Keep it up!
Sounds like you prefer the more organic sounding dacs, if you have a zendac try that instead of the SU-8
I dint have the Zen on hand now, but that would be an interesting test.
@@MrAyritid lend you mine, I have another but I'm in UK so a bit of a faf
Dig the channel, im considering the Singxer SA-1 with the Denefrips aris II. Any thought’s on this combo?
Haven’t heard the Aris yet, but based on everything that is out there, it’s hard to imagine you’d be disappointed.
I prefer the Loxjie D50 over the Denefrips Ares II. The Loxjie is cheaper in price. You would have to A/B for hours with different headphones. They are that close. The Loxjie edges out the Denefrips overall. The Denefrips is softer sounding. Almost like a rolled off sound. It is very close though. My favorite budget dacs are the SMSL SU-9 or (SMSL SU-9N), Loxjie D50, Bifrost II, and the Denefrips Ares II
@@dungysphincter7974 Isn't the Loxjie D50 a rebranded SMSL M400 that is also cheaper? I had looked into getting one of those a while back. Wonder if they still come with the AK4499EQ.
I thought the Denafrips Ares 2 it was slightly better than the Bifrost 2 but harder to get, and more expensive. I have not tested this, I don't own the Ares 2, just going by what I had watched/heard in reviews.
If you have someone else in the house, blindfol and get them to swap plugs for blind A/B test
It would be an interesting experiment I’m sure.
Historically speaking, we know what the results would be. Inconclusive. We know that the differences people hear in most equipment is based on human psychology and not audibility. Sighted tests done after reading tons of opinions and shelling out hundreds or even thousands of dollars will generally have you truly believing you hear a difference. And guess what, you DO hear a difference! Because you are listening so much more critically, you're hearing things you normally are simply not focused on. This is just one example, though. Many people will avoid doing such tests because they want to continue justifying their absurd spending habits(I have these issues myself, just with headphones that objectively sound different).
@@Jon-nz3dm do you not hear a difference between DACs and amps then?
@@MrAyrit If I do what I described, I absolutely can. I'm certainly not immune to these things. Memory of audio, even from just seconds before, is horrible in us humans so we're pretty much always misleading ourselves. But when just listening to music and enjoying the music there are basically no noticeable differences. I am definitely not in the "just get a topping E50/L50 stack and be done" camp but I do understand that logic from a simplicity and cost pov. I enjoy having nice equipment around to go with my nice headphones, but prioritizing source chain is certainly something I'll never do. Sorry if I'm not making much sense or using decent sentence structure lol.
@@Jon-nz3dm no, I get you. I just wanted to hear your thoughts fleshed out more. To a certain extent I’m in the same boat. I do honestly believe there are differences there (or I wouldn’t have spent the money). However, I definitely equate some of that to placebo/confirmation bias/etc.
Are you going to review the Zeus? Very curious on your thoughts. I'm currently A/B'ing them against the 660s and I'm absolutely blown away by the 660s comparatively speaking
Yes, I will be reviewing the Zeus. The short version is I think it is decent, but I’d probably take the 660 over it for most things. It’s not the magnificent gaming headphone that some had lead me to believe. Wide and warm with acceptable detail. Not a stand out for me.
@@MrAyrit 100% agreed
good stuff
Spoiler alert: the headphones first.
What if the audio from the motherboard is kinda cheap ? Should i still go for headphones first ?
Irritated you keep saying it's $600. So new it's $699 + 6.75% tax + $25 for shipping totaling $773. Much closer to $800 than $600. Also if you're investing all this money into audio equipment why not upgrade your audio source first? Like by using Tidal instead of TH-cam. Just now go to the part AMP vs DAC, the reason for not liking the DAC with He6sev2 is because the amount of power they require to function to it's fullest extent and a $100 amp isn't going to do it with those in particular. Haven't looked at the other headphones.
To clarify, I buy all my gear used. So, when I’m talking prices, I’m usually referring to the typical used rates. As far as the source, I’ve done some testing with those things myself, and I struggle to tell an immediate difference between high res and regular streams. I tried with several headphones because of the reason you state with the HE6SE. I guess the point is the test was more for me and my use cases more than anything else. Sorry if you didn’t find it helpful.
@@MrAyrit I haven't been lucky enough to find a Bifrost 2 for sale. I've only came across the Bifrost 1 for $600 used and that uses the old sigma dac and not the new multibit r2r.
@@christianhawkins6947 are you in the US? If so, definitely get on head-fi classifieds. I bought mine for $550. There was one listed for $580 earlier this week. If you’re patient, you’ll be able to grab a good deal. Sine Craft and I did some videos on how to buy and sell used. That might be helpful if you haven’t delved into that before.
@@MrAyrit Yeah thanks for that. Found the website after watching your video. I'll have to keep my eyes peeled. Current listing is at $650 but absolute steal if I can find it for $580. Thanks again.
@@christianhawkins6947 AVexchange on reddit is also great. Tons of listings every week between there and headfi classifieds. I also get most of my stuff used and I think it's the way to go for most things. If and when you want to resell you can often sell for the same price you bought something for so you're not losing so much money by buying and selling stuff
Sound quality on TH-cam music is too lossy to test DACs.
I disagree, but I also started using Tidal, just to check for myself every now and again. I still struggle to differentiate between the two--but I can hear differences between DACS. IDK, just my experience.
@MrAyrit , good work. Wish your channel grow.
I am also involved in audio hobby, and trying different dacs and amps. Going to buy SA-1 instead of Topping A30pro.
TH-cam music sounds ok, but many tracks are low quality. I've tried Deezer HiFi and it is sounds better but not as good as flac files. It seems, TH-cam music has some embellishing filter. It is all about my opinion.
@@topalofff I figure it’s just a matter of time before it’s lossless. I wouldn’t use it, but I’m a TH-cam Premium user so…
@@MrAyrit, sorry for disturbing, but did you try SA-1 with DC protection bypass? Is it worth to try?
@@topalofff I didn’t try it, but I’m wishing I had.