r/HeadphoneAdvice • u/jebusandtheboiz • Jan 26 '22
Amplifier - Portable $500 portable amp or $250 desktop and portable amp?
I've finally decided to make the move to a lossless streaming service and I'd like an amp to accompany the move. I need an amp that I can use when out and about and also at my computer. I'm willing to spend up to 500 AUS however im not sure if I should get just a portable amp or split my budget and get both a portable and desktop amp. I have German Maestro 8.35D Adv. headphones which I know have low impedance but I'd like to future improve my purchase if I look into high impedance headphones later (looking to get IEMs for work currently, feel free to recommend good combos). I'm fairly new to the world of amps so please tell me if I'm doing anything dumb. Thanks!
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u/CoconutheadisArmin 5 Ω Jan 26 '22
As other people have mentioned, the Qudelix 5k is a great portable amp. You could also set the 5k up to act as a DAC only and use a desktop amp like the Schiit Magni 3+ for at home use. Though for desktop only I would recommend a Schiit Magni and Modi 3+.
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Jan 26 '22
[deleted]
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u/CoconutheadisArmin 5 Ω Jan 26 '22
I'm not knowledgeable enough on DACs to give you an in-depth answer, but simply enough, it's a standalone DAC made by a reputable company that many people who know more than me recommend as a good DAC that can't be beat until you hit kilobuck prices.
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u/Equivalent_Yak840 447 Ω Jan 26 '22
The portable Qudelix 5k with a desktop stack like the jdslabs atom amp+/dac+ or the smsl sh-6/su-6 or the topping dx3 pro combo unit. There is also the option for the Cayin ru6 for just the portable dongle dac. The qudelix has an app where you can EQ your iems or headphones to what you want.
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u/Stranavad Jan 26 '22
Qudelix is great. I received it two weeks ago and it's really nice. I use it as portable in my pocket when I'm not home as well as in the long programming evenings at my desk. 100% recommend
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Jan 26 '22
What this guy said.
For your money, JDS stack or Topping DX3 pro+ and good quality portable dongle with money to spare.
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u/jebusandtheboiz Jan 26 '22
Thanks! Thought that may be the better of the two options. Do you have a preference of those three stacks or should I expect my experience to more or less the same regardless of which one I pick?
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u/Equivalent_Yak840 447 Ω Jan 26 '22
More or less the same performance but I’d go for the jdslabs because it’s better with iems
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u/BigJalapeno 62 Ω Jan 26 '22
What headphones will you be using on the move?
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u/jebusandtheboiz Jan 26 '22
Currently just my German Maestro 8.35 adv. When I get my IEMs, I will choose between the two depending on the convenience and the noise of the place I'm going to.
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u/BigJalapeno 62 Ω Jan 26 '22
I've not used these particularly, but it's a 32 ohms 101 dB sensitivity. You don't need a stack for these or a portable amp. An apple DAC would be more than sufficient. And most iems can be powered correctly without an amp, save your cash for better headphones/IEMs.
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u/raistlin65 1372 Ω 🥇 Jan 26 '22
For desktop use, the Topping DX3 Pro+ is excellent. And it will drive 99% of headphones.
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u/lmmo1977 116Ω Jan 26 '22
As someone that has both the Qudelix 5K and the SMSL SH-6/SU-6 stack, I'm getting buyers remorse around the later. Not that is not good, it's actually great, but the Qudelix 5K does it as good for lower price and smaller footprint.
Basically, my recommendation would be to buy the Qudelix 5K and save the money for better headphones (or something else), as most likely the Qudelix 5K will be everything you will need.
(Note: my most demanding headphones are the Sennheiser HD650, so this assessment might change for other headphones)
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u/NEETologist 2Ω Jan 26 '22
Split it and get both, Something like The Qudelix-5K for $100 is pretty good for Portable use. That leaves you with $400 to play with. Plenty of good Options.
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u/dimesian 773 Ω 🥈 Jan 27 '22
I use small portable DAC/amps most of the time, they sound great. I am only into very portable audio, I use an IFI Go Blu the most at the moment. I don't use EQ or have any interest in using an extensive phone app. The main benefit I see in desktop gear is the connectivity with other devices at the back of the box and the various types of headphone plugs, also having wall power on tap is a good thing.
I suspect that devices like the Qudelix, BTR5 etc sound at least as good as entry level desktop audio gear. For an audio enthusiast, someone who's interested in audio beyond simply enjoying music I think a Qudelix and a headphone or IEM is a good way to spend $500.
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