Headphone amp and dac advice needed
Here's what's happening.
After almost 3 years of working from home where my main system is in my office, I'll be going back to the office in January. I have a pair of Audio Technica Bluetooth headphones I used with my phone. Sound wasn't great, but it worked for background music.
Now that I've been spoiled by great sound for almost 3 years, I want something better, so I'm looking for a good desktop dac and headphone amp (or combo unit). I'd like to keep it under @1K US as I'm also going to consider a new set of wired headphones. I already have a set of Grados, but I'm intrigued by the planar magnetic phones out there now. I'd also like to have the option of using Bluetooth headphones for when I'm moving about the office.
Nice to have for the dac: Bluetooth input, balanced line out.
Nice to have for the headphone amp: Balanced input, balanced and se headphone outs, Bluetooth transmitter.
I have a little experience with dacs, but no real experience with headphone amps. Thanks in advance for any guidance you might be able to provide.
I don't have an answer for you but I do suggest you keep it light so you can take it home with you every night. One of the great mysteries of the universe is how good quality audio gear, when left alone, can grow legs and wander about the planet, never to be seen again. Don't assume just because you lock up your office it is secure. It is not. Likewise if you lock it up in a drawer. |
@spatialking Thanks. Yeah, already planning to take them home each night. I have a backpack for my laptop that has plenty of room for phones and other gear. |
FWIW, I have Audeze LC 2’s and Schiit DAC and amp. I enjoy it, but try different gear first. What I will point out is my planer headphones are big and heavy. I generally don’t last for more that an hour with them on. And this is at home , not the office. Also the drivers are somewhat fragile. You must avoid letting them slap together as the sudden pressure could harm them. Also lugging them around or dropping them is not good. I had a driver failure that was fortunately replaced under warranty. Audeze went so far as to replace both drives and ear cuffs with updated items when they were only obligated for 1 driver . That’s impressive support. Happy Hunting, Mike B, |
