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Does an AMP/DAC have much influence over the sound of headphones? (alien.top)

submitted 1 year ago by Fbean01@alien.top to c/headphones@hi-fi.community

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I'm currently listening to my HD6XX's with my Olympus 2 FIIO DAC and was wondering if I were to change it, would it impact the sound quality much? Or is volume the only real difference?

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[–] EasyVibeTribe@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

There seems to be more more to it than that. Dacs can have different implementations. For example, the same two dac chips can be set up to use different rolloffs, levels of the 2nd and 3rd harmonics, and dithering amounts, and some level of distortion can be allowed intentionally to further distinguish the sound. Some dacs give you access to these settings yourself.

[–] PeetTreedish@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

They can be whatever they need. So long as the hardware that supports the DAC chip. Isn't a complete pile of junk.

Also have to remember that electronic parts are sold based on their production quality. A perfect DAC chip isn't going in a $50 POS Chinese made DAC. They get the ones from the trash cans. The good chips go to Emotiva and Meridian etc. The premium brands.

[–] verifitting@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

The good chips go to Emotiva and Meridian etc. The premium brands.

LOL. Emotiva isn't exactly known for low noise or stellar performance, mate.

[–] PeetTreedish@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

I was trying to think of a higher end company. 1st one that popped in my head.