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Question about combo DAC/amp for iPhone (alien.top)

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

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I have a pair of Sennheiser HD 660 S2 headphones that I’m currently using with the 3.5 to lightning dongle for my iPhone 14 pro. I’m looking into purchasing a Fiio jadeaudio KA1 DAC/amp, but need some clarity.

I’m well aware that DAC’s alone don’t increase volume, but rather just convert digital to analog. What I can’t find an answer for is the amp side of it.

Since this is a combo DAC/amp will my volume be increased versus just using the regular dongle?

Everything I search just tells me that DACs don’t increase volume. But then why does this particular model have a built in amp? Certainly it would be to increase volume/provide more power to my headphones.

Can someone help me out? The question is simply will this particular DAC make my music louder if I desire?

Thanks

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[–] Additional-Basil-893@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Pretty much just terminology, every dongle DAC pretty much has an amp inside it but the issue is how clean the output is and how powerful the amp is. You can compare how different dacs perform on audiosciencereview and l7audiolab

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

I have the 660s2 and the ifi hip dac2 works perfectly to power them. Plenty of headroom (extra volume) to work with on low gain plus it has an xbass feature that adds a lot of texture and warmth to your s2. Highly recommend it, bonus points if you get it in Hugh Heifner gold like me. I feel like a pimp w it lol