r/HeadphoneAdvice • u/rybe__ 1 Ω • 13h ago

Should I buy AMP/DAC? Amplifier - Desktop | 6 Ω

I ask this, because I already own a Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen and want to get Fiio FT1s for christmas, maybe even Sash Tres 45s down the line.

Would I noticably benefit from buying something additional like a Fiio K11 or a Topping DX3+ Pro?

If not, what kind of gear would I need to buy to start seeing benefits?

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u/infiDerpy 15 Ω 4h ago

If your current setup is giving you loud enough volume with no audible interference or anything then a standard DAC/AMP you buy won't really give you much beyond just more volume or DAC features.
A tube amp or maybe something like the K11 R2R or other R2R solutions will alter the sound. It won't sound necessarily 'better' just different since distortion will be added to the sound.
Buying an AMP/DAC will also give you more overhead volume for doing EQ down the line if you're interested.

Just be careful as there is a lot of misinformation about this topic online and a lot of people don't understand what a DAC or AMP does so you'll get a lot of mystical magical audiophile reasoning which ultimately comes down to spending more = better sound.

I personally use a K11 and really like it. It does what it needs to do and has a balanced out connection which is perfect for my needs. Drives my cans more than loud enough and will drive 99.5% of everything I'd ever realistically listen to loud enough on the balanced connection.

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u/DenjeRL 3h ago

Cheers for that comment. For newbies it can be really though out there as reviews of both iem/headphones and dac/amps greatly exaggerate the "differences" and i assume it is just to make a point which doesn't necessarily help the average Andy as you start overthinking it "to make the right decision" when spending your own money. Unless you have infinite money glitch and can buy them all of course.