Hello everyone, I have a pair of Sennheiser HD 560s which I am currently using directly from my PC’s motherboard, so I know I’m not really getting the most out of them. I was considering buying a Topping DX3 Pro+, but after reading and watching reviews I only got more confused, and now I am unsure about what would be the best choice. I mainly use these headphones for listening to music, and only occasionally for FPS gaming. Unfortunately, I cannot install an internal sound card because my GPU blocks the slot. I would really appreciate some advice on an external DAC/amp (or another solution) that could allow me to enjoy my HD 560s at their full potential, without exceeding a budget of around €200. I love music very much, but unfortunately I do not have a lot of money to spend.
Buy a new or used JDS Labs Atom DAC-amp stack. New is around $225. Used is cheaper.
All the clean, uncolored power you’ll need. No frills. Just excellent design, engineering and customer service.
I’ve rocked an Atom+ stack for nearly four years now. Works great.
For people in the US, the JDS stack is such a great one and done kind of a thing. I use the Element 4 and love it, but it’s a little more.
Assume you are in EU since you used € specifically.
The best value setup would simply be a dongle dac&. Such as this.
Then use it with a say usb extension cable.
This one in particular has PEQ support via the web app and both 3.5mm and 4.4mm which are the most common connectors. For reference if you want a desktop amp&dac with PEQ support the only one i know is this.
Which is like 10x more expensive and likely more if you are in eu and have to import it from US.
The Dawn Pro also has a paltry amount of power compared to a JDS Atom+ or an Element.
Demanding over-ears such as high-impedance Sennheisers and some planars will not be driven to their full potential with a dongle.
I’m FAR from someone who thinks you need a nuclear power station to drive headphones. Nearly all of the Chi-fi amps coming out now have WAY more power than needed – it’s just a useless spec war between manufacturers.
But 124 mW per channel is far less juice than 1 watt per channel. About 1/8th of the power, in fact. And there are many over-ear audiophiles who think 1 watt per channel isn’t enough (Pro tip: They’re full of sh*te; it’s enough power for all but the most demanding cans.).
Something to consider if you plan to drive demanding over-ears with this amp and not less-demanding IEMs.
I suggest that you investigate EQ, there are some really good youtube videos explaning how to for your headphone. Combine this with a dongle and you will have a good system.
cheers
Micke