Aside power output, what should I be looking for in a higher quality amplifier? Anything to look for in higher quality DACs as well?
Funny enough there doesnt seem to be anything better for DACs from the SMSL SU8 250$ upwards to 800$ from what ive heard.
I suppose there really isn’t much else you can do with processing the sound until you’re flat out modifying the output. That being said, I look at some of the expensive DACs (Bifrost, Yggdrasil), and it’s rather confusing when they tout accurate sound and ultra high quality components when measurements apparently say otherwise. I know it’s all marketing talk but I imagine they’re doing the same thing with changing up the sound than actually reproducing it accurately, which is already done with cheaper DACs, by the looks of it.
Smychavo. I’m going to be buying my first DAC and amp shortly and I plan on getting the JDS Labs Atom and the Khadas Tone Board.
why?
because both are considered to be neutral / natural, uncolored, clean / clear and transparent. in my eyes, that’s a good start as you’re coming from a flat baseline and can then tweak what you buy in the future to match what you’re after. more warmth or a cooler, more analytical sound, etc. and the icing on the cake? they’re only $100 each!
I was suffering from serious info overload and indecision and doubt about how to best spend my money and then it dawned on me that I should seek a platform that lets me hear my headphones the best way for what they’re made to sound like.
hope this helps!
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I think that best sums up my problem. Heh, I feel that something lively and punchy would best suit me. I feel that starting out diving into some of the pricier things is the way to go yet I’m left with one too many doubts. That being said, I can understand where you’re coming from. I’ll need to mull over it some more in the meantime while I get the funds I need to get my stuff. It’s a little up in the air now but I think I’ll make a decision that best suits me when that time comes.
Just stop worrying about it, pretty much anything suggested in this thread is likely to put a big smile on your face. There isn’t a bad decision to be made with the above suggestions.
Nothing’s perfect, pick up something and see what you like or don’t.
No matter what you buy you’ll feel the urge to upgrade.
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Khadas is uncolored? cause thats what i’m looking for in a dac
You can not escape it’s grasp. Just succumb to the upgrades lol
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that is the general consensus. even more so than the Topping D10.
Okay I know I ask alot of questions but one thing-
ksc75s, Porta-Pros, or kph 30i?
If you like a bit brighter signature, the ksc75. If you like a warmer sound the kph30i or porta pro imo
Any major differences between the latter two outside of build?
There are some differences, but I can’t think of them off the top of my head, so I think someone else might be better able to explain the differences
the biggest difference between the KSC75 and KPH30i’s would be style and fit.
but, being they’re so cheap, buy both, keep the one’s you like and gift the others to a good friend. 
Curious to see what you think lol
Just trying it on a few songs now, and I feel that they sound alot cleaner than the Krakens I’ve been using for about a year now. Krakens sound wider of course for being over-ears but in terms of overall clarity, the 30is sound much better. I feel this most apparent in orchestral, or even rock music. It’s rather crazy.
That being said it seems that they need higher volume to get to the same level of loudness that I usually go for in the Krakens. Chances are they just need a bit more power due to the higher impedance since I’m only running these off the integrated sound card on my PC, but right now I’m really liking them.
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You think it was worth the money lol? While koss may not have the most comfortable and stylish headphones, for the price the sound is pretty dang good
I played some more rock songs and without a shadow of a doubt now, I love these things. The Krakens butcher the drums in some songs and the bass doesn’t sound nearly as muddy. Vocals sound much clearer, and I can actually better hear some other instruments.
Honestly, I think they’re totally worth the price. They don’t bother me too much comfort wise, it’s kinda ridiculous how good these sound compared to the krakens which were three times the price of these lmao
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Yeah, just a killer value that’s hard to not recommend lol