Depends what you want. The differences are small but subtle. If you want a touch of what people love about the sound signature of the RNHP and Asgard, Magni 3+ (it’s more musical). If you want a sounds that is going to be raw and wonderful and sound just like the JDS Labs Atom and similar amps but have more power, Heresy.
The Heresy sounds pretty close to the THX (almost EXACTLY the same to be honest) with better/less harsh treble from my Bifrost 2 and Airist R2R.
Not that it matters, but I believe the Heresy runs a tiny bit cooler than the Magni 3+ if that helps factor into your decision. Just know with either you may want a can of WD 40 and a screw driver for when the pot sounds scratchy, a little lube makes it wonderful (again).
in the topping app there is ASIO buffer size settings with input output latency, but ASIO isn’t used if the program doesn’t use it right? i wonder because i would need to lower it for gaming
Hello all. I’m also looking for a dac/amp, but for streaming audio as well as dialog . I use an Nvidia Shield TV Hardwired via Ethernet with a USB hub attached.
I currently have the audio from my TV wired to my home Sony stereo via audio in …( 5 CD carousel, dual cassette player- 1000 watts rms with four speakers and factory remote. I currently listen to my streaming via Bluetooth Sony headphones from the TV/Nvidia shield, but during movies or playing YT videos … I play through the stereo.
I recently received a new Tor Roger headphone tube amp … and a BBE sonic maximizer for the music, but I’m assuming I need to get the external dac/amp for better performance.
Hopefully I’ll be able to take advantage of my hd650’s with this system … eventually!?
I used to DJ, so I had a very elaborate setup in my previous studio room. After downgrading, I’m trying to get the best out of my streaming system.
Sorry for my going on and on.
Question: which dac/amp for streaming music and movies?
I got my parents a Topping E30 which they like a lot for streaming (has remote if your DAC needs to have that). Headphone amps, Schiit Heresy/Schiit Magni 3+/JDS Labs… anything/Geshelli Labs Archel 2.5./ Schiit Asgard 3. Capping off at about $200 here for amps since beyond that… the rabbit hole goes pretty deep.
I forgot to mention:
After all components are together, I would also like to be able to process all of the stero components and output the processed sound of the (cd carousel, cassette deck, any possible tweaks to the audio from the onboard EQ), streamed audio, tube amp/dac, sonic maximizer back to the speakers of the stereo … kinda like a cassette/fx loop similar to how I was able to record the processed sound (sonic maximizer, tube preamp) back to my mixer, then recording that signal to cassette deck in my old DJ setup … if that makes sense
ect. I’m also interested in exactly how this would be set up in order of each component. It’s been years since I’ve attempted to set up so many components to work together.
Ok, maybe you should have started off with that. Headphone amp is your choice but depending on your physical location of everything, maybe one that can work as a pre-amp as well? As far all that gear, I might just recommend the Marantz HD-DAC1. Do you really want a DAC/amp? Or are you looking for a full home theater receiver?
I have the Tor Roger tube headphone amp already (as well as 2 others (headphone amps) tucked in a drawer somewhere- not being used lol).
I assumed I would need a separate dac for better sound.
To be honest, I currently have the Nvidia shield streaming to my TV … and that audio is going directly to my stereo with no issues. With all of these components, I can tweak the sound sufficiently. I just ALWAYS hear/ read about how “special” the audio is when using a separate DAC.
Everyone seems to pair it with a separate DAC.
Are you getting as dizzy as I am, regarding this?!
Might help to organize thoughts around what’s needed to diagram it out. It sounds kind of like if you’re using the tv out as your source (optical out?), it might make sense to either split the signal or insert a switch to send a signal to both a DAC and your receiver. Some DACs even have a digital passthrough.
What kind of budget did you have in mind? The Tor Roger is a pretty well regarded tube amp that likely warrants a similar quality DAC, though if 650s are the only headphones you’ll use with it, that thought might change.
Actually I appear to have made a mistake, what I received was the Tor USB dac amp (David).
I’m concerned about if I can still connect this unit to my Samsung TV, because I’m getting the impression that the dac is meant to be used with a computer.
I’m just really nervous about opening the box to see its imput options, but i can’t find it listed anywhere online.
Any thoughts?
Update: upon unpacking and inspection of the dac, it indeed has a USB input only, located on top of the unit … along with what appears to be a 6.5 for headphones, as well as RCA outputs.
The back of my television has digital out, which is what I assume is a TOS OUTPUT, and a 3.5 jack that’s currently connected to my stereo via 3.5 to rca audio input.
Would a workable answer to this simply be tos from the tv to usb cable, or do other issues persist?
Ps … I contemplated a receiver a simple sound bar, but I opted for quality audio and also wanted to use already purchased items. I also figured that my home stereo would serve as a receiver of sorts because it does so much.
I’ll attach a pic of the face:
Ok, yeah, your only input option on that one is USB, so you’re somewhat limited. Edit: Read the description wrong. Not OTL as they do use transformers. This is essentially the Roger with a USB DAC tacked on.
I have an hdmi port on the Nvidia Shield box but it’s occupied … being attached to my TV. If get get an HDMI splitter, would that work. Or are you familiar with an app that works on the Nvidia Shield (android box-OTG) that’s sucessful, or even any specific tablets?
I was told a while ago but don’t remember which, or specific requirements it would need in order to work.
So, in a quick search, it looks like you may be able to use one of the USB ports on the Shield as your output to the Tor David since the Shield is essentially an Android based computer. I’d give that a shot since there’s really no other way besides USB to get audio to the David.
Hey,
i bump this thread for a little question. what would have more bass between liquid spark and jds atom?
i tested schiit magni heresy and spark and i think spark is better and has more or better bass but i wonder if atom would not be even better? (i like bass and not too bright sound)
i also wonder if it’s normal that my E30 while running via USB show -00.0 PCM
I would generally stick with the spark then, since the atom is more similar to the magni heresy rather than the spark, so the spark is most likely going to be your preference there
I saw this post that said atom bass was different than spark and thought it maybe meant stronger?
i also use it to play video games and wonder if this 3D effect wouldn’t be better for earing where sounds comes from. but it’s more for music (and i prefer better bass)
for comparison i think if i recall correctly that my creative X7 limited had more bass than both spark & magni heresy but worse sound quality overall
Personally stage wise I think the liquid spark is more spacious and large sounding, but the atom has more depth, generally I’d say the spark does better for casual gaming where the atom does better for competitive
