Ok cool I will definitely look into that as well. Sometimes it’s hard for me to tell if Z’s complaints are actually a big deal or just a big deal if you are Z and have reviewed millions of things lol.
Nope that was my bad. I’ll edit my post but I suppose my point remains the same lol
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Lol I know what you mean. A button would be great to switch but for my use case it’s mainly going to be a giant volume knob for my vanatoos 
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Can’t really help with the speaker part of your question but I have the Monolith Liquid Spark and the Topping D10 and I really like them with the Hawks.
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The topping D10 is a great starter dac that also can function as an optical/spidif converter in the future. Since the nighthawks are known for being very warm I would probably go for a JDS labs atom or a shout heresy for the amp since they are rather analytical amps.
But really anything will work since the nighthawks are not very amp dependent, so what ever you decide will work just fine.
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Yeah I run optical from the D10 to my active desktop speakers and it’s really convenient. Don’t even have to switch sources on my computer.
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Awesome thanks for the recommendation!
This point on warmth is exactly what I have heard but also have been trying to realize that there is no way in hell I personally would be able to tell the difference. For a dac I’m between modi 3, atom, d10, or e30. I am leaning toward Heresey amp, I just think it looks better than the atom and has more power for the future. At a 100 bucks just seems like I can’t pick wrong. Do like the versatility of the topping products.
Exactly. The power is the best part since it will be able to handle most things so an amp upgraded would be less needed even after some headphone upgrading. But even if you don’t get any higher end headphones it is still going to be great for things like the nighthawks.
If you want an amp that you will likely never need to upgrade unless you get some properly top tier headphones ($1000+) then the Asgard 3 is a great choice as well for $200. According to many on this forum the topping e30 is a great pairing with the Asgard 3 for a total of about $330. If budget is a bigger concern then the magni 3+ or heresy (same price) and a topping D10 can easily be as little as $165 and is still a great option.
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Thanks a lot, I really am enjoying all the pointers. Pretty cool how much can go into even a hundred buck amp or dac.
I have heard that the liquid spark gets quite warm. Is this a big issue or just something reviewers point out?
if you are buying used, you should probably just get what you find for the best deal imo. Not going to be a big difference and the sonic differences that will be there you will have a hard time knowing what you prefer without being able to try them 
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The heat is a non issue imo… it gets warm yes but not to the point where you need to worry about it
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Agree here. Just an interesting thing that reviewers point out. Not an issue. It’s never hot to the touch or anything, just a little warm. I kinda like it honestly. Makes me feel like it’s working its magic. 
I almost bought the Heresy when I was shopping for a $100 amp. I ended up getting the LS because I found a deal on it used. I’m sure the little Schiit would be a great choice as well. I like the fact that that amp and the Liquid Spark are metal compared to the Atom’s plastic enclosure. It doesn’t make a difference in the sound, but build is a factor to me when I’m buying things as well.
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Ok I’m between the spark and heresy. Anyone have experience with the heresy using the preouts? Joshua Valour praised the spark for their usage of the preouts to speakers but Z said in one of his reviews that the Heresy still has issues there but goes on to state that he didn’t actually test it. My heart wants the heresy but the spark seems to have good features? Help me make way more out of this decision than it really is
I’ve only owned the Spark, but they’re two different signatures, with the Spark being warmer leaning and the Heresy being more analytical with a little more power. I believe the Magni 3+ is somewhat of a middle ground based on other feedback from fellow forum members.
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When I had the heresy it seemed like a pretty bullet proof unit… there’s a warranty as well with schiit and owning the Asgard 3 and Freya+ I can say pre outs on those 2 units have been flawless.
That’s said I would not deter anyone from buying a liquid spark … that’s the one still on my desk lol
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Would or wouldn’t? Lol
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Would not. Thanks lol
Just wanted to come back to this thread and add when I a/b between the Hel and my THX stack the Hell adds more warmth. Detail is still there but I think it’s actually a little to warm for the Hawks. Now it takes some of the shoutiness out of my Blon B20s which is awesome since they are probably my least used headphone because of how they get in your face on my THX. Hope this helps.
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