Portable DAC/Amp Rec

Equipment / Electronics / Gear / Accessories Headphone Amps
1

Hi guys,

I wanted to get some recommendations for a portable headphone amp.

I just got a Fiio Q5S used on eBay, and I’m not really too happy with it. Bluetooth pairing is really finnicky and I can’t get a USB connection from my phone to work reliably either.

Looking for a replacement that fits this bill:

  • DAC + headphone amp combo
  • Powerful enough to run T50RPs
  • Rechargable battery
  • Not made in China
  • No Bluetooth capability at all
  • Preferably something that doesn’t require an app to configure
  • Balanced output (preferably 4.4mm, I already bought a cable)
  • USB input, as well as TOSLINK or digital coaxial

This is my first post here, so please be gentle lol

2

there goes 99,99% of dac&amps.

the 0,01% would be the stuff from ifi audio. (UK brand but still made in China.)

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3

That’s a pretty tall order, bud. No BT and not made in china removes a ton of options, and if you didn’t have them in place my go-to would be the Topping G5 (which has BT but I never use it). With your constraints in mind, the Chord Mojo 2 is about as good as you’re gonna get but it doesn’t have a 4.4 output (3.5mm only). It’s not cheap though (~$699 USD) and you never gave us a budget, so if you give us your top price we can help you better.

Edit: Actually, the Earmen Angel might be just what you’re looking for: EarMen Angel

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4

no idea if it drives your specific headphone though, but pretty sure it does

The Hip-Dac 2 is also still available and a bit cheaper.

btw welcome to the forum :wink:

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5

You just need a 2vrms output and u have no problems with the Fostex T50RPMK3.

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image1759×606 58.9 KB

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6

Do you know if they design their stuff in the UK? I’d settle for UK-designed, Chinese-manufactured.

7

It is a uk company so I assume so.

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8

That does look perfect! If only it was available anywhere lol.

On the eBay search alerts it goes.

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9

Definitely a good option, thanks!

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10

If you want to spend much more there is also iFi diablo in various iterations

11

Good luck with that.

Buy a JDS Labs or Schiit desktop rig if you want made in America.

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12

To lower your anaerobic capacity for longer races like a half marathon, you’ll want to focus on improving your aerobic system and increasing your ability to run at a sustained, comfortable pace for longer periods of time.

13

You must have a hell of a hangover this morning. :slight_smile:

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