I currently have a 250ohm DT880 and 990 running off a BTR3K, and I think they sound great through it, but would upgrading to the Zen DAC be a noticeable upgrade? I can barely tell a difference between the BTR3k and audio straight from my iPhone. I’m also looking at the FiiO K3, how does that compare?
It would be a nice upgrade for you. The Zen DAC is nice imo. It has a warm signature though to let you know.
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How big of a difference would it be?
The Zen DAC is a nice DAC but I don’t really love its amp. Fiio’s website doesn’t explicitly state so, but they have pictures of the BTR3K being used as a dac for outboard amps, like those found in computer speakers or a car, on their website. You might consider getting a beefier headphone amp like Monolith Liquid Spark and using the BTR3K as a DAC. IMO, that will make the biggest positive impact for you right now.
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I’d rather get a separate unit since I’m gonna have the btr plugged in permanently to my earphones
to be honest I am going to need a desk DAC/AMP, and with that price? I must say it is a worthy upgrade, after all it is better than nothing.
OK, yes. That makes a difference. What budget are we talking? The Zen DAC goes for $130USD. Can that be stretched or is that the target?
I’d say 150 but if absolutely necessary then I can go higher
Are you in the US or based somewhere else? If somewhere else, where? The location does change the recommendations…
Yes I’m in the us
OK, Fiio K5 Pro is where I would steer you if you want to stay at $150. If you’re ok stretching to $200, the Schiit Modi 3+ and Magni 3+ will really make your Beyers sing and provide more overall long-term flexibility. I recommended the Monolith Liquid Spark amp earlier because IMO it’s the best sonic match for Beyer headphones in the price range. However, it’s about $10 more than the Magni 3+ amp (close second to the Spark for Beyers) and we’re already going well over your $150. Happy hunting!
How do the K3 and ifi Zen compare? Would be nice if I could also save a little
The K3 will have a more neutral sound while the Zen will be warmer and smoother, but have a sneaky treble sharpness to it - which may or may not bother you…it’s right on the edge for me. It’s been awhile since I’ve used the K3 but I worry it won’t have the power to be a real sonic upgrade for you over BTR3K. It would be more of a lateral move. Zen will be an improvement, but I don’t know how big of one. The Zen also has MQA decoding, if that matters to you.
There are not many Amp/Dac combos that will perform like the iFi Zen Dac under $200.
Maybe the Topping DX3 Pro or the Schiit M&M stack if you catch a deal on eBay.
The iFi is hard to beat for value. As a well known YouReviewer said, “this thing should be $250”
How big of a difference would the K5 and BTR3k be? I’ve been told that the btr is a noticeable difference between it and straight from my phone, but I struggle to hear a difference.
The K5 Pro has much more power than BTR3K (or Zen). That should exert more control over the drivers and tighten the sound. I wager the difference will be noticeable, particularly the longer you listen the more your brain will pick up on the differences.
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I thought I would throw it out there and offer up selling you my liquid spark (2 months old and all original packaging and accessories). since I just received my Liquid Platinum I was going to put the LS up for sale this weekend. I was thinking of putting it up for $70, so if you end up leaning this way and that sounds reasonable send me a message and we can work it out. Happy hunting!
edit: if doing this in threads is inappropriate or not allowed please let me know and i will remove this post.
Not interested in an amp only, sorry.
no need to be sorry at all 
I just got one in and love it. Highly recommend the zen dac, looks like a great upgrade path to be paired with the zen can which is definitely coming down the line sooner than later.