Best compact headphone listening solution?

[RTHerringbone]

I'm back in the mood for spending money on gadgets.

I'd like to improve my Work From Home office space music consumption. I currently stream TIDAL through a SONOS Era 100 smart speaker. It's *fine*, but it isn't sexy and it isn't true stereo. I feel myself leaning towards a compact desktop headphone oriented setup. The room is a tiny box room so a full speaker setup is completely out of the question.

I really don't know enough about what my options are. A quick Google makes my head turn and look at sexy one-box screened exotica like the FiiO R7 and R9. I quite like the idea of having the choice of going nerdy and tinkering with EQ as well. What options are open to me? I feel like I prefer the aesthetics of a streamlined, single box, but if the upgrade-ability of separates truly makes sense, I'm prepared to be convinced to go down that path.

Budget can be flexible. Initially I'll be using this to listen to my shiny new FiiO FT7 headphones, but it's also a cunning plan to open the door to another set of headphones in future.....

 

[Shrek]

I realy like this

Desktop High-Res Audio Streamer S15

Guangzhou FiiO Electronics Technology Co., Ltd.

www.fiio.com

 

[RTHerringbone]

I realy like this

Desktop High-Res Audio Streamer S15

Guangzhou FiiO Electronics Technology Co., Ltd.

www.fiio.com

Looks like it has some pretty rough reviews. Iffy software and screen by the sounds of it.

 

[Shrek]

Looks like it has some pretty rough reviews. Iffy software and screen by the sounds of it.

shame looks nice !

 

[RTHerringbone]

I'm struggling to understand what I actually need. Is it:

1. Amp
2. DAC
3. Streamer

???

There won't be a PC in this setup, so I *think* I need some thing(s) that ultimately contain all of the above. I do like the idea of having access to EQ via an app or suchlike, and really it's all about usability - I don't want to be fumbling about with multiple wires, buttons and switches. I want and expect ports up front to plug the headphones into.

 

[RTHerringbone]

Actually, do I just want a WiiM Amp Ultra?

EDIT: I do not. Doesn't seem to have a headphone socket 🤦‍♂️

EDIT2: Maybe I do. It has a USB slot (on the rear panel (!)) which I supposed I could use if I get an adapter. Hmm. Options.

 

[daytona600]

Desktop System
PC to DAC like your Bluesound Node ICON & Small pair of active near field speakers Simples
.Use a set of Hedd type 05 myself

 

[RTHerringbone]

Nope. This will be a no speaker, no PC system, so that's a hefty swing and a miss I'm afraid.

 

[Gray]

Actually, do I just want a WiiM Amp Ultra?

Not if you don't want speakers you don't.
The standard Ultra would appear to be the one for you - with it's front panel 3.5mm headphone socket - and outputs to drive DAC / Amps or just headphone amps - if you didn't rate the Ultra's own headphone output.

 

[RTHerringbone]

Not if you don't want speakers you don't.
The standard Ultra would appear to be the one for you - with it's front panel 3.5mm headphone socket - and outputs to drive DAC / Amps or just headphone amps - if you didn't rate the Ultra's own headphone output.

Yes, I think you're right. A single unit and it ticks a lot of boxes. My only reservation might be the reported darkness of the headphone amp - but then it has EQ and you usually have to compromise somewhere.

Also easy enough to pair with an external DAC if and when the inevitable upgrade itch flares up. Hmm.....

It was also only £279 when Amazon did their Prime Day thing last week. I'd wager it'll likely go back down to that sort of price before Christmas.

 

[jjbomber]

Is a DAP an option?

 

[RTHerringbone]

Is a DAP an option?

I guess, but aren't they typically designed to be more portable solutions? Wouldn't that mean that there have to be some compromises to squeeze things into a really small unit?

 

[RTHerringbone]

I think it'll be the WiiM Ultra. They usually have a 20% off sale in holiday periods, so I'll hold off until Christmas. I've got the perfect spot for it at my desk and might now look at a modestly priced pair of dynamic driver headphones to have up here permanently as I don't want to traipse up and downstairs to get the FT7s all the time.

I think a pair around the £200 mark should keep the overall headphone setup package a shade under £500. Currently considering some Sennheiser HD600s.

I was really tempted aesthetically by the FiiO K15 since my little Naim NAIT 50 has got me to really appreciate the tactile nature of the control panel. But for whatever reason, FiiO have restricted streaming on the K15 to AirPlay and Roon, neither of which I use or want to use. It's odd as their pricier options (R7 and R9) are set up for things like TIDAL Connect etc., just not the K15

 

[RTHerringbone]

Speaking theoretically......if I were to forego my single box plan and get (an an example...) a SMSL RAW-MDA 1 and a WiiM Mini, I'm not missing out, am I?

I want to try as much as I can to avoid redundancy in whatever I ultimately buy / upgrade to. It seems odd to get an Ultra if I potentially end up upgrading the amp and / or DAC. If I buy an Ultra, I have some concerns that I can't disprove until I get it, that the headphone amp might be a bit under powered for planars.

So a focus more on the amp / DAC side feels fairly wise, and the SMSL is very highly regarded. If I use that for the amplification and DAC, and the Mini just for the streaming, then it's a technically better package than a one-box Ultra, isn't it? And it's a tenner cheaper.