DAC + AMP for HD660s

[benm787]

The amp im currently using makes a popping noise, i contacted support and have to return it. So now im looking for a new dac and amp to use. im looking to spend about £300 but can spend a little more if it gets be something better

 

[Al ears]

The amp im currently using makes a popping noise, i contacted support and have to return it. So now im looking for a new dac and amp to use. im looking to spend about £300 but can spend a little more if it gets be something better

What are you currently using?
By that I mean what is your source of music?

 

[benm787]

i use tidal if that's what you mean, if you mean my current amp/dac them I've been using an ifi zen dac v2

 

[benm787]

i use tidal if that's what you mean, if you mean my current amp/dac them I've been using an ifi zen dac v2

and if you meant what device am I using, it's a desktop PC

 

[Al ears]

and if you meant what device am I using, it's a desktop PC

thanks, just wondered what sort of inputs you required on the new amp / dac.
what's wrong with another iFi?
The Topping DX3 Pro might be worth a look, or the DX5 but thats £449

 

[benm787]

thanks, just wondered what sort of inputs you required on the new amp / dac.
what's wrong with another iFi?
The Topping DX3 Pro might be worth a look, or the DX5 but thats £449

ill take a look what topping has. as for why i dont want another ifi, although its probably just the unit that i received, but as this one was faulty i think id prefer getting something from someone else.

 

[benm787]

would it be better to get separate amp and dacs, or to stick with a combo unit

 

[Al ears]

would it be better to get separate amp and dacs, or to stick with a combo unit

If it were me I would use separates but I think.your budget precludes this and you will probably be better off with a combo unit

 

[benm787]

how much would you recommend spending? bearing in mind that currently im only using a pair of HD660s

 

[Al ears]

how much would you recommend spending? bearing in mind that currently im only using a pair of HD660s

That's something you will have to decide.

 

[benm787]

That's something you will have to decide.

okay well thank you for your help

 

[Gray]

ill take a look what topping has.

If you decided on the separates option then, for the amp, their A50S would be worth a look.
The frequency response is as flat as a pancake, noise is non-existent and it will drive any headphones (balanced or unbalanced) with no problem. (I use it balanced to Sennheiser 560S - said by some to be the poor man's 660S - found by me to be better than the 600).
If you can buy better than the A50S (at doing its single job), I'd like to know how.

A perfectly good DAC does not need to be expensive - checkout the original Khadas Toneboard.....a bit skeletal looking, but cases are cheapish, or you can place it out of sight.
Something of that quality and price, plus an A50S, wouldn't be much more than your £300 budget.

As you had a Zen though, you might miss the convenience of having DAC and amp in the same box 🤔.