Headphone dilemma

[asderferjerkel]

The E7+E9 has a line out as well as a headphone output, but they're both on simultaneously - I guess you could switch the speakers off when you just want headphones, and turn down the headphone output when you want speakers (the volume control won't affect the line out, AFAIK). The ODA only has one amplified headphone output, so you wouldn't be able to do that. What I've done is connect my speakers to the computer's onboard soundcard (they're not great speakers, so I don't mind the slight quality reduction) and my headphones to the DAC/amp, then I use SoundSwitch to switch between outputs with a hotkey - they're 5.1, so I couldn't just connect them to the Fiio's line out.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Would the ODAC and amp mean I could plug both headphones and speakers in at the same time, and be able to switch between them easily?

Really would like to be able to go mitx.

The ODAC only has one line-out which you can use with an amplifier of your choice:

http://epiphany-acoustics.co.uk/our-...ature-usb-dac/

This is the matching dedicated headphone amp:

http://epiphany-acoustics.co.uk/our-...one-amplifier/

The headphone amp has decent reviews has got a 5 star award from Hifi World.

The headphone amp cannot be used to drive speakers.

What are the speakers you have??

[GeorgeStorm]

Solo 6Cs.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Solo 6Cs.

Those are active speakers so have the amplification built in already. All you need is for better sound conversion. The ODAC is very good but it strives to be as good as possible for the price so does reduce the number of connections sadly,which limits flexibility.

What version of the DT770 do you have?? Is it the low or high impedence version??

Beresford also do make very good budget DACs. This one looks like a good choice:

http://www.homehifi.co.uk/products/TC-7530DC.html

http://www.homehifi.co.uk/PP/TC2D753...DIF_INPUT.html

[GeorgeStorm]

250ohm version.
Ideally I'm looking for one box I can plug stuff into, although I don't mind if it's 2 if they're relatively small.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

250ohm version.
Ideally I'm looking for one box I can plug stuff into, although I don't mind if it's 2 if they're relatively small.

Maybe,worth shooting off an e-mail to Beresford to see if your version of the DT770 will work with the TC-7530DC?? It has the analogue outputs for your speakers and also a built-in headphone amp too,so you could use both. The E7+E9 would be the other compromise too.

Beresford DACs also hold their value well too.

Edit!!

The Beresford Caiman which it replaced head a decent headphone amp though. It also had USB which the replacement lacked. However,I use the optical output on my mini-ITX motherboard to my Cambridge Audio DAC.

[dbbloke]

You could always scrap your phones and get a new pair.
Superlux 668b if you dont like getting your hands dirty comes with 2 cables (rock grotto forum has a few threads to say the least).
Or if you want the best mod yourself a 681. They really are £1000 hd800 killers.
Modding headphones is much fun and VERY rewarding in the 'cheap bastard' hifi stakes.

[GeorgeStorm]

I think I'm happy with my current headphones having thought about it some more.

Got an E7, so am keeping an eye out for an E9, but am tempted by the Epiphany Acoustic ODAC combo thingy.
Also been offered an Audio-DG Fun for a little less, which seems to be quite good.

[lhayati]

I will highly recommend the Audio Technica ATH-M50's. They are highly suggested by audiophiles for sounding great, but also being low cost.

They're £130 on amazon.co.uk (buy they sound like £200+ headphones), but if you get them from amazon.COM including customs it's only £110.

[Behemoth]

I think I'm happy with my current headphones having thought about it some more.

Got an E7, so am keeping an eye out for an E9, but am tempted by the Epiphany Acoustic ODAC combo thingy.
Also been offered an Audio-DG Fun for a little less, which seems to be quite good.

Might be selling my E9 that I don't need any more, let me know if your interested in very good condition it just needs a new 3.5 - 3.5 inch cable

[GeorgeStorm]

I will highly recommend the Audio Technica ATH-M50's. They are highly suggested by audiophiles for sounding great, but also being low cost.

They're £130 on amazon.co.uk (buy they sound like £200+ headphones), but if you get them from amazon.COM including customs it's only £110.

When I was originally looking at getting a half decent set of headphones, they were one of the sets I looked at, but went for the DT770s instead, from what I've read they're on the same kinda level.

Might be selling my E9 that I don't need any more, let me know if your interested in very good condition it just needs a new 3.5 - 3.5 inch cable

Thanks, but I just went and bought one since I didn't want to be waiting about.

[Behemoth]

No worries just thought I'd ask.

[Zak33]

a word of advice... with Audio.

IF you can afford to keep the headphones/amp/speakers in question (ie you're not struggling to buy food. [ay bills), when getting new... and IF you have space to store them

... ALWAYS keep them.

because if one thing stays good, for ever.. it's good Audio kit

In 1, maybe 2 years,..... you can come back, find this thread and thank me, because you WILL need them again. For something.

it'll happen

I look forward to it

[GeorgeStorm]

Might as well bump this thread.

Got a code for 50% off at iheadphones.co.uk, so I'm considering upgrading my DT770s (currently connected to a fiio e7/e9 combo)

Anything worth going for in the sub £300 category?
Looking at DT880 premiums, or if I can push my budget, something like the Q701s.

Any other recommendations?

[g8ina]

Bakuda, you may not buy or sell in open forums, and you don't have access to HEXUS' classified ads until you reach a certain post count.

Forum Rewards
5 - Enables the ability to post URLs
15 - Enables "Thank user" option on individual posts
15 - User Control Panel access
Lets you amend your profile, change settings, add your system details, add or change your signature, etc.
Enables Personal Messages (PMs). Limit of 70 saved messages.
Lets you post on other users Visitor Message boards
20 - Scan2HEXUS free shipping - SCAN2HEXUS - Free shipping - Information and Rules and SCAN2HEXUS - Free Shipping setup guide!
100 - Enables access to Classifieds - Sell your stuff! - Please read read the rules for this forum before posting
100 - Enables access to the Wanted forum. The same rules apply to this forum as the Classified forum.
200 - Enables you to change your Custom user title (below your forum name)
200 - Enables HEXUS.Gallery on your account (HEXUS.gallery)
500 - Enables you to specify a custom Avatar

[Lowe]

Perhaps I've misunderstood... but the end of the DT770s unscrews and is a mini jack.