I'm on a tight bugdet. Which one should I buy, a DAC or amp first?

I Would say you Get a amp first

Hi, HD 681 user here.... can anyone recommend me an amp for my headphone to make it more 'Bassier'?

This post has been edited by jingga: Apr 11 2012, 07:34 AM

I see. I'm planning on buying Fiio E3. Is it good?

go for E6.

I would prefer DAC, especially if you're using onboard audio.

I agree E6 user btw xD

Onboard audio? Meaning?

means that the sound card comes together with your motherboard isn't that good
it is best that u get one of these baby
https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=2265846
https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=1805482
or Fiio E7/E17 if ur budget allowed
get this first before getting an amp

How's the difference with/without using the DAC. Can you explain in details? Noobies here haha

Using a dac will bypass your computer's soundcard. So the sound will go thru the dac producing better outputs

Will it give me punchier bass for my HD661?

i guess u gotta understand the characteristic of your headphone before getting one
to avoid disappointment after purchase
test it first or at lease read review about what would it sound like before purchase

getting a dac might give you punchier bass but it may not make it shine like it suppose to

and for your question yes there are dac that can fit your requirement

I did read all the reviews about it before I bought the headphone. That's why I'm asking about the DAC/amp to improve the sound. Thanks for the answer!

If you want more bass, there's always the EQ. But then again, Superlux HD661/668B isn't bass orientated unless it's 660, I think. Bassy DAPs (eg. Sony's Walkman series) might bring more bass and made the headphone sound more darker. That happened to me when I paired my 668B with my Sony NWZ-B16F DAP. (with or without E6)

Bass for DAC... T-muso (OScon 330uF) is good enough for me plus EQing with Winamp (ASIO) and foobar (WASAPI).

Nice info Ok maybe I'll buy a DAC first.

I dont think DAC will improve bass response

bass response always change with different DAC, but comparing to onboard sounds card, DAC can bring more tight and clean bass

thanks, im still learning to appreciate tight and clean bass, i understand that it sounds more accurate

= w= you can always get a boomy bass from speaker (at the same time clear sound), but its quite impossible to get a boomy bass with a clear sound from headphone

now.. speaking of it, my HD381F died, right sight didnt sound anymore, gonna blame my roommate for this

I see. Thanks for the tip

it just died while using? It is driver or cable faulty?