Is there any tangible difference between a DIY CMoy amp compared to preassembled ones like the JDS Labs one? Are they also ideal to drive IEMs as well as ~32ohm headphones?

Thanks for the info.

How much different is a DIY cMoyBB compared to a preassembled one? Noticed on JDSLabs store page that theirs has an option for tweaking for specific headphone models... any idea what differences in the hardware parts is there between the default ones and the tweaked units?

If you plan to upgrade later or plan to use 600 Ohm headphone then go for the E17+E9k setup.

I myself is using the E7+E9 setup, the old version of E17+E9k for quite some times, happy with it.

One thing is E9k won't give you ability to alter the sounds - add bass add treble, you have to do it with electronic EQ if you want to. For me I don't like EQ. 

Sifus, please recommend me a DAC

Source : Notebook, lossy and lossless files

Speakers: Currently Edifier, planning upgrade to Swan M20 / M50 (still looking at options)

Functions I Don't Need : Integrated headphone amp. Self power capabilities (portable with battery).

Functions I Must Have: 3.5mm jack out or RCA jack out + continuous USB powered or power adapter + Volume Control on DAC itself (independent from OS volume control)

Budget : +- RM700

Type : Prefer desktop style, This DAC will sit on a desk connected to a laptop on a daily all day-long basis. Portable style is fine as long as the battery can take 8+ hours of charge every day / removable batt /  smart charge batt.

I enjoy all kinds of music from  rock, pop, EDM, acoustic, instrumental or jazz. Prefer slightly warm with good transient response yet smooth sound.

Probably ODAC sounds good.. DSD only playback is quite the turn off. What about the FIIO or Hippo range? Any more alternatives?
I see. Thanks for sharing... any suggested alternatiives for somewhat simillar sound & price range?

Looking for a tube pure amp (no DAC) below 1k for he400. Any sifu can recommend  ah?

Just went through the JDSLabs pdf docs, I guess I'll stick to the stock design. Don't have anything higher than 36ohms.

Any idea about substitutes for Altoids tins though? I don't think I've seen it sold anywhere.

Sorry, previous post was phrased poorly... What i meant was I don't need DSD playback...
Bought the ODAC, really good stuff! Thanks for the recommendation. Next to upgrade speakers....

[attachmentid=4126317]
Thank you for the recommendation, many thanks!  
After considering, decide to forget about volume control as 24bit DACs have some headroom for volume control on most media. I thought it would be good to have it to ensure bit-perfect playback on the laptop side, as some speakers are very loud even with about 10% on their volume dial when the OS volume is at 100%. The problem is, at that '10% setting' most volume pots I had come across have quite noticeable channel imbalance. I really don't need a headphone amp, don't feel comfortable with double amping with an active speaker either. So, got the ODAC instead. But thanks again!

Hey guys, I procured myself a HD 800 two weeks ago and has been using the following chain:

foobar2k WASAPI push > Fiio E17 (DAC) Line-Out > iFi iCAN version 1 > HD 800.

The soundstage had been excellent compared to HD 600 but I was wondering whether this amp is adequate the unleash the potential of it with a limited budget of 1k. I have read that using a tube amplifier such as Schiit Lyr would help to smoothen the highs. Strangely though I still can tolerate the highs.

P/S: The burn-in time is less than 10 hours until now.

Source : Surface Pro 3
Equipment : ATH-IM02
Requirement : Totally newbie in this area. Beh tahan the faint buzzing noise and popping in the background especially during charging. Prefer to use headphone jack only because Surface only have one USB port. Must be small and portable as well.
Budget : RM200~RM250 (Is my budget too low?). Prefer lower though. 

Looking at Fiio E11k, is it good for my situation?

psychoactive Regret I didn't listen to your advice earlier...

Must use USB? If DAC only and using headphone out, will also double amp'ing?

Hi all, can suggest me some good portable amp to pair with stoner's acoustic ud100? Will be using with Shure SRH 440 (40%), Vsonic GR01 (40%), and with Hifiman re-0(20%). Previously using Hippo cricri but faulty already. My budget is around rm300-rm500.
Many thanks.

Thanks for the suggestion. This Cayin c5 is rather  new amp in market I see. Have u tried the ones from the Fiio's offering?

I'll look into it, thanks. But in your opinion should I consider the cayin? The thing about Fiio is there are easily available but I don't mind the cayin if it is a better pairing with my current setup. I don't have time to go shopping for audition though. I'm relying very much on other review.

On a side note, i need a recommendation whether should i consider fiio x3 as well as portable DAP? i'm currently using Android phone with Stoner's acoustic UD100 and searching for an amp.
should i buy an amp or just the fiio x3 and keep the ud100? anyone can help me? which is better?
any feedback is really appreciated, thanks

DO i need a sound card or external sound card to fully utilize my AT Im50? planning on buying asus xonar u3 for my pc.

Mayb 200 or so. How about hippo amp. Around 250.
Because I will be using more on my pc. Using AT im50

Hi~

I own a Senheisser HD598 and looking for a portable DAC+amp that could boost the headphone. Recently been eyeing the Cayin C5 but wondering if it can handle the headphone as i've owned a Fiio E7 and it doesnt come close to supporting the headphone. Can sifu here advice on what is the budget choice to drive my headphone. Thanks in advance.

Hi guys,

I have a friend in the US who can score some goodies for me.

I have a Beyer Custom One Pro (16 Ohm impedance, 93dB/mW) and I wanna get a DAC/Amp for it. Source is iPhone/iPad(lightning) and laptop.

I'm thinking about 2 choice right now:
JDS labs C5D
Beyer A200P

In terms of technical spec - C5D is definitely better. Most Head-Fi reviews also say C5D is amazing. The A200P is just 'ok' - better than laptop, but not much compared to iPhone5S output even (which I don't have...). The thing with the C5D though...is portability - it is so amazingly small and comes with a nice belt clip etc...damn awesome.

I thought about the Leckerton UHA-6S also (InnerFidelity WOF) but that one looks too big, but the amp stage easily beats C5D.

What do you guys think?

By the way - my main worry is driving the COP to full volume. It can get loud off the phone, but not by much. The problem with all Amp manufacturers is crappy spec (I'm totally with nwavguy on this). The C5D only publishes power into 32 Ohm load while the Beyer A200P states a bloody meaningless 1.7 Vrms. At least Leckerton specifies the power into 16 Ohm...but seriously....the looks

Hey guys~ I have a DT990, at first I enjoy it, but after awhile, I feel that it is a bit too bright for my liking.. So I was thinking of getting a DT880. But my friend says I'm better off saving up for a HD650.
Any opinions?

The HD650 is very much warmer/darker compared to the DT990..?
Hmm, I guess I should actually try it out first.

Thanks for the tip~
I'll do that when I get the chance~
Haiyoo, nobody want my DT990? 

Im using CAL!+ UD100, any recommended desktop amp for my setup? preferably something that is good for tight budget

HM601 , RM400