andysaurus_rex t1_ja12ijf wrote on February 26, 2023 at 1:21 AM

There's a long version of this answer and a short version.

The short version is get a simple DAC/amp combo like the e10K or k7 or Schiit stack and just call it a day.

AetherLionn OP t1_ja12oan wrote on February 26, 2023 at 1:22 AM

So the e10k is both? And that performs just as well as stacking them individually?

andysaurus_rex t1_ja133h4 wrote on February 26, 2023 at 1:25 AM

Yes it's a combo unit as is the K7. There's nothing inherently better about having standalone units aside from being able to upgrade the amp separately from the DAC which you may eventually want to do.

AetherLionn OP t1_ja13a32 wrote on February 26, 2023 at 1:27 AM

Awesome, thank you so much. I might go with a combo unit as I'm sure it's more beginner friendly.

I tend to wait well past the due date for upgrades anyway, so it might be cheaper on me too. I see Schitt also has combo units like the full. Is it as good, or is this one of those "pick a price that works from a reputable company" things?

andysaurus_rex t1_ja14hpw wrote on February 26, 2023 at 1:37 AM

> Is it as good, or is this one of those "pick a price that works from a reputable company" things?

Take your pick. Both will work. They're good starting off points which I think is what you're looking for. There's like 20 good starter amp/DACs either in the form of combos or all in one units. Personally I'd only pick the Fulla if I wanted to use a headset with a mic on it.

AetherLionn OP t1_ja14nib wrote on February 26, 2023 at 1:38 AM

Ok, ill look into the e10k or k7 and learn a bit more about combo units. My mic is standalone so not a lot of use there.

Thank you again!!

1trickana t1_ja293fp wrote on February 26, 2023 at 8:16 AM

K7 is easily the best amp/DAC combo sub $300 out right now, Schiit doesn't come close

andysaurus_rex t1_ja15ot7 wrote on February 26, 2023 at 1:46 AM

Yeah I've been using a pretty basic Fiio amp/DAC for years. It's good. Good build quality. I've always been interested in Schiit's products because they look great an are a US based company. But would I discern a difference? Probably not.

blorg t1_ja2t9mb wrote on February 26, 2023 at 12:38 PM

K7 has a lot more power and more modern/better DAC as well. You'd have enough power with the K7 for 99% of headphones you might get in the future as well, it has 10-20x the power of the E10K.

I'd pass on the E10K, if you are looking at the E10K may as well just get a dongle like the Truthear Shio which is much more compact and portable and has both a better DAC and higher power (balanced) for the HD6XX- 4V vs 2.6V.