What Headphone DAC/AMP Should I Buy Today?

[DavidKamPhoto]

Looking for a DAC/AMP recommendation for my computer.

I have Shure's flagship headphones that have an impedance of 65.

I am completely uninterested in snake oil and coloration.

Considering:
- Monoprice 111567 Desktop Headphone Amplifier
- M-Audio Super DAC
- Creative Sound BlasterX G5
- Open to other things

I cannot find info about the output impedance on the M-Audio or Monoprice amps and that worries me. Some have claimed that the Monoprice has 10Ω which would be quite poor compared to the Creative product. But I like the minimalist design of the Monoprice.

The Creative soundcard claims 2.2Ω output impedance which impresses me but the product is priced so competitively and it seems kind of gimmicky and too good to be true.

I'd like to buy something today! What should I get? 8)

Thanks for all your help I am a cat

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

https://www.jdslabs.com/mobile/products/48/objective2-odac-combo-revb/

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

https://www.jdslabs.com/mobile/products/48/objective2-odac-combo-revb/

o2 and odac are nearly reference designs based on work of NwAvGuy. The hero whom burnt bridges with more than few Dac vendors by showing objectively their products suck. Then went to design his superior and inexpensive dac and h.amp as token of middle finger to hi-end snake pushers. Then disappeared from face of the earth. Quite fascinating story tbh.

 

[tyhjaarpa]

https://www.jdslabs.com/mobile/products/48/objective2-odac-combo-revb/

This is best you can get vs price you pay.

 

[sholling]

Looking for a DAC/AMP recommendation for my computer.

The answer depends on what you intend to use it for - that is music only or gaming with a mic.
If you don't need a mic the JDS O2 or Schiit Audio's Schiit Stack (Modi DAC + Magni amp) are great choices.

If you need a mic input then the creative is ok but nothing special and does not have great reputation for reliability. There are other higher-end options but I haven't listened to any of them.