Desktop speaker DAC, that doubles as headphone AMP?

[ibbadib]

Hey there,

I have the SMSL SA-50 speaker amp, paired with my wharfedale 220 at my desk (which is awesome), and was wondering a couple of things, about what my next upgrade would be.
I have two questions:

1: Does a DAC exist, that doubles as a headphone amp, that can drive a somewhat powerhungry headphones (like 250 ohm)? I know the Audioengine D1 exists, but it does not have a sub port, and it is only powered through USB. My budget is around the price of the D1.

2: If not, how would I connect a sub to the D1?

Thanks guys

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I don't know dac/headphone amp with bass management.
Easiest route would to be to get a sub with bass management and low-level input and outputs.
As for dac/headphone amp - I own and like D1, but it's volume control is a not great.
Imo : JDS labs o2+odac is the best option, but if you're looking for lower price point - Monoprice's https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=11567
Can drive any headphone upto 600ohm and costs under $100, but many complain about volume control

 

[fmw]

I use an SA50 with a subwoofer on my computer. I use the speaker level connections on the sub. You can use a subwoofer with any amplifier. Yes there are DAC/amps but I doubt they would help you much. What you have should work fine for you.

 

[ibbadib]

Snip
control

Sorry, but I am a noob here.

Low-level input and outputs?
And a Sub with bass management would be an active sub right?

I can not use the JDS lab o2+odac, as a dac for my speakers no?
Like I would be able to do with the D1?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Sorry, but I am a noob here.

Low-level input and outputs?
And a Sub with bass management would be an active sub right?

No. Powered/Active sub is one which have it's own amplifier - most sold subs are powered.
You need to look specifically for sub with RCA inputs AND outputs like this one:
http://www.svsound.com/collections/ported-subwoofers/products/pb-1000

I can not use the JDS lab o2+odac, as a dac for my speakers no?
Like I would be able to do with the D1?[/QUOTE]
My bad, I assumed o2+odac has line out - it doesn't. You'd have to go to even more expensive Element Model.
On lower end of spectrum - Fiio E10k probably would work for you as well - it's currently a bit hard to get at it's msrp of $75

 

[fmw]

Sorry, but I am a noob here.

Low-level input and outputs?
And a Sub with bass management would be an active sub right?

I can not use the JDS lab o2+odac, as a dac for my speakers no?
Like I would be able to do with the D1?

You aren't going to get bass management with these products but integrating a sub with them is simple using the speaker level connections on the sub and the volume and crossover controls on the back.

 

[ibbadib]

No. Powered/Active sub is one which have it's own amplifier - most sold subs are powered.
You need to look specifically for sub with RCA inputs AND outputs like this one:


I can not use the JDS lab o2+odac, as a dac for my speakers no?
Like I would be able to do with the D1?

My bad, I assumed o2+odac has line out - it doesn't. You'd have to go to even more expensive Element Model.
On lower end of spectrum - Fiio E10k probably would work for you as well - it's currently a bit hard to get at it's msrp of $75[/QUOTE]

Thanks man. With the FiiO E10K my setup would be:

PC -USB-> FiiO E10K -3.5mm out-> SMSL SA-50 AMP, OR headphones, depending on if I connect my headphones to the front?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Thanks man. With the FiiO E10K my setup would be:

PC -USB-> FiiO E10K -3.5mm out-> SMSL SA-50 AMP, OR headphones, depending on if I connect my headphones to the front?

pc usb->fiio e10k -> 3.5mm rear LINE out to amp -> speaker
fiio e10k -> 3.5mm front to headphones - they ether work at same time or more likely connecting phones will kill line out sound.

On D1 - connecting phones - does kill the sound to speakers.

 

[ibbadib]

pc usb->fiio e10k -> 3.5mm rear LINE out to amp -> speaker
fiio e10k -> 3.5mm front to headphones - they ether work at same time or more likely connecting phones will kill line out sound.

On D1 - connecting phones - does kill the sound to speakers.

Thanks, as I expected.
I think I am leaning torwards the FiiO, as it can power higher impedance heaphones.
Thanks guys.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Thanks, as I expected.
I think I am leaning torwards the FiiO, as it can power higher impedance heaphones.
Thanks guys.

Actually, Monoprice's offering is much more powerful

 

[ibbadib]

Actually, Monoprice's offering is much more powerful

Yeah, but not available in Denmark.