[SOLVED] Headphones with Built-in DAC and AMP

[abobobilly]

So here i am, after all these years, looking for the perfect headphones with "All in One" approach. Yeah i could proceed with spending thousands (in Dollars, that is) and get a separate big ass AMP, expensive HD800S or something, or a special thing, but that's not who I am.

Here is what i want:
- Headphone w/ Built-in DAC and AMP. (Ain't no one got place to buy a separate heavy amp to drive those hard-to-drive things.)
- Over ear design (Looking for maximum comfort, something which can last 20 hours of music sessions, and that too in hot environments i.e. drivers should be large enough for better airflow).
- Closed back (or if you got an Open Back design suggestion, with just an deep and quality big fat bass).
- Must be the best in it's class.
- Must have premium build quality. And i really do mean premium.
- Must work primarily on an Android device (Since i don't plan on going V30, or later route, this is exactly why i need headphones themselves to have a Built-in DAC and AMP).

Example for Sound Quality: Something with the likes of a Sony MDR-1A DAC.
Example for Design/Build: Senheiser HD800 or 820; Sony Z1R

The only problem is, ain't got enough time to search the web. Aaaaand ... wasting time on web since a few months now looking for something .... SOMETHING which can at least click to me so i can buy it. Still haven't. I would really like to avail further options.

I don't want to mention any budget. I'm the kind of person, if it's worth a million dollars, i would pay a million dollars. And yes you're correct ... i'm just babbling here because i won't 'actually' pay a million dollars because got other stuff to spend money on :laugh1::laugh1::laugh1:

Anyway, to the greatest and hardest audiophiles of PG here ... BOMBARD ME WITH SUGGESTIONS. (Keep it 'To the Point' though). :baby:

 

[nafu]

@abobobilly

Such a lovely written post. Again, it's abobobilly, with one of the most interesting writing skills.

I Wish I could help you on this, but seriously, Audio not my expertise.
Though I am tagging some of the hardest audiophiles who can better guide you on subject.
@DJ80 @mbk99 @Nomad

 

[Muaaz]

https://marshallheadphones.com/mh_us_en/mid-bluetooth

Here, take it and go. Recommended these to a PG member, and I tested them myself. I was convinced that they are well worth the money, and future proof... now with smartphones without headphone jacks and all.

 

[abobobilly]

https://marshallheadphones.com/mh_us_en/mid-bluetooth

Here, take it and go. Recommended these to a PG member, and I tested them myself. I was convinced that they are well worth the money, and future proof... now with smartphones without headphone jacks and all.

Mid Bluetooth is a great price/performance option from Marhsall. But these are 'on ear' design, and I loath them because they are uncomfortable for me. Big ears, sticking out like Shrek. Except, not green. :laugh1:

That being said, this isn't the quality option i am considering. I mean, i'm aiming for maximum quality. The only problem is, i don't want to buy any separate amp to drive them. Precisely why HD800 or 800S are out of question. These frickin things are insane power suckers. Plus, open back design means the bass isn't as deep or punchy as i want.

I have referred to Sony's M1A DAC because these are the best i have come across in a reasonable price, having it's own Amp and DAC built-in. Plus, the bass is fascinating. So why am i not buying it? Something just doesn't feel right with them. Build quality issues with SONY isn't new to me, and wires on these M1As are simply atrocious.

 

[Muaaz]

Normally I would agree with on-ear design. But as I tested these myself, the grip, comfort and feel is solid. I would recommend checking them out in person IF possible. If money is no object, then Bowers & Wilkins PX is a fantastic choice. And I hate to say it, but so is Bose QC35.

If you don't like Sony wires, try going for similar ones from them in wireless.

 

[mbk99]

Mid Bluetooth is a great price/performance option from Marhsall. But these are 'on ear' design, and I loath them because they are uncomfortable for me. Big ears, sticking out like Shrek. Except, not green. :laugh1:

That being said, this isn't the quality option i am considering. I mean, i'm aiming for maximum quality. The only problem is, i don't want to buy any separate amp to drive them. Precisely why HD800 or 800S are out of question. These frickin things are insane power suckers. Plus, open back design means the bass isn't as deep or punchy as i want.

I have referred to Sony's M1A DAC because these are the best i have come across in a reasonable price, having it's own Amp and DAC built-in. Plus, the bass is fascinating. So why am i not buying it? Something just doesn't feel right with them. Build quality issues with SONY isn't new to me, and wires on these M1As are simply atrocious.

it seems to me, you already know the answer, with Sony's MDR-1ADAC with Premium Hi-Res DAC/Amplifier-Integrated Headphones. i'm using the simple version without the DAC, they are super comfortable & closed ear headphones and have very good build quality as you expect from SONY and it has good sound quality, especially the BASS is just awesome, and it has good reviews too online, & lastly honestly i don't think it needs any DAC or AMP to power them. it works just fine with it, on PC, Smartphone, IPOD etc.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II is another option but it Expensive & slightly overrated as fuck!

Beats too has some option, but i'll go with Sony MDR 1A-DAC any day of the week, as it looks sexy, and is comfortable for long listening sessions, it provides good sound isolation from noisy environments and it sounds good and build quality is exceptional, the only con i see, is the propriety cable, encase if it get's faulty, you have to another from Sony ONLY! but that is rarely the case most of the time.

 

[abobobilly]

Guys. Really really appreciate your answers here.

BUT, this is not what I need. All these Wireless/BT, ANC, Portable headphones may sound extremely nice ... but they don't meet my requirements of having a DAC and Amp integrated. I have used them all, and have reached to a conclusion that even a small power of amp and a separate DAC will sound way better than any headphones without it.

I just want to avail further options. SONY MDA 1A-DAC is an obvious choice, but there must be an alternative option available.

 

[Nomad]

So here i am, after all these years, looking for the perfect headphones with "All in One" approach. Yeah i could proceed with spending thousands (in Dollars, that is) and get a separate big ass AMP, expensive HD800S or something, or a special thing, but that's not who I am.

Here is what i want:
- Headphone w/ Built-in DAC and AMP. (Ain't no one got place to buy a separate heavy amp to drive those hard-to-drive things.)
- Over ear design (Looking for maximum comfort, something which can last 20 hours of music sessions, and that too in hot environments i.e. drivers should be large enough for better airflow).
- Closed back (or if you got an Open Back design suggestion, with just an deep and quality big fat bass).
- Must be the best in it's class.
- Must have premium build quality. And i really do mean premium.
- Must work primarily on an Android device (Since i don't plan on going V30, or later route, this is exactly why i need headphones themselves to have a Built-in DAC and AMP).

Example for Sound Quality: Something with the likes of a Sony MDR-1A DAC.
Example for Design/Build: Senheiser HD800 or 820; Sony Z1R

The only problem is, ain't got enough time to search the web. Aaaaand ... wasting time on web since a few months now looking for something .... SOMETHING which can at least click to me so i can buy it. Still haven't. I would really like to avail further options.

I don't want to mention any budget. I'm the kind of person, if it's worth a million dollars, i would pay a million dollars. And yes you're correct ... i'm just babbling here because i won't 'actually' pay a million dollars because got other stuff to spend money on :laugh1::laugh1::laugh1:

Anyway, to the greatest and hardest audiophiles of PG here ... BOMBARD ME WITH SUGGESTIONS. (Keep it 'To the Point' though). :baby:

Don't

Don't buy any headphone with built-in DAC and AMP. I'm not aware of ANY headphone with builtin DAC + AMP that shounds as good as dedicated DAC + AMP + Headphones for that same price. Unless you NEED wireless, there is absolutely no reason to go for any all in one device. If you share your usage scenario, source, preferred sound signature and budget we may be able to recommend something suitable.

In terms of PC gaming, what you are asking for is gaming laptop for using in a desktop environment. While you know yourself that getting a desktop where you choose each and every component would be the cheaper and better option.

 

[abobobilly]

Don't

Don't buy any headphone with built-in DAC and AMP. I'm not aware of ANY headphone with builtin DAC + AMP that shounds as good as dedicated DAC + AMP + Headphones for that same price.

Thanks Sire :wub:

I'm in UAE. We move a lot. Plus, we don't have enough space to keep extra things. That's why i need to keep things minimal. Besides, having a really expensive AF dedicated Amp at home (or even at my office) will be such a chore. "Going Mobile" is what i'm looking for.

If you share your usage scenario, source, preferred sound signature and budget we may be able to recommend something suitable.

I have a One Plus 3 right now. Just like S8, 9, iPhone X, or other high end devices, it sounds OK. But everytime, i listen to V20 (and V30) ... and one HTC device (can't remember it's model), the godly sound with same pair of headphones make me think otherwise.

I have had multiple 'great' ear/headphones. They are enough to keep the 'normal' music needs. But my music sessions in some days go well beyond 20 hours in a day (not kidding at all). And in those times, the need for having such a setup (Amp + Dac) intensifies. That's why i was looking for any portable solution, primarily a Laptop and Smartphone solution.

In terms of PC gaming, what you are asking for is gaming laptop for using in a desktop environment. While you know yourself that getting a desktop where you choose each and every component would be the cheaper and better option.

Not interested to get better sound for PC Gaming.

 

[Nomad]

I'm in UAE. We move a lot. Plus, we don't have enough space to keep extra things. That's why i need to keep things minimal. Besides, having a really expensive AF dedicated Amp at home (or even at my office) will be such a chore. "Going Mobile" is what i'm looking for.

I have a One Plus 3 right now. Just like S8, 9, iPhone X, or other high end devices, it sounds OK. But everytime, i listen to V20 (and V30) ... and one HTC device (can't remember it's model), the godly sound with same pair of headphones make me think otherwise.

I have had multiple 'great' ear/headphones. They are enough to keep the 'normal' music needs. But my music sessions in some days go well beyond 20 hours in a day (not kidding at all). And in those times, the need for having such a setup (Amp + Dac) intensifies. That's why i was looking for any portable solution, primarily a Laptop and Smartphone solution.

In my opinion what you need is a good portable DAC+AMP. There are many choices like Fiio Q1 mk II, Fiio Q5, Oppo HA2, XDuoo XD 05 etc. I don't think you have any hard to drive headphones so even the Fiio Q1 MK II should be more than enough for your needs. Sound quality provided by it will certainly be better than any phone.

Not interested to get better sound for PC Gaming.

That is most definitely not what I meant

 

[abobobilly]

In my opinion what you need is a good portable DAC+AMP. There are many choices like Fiio Q1 mk II, Fiio Q5, Oppo HA2, XDuoo XD 05 etc. I don't think you have any hard to drive headphones so even the Fiio Q1 MK II should be more than enough for your needs. Sound quality provided by it will certainly be better than any phone.

Thanks. Much appreciated.

Side question: Are these portable amps enough to power the likes of HD820 or Z1R? Or more specifically, is there any portable amp good enough for these kind of headphones?

 

[abobobilly]

I don't think you have any hard to drive headphones.

:mushy::hah::kid::shifty::crazy:
I don't want to brag.

 

[mbk99]

Thanks. Much appreciated.

Side question: Are these portable amps enough to power the likes of HD820 or Z1R? Or more specifically, is there any portable amp good enough for these kind of headphones?

Fiio are not recomneded for high end headphones though it still will be able power them, whereas Oppo HA2 and perhpas Audio Quest Red Dragon Usb Dongle will do the job as it is significantly more expensive then fiio's offerring.

For high end AMP/DAC you need to look at brands like Schiit, IFI Audio, NuForce, Audeze, Chord Hugo/Mojo etc in 500$ range.

 

[mbk99]

[MENTION=8060]abobobilly[/MENTION] can you kindly share you Headphones collection, i'm asking just out of curiosity.

BTW have a look at Audio Quest DragonFly USB input RED or Black, as these are very good value for money and are convenient to carry.

 

[abobobilly]

I sincerely appreciate all the comments. I really do.

We have established that the product i have been looking for, just doesn't exist for ... reasons. Having a headphone with integrated DAC and Amp may either be unsuitable or just not good enough, which might be why manufacturers don't want to focus on it. SONY might have released this it's M1A DAC on an experimental basis. I say this because we haven't really seen a significant upgrade to it in quite a while now.

Anyway, since i was strictly looking for the said item, which isn't available ... i will hold any further purchase.

I already have a IE800, but was really looking forward to get the HD820. So may get something like Chord Electronics Hugo 2 to drive it, or something better depending upon reviews. Will ask my beloved PGers again, if needs be.

CHEERS.

PEACE OUT!!