[BenF]

wow thanks man....

which i was suspicious too ... but can u recommend me a USB dac which is affordable ? I am looking at this :

https://www.fiio.com/newsinfo/893399.html

KA11 will drive any headphone with normal (>100dB) sensitivity, as long as it doesn't have high impedance (over 64Ohm).

If you insist on planar headphones like Hifiman HE5XX or Takstar HF580, you'll need more power.
The cheapest option is FIIO KA13 (on sale for 68$: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006045454559.html
You'll need to purchase a balanced 4.4mm cable for your headphone though, as the 3.5mm output isn't powerful enough.

Another option is FIIO K5 Pro ESS on a huge sale for 90$ (normally ~145$): https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003682930042.html
It can drive 1.5w into 32Ohm, and doesn't require balanced connection.

I would recommend going for Takstar Pro 82 v2 and FIIO BTR3K - this combo will give you a much better sound that any entry-level planar like HF580 or HE5xx at much lower cost. It will also sound just as good on the go using Bluetooth.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32808454492.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006673970584.html

You can buy BTR3K anywhere, but it's important to buy Pro 82 v2 at the TakstarAudio store, as other stores may send the wrong version.

 

[SweetEars]

KA11 will drive any headphone with normal (>100dB) sensitivity, as long as it doesn't have high impedance (over 64Ohm).

If you insist on planar headphones like Hifiman HE5XX or Takstar HF580, you'll need more power.
The cheapest option is FIIO KA13 (on sale for 68$: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006045454559.html
You'll need to purchase a balanced 4.4mm cable for your headphone though, as the 3.5mm output isn't powerful enough.

Another option is FIIO K5 Pro ESS on a huge sale for 90$ (normally ~145$): https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003682930042.html
It can drive 1.5w into 32Ohm, and doesn't require balanced connection.

I would recommend going for Takstar Pro 82 v2 and FIIO BTR3K - this combo will give you a much better sound that any entry-level planar like HF580 or HE5xx at much lower cost. It will also sound just as good on the go using Bluetooth.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32808454492.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006673970584.html

You can buy BTR3K anywhere, but it's important to buy Pro 82 v2 at the TakstarAudio store, as other stores may send the wrong version.

thanks for the rec.
but my Desktop PC motherboard does not have USB C connections. only the USB 3.0. Will these work to their proper capabilitites on my desktop PC?

 

[BenF]

thanks for the rec.
but my Desktop PC motherboard does not have USB C connections. only the USB 3.0. Will these work to their proper capabilitites on my desktop PC?

Yes, i use BTR3K over USB 3.0 on my laptop, works great.
Don't forget you can use it over Bluetooth as well - so USB won't matter at all.

K5 Pro ESS doesn't consume power over USB at all, has a dedicated power input.

Not sure about KA13 - depends on your specific desktop. For a USB-A port on a computer to comply with the USB 3.0 spec it must be able to supply at least 900 mA - if that's what your desktop provides (and not the full 2A), you may not get the full benefit.

 

[PurpleAngel]

thanks for the rec.
but my Desktop PC motherboard does not have USB C connections. only the USB 3.0. Will these work to their proper capabilities on my desktop PC?

I've found Takstar to be a good bang for the buck headphones, if your only paying $66 for headphones (Pro 82 v2), than the FiiO KA13 ($68) is about as much you would want to spend for a DAC/amp to use with them (Pro 82 v2)
And it seems the KA13 comes with an adapter, allowing it to be connected to a USB 3.0 port.

After reading these last few posts, I just ordered the FiiO K5 Pro (nice price), I've alway been a bit of a fan of FiiO, so want to compare the K5 Pro to my current Audio-GD unit.

 

[BenF]

I've found Takstar to be a good bang for the buck headphones, if your only paying $66 for headphones (Pro 82 v2), than the FiiO KA13 ($68) is about as much you would want to spend for a DAC/amp to use with them (Pro 82 v2)
And it seems the KA13 comes with an adapter, allowing it to be connected to a USB 3.0 port.

BTR3K comes with a Type C to Type A USB cable, no adapter needed.
BTR3K has a great synergy with Pro 82 v2, which is a rare thing to find - KA13 probably won't sound as good with Pro 82 v2.
KA13 also doesn't support Bluetooth.

After reading these last few posts, I just ordered the FiiO K5 Pro (nice price), I've alway been a bit of a fan of FiiO, so want to compare the K5 Pro to my current Audio-GD unit.

Audio-GD NFB-11.28 is hard to beat... I have NFB-11.18, it sounds fantastic.

 

[BenF]

There is a huge sale on AliExpress going on, with significant coupons available.
Also, there are additional coupons for Pro 82 v2 and BTR3K from the store.
See details here: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/tak...ns-and-discussion-thread.849965/post-18103543