Reddit reviews Monoprice 111567 Desktop Headphone Amplifier

What about the Monoprice DAC/amp? Not sure if it's available out there but it's not a bad unit with pre and lineout

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KVVX2QW/

like mentioned by /u/milan616 you could just use that cable. if you can still return the e09k, consider getting the monoprice desktop dac/amp for pretty much the same price. it has the usb input youre looking for

http://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-111567-Desktop-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00KVVX2QW

It really depends on your budget.
You can get a decent DAC like this one on a budget http://www.amazon.com/SMSL-M2-Portable-headphone-amplifier/dp/B00KL3SACQ/ref=sr_1_18?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1427350827&sr=1-18

But I'd recommend the the monoprice AMP/DAC brick http://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-111567-Desktop-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00KVVX2QW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427350898&sr=8-1&keywords=monoprice+amp+dac

For the money, it's got everything you'll probably ever need and is actually pretty damn good.

The most expensive "desktop" DAC I'd recommend is JDS Labs ODAC http://www.jdslabs.com/products/46/standalone-odac/

It's basically as good as a DAC can get before you start getting into the receiver world.

As for what standalone DAC/AMPs actually "do," the best way to sum it up is that a good DAC will eliminate any sort of noise being generated by your PC and accurately translate your digital signal to an analog one. Better DACs will give you a more accurate signal to work with but there's only so much you can do before you're just wasting money.

AMPs on the other hand, vary wildly in what they do. Some amps, specifically tube amps, will "color" the signal to be warmer. Some people like this as it takes the "digital edge" off of music, but they're really nothing a good EQ couldn't replicate on a neutral AMP/DAC combo. Bad AMPs introduce tons of noise and distortion into your signal, good AMPs don't. Good amps also offer better separation between the left and right channels. The sky is really the limit on AMPs when it comes to price to performance but the bulk of that performance is going to be in raw power rather than in quality.

A good standalone AMP would be the Schiit Magni 2 http://schiit.com/products/magni-2

Their DAC the Modi 2 is also REALLY good, especially for the money. I have the Modi v1 on my desk right now and short of buying an ODAC, I don't think I could be happier with my setup.

Hope this helps!

Is it worth upgrading to this amp if I have this one already? https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-111567-Desktop-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00KVVX2QW/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

I have the HD600s.

Fiio E10k is the popular under-$100 choice (and deservedly so) but if you can find the Micca Origen on sale for less than $100 like it is right now on Amazon, it's good too. For a desktop amp, the Monoprice Desktop DAC/amp is decent for that price range.

This may be due to your on-board sound. Before spending, I would test out the headphones on a different PC/source. Make sure it isn't just the headphones themselves.

Then, when you are ready to buy, get an external dac/amp, basically an external sound card. Check out the Micca Origen($100), Fiio E10k($76), Monoprice Dac/Amp($80), and SMSL SD793-II($63).

Save up a bit and get the monoprice dac/amp combo: https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-111567-Desktop-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00KVVX2QW

It's just the Custom One Pro Plus, not two variants.

1. Custom One Pro Plus: Updated Custom One Pro
   
2. Custom One Studio: DT770/80ohm in the Custom One Pro's shell (with bass slider) and a bit better sound.
   
3. Custom One Street: Portable Custom One Pro (not as good audio quality) and are on ear.
   
   

   ___
   

   
   In my opinion I prefer the Custom One Studio/DT770/80ohm with any cheap dac/amp to fully power them such as this or this.
   With the second one, you have to have an optical out on your pc, and you have to buy an optical cable.
   

Nothing was Prime Day sale or anything, but I got these beautiful bastards and I'll be driving them with this. I could do a lot better with amps and DACs but I was already $500 deep so I'll settle with this for now and upgrade that stuff later. The wait until Tuesday night is going to be painful. Haven't upgraded in like 4 years.

Honestly the mix amp and the fiio e10k most likely wouldn't output enough power to power anything over 64 ohm. Your best bet would be to get this monoprice amp that's $10 more then the fiio but is rated to power 16 to 600 ohm headphones with a gain selection. This would at least help future proof you for any headphones you get in the future. I hope this helps.


Monoprice desktop amp:

Monoprice Desktop Headphone Amplifier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KVVX2QW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_g0LQCbY27BTDN

I think a DAC would be useful over your motherboard audio. What you need is one with a line out connection to run to your amp. I would recommend the Monoprice headphone amp/dac: Monoprice Desktop Headphone Amplifier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KVVX2QW/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_IAZzwb2V4C040

> http://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-111567-Desktop-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00KVVX2QW

Should be [$20 cheaper via Jet with the promo "NEWTOJET"] (https://jet.com/product/Desktop-Headphone-Amplifier-11567/f9210e741f7a4f4ab44cdd35e1e83aa0).

Edit: "NEWTOJET" may be expired. If so, "20NOW" should still work for $15 off, I believe.

I have a similar setup. Buy these:

http://www.amazon.com/iMBAPrice%C2%AE-PREMIUM-6-Feet-Stereo-Plated/dp/B001VIYYCK/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1448947514&sr=1-3&keywords=rca+cable

http://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-111567-Desktop-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00KVVX2QW

Have fun good sir, should be plug and play.

With 140mW at 32 Ohm (2.1VRMS) you cannot drive an HD650. I highly recommend you upgrade to a more competent headphone amplifier.

For the HD650 you ideally want something with 3VRMS power or more, for example the Monoprice Desktop Amplifier.

Appreciate all this. Helpful to hear from someone who went through the same thing.

What about this amp for an even more budget minded person, though?

Do you already have a headphone amp or happen to have a stereo amp or receiver with a headphone jack?

Lowest decent entry level Audio-Technica AT-LP60XHP $129 has a headphone jack for easy to drive headphones.

Or a better Teac TN-300SE Black or Walnut $150 with Coupon code SPIN in the shopping cart click "Have a promo code" above the subtotal on top. The Teac also has a built in phono stage preamp.

Then add a $100 headphone amp: [z]GUIDE[s] \\\ SEPARATE DAC & AMP & TUBE-AMP

• Schiit Magni 3
  
• JDS Labs Atom
  
• Monolith by Monoprice Liquid Spark
  
• Bravo Audio V2+ Upgrade
  
  Or under $100:
  
  
• Behringer HA400 $24 for lowest budget basic entry level.
  
• Sabaj Audio PHA2 $62.
  
• Bravo Audio V2 $65, Bravo Audio V3 with EQ $75.
  
• Monoprice with DAC $82.
  
  Or look for a better used turntable, often vintage 70s and budget in a stylus replacement $30 to $50 if it does not have a new one.
  
  If it does not have a built in phono stage preamp, you will need to add one before the headphone amp, or use a basic entry level combo preamp and headphone amp, Nobsound T12 Phono Preamp Headphone Amplifier $35 or Depusheng PP500 $25.

Gotcha! http://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-111567-Desktop-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00KVVX2QW

Solid amp. Plenty of RCAs (ins and outs) and a nice volume knob.

That would work, though it's probably overkill. If you're also using it to power speakers when not listening to headphones that could be cool. But, you might want to consider something with USB.

I use a monoprice headphone amp with my HD600 and it works phenomenally. https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-111567-Desktop-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00KVVX2QW

to use the SA60 you could combine it with something like Monoprice desktop amp: usb/aux input, with both fixed and variable lineouts to send signal to SA60...this might be somewhat more expensive but would give you a better speaker amp as well as a higher powered headphone amp when compared to the all-in-one VX1

> Even a lower end audiophile DAC changes the game.

I don't know how "audiophile" my Monoprice DAC is but yes, it's been a world of difference since I got mine vs on board sound.


edit: to the guy who deleted his comment, this one

Would it be a good idea to pick up something along the lines of the Monoprice Desktop Headphone Amplifier for the HE400i?

not sure I got this one and I like it https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KVVX2QW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Instead of getting a sound card just get a DAC.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KVVX2QW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Much much much better sound and analog volume controls.

Okay so I think that instead of the SD 793ii (ill return it) I'm getting the monoprice DAC and headphone amp, It seems like it would solve all of my problems, but I just cant seem to find the smsl-50 in a black finish anywhere....anyone have suggestions for something other then the SMSL at around the same price point in black finish? Or I could just get a cheap stand alone DAC for the signal coming out of my computer and buy This headphone amp. I will be listening to both my Turn table and Mac Pro Tower through the system.


Edit: words and stuff

There are a few right at the $100 mark that will work with the HD 600. Schiit Magni 2 or the Objective 2 (Mayflower Electronics) are $99 plus shipping. These two are just amps, you'd have to use the DAC in your current player/computer.

The Monoprice Desktop Amp/DAC is slightly less.

Hmmmm, looking at the Fiio E10K on Amazon after I made my last post and saw that instead of the normal $74.99 it sells for, it's now listing at $99. (I am hoping this is a temporary price jump).

The Monoproce Dac/Amp combo is $79.00 and gets some good love. It Might be worth a look.

E10K is what I'd recommend, because it should have the power to drive any headphones you get, since some models have a 600-ohm impedance which need a load of power to use. The E10K can drive any future headphones you get just fine. The alternative to that is the Monoprice version which has even more power but can cost a little more.

The E12 is designed for portable use so I can;t guarantee it'll every headphone you get.

Pro tip: Never buy a product that is marketed to gamers.

Start with a Monoprice Desktop Headphone Amplifier.

Then pick headphones to suit the rest of your budget and preferences. My personal preference are the Philips SHP9500's.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Zeos/comments/3ttvhy/guide_headphones_general_music/

Thanks for the response! What are your thoughts on the HD650 compared to HIFIMAN HE-400I - currently at $250.

Also, I'm not very familiar with amps, so would an extra $100 investment be worth it, or would the ones you recommended (I think these) be just fine?

Nice! was looking for either the monoprice one a friend told me it was great for the price, or the O2 from massdrop.

https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-111567-Desktop-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00KVVX2QW

thinking maybe i would grab this regardless and if the headphones are OK without it i'll just return?

am i correct that this amp would work, hook the headphones 1/4 trs into the front, then RCA to the output. Using an RCA cable to TRS (ur28m headphone jack is a TRS 1/4")

https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-111567-Desktop-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00KVVX2QW/ref=sr_1_5?dd=SzMGKVy6P1QTi6-w5tfGkg%2C%2C&ddc_refnmnt=pfsd&keywords=JDS+Labs+Atom&qid=1570973346&refinements=p_96%3A10155283011&rnid=10155281011&sr=8-5

https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-TRS-201-Insert-Cable-Meter/dp/B000068O1J/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=rca+to+1%2F4&qid=1570973706&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_four_browse-bin%3A7623518011&rnid=7623517011&s=aht&sr=1-6

Like people have said vinyl is a for those who love to tinker, and to hunt for that new record or upgraded component. If you just want to be able to listen to great sounding music and not worry about the stuff in the middle, download some FLAC files, buy a nice USB DA converter and enjoy, there is noting wrong with digital audio. If you still want to see what its all about, surf the craigslist list, get a turn table. then get a $30 pre-amp from Amazon, and a small headphone amp. the one i linked to actually has a built in USB DA converter so you can get your good sound card too. That will be the cheapest way to get in to vinyl, for just over $200 if you end up having to pay a high price for the turntable on craigslist list. those components i linked to with a decent vintage turntable and your nice headphones will sound great.

Pre-amp: http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-PP400-BEHRINGER-MICROPHONO/dp/B000H2BC4E/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1422075043&sr=8-4&keywords=phono+preamp

headphone amp: http://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-111567-Desktop-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00KVVX2QW/ref=sr_1_23?s=audio-video-accessories&ie=UTF8&qid=1422075678&sr=1-23&keywords=headphone+amplifier

So this amp is what you're recommending? Will it be good for gaming and such? Thank you!

Ah, my bad. Don't know why you're getting downvotes instead of me....

Is Monoprice available to you? There are a number of devices like this on Amazon US:

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00KVVX2QW/

Currently I have this amp and I'm getting interference through the AUX cables and not the usb side. Is there a different amp that has multiple USB channels?

Speaking strictly functionality, that is what I want... but it's hideous. Lol. Thank you for the recommendation.

I think I'm leaning towards something along these lines but I still have to plug and unplug the headphones. At least it would be on top of the desk.

Sometime last year, I bought a used monoprice amp and an used smsl a50, I recently noticed when my speakers are at low volume it creates a quiet static sound. What causes this and how can I fix it?

I've found two other options over the stack you're using and the Audioengine D1 I mentioned:

• http://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-111567-Desktop-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00KVVX2QW Small, minimal, looks nice, though only a few reviews (but all positive)... has a switch, which is awesome.
  
  
• http://www.mav-audio.com/base/product/tube_magic_d1 Much bigger, doesn't look awful, but not the minimal design I like. That said, it has a shit ton of option, lots of expansion options, and a knob to select the source. Really good reviews. Though it's a tube system rather than solid state, which some people seem to either want or not want at all, and I haven't quite figured out why yet.

Like this guy?
https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-111567-Desktop-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00KVVX2QW

I'm wondering if I need something in between as far as features go, as I'm realizing that I'd really like to be able to run a basic microphone input through the device as well. Just a 1/8" or 1/4" type connection, nothing fancy like the XLR connections. Wouldn't ever be used for anything more than online voice communications.

Grab the Monoprice amp from Newegg. $100ish. Great sound for price, mine died fast, but I'm in the minority there.

Grab a Modmic. $60ish. Absolutely fantastic.

And, the headphones themselves..... HD 599s. Decent price, good sound, absolutely atrocious looks. And a removeable cable.

You can upgrade all of this (except the modmic, that's basically perfect) for even better, but there's a good start.

I'm currently working on sourcing and testing all the "external sound cards" I can get my hands on (i.e., DAC/AMP with mic pass-through) but I don't have full data there yet.

Ah yea sorry I didn't notice that you only wanted closed lol. Well the best DAC/Amp (that is also cheap) I can think of is the Monoprice one.

> https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-111567-Desktop-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00KVVX2QW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469992339&sr=8-1&keywords=monoprice+dac+amp

The reason this thing is better than most cheap dac amps is because it's not USB powered. So it might not be the best solution for a semi-portable set up, but I think it's good if you really need a DAC/Amp.

• Budget - $500 USD in total, flexible
  
  
• Source - PC
  
  
• Requirements for Isolation - None, will be using at home.
  
  
• Will you be using these Headphones in public? - No.
  
  
• Preferred Type of Headphones - Full sized over the ear.
  
  
• Preferred tonal balance - I think I'm looking for something that's overall balanced.
  
  
• Past Headphones - Sennheiser RS 170 Wireless Closed Back Headphones.
  
  
• Preferred Music - I usually listen to quiet, soft music, sometimes pump music like Zack Hemsey, Hans Zimmer-like movie OSTs.
  
  
• What would you like to improve on from your set-up - I've never had any experience with high end equipments, still looking forward to that "WOW" moment.
  
  
  Hello, all. I'm planning on stepping my audio set up by a notch. Currently I have a pair of Pioneer SP-BS22-LR bookshelf speakers (https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-BS22-LR-Designed-Bookshelf-Loudspeakers/dp/B008NCD2LG) with a subwoofer from a cheap Insignia 2.1 combo powered by the Lepai LP-2020A+ Amp(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049P6OTI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). And the headphones I have is the Sennheiser RS 170 Wireless Headphones.
  
  
  
  Components I want to upgrade: Headphones, sub woofer, a DAC and an amp to drive the new headphones.
  
  
  
  I see the Massdrop HD6XX for $200 and am interested, then I also see the DT990 Pro 250 ohm for $125 from Newegg and now I'm hesitating which one I should get. As for the Dac/amp it could be a combo or separate devices, but I'm wondering if therw's a way for me to connect both headphone amp and my speaker amp to the same DAC output(Could the Monoprice 111567 Desktop Headphone Amplifier be the solution to this? https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-111567-Desktop-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00KVVX2QW). Finally I want to get a decent sub woofer to go with the bookshelf speakers.
  

also https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-111567-Desktop-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00KVVX2QW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1472741816&sr=8-1&keywords=monoprice+headphone+amplifier

Do you mean this? https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-111567-Desktop-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00KVVX2QW

or this one?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M4VJNR4/ref=psdc_10980761_t1_B00KVVX2QW