2023-07-07 23:30:00
Many headphone users have questions regarding DACs and amplifiers. The main reason is the wide variety of formats, technologies and resources that can confuse us when deciding what would be ideal to purchase. With that in mind, I have listed here several common doubts that Oficina da Net readers tend to have with their respective clarifications.
DACs and amplifiers: Doubts, myths and truths
Doubts, myths and truths regarding amplifiers and DACs. Source: Henrique Lira
There are many doubts and myths that headphone users have created regarding DACs and amplifiers. With that in mind, we have listed here what is often put on the agenda regarding the subject, trying to briefly explain why.
Before we start the list of myths and truths regarding DACs and amplifiers, it’s important to understand what they do. If you don’t know, a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) is responsible for converting the digital signal from your cell phone, tablet or computer (notebook or desktop) into an analog signal, as the speakers (drivers) of headphones and speakers sound only work through the analog signal. However, this is not enough for the sound to be generated, as the analog signal generated by the DAC is too weak to make the driver diaphragm vibrate and that is why an amplifier must be used in an audio system.
Tube and transistor amps: Which is the best technology?
There is an extensive debate regarding tube and transistor amps. While the first works through an architecture that uses thermionic valves, also known as “vacuum tube” or “vacuum tube”, to increase the amplitude (power) of an electrical (analog) signal, the second uses transistors to play the role of raising the power of the signal generated by the DAC (Digital to Analog Converter).
There is no doubt that solid state “amps” (SS or transistorized) have a considerably lower signal distortion compared to tube “amps”, being considered by many as those that deliver greater sound fidelity. However, those who use tubes to amplify the signal claim to perceive a more natural, euphonic and pleasant sound. Furthermore, it is important to mention that a tube amp allows the user to exchange the tube for other models and this can further improve the tonality of the reproduced sounds, as explained in our article on how to choose tubes.
OTL Woo Audio WA3 tube amplifier and Sennheiser HD560S over-ear headphones. Source: Vitor Valeri
That said, a tube amp is worth a try. However, depending on the headphone driver (speaker) technology and the type of tube amp, it is not interesting to use this amplification technology, as explained in the article regarding the differences between an OTL tube amplifier and a hybrid tube amplifier. In summary on the subject, if you have a planar magnetic headphone or an in-ear, it is recommended to use a hybrid valve amplifier or a transistor amplifier (solid state or SS).
In the end, it can be said that OTL tube amplifiers, which use purely tubes to amplify the signal, deal better with over-ear and on-ear headphones that use a dynamic driver (dynamic driver or DD) that have high impedance. However, it is important to mention that there are some models that are capable of handling headphones that have an impedance of 32 Ohms, for example, the Woo Audio WA3.
Does a more robust amplification make headphones sound better?
Depending on the characteristics of the headphone used, the degree of sound improvement when using more robust amplification may vary. A $300 or $500 portable DAC/amp [1] should be enough in terms of amplification for 99% of in-ear, earbud and on-ear headphones sold today. In the case of over-ear headphones, which have ear pads that surround the ear, the story changes.
There are cases where a portable DAC/amp, depending on the model, can handle “pushing” certain circumaural headphones. However, we also have situations where it is necessary to use a dedicated desktop amplifier or DAC / desktop amp that is more robust.
FiiO tabletop DAC/amp. Source: Henrique Lira
If you want to use DAPs (Digital Audio Players) as a unique way to “push” as many over-ear headphones as portable headphones (on-ear, in-ear and earbud), there are some models that are capable, but these cost in average US$ 1000. Unfortunately, DAPs that cost less than a thousand dollars are indicated for the use of in-ear headphones, earbuds and on-ear. If you don’t intend to spend a lot and intend to use over-ears, the cheapest solution, which will bring better performance, is to use desktop amplifiers or desktop DAC/amps.
[1] Article “Best USB DAC/amp under R$300” and article “Best USB DAC/amp under R$500”
Can the DAC make the difference in a setup with good headphones and a beefy amp?
There is no doubt that it is worth investing as much as you can in the headset. However, it is known that depending on its characteristics, it will be necessary to purchase a dedicated amplifier or a DAC/amp that has an adequate amplification session. However, following getting a good headphone and a robust enough amplifier to “push” it well, the question arises regarding which DAC is more worth getting.
The DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) chip alone will not make a significant difference to a headphone and amplifier setup. The question is in the analog session and the power source of the device. There are chips that have a higher and lower power consumption, where those with lower consumption are generally used in mobile devices such as DAC / portable amps.
Topping D70S dedicated desktop DAC. Source: Vitor Valeri
In the case of a portable DAC/amp, the analog session, which comprises the signal transmission process following converting the digital data to an electrical (analog) signal, is limited to power via the cell phone’s USB port or a battery. This makes the capacity of the DAC limited, as it is necessary to respect strict conditions of energy consumption.
In a DAC/desk amp we can have a more robust power supply. However, be aware of the fact that there are devices that use a USB port to power the source and receive data from the computer, thus limiting the quality that can be offered. There are models that have two USB ports, one for data and one for power, allowing for better performance.
When going for a dedicated desktop DAC, there are also models that use USB ports for power, but there are those that have an input for power cables in the same format as PC sources (desktop computers or desktops). This allows you to implement a higher quality source and an analog session with a more robust pre-amplification, where we have DACs capable of sending 2V or 2.5V on the RCA output and 4V or 5V on the XLR output. The result is a more expansive sound, providing a bigger stage, with better instrument separation and better detailing, as well as a “cleaner” feel, making sounds easier to identify.
In summary, depending on what you spend on the headphones and the amplifier, it may be worth investing in a dedicated desktop DAC. However, if your “pocket doesn’t allow it”, you can still get good quality with a cheaper USB-powered desktop DAC. Today there are models that cost US$ 100 or less like, for example, the Topping E30 II Lite and the SMSL SU-1.
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