Sennheiser 560s & USB Connection ?
- Thread starter ~>Dg<~
- Start date
Amp isn't necessary for the 560s though they have higher impedance (120 ohm) they are also fairly sensitive so relatively easy to drive though there is a small benefit to driving them with an appropriate amp.
In terms of USB you could at the simpler end of the spectrum use something like the Fiio JA11 but I'd recommend spending a little more for best results on a USB dongle also a consideration whether you want microphone input as well. In some other threads on here people have recommended the JCally JM6 Pro though personally I'd lean towards spending a little more on a dongle.
In terms of USB you could at the simpler end of the spectrum use something like the Fiio JA11 but I'd recommend spending a little more for best results on a USB dongle also a consideration whether you want microphone input as well. In some other threads on here people have recommended the JCally JM6 Pro though personally I'd lean towards spending a little more on a dongle.
Last edited:
Soldato
- Joined
- 4 Oct 2019
- Posts
- 3,286
- Location
- Queens Park - London
This Youtube channel, which is made up of several audio enthusiasts, gives objective and balanced insights into the audio industry and I think they are the little nugget of truth in a world of hype and excess expenditure.
They just released a video on DACs/Amps and if they make a difference and their conclusion is, is as expected, that it depends. See here.
The other advantage of those small dongles is that they can be so tiny that effectively it'll feel like the HD 560S is connecting via USB. I know some people connect them to the Dualsense (& Xbox) controller, but I always felt they needed more than that when I had a pair, albeit not much. I think as @Rroff mentioned Mic requirements might skew the option a bit, i.e. there aren't many dongles with decent mic input.
Soldato
- Joined
- 4 Oct 2019
- Posts
- 3,286
- Location
- Queens Park - London
Watch the video I linked to. You’ll need context as to when to use a DAC.
There are many cheap DACs out there that work fine but you might not need one in the first place as your headphones might not be able to make proper use of it so you’ll hear zero difference.
its not really because of the difference its so it can go in usb. as the normal connection is a 3.5 . i have a logitech dac 3.5mm to usb but dunno if it would make em sound worse or not. so just asking what people recommend.
Last edited:
Soldato
- Joined
- 4 Oct 2019
- Posts
- 3,286
- Location
- Queens Park - London
Yes. I know. I understand. The point remains.
If all you want is to go buy something, this is a list of DACs that I'd consider and that I would be happy to buy but haven't given us a budget or a clear use case.
The budget Ifi Zen Signature V2 is often out of most people's budgets and the cheapest DAC to consider for someone wanting high quality audio.
As was mentioned above, the Fiio JA11 is great. I have the Ifi Zen V2 which is fine but not in the same league as the Signature version.
Last edited:
yeah its not a massive budget really so the zen wouldnt be on the list even though it seems amazing. probably tops 50 quid really.
Soldato
- Joined
- 4 Oct 2019
- Posts
- 3,286
- Location
- Queens Park - London
ZEN Air DAC or Fiio JA11 or keep an eye open for a used DAC in the members market or over at AVforums.com.
I paid £75 for my used Ifi Zen Dac with the optional Ifi power plug.
I paid £75 for my used Ifi Zen Dac with the optional Ifi power plug.
I don't have much experience in budget dongles. Qudelix 5K (not a good choice here), or the Sound Blaster X1 (£35 atm - think I paid £30) which I wouldn't necessarily recommend although it'll do the job.
I personally quite like the second-hand iFi Zen Dac (V1,2 or 3) suggestion. These can run from DC external power and iFi sell a couple of options, which sometimes are included, but in this scenario you could just run it from USB and it'll turn on and off with the PC. As long as the USB is clean you should be fine. I can see V1's on their own for c.£60 atm, or £10-15+ with DC adaptors all depending on condition. The iFi Zen Dac has a fantastic smooth and dark sound which can work very well if you like. Funnily enough I was meant to be selling my iFi Zen Signature Set last night but pulled it from sale as I just don't think I can part with it.
Hope that helps.
- I think the Fiio JA11 (£10) is fine.
- Jcally JM6 (£23-25) often gets recommended.
- Moondrop Dawn Pro (£42) has always been a recommendation and this will have volume buttons.
- All of these should double up as portable DAC/AMPS if needed.
I personally quite like the second-hand iFi Zen Dac (V1,2 or 3) suggestion. These can run from DC external power and iFi sell a couple of options, which sometimes are included, but in this scenario you could just run it from USB and it'll turn on and off with the PC. As long as the USB is clean you should be fine. I can see V1's on their own for c.£60 atm, or £10-15+ with DC adaptors all depending on condition. The iFi Zen Dac has a fantastic smooth and dark sound which can work very well if you like. Funnily enough I was meant to be selling my iFi Zen Signature Set last night but pulled it from sale as I just don't think I can part with it.
Hope that helps.
looked at some of these and its one of the reasons i ask as its a nightmare lol
after reading reviews of the ifi zen dac some people rave about it but also seen some people with issues which puts me off it. also now im reading through the sennhieser 650s reviews some say great some dont like em.basically i want a set of £100 headphones for pc ideally with usb connect that doesnt need a amp. i will spend more for amp dac if needed but ideally not. it is a minefield. ive had beyer 770 pros before everyone rated em hated em. muddy wasnt clear at all.i prefer open back headphones too. might try the beyer 990s just over a 100 quid but again just wondering if they will just be the same or similar to the 770s and need a amp as they 250hms.looked at some of these and its one of the reasons i ask as its a nightmare lol
The DT 990 Pro are the same driver as the DT 770 and as they are only available in the 250 ohm version will require a DAC/AMP. They have very similar tuning to the DT 770.
The HD 560S for gaming is very good choice. I didn't like them for music (a tad cold) and had comfort issues with them, but I cannot think of another headphone that is as technically capable as the HD 560S for £89. A small USB dongle and you'll get that USB headphones.
I only have the iFi Zen Signature set, but I rate it. Without knowing the exact nature of the Zen DAC complaints it's hard to say. iFi's DAC/AMP are sometimes criticised for how they measure, but that's part of their appeal and 'house' tuning.
EDIT: Philips X2HR are currently on offer for £87. A well regarded fun sounding headphone. Very, very easy to drive so you just need an Apple dongle, of Fiio JA11 above to turn them into USB. They won't be as technically capable as the HD 560S, but with a more V-shaped sound have more bass.
Last edited: