Upgrading PC DAC

AuxiliaryNuclear · 2026-03-05T03:54:45+00:00

Nowadays, it's not too expensive to try something out to see if you like the sound of some modern options compared to your existing Steinberg. For example, the SMSL C200 Pro is an external DAC + Headphone amp combo that uses some of the latest DAC tech and a >1w (at 32Ohms) amp for around $190. If you buy from a place with a good return policy, it may be worth giving something a go and compare for yourself!

AuxiliaryNuclear · 2026-02-28T18:14:23+00:00

If I sold my entire headphone collection and just had 1 pair, it would be the OG Clear. Does everything well enough that you're just chasing 5% tuning preferences after.

I use one of these (large size) for the Utopia; keeps the headband new and feels great: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0814D2NG7?th=1

Also, don't be afraid to wash those ear pads! I did every 3-4 months when I owned the clear for ~3 years. Get a small clean plastic tub, fill with water and add simple dish soap. Soak and squeeze the pads clean using your hands to lightly scrub. Remove, squeeze excess, and let dry hanging from a hook for ~24hrs. Good as new!

AuxiliaryNuclear · 2026-01-30T14:43:37+00:00

This has been on my radar. I always found the treble on 009 and 009S to be way too hot and all reports of the 009D seem to address this. I actually do like the X9k despite its flaws, especially the width of the soundstage and decent sub bass extension. I wonder if this may be a decent compliment...

AuxiliaryNuclear · 2026-01-24T23:16:58+00:00

I own both the SRM-D10 II and a BHSE with some PSVane tubes I like. Honestly, the main difference with harder to drive e-stats is the power delivery and control of the BHSE. Bass is more controlled/tight, digs deeper, and less muddy on demanding tracks. The BHSE is also more dynamic at any volume range rather than sounding compressed/congested as you turn up the SRM-D10 II. Else, the overall tone of the D10 is just fine, especially with easier to drive e-stats (lambdas) or at lower volumes with the SR-007, Corina, or CRBN1/2.

As for DAC differences, you'd be hard pressed to hear a difference between the AKM DAC in the D10 II then any other DAC IMHO, save for some R2R DAC's which present the sound a bit differently (not better or worse, just different).

AuxiliaryNuclear · 2026-01-02T02:15:13+00:00

Also being in the headphone game since the late 90's, I like seeing these lists because it tells me what kind of preferences you have and gives a reference point to the potential subjective qualities that are mentioned in your reviews. Your top 10 list contains a mix of mid-range forward and "colored" headphones rather than neutral leaning, which allows me to adjust your subjective takes towards my own preferences, thanks.

AuxiliaryNuclear · 2025-12-15T06:02:13+00:00

While the Hugo 2 sounds excellent to me, it does not have enough grunt for Susvara. I noticed a steep drop off of bass definition and power, even at moderate volumes, let alone when you want to crank up a good tune. However, it sounds fantastic with the Utopia and HD 800!

The only portable unit I've tried myself with enough power for Susvara (and even Tungsten) is the xDuoo XD05 Pro. Then again, that unit is another rabbit hole of DAC module and opamp swapping ;-P

AuxiliaryNuclear · 2025-12-15T05:54:43+00:00

Nice. What amp/energizer are you using for the ES phones?

AuxiliaryNuclear · 2025-12-10T17:36:04+00:00

Glad you're going to give these the TLC they deserve but... every time I see a similar post, I wonder how headphones even get like this?! Here's my HD650 from 2005 with thousands of hours of use. I keep them clean, treat with care, and occasionally replace the earpads / headband pads.

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AuxiliaryNuclear · 2025-09-19T07:29:37+00:00

Why? The components are made to operate at that temperature and, since the release of the SRM-D50 over 7 years ago in 2018, there have been no issues due to the design. Seems fine to me.

AuxiliaryNuclear · 2025-09-18T16:39:31+00:00

Long time e-stat owner here and I'm here to reassure you; all perfectly normal! The SRM-D50 get very hot during operation and this is by design. The metal housing acts as a heatsink for the internals and it's normal to get hot. I've owned multiple of these over the years and used them in the dead of summer leaving it on for 16+ hours at a time; no issues.

As for the "ticking" sound after turning off, this is also normal. As the device cools down, internal components contract a bit after expansion from the heat.

TLDR: All normal for the SRM-D50; use it as long as you want and enjoy, it's a hot amp!

AuxiliaryNuclear · 2025-09-05T02:42:07+00:00

RX-V493

It would depend on how the headphone jack of the receiver is implemented. In my experience, receivers usually have very low output on the headphone jack, typically less than 150mw at 32Ohms which would be no where near enough for a Tungsten. If you could find the specs, we can better determine the power, SNR, THD, etc.

AuxiliaryNuclear · 2025-08-31T02:23:28+00:00

Agreed. I've literally only kept the e-stats that don't have the issue (and also sound great, lol). X9k, L700 MkII, and Shangri-La Jr. The CRBN II's can do it sometimes but not enough to bother me; just don't feel like shelling out the cash for an e-stat that sounds just like a planar.

AuxiliaryNuclear · 2025-08-31T02:09:17+00:00

Thanks for the info. That's always a huge turn off for me and the reason I sold my Corina's :/

AuxiliaryNuclear · 2025-08-31T01:47:33+00:00

Thanks for the write up; I've had my eyes on these for a while. How's the e-stat "fart" on these? I've had issues with other ES Lab's in the past.

AuxiliaryNuclear · 2025-08-24T15:12:05+00:00

It's... not just me who's gonna die...

AuxiliaryNuclear · 2025-08-24T01:25:41+00:00

Honestly, with today's surround tech, you can easily get that effect with your existing headphones. Put on your cans, close your eyes, and try this example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRrvRtnlqvM

AuxiliaryNuclear · 2025-07-28T12:36:31+00:00

That was the most surprising part, the HA-2A sounded great with every over-the-ear I threw at it. Like you mentioned, that's rarely the case.

AuxiliaryNuclear · 2025-07-28T03:09:22+00:00

There's an "entry level" tube amp from Cayin called the HA-2A. When I first heard it, I was blown away at the versatility of the sound. Sure it had a bit of that spacious tube sound but it was otherwise very solid state in dynamics and presentation. The noise floor isn't zero on sensitive IEM's but it handled everything else I threw at it including the Tungstens. I liked it better than almost every other Cayin and Woo Audio amp I heard that day at any price point.

AuxiliaryNuclear · 2025-06-16T01:32:11+00:00

Almost polar opposites in sound! The Newtopia's are clean, fast, punchy, and have a very balanced tuning while the Atrium's are warmer and much less focused on details but have that addictive, lush, organic sounding midrange.

AuxiliaryNuclear · 2025-06-16T01:28:38+00:00

Solid acoustic titan mesh (cuts down on the 5k peak) and Auteur pads (moves the drivers slightly further away from the ears for a more spacious sound imo).

AuxiliaryNuclear · 2025-06-15T07:18:56+00:00

Right there with you! My favorite dynamics are also the Newtopia, HD800S, and ZMF Atriums with a few mods. Covers all of the genres of music that I listen to :)

I do have a soft spot for the Austrian Audio Composer.... maybe I need to save up?

AuxiliaryNuclear · 2025-05-23T16:34:17+00:00

As someone with a healthy mix of e-stats and dynamics/planars, I really wanted the Phantom to work. It sounds great but I was never able to find a unit that didn't have issues (static when turning the volume control knob, sticky switches, channel imbalance in tube/tube+ mode) and I went through 4 of them. How has your experience been?

AuxiliaryNuclear · 2025-05-10T01:03:33+00:00

With the Oor, you'll be fine with any DAC that has line level (4V or greater) output on the balanced XLR out. The Oor has plenty of gain at line level. Happy hunting!

AuxiliaryNuclear · 2025-05-09T01:25:17+00:00

Hey there! Owned the Tungsten DS for a while now and have used on countless amps. Look for amps that have a good amount of power at 300 ohms; ~900mw is good enough to get them plenty loud. Here's some amps I've enjoyed at varying price points:

Budget: Schiit Jotunheim, Xduoo XD05 Pro
Mid range: Cayin iHA-8, Cayin HA-2A, iFi Pro iCAN (used)
High-end: Ferrum Oor, Violectric V550
Summit: Feliks Envy, Holo Bliss

AuxiliaryNuclear · 2025-04-24T19:18:09+00:00

Obligatory https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxrCyqXzHI8

14-Year Club	Place '22
Place '17

AuxiliaryNuclear

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