Native MQA support on the Dragonfly Red is nice, but I don't like the fact is doesn't have a physical volume knob so I won't use it a my primary DAC... I still have much less local High-Res files than those I can access through Tidal. I will build a library over time (I tend to buy what I really like), but right now, having MQA is a bit of a plus while I rely on Tidal so often, I think... The headphone amplifier, based around a TI NE5532 low noise op-amp, should be able to drive most standard headphones. I had more than adequate volume with AKG K701s, Ultimate Ears In Ear Reference Monitors, and Grado RS-1 headphones, as well as Shure SE215 and HiFiMAN RE-272 in-ears. The Fosi Audio K3 features a unique digital display and an all-aluminum body. Great for modern Macs, it contains a USB Type-C input. What is a digital to analog converter (DAC)? The low resistance has a hidden downside -- most headphone amps have output circuits designed for much higher impedance in mind for all the old junk plastic drivers on the market, making amp matching more challenging than you'd be led to believe if you listened solely to non-audiophiles on places like Reddit. The output impedance of an amp should be at least 1/8th of the impedance of the headphones. In particular for these Fostex drivers, current mode amplification synergies strongly with them so that Questyle would be a very good option. The Bakoon amps which are also current mode apparently do amazingly well with Fostex headphones so I would expect similar performance with your Nighthawks -- although obviously they are much more expensive.

With regard to hearing loss, it's not merely a matter of protecting your hearing. Even if you do a very good job, you will lose some of your high-end perception over time, in the same way that you will lose some of your visual acuity, muscle strength, your skin will wrinkle and your hair will grey. We all age. If your computer has terrible audio, you might not get too much improvement using AudioEngine D1. However, you can bypass that and connect wirelessly using the Auris Blume. You can also use the Blume to make analog sound systems wireless. I am in a similar situation, with some differences. I have the Audioengine D1 DAC, Audioengine HD6 powered speakers, and PSB's 450 subwoofer. I added a Wyred 4 Sound Remedy and connect from my iMac (2010) via a good optical cable. I use JRiver, which I have dialed in after many hours of seeing what the software can do. I have mostly Apple AAC 256 files, but some CD 1411 and 24/96 high res albums.But what makes this DAC stand out is its compact size. Measuring only () (44 by 44 by 14 millimeters), it weights only () (28 grams). The wireless capability, small size, and lightness make this one of the most portable digital to analog converters out there.

You probably noticed that there is not only an RCA output but an S/PDIF optical output as well. Some listeners prefer to connect with their digital storage devices using an optical cable because that sounds better in their opinion.Unlike the D3, it boasts an on-board volume pot which makes fine-tuning volume much, much easier. Because its gain is aggressive, when listening to earphones, I tend to keep iTunes or Audirvana at about half volume. That lets me work with about 15% of the volume pot via the Ultrasone IQ. With low-current voltage-hungry phones like the DT880, I have endless pot to play with. If you are using a wireless device with D1, temporarily remove the wireless adapter from the setup and connect the D1 directly to the audio source.