AUDIO 101: Beginner Guide to DACS and AMPS

[@Bren_Farrell]

No idea why there aren't more videos like this. Searched for an hour for all of this basic information laid out in an easy way for a beginner, THANK you

[@VegasGN]

I would venture to say, many have the knowledge whether studied or that part of there brain just "gets" it. Maybe frown upon giving up what they understand, and have the "let them figure it out" attitude, don't know how, cant be bothered, or have the time to share with others that don't have the knowledge. Awesome vid...:)

[@BobFudgee]

Aren't Audiophile people usually arogant, rude, know it alls that instead of simply informing people they belittle. Thats the vibe I've gotten from them irl and in some videos. This bearded guy seems amazing tho extremely helpful and useful information without senseless rambling

[@theterrifictrio5514]

Can we all give this man some praise for making the most easy and straight forward to learn 101 ever created. I shaw your Schiit video and was completely baffled about Amps and Dacs. Thanks so much :)

[@erenmuse58]

schiit video lol

[@mojopimp2020]

hell yeah lets go!

[@oasis5827]

yes, great video!

[@ispacedesign]

"rabbit hole" is the right description of anything audiophile... Coming in 2020: Badseed Vintage Vinyl channel

[@SmartFool24]

ispacedesign yeah the diminishing returns pretty much start immediately in the audiophile hobby. $80 -$200 will get you good starting gear but once you’re spending more than that you’re getting much less in return. I’ve got to the point that I refuse to listen to anything more expensive than my own gear because I’ve spent too much already and I should be happy with what I’ve got.

[@badseedtech]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^this 1000% percent. I swear "APPRECIATE WHAT YOU HAVE" is going on some merch 😅

[@SmartFool24]

BadSeed Tech lol I’d wear it just to remind myself

[@yousefabdulrhman858]

@@badseedtech i was not broke af i would have bought it and wore it every single day

[@pinoyxbox]

I've always wanted to have better headphone/audio so last year i jumped in and got myself a hd6xx, jds labs atom, and a topping d50 it was supposed to be just a topping d30 but the store i went to was out of stock and got talked down by the owner to get the d50 lol 😂 And now i want more!! I've been eyeing the thx amps and the new topping d90 as my "end game" dac amp combo and a good planars this year. I will be very content with those gears coz i believe I wont be hearing any audible difference from those to uber high end stuff 😅

[@AndresGomez_]

Just getting into audio, this vid came at a great time.

[@dozer32__]

any questions? Im also here to help.

[@PCSheepy]

Andres Gomez same

[@mcheafgaming45]

@@dozer32__ i know this wasn't directed towards me but i was thinking about getting the k7xx and wanted to know if you have to have an amp to control game/chat volume on non gaming headsets

[@dozer32__]

@@mcheafgaming45 you're volume control is going to come on any amp you get, most amps will have a knob for you to turn up/down. So yes the amp/dac will be controlling your in game volume

[@Crivoh]

@@dozer32__ what's the difference in dacs? I watch movies and play games no music from my pc. Right now I use my audio interface as a dac and have it connected to my tube amp. Wa7 fireflies. It's also a dac/amp but I use it mainly as an amp bc I use a dual pc setup so my audio interface is also a mixer so I can route audio to it and have it output to my amp. But would a dac be better in the place of my audio interface or would it just be too much.

[@guitarsenpai420]

I told my girlfriend to get me a Schiit stack for my birthday and she laughed at me. 🙁

[@Looooordi]

Would it be schiit pile if it had more stuff on the top?

[@ojgfish]

F

[@renemore]

hahaha. I'll buy it myself to save me the embarrassment...

[@jackyoung3368]

A pile of schiit?

[@sam_9228]

@@jackyoung3368 Schitt on my desk

[@owen7664]

Normal KZbinr: stretches video to get 10:00 for ad revenue BadSeed: 9:52

[@ItsDextrin]

He makes money from affiliate links

[@anotherfan2870]

Its Dextrin could make more by getting it to the mark

[@badseedtech]

But never will. As a viewer, I really don't like mid-roll ads. And yes, it actually costs me a LOT of money to not stretch videos and run them

[@badseedtech]

As if that somehow *detracts* from the fact that I don't purposely stretch videos? sheesh. 🙄

[@owen7664]

@@badseedtech 100% stretch if it's just 8 seconds I think we are all chill with that in order support your content more.

[@danejerustv]

Dude you're the goat, I was literally the other day saying "man I need a primer on dacs cuz idk wtf I'm looking at" lmao

[@badseedtech]

LOL been getting that a lot lately man - this was overdue.

[@robertthomson1994]

That's what I was thinking as well a few days ago, but I have a cheap USB mic (that's actually pretty good for what it is), so my USB mic kinda negates the need to just get a gaming dac which is what I was trying to do but kept finding myself on pages without the mic line in and I'm just like "wtf"

[@notbinks]

I've been waiting for this for a while. I've started to go down that rabbit hole you mentioned and I just don't have the time. This simplified things for me and set me down the road to a better audio experience. You killed it. Can't wait for the next vid in the series. Keep on keepin' on!

[@blacknovaentertainment3914]

Dude! I had to pause your video and say THANK YOU for the instant clarity. One learns what a beginner REALLY needs to know withing the first 5 minutes of your video! Many other drag a video out while you HOPE to get the info you were looking for by the video's end. You're the GoodSeed, thanks a mill!

[@callumbenson944]

Just what I needed mate a good decent guide to dacs and Amps I was in need of this video real bad 😁

[@Ka11zer]

Had to build some courage to watch a 9 minute lecture on this topic, gotta give it to you man, had me locked in the entire time only knowledge no garbage no ads no memes, also 4 years ago! Talk about consistency!

[@ELJefeReviews]

Incredibly useful video brother! I’m definitely a beginner since I actually learned a thing or two here.

[@badseedtech]

Thanks homie!

[@DanH11]

Content like this is so hard to find. All the info advertised in the title, straight to the point-- no time wasted. Thanks for this. It helped me a ton. ✌

[@bossun7596]

Thank you so much for the video! I've been hovering over the idea of getting a DAC/AMPs for a while now, but I lost myself when I jumped down the rabbit hole. This video really helps me!

[@cryptosguns]

Bro you’re a legend. I was having a nightmare with trying to wrap my head around DAC’s AMP’s and PREAMP’s and reading about how you only need an AMP and not a DAC until later, but you helped me learn that my mobo acts as a DAC too! Earned yourself another sub

[@XenoBaby]

This was a great video! I'm completely new to audio, but this video was extremely digestible even to a beginner like me. Also, I had a random external DAC that cost 10 dollars on Amazon, and I always wondered why the sound from my headphones sounded so much fuller using it as opposed to my motherboards audio output. I avoid it a lot still, because it creates noticeable latency to the audio, which is really detrimental for me, since I play rhythm games, but I switch to it for general gaming and music listening sessions. Thanks for the great video!

[@fordhanson5086]

Honestly so informative, I just recently got into headphones and when I first heard all the terms my head was spinning. Until I saw this video that is, this has totally put my mind at ease. Thank you badseed, keep up the splendid work. 👍

[@MrKynval]

Hey Brian, I just started viewing your stuff maybe a few months ago. Just wanted to reach out and say thanks for what you put out. I understand that that audio is pretty subjective as to what is good or not since everyone has different tastes in sound but you describe your likes and dislikes in a way that communicates really well to me. I'm currently in the market for some new audio equipment and your videos is making my search a lot easier than I expected and learning a lot. Great content - you have a solid follower from me, man.

[@ILik3PH0T0]

HOW HAVE YOU NOT HIT 1 MIL!!!! dude ive been watching you for a while and it seems like the algorithm is the only thing holding you back man! Hands down one of the best gaming/tech channels on youtube!

[@HydeKills]

Have been using a $150 Plantronics headset. Which I loved and was utterly satisfied with. Out of sheer boredom spent $160 on Amazon. Bought the Phillips SHP9500s, the Syba Sonic and a $27 in line mic. Got a sub to Tidal. My brain is currently melting. I didn't know music can sound this good. And for this cheap! Audio in gaming is also sublime. Everyone needs a proper headphone/DAC/amp setup. A standalone "gaming" headset powered by your onboard audio on whatever mobo you have doesn't compare. My life is forever changed lol. Thanks BadSeed! :D

[@kadieanavales2942]

I'm building a PC and I'm lacking in budget, but I'm definitely getting a GSX9000 thank you for your great videos they're always helpful and informative. You have great no bullshit format

[@brett7277]

Yo this might be my favorite tech channel now. Dude gets to the point early so you don't gotta waste time.

[@dumbotterlover2558]

Appreciate your format man, Just bought a GSP 500/Creative SoundblasterX G6 combo and honestly it's the best audio setup I've ever had, based on reviews from you and a couple other youtubers. Thanks for doing this man!

[@timacosx]

I have to say great video! I went from zero to knowing everything I needed to know in one video. Clear, concise and well presented. Excellent work! Now, due to all your work, I was helped easily and owe you huge thanks!! Outstanding video!!!!

[@badseedtech]

Wow thanks so much! This is a reallly old video - glad people are still finding value in it.

[@BalkanyeWest]

Oh my god Brian this video is a godsend, I was just getting into investigating for an upgrade to my audio setup, and you drop this gem. Thank you for the awesome quality, as always, and I can't wait to see part 2

[@dominicw8868]

Honestly man I’ve been binge watching different “tech youtubers” and most of the time I end the video with more questions then answers. Watching these videos I have that little “aha” moment and I finally understand what people are talking about. I love this channel so far, the beard is dope too, I hope mine will grow out like that lolol

[@fugluru1714]

oh wow this was perfect timing i just got a nice pair of headphones for christmas and was starting to get into audio equipment

[@andrewvirtue5048]

Informative. Understandable. Simple, and detailed. Quality over Quantity content.

[@duppy666.]

I already knew all this but I just sat back and let Daddy tell me a bedtime story about audio 😴

[@albyshinyfield8841]

This could hold up in a court room it's that factual

[@hadenblyat4849]

Came back to this video just for a refresher, changed my mic/headset setup and needed to hear some tips from the bearded man himself. Thanks brother once again. went with the Drop x Sennheiser 6XX if anyone was wondering btw.

[@zahvy]

oooo been waiting on this one, thanks man!

[@sn4rl277]

Dude, best video I have viewed yet for DAC/AMPS. I am just starting to get into wired headphones. Plan to buy a amp first after I get my HD6xx's in my hands. Thanks!!!

[@PeteToken]

Me at 5:22: I'm sure it's not too bad! Me at 5:26: Ah yes, Schiit, I definitely knew that was a company name.

[@MarksBigOlHam]

Well SCHIIT.

[@buns164]

you dont know how bad i needed a video like this. you always deliver the good. love this channel

[@badseedtech]

Thanks man!

[@Hzq_ali]

When is the part 2 coming? 🥺

[@grusilag]

yeah been waiting for part 2 for a while.. I'm guessing at this point he may have just decided to skip it.

[@ron2291]

This stuff isn't as complicated as much as it seems. It's the same as building a pc, just decide on a budget for the individual components ( dac, amp, cans ) then once you have a dollar amount you look at the options in that range and go with what you feel is right. If all your doing is gaming then the dt 1990s are the best headphone I used under 500 ( technically it's a 600 dollar headphone but you can find it on amazon under 500 frequently ) as far as amps and dacs go just worry about getting a decent dac ( you don't need to spend 500 bucks here ) but if you want something reasonably priced with a bunch of features and options for a dac then you can't go wrong with the smsl su-8 and me personally I use a smsl sp200 for the amp. THX AAA tech is a bit overhyped but I prefer the sound signature provided from it especially for gaming. It's whole gimmick is the amp doesn't color the sound. What that means is it won't add bass in or treble which for gaming means your getting as close to how the devs intented the sound to be heard as possible. If you want a massive upgrade but don't want to spend 1,000 bucks on gear then the creative g6 has tons of power to drive most headphones and the dt 990 is under 200 and has a sound signature that is sort of close to the 1990.

[@CYC_JP]

@@ron2291 I'm a newbie just getting into audio very recently and found this video as I was searching for some infos on DAC and AMPs.. I found this video is too basic and does not answer my confusions. If you can help me a little it is very much appreciated... So I just purchased a Sennheiser HD800S, still in shipping. What AMP and DAC should I get for it for $1000? I've looked at varies HIFI forums but the amount of information is flooding and caused me even greater confusion... Such as what is a tube AMP? What is true balanced output? What is half balanced? What is clock? What is jitter? What is R2R? etc... This is like a rabbit hole.

[@bzbee5139]

@@CYC_JP just get a Jds ATOM. There 100$ and there great.

[@JHOLE21]

BTW!!! Part 2 is the Schitt stack best beginner video!

[@amichaelhemingway]

Subbed at about 2:17 cuz you got straight to the point with answers and didn’t drag out unnecessarily. And imma watch the rest of the video too cuz I’ve been tryna get into more audiophile setups for myself.

[@JesusChrist-qm9ht]

I’ve needed this soooo much Thanks for the Heart

[@MunnyLerner]

Can you just please do explainers for everything on the internet!? Seriously, this is excellent, clear, to the point, simple!

[@Bazookavich]

I'm a gamer so I went with the G6 from Soundblaster and DT-990 headphones from Beryldynamic. For my mic, Snowball Ice.

[@wrobie]

AJ Bazookavich is this combo working so far?

[@0Elegy0]

My old s.m.s.l SD 793II started to make a rattling sound, pulled it apart but couldn't see specific damage or something so i'm in the market for a new setup. And i knew BadSeed Tech would have the info i needed after i also got the schiit stack recommended by someone :) As always, thanks for the quality videos you put out there Brian!

[@Zefram0911]

This was an excellent primer.

[@ForTheViolence]

Just want to say. Your channel has been a godsend on my audio journey. I’ve owned some grado and audio technica cans. But never got too into it. You’re helping me take it to the next level!

[@GinsuSher]

2:03 Most legit reason why dacs and amps are stacked most of the time. 😅

[@jeffreygleaves2931]

Holy cow! That was succinct! You know how many videos I've watched on DACs and Amps and I still don't know what's going on?! Wait, do I need a DAC or an amp....or both? Wait, a pre-amp? ...with tubes? I need to spend thousands and its still going to sound like crap because I don't have acoustic panels all over the walls?! but...but...I just want to make these little Edifier bookshelves sound really nice!

[@rrt08]

Yes all these KZbin videos has saved me money also, realizing I don't need any of this.

[@jin-cg9vz]

Brian: "You're ready? Let's go!" Me: (in Kratos' voice) *"Boi"*

[@mc01549]

Answering my question in the first 2 minutes and not pressuring me to stay afterwards? Instant like and subscribe.

[@David_Logr]

9:52, Its obvious what you care for

[@badseedtech]

I will NEVER stretch vids just for mid-roll ads - thats just gross.

[@David_Logr]

@@badseedtech thats what Im talkin' about, You care for us, not just the money, and this is one of the reasons why we all love your content and your channel as a whole so much! Keep it up!

[@huibinator4811]

Its been a long time since I've watched and listened to a video that was so well put together. Well constructed, informative, pleasant, and what now. Really well done!

[@byOrbaa]

first and ty really needed this was looking for an Amp this week man

[@Lambda_Ovine]

I remember wanting to learn more about DACs and AMPS, I wanted to learn what the heck is up with headphones impedance and sensitivity, power output, balanced output and make the wisest decision based on those parameters. I stumbled upon tens of articles, read them all, and they were either way too pointy-headed, diving into graphs frequencies and electrical and audio engineering, or they way too simplistic, or worse, they misinformed. At the end, I was left time and time again feeling unprepared and all I wanted to know was how to tell if an amp had enough power output to run certain headphones, if they have or lack more features I'm interested, and if or how they colored the sound. This was a good video to kinda put all that mess I came across together, so thank you... still don't know how to tell if an AMP will be able to drive certain headphones at their full potential though.

[@frosty9392]

"schiit stack" i love that lol

[@mattriarchal]

Loved how straightforward this was! You didn’t drag it out for view time but viewers are def rewarded information-wise for staying!

[@LionMemento]

I like how he’s wearing a Mr. beast hoodie

[@WOOsPlague]

I’m waiting to hit the button on a amp/dac til next video . Thanks for the rundown so far it’s so hard to find a audio video with someone who explains stuff in simplistic terms like you do

[@wizz__3422]

"When you buy an amp like this --> SCHIIT

[@wish]

ive watched a million videos explaining amps and dacs and this is by far the easiest to understand thanks

[@DeusDracones]

How old am I laughing at "Shiit Stack"?

[@charlespinetree]

I just started getteing into the audiophile space and this has been the most informative to the point explanation ever - sub'd and liked!

[@canobeansyummers1667]

Shit stack lmao was only listening to this video audio in the back and I got so confused like holly crap lol u see what I did there

[@TrobsyDoo]

This is one of the best KZbin videos I have ever seen

[@zodspeed]

Also, don’t go to r/headphones because they’re extremely toxic especially towards audio noobs.

[@elnrik8655]

@@Paul-of6jx You are a perfect example of a toxic r/headphones pleb. I hope you see that.

[@elnrik8655]

@@Paul-of6jx keep proving me right.

[@phillippia]

Man, this vid was recommended about 3 days too late for me. Updating my office setup and I wanted to use custom DIY speakers. The speaker plan I found and liked best were for passive speakers (just learned the what that means), so a few days ago I was on the hunt for ways to connect them to my computer. Enter the confusion about DACs and amps. I ended ordering a $50 offbrand amp that had a mic input. I am sure it won't last long, so now I have a better idea of what to do when I need to upgrade. Nice video! Subscribed.

[@finnba_h]

This is honestly the best video i've seen on the topic. Congrats!

[@clawsby6964]

Such an underappreciated channel I've literally based a bunch of my purchases off of your advice and all of your tips have been correct and the purchases I've made have been money well spent you deserve more subs and they will come your vids are so high quality cant wait to see this channel blow up

[@Siberius-]

That was super handy. Usually I get completely lost with audio videos explaining stuff, but not this time.

[@ClassicalTechnology]

Awesome video- very good info as dacs and amps can get confusing

[@sabio234]

No one can explain audio better than this guy !

[@Demigod_Dan]

Badseed, you're a bad dude. This was so easy to follow and understand as a complete noob. Thanks dude!

[@rokerjuudyne3786]

This is a Video I really want the ability to upvote more than once. Great Video!

[@greasetrap95]

This was a fantastic video. Just, yeah. Concise, ELI5 material that was also entertaining. Thanks.

[@virnabuda]

new to this audio game and this video is definitely one of the 1st things I had to watch. you da real mvp

[@SparksTheDarks]

Always find me coming back to you for the best tech information.

[@praetorxyn]

This is pretty good info for beginners. I personally use both; I have an Arctis Pro Wireless I use for multiplayer gaming (or when I just need to listen to music while brushing my teeth or something, or take calls as it has bluetooth too) and PC [USB out] -> Audio-gd NFB 11.32 DAC / Amp combo [RCA out] -> SMSL SA50 speaker amp [banana plug out] -> the Pioneer bookshelf speakers designed by Andrew Jones (can't remember the exact model number) for everything else. I am getting some popping / hissing and such that I didn't used to get, whether it's on the wired headphone or out of the speakers ... though admittedly that seems to only be from KZbin, so maybe it's just KZbin. But I might be looking for a different DAC / amp setup.

[@Xylume]

Great introduction and useful information. I was using an Audio Interface with ASIO drivers for production inside DAWs and for Gaming on a PC. I've recently added a Dynasty ProAudio UA2D which goes through my Yamaha MG06, into a Creative pre-amp, and finally into a Samson QH4 Headphone amplifier (I don't use a mic or a headset, just stereo Zero Audio Earbuds). I've found the UA2D which's only a 16bit 48 kHz Interface to be better suited for Gaming than a pro audio interface mostly because its drivers are more reliable when switching between Apps and Games versus the ASIO 24 bit 192 kHz interface. Now I have the best of both worlds, an ASIO Interface for low latency production, Gaming and multi-purpose DAC with phono preamps for vinyl listening/recording, plus my 24 bit DJ Controller for making DJ mixes.

[@oohhtack4812]

Watched a ton of vids before I got my first headphones which is HD6XX. This video covered the top layer of getting into better audio. Wish this video existed before. Where were you? Lol

[@rip.tear.]

Thanks for making this video, there's so much information in here. My head is spinning like you said, I think I might have to watch this a few times. You could make like 2-3 videos on this!

[@tiebreezy1889]

Thank you! I've been peaking into this rabbit hole and you gave me an understanding of the topic. You are awesome!

[@zev51104]

You are starting to become my new favorite content creator. Excellent video as always

[@Simon-fu8sd]

I was doubtful at first when I heart it will clear up some complications but to my surprise it actually did, really well too. Amazing video

[@John-no3ie]

Solid straight forward info without all the bs. Liked, commented and subscribed to help the channel.

[@its_cloud_]

just started getting into audio, this video came in clutch at the best timing. thank you

[@Vishmaw]

This is the best introductory video I have seen on the subject, very well done. Nearly everything vital covered in a concise way. The only thing I would add is talking about the issue of output impedance as motherboard amps typically have very high output impedance which means even the lower impedance high sensitivity headphones benefit from a amp most the time.

[@vattu420]

Thank you man! You are the only one who actually explained all the things related to audio, making it much easier to understand what we actually need.

[@c_j73]

i wish i saw this 2 months ago!! very good explanation that ive not seen done anywhere else. thanks

[@trabuco81]

It is a rabbit hole for sure, it is so damn worth it to put in the time and money. I have enjoyed my 8 years journey into audio improvement. Such a rewarding experience

[@TheAntlu]

Great ! Glad you noticed the community needed a video like this , simple explanation and right on the topic! keep up the good work and thanks.

[@martinsalanda2873]

before i watched this i was so confused and you have answered so many of my questions! TY

[@exergist]

Just found this channel. The production value here is huge, and the content is so on point.

[@badseedtech]

Ayy, thanks man!

[@picklebunny7684]

I am a complete newb. Thank you so much for making videos that I can ACTUALLY understand! All of my questions have been answered. :)

[@Ghost.13]

Yo man! Just wanted to say this video was so to the point and helpful! Thank you!

[@Kahnsie]

Just got my JDS labs atom and HD 6XX and it BLEW ME AWAY! My Ol Dac is on backorder right now so I can't power the 6XX's to their max potential yet. Since im using PC dac, I hear little bit of distortion and popping. Using Atom with my Phillips 9500s makes them sound amazing though! So happy you made this video! EVERYONE should try a decent dac/amp and headset! 990 pros, 880s, 58X's, 9500s, and 6XX's all great choices!

[@timgenardo265]

What pc do you have?

[@Kahnsie]

@@timgenardo265 I have a custom built but my motherboard is the B250 Gaming M3 from MSI. Im guessing its using the dac from there for now

[@montonegaming838]

In a sea of audio videos all these were a breath of fresh air. Great content!

[@war_pigeon]

This was just such a clear explanation and so free of bullshit. This is a rare, rare thing nowadays. Thank you sir.

[@DeepishMoog]

I like that you still review gaming headsets, though I'm not interested myself. The Cooler Master you reviewed, MH752, had a lot going for it. Your channel is well rounded, and you reveal products in a way thats not over the head. Cheers

[@jonathanm2690]

Thank you for this video, best one I have seen to explain it all, you have no idea how much I appreciate you for this :) I have seen other videos and oh my god, buying a pair of headphones is harder than building a PC

[@livinginorangevilleontario4246]

I’ve never appreciated a video so much lol as someone just getting into audio this was BY FAR the most informative video I’ve watched yet

[@1hrax]

only 2 minutes in, new favorite tech youtuber instant sub, very high production quality and great voice btw

[@dewansayeed8844]

Hey Brian, thanks for all your content. I usually follow Zeos for audiophile stuff, but I'm glad there is finally a gamer/audiophile whose not way into the audiophile game like him, talking about 1k+ gear. Your videos are very relatable, make sense and are helpful. Plus getting all the details in such a short time is commendable.

[@seralegre]

Always good to discover a youtuber than dont wast time with bs, just info and to the point. Suscribed

[@IglooCrafter1]

Super straight forward and to the point, we need more people like you