Best DAC/Amp for ~$500

[mitocho]

Hi, long time reader, first time poster. I've been able to get by so far by reading reviews, but I'm ready to buy a DAC/Amp, but I can't decide which one is best/suitable for my needs.

Just so we get a few things out of the way:

about 25% of my collection is lossless, the other 75% is V0 mp3, which is good enough for my music. (most of it is rap, and because of the loudness war, I doubt flac/alac would make a big difference, but I digress.. ).

The purpose of this dac/amp will be for headphones only. I have a home theater setup, but I would like a setup just for my computer.

I don't need portability, and if a full size offers the same performance for less price or more performance for the same price as a smaller model, I don't have any problems with that. I also don't have any problems buying a separate amp and dac.

My budget is $500, but I can go up to $650 ( and maybe more, it depends )

I would love a tube amp ( since they look cool, and I'm a computer engineering/computer science guy, so I love the retro aspect -- as well as that old school sound ) but I understand that the low impedance of the denon headphones I have don't make them a very good match

I would prefer the dac to take 96/24 input, but its not a neccessity (I only have a few tracks at 96/24, and I don't see it becoming very popular in the near future... its just one of things ).

Right, so now that I've explained myself, here's what I've been looking at:

Ray Samuels Predator
HeadAmp Pico (dac/amp combo)
iBasso D10 Cobra
iQube v2 (not quite out yet, so it's kinda hard to judge, but I keep seeing its name pop up in similar threads)
Meier Corda Cantate 2
Cambridge DacMagic ( possibly paired with a audio-ag c2c )
emu 0404 ( again, possibly paried with a audio-ag c2c )

thanks for your time and help!

[.Sup]

in synergy with what headphones?

[soidera]

I have d2000 thus I recommend hybrid amp such as ef1 for d5000, tube and op amp can be rolled for music preference.
I am also seeking for best value dac, you may also consider gamma1 full config (s/pdif) and
apogee duet

[flohmann]

You really should consider buying a used Benchmark DAC-1, which can be had for around $650-700. As you've probably seen, it's been hailed by every critic who has reviewed it, has a superlative DAC, very good headphone amp. Of course, if you need USB, then it may be beyond your price range (used DAC-1 USB models go for around $1000). But if your source has SPDIF output, then all you need is the original DAC-1.

I have the DAC-1 and am amazed at how close it comes to my Mark Levinson CD player when fed Apple Lossless from an Airport Express. Close, but not quite all the way. (BTW, I think the Headroom Ultimate Desktop is a better amp, but not as good DAC, and costs more used.)

[mitocho]

.Sup - Denon AH-D5000's

flohmann - Yeah, I've seen the dac1 tossed around a few times. It is really nice, but my main problem with it is its price and lack of analog inputs. I would like to have the option of plugging in my iPod, etc.

I have to admit tho, the dac1 is VERY nice.

[Pharcyde]

have you considered the Apogee Duet? It's what i use with my MacBook Pro and D5000s. It's in your price range, uses firewire, and sounds excellent. Frees up the USB ports for other things. It's also compact so you can bring it with you, if you like.

[mitocho]

The apogee is nice, but it has a lot of features I don't need, and I'd rather use something that does use the USB port, since I have a PC at home and run linux at work (USB drivers are most likely more stable).

The fact that it doesn't have analog in is also a problem, since I'd like to be able to use it with my iPod.

Sorry, I know I'm picky, but I really wanna make sure my choice is the best informed option.

[mitocho]

just caught this:

UPDATED 2/22 REVIEW 13 USB DAC amp - Predator, Pico, 2/3MOVE, D10 D3 D2 Viper/Boa D1, Lyrix, MicroAmp, Vivid V1, Nuforce, XM5

Don't know how I missed it before, but it definitely churns things up a bit.

It seems like almost a 3 way tie between the iBasso, Predator, and Pico. They all have their strong points, although from what I can tell, the iBasso has the best sound (although I like its looks the least )

EDIT: After looking at the price of the iBasso, I decided to buy it. For $300, I can afford to get it, and maybe in a year or so buy some full size desktop stuff (maybe get a dac1 usb... ). Thanks for everyone's help!

[Pharcyde]

right on man. I hope you enjoy your new addition to your setup!

[giovanni]

Originally Posted by mitocho

.Sup - Denon AH-D5000's

flohmann - Yeah, I've seen the dac1 tossed around a few times. It is really nice, but my main problem with it is its price and lack of analog inputs. I would like to have the option of plugging in my iPod, etc.

I have to admit tho, the dac1 is VERY nice.

I think the Benchmark is not even remotely as good ..... in fact I thought it was pretty worthless, but it is true that most here feel differently.

In any event what I will say is make sure you can test it before you buy it, compare it to other dacs or your players .... then you'll know. This obviously applies to most products as I am sure you'd know. The prob is that when you buy used the chances for testing are a bit harder to get


Good luck !

[Superfrag]

Considered the Audio GD Compass? Its another one thats impressed users..