Review: Apogee Mini-DAC vs AQVOX USB 2 D/A MkII vs Stello DA100/HP100 vs Corda Opera - Page 6 - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio

Iron_Dreamer · 06-19-2007, 05:56 AM

Originally Posted by vcoheda

when using the mini dac, did you use 1/8 to rca, xlr-rca, or xlr-xlr connection.

I used the same XLR-XLR cables I used with all the other balanced DAC's.

jp11801 · 09-30-2007, 05:56 PM

I noticed a really big improvement with the apogee mini dac with an upgraded power supply a DIYer made for me.

Computerstud · 09-30-2007, 06:32 PM

Fantastic review Iron_Dreamer. The detail and description was top notch.

Iron_Dreamer,
1) What are your thoughts on the Pico?
2) I'm probably crazy to even ask this but how does the Pico compare to these AMP/DAC that you auditioned?

Edit: $500 for a pocket DAC/AMP is quite a bit of money for me.

Iron_Dreamer · 10-03-2007, 05:16 AM

Originally Posted by Computerstud

Fantastic review Iron_Dreamer. The detail and description was top notch.

Iron_Dreamer,
1) What are your thoughts on the Pico?
2) I'm probably crazy to even ask this but how does the Pico compare to these AMP/DAC that you auditioned?

Edit: $500 for a pocket DAC/AMP is quite a bit of money for me.

I've only heard the Pico briefly at a meet. I feel it has the capacity to compete with the units in this review. At the meet, I felt it sounded at least as good, perhaps better, than the Apogee, both used as DAC/amp combos. I doubt that the amp section of the Pico would stand up to the sound quality of the Opera, but I also doubt one would expect it to.

At this point the Pico looks like a great bargain, considering the sound quality. Sure it doesn't have the options of the other units I've reviewed, but non of those can be used portably, fit into a pocket, or have USB->I2S. If you can live with a USB input, an analog input, and one headphone output, the Pico stands alone at present in terms of sound quality for the buck, so far as I'm aware.

TheAnomaly · 10-03-2007, 05:39 AM

great review, i was looking for more info on the Opera's DAC performance...and it seems to hold up nicely! i've been trying to decide if i should buy something inexpensive now or wait...i think i'm going to hold off for the Opera.

GASTAN · 10-10-2007, 11:46 AM

Hi

Iron is there difference in SQ when using USB or other ways (AES/EBU, digital coax) when using Apogge MiniDAC ?

thx

Iron_Dreamer · 10-11-2007, 04:45 AM

Originally Posted by GASTAN

Hi

Iron is there difference in SQ when using USB or other ways (AES/EBU, digital coax) when using Apogge MiniDAC ?

thx

In my case, I've not heard much of a difference (as compared to AES/EBU from my RME card). Perhaps if one had an extremely high (or low) jitter transport there could be a more tangible difference. The Apogee's USB drivers are so good, that if your main purpose is to use it from a PC, I'd just use the USB input and not worry about it.

GASTAN · 10-17-2007, 07:42 PM

IronDreamer:
How about burn-in ?
With my RS1 so far I cant hear big difference between Citypulse 7.2x + HeedCanamp and Min-DACs headphone out
(maybe highs are slightly better, and upper bass more detailed ...)

thx

GASTAN · 10-19-2007, 07:23 AM

Heh, dealer sent me Mini-DAC without USB, and when I claimed there's none (even thought there is USB mentioned in his shop) he said USB was so crappy they stopped to produce it.
Is there any chance new units without USB would be any better than older ones with USB.
AFAIK USB is just additional module.

--G

Andrew_WOT · 10-19-2007, 02:56 PM

Originally Posted by GASTAN

I claimed there's none (even thought there is USB mentioned in his shop) he said USB was so crappy they stopped to produce it.

Bad dancer blames his shoes.