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post #121 of 768
12/2/08 at 11:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by vagarach View Post
A DAC is a digital-to-analog converter. All mp3 players, sound cards, cd players, etc have one. Not all, however, are high quality.

The ipod can only output through its headphone out or do line out from the dock, BUT before this the sound passes through the ipod's DAC. (Ignore the '3rd' option of Wadia iTransport---not applicable here)

The main problem here is that hot audio builds amplifiers, DACs with line out (no amplifier stage), and DACs with an amplifier stage.

The hotusb1 has an amplifier stage courtesy of the all-in-one PCM2705 chip that it uses.

(I have tried for 10 minutes finding a succinct way of explaining what to do, but it just gets complicated with the myriad ways you could use a lineout DAC, a DAC+amp, or an amp)

1. Headphones too soft, clipping? Get a plain amp.

2. Want better sound out your computer, and don't already have an amp you like to use? Get a DAC+amp. HOTUSB1, HOTAUDIO Mark4.

3. Want better sound out your computer, but have an amp you like? HOTAUDIO DAC Destroyer (this appears to have both unamp'd and amp'd outputs). It is also top of the line at HOTAUDIO.

I have realised what Paul was saying. Sorry if I jumped the gun. Hotaudio, you need some sort of hierarchy to organize the many models. Several options land on the same page!! (Heaven directs to MKIV).

Hope that helps. It took like 15 minutes
Based on the last email convo i had with dave, i think the mkIV has taken the top spot now over the dac destroyer. He sort of merged the best concepts from his other usb dac's to creat the mkIV.
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post #122 of 768
12/2/08 at 11:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mambo5 View Post
Thanks for the reply.

I will be using an mp3 player(ipod classic and clip) mostly and a computer.

Does an ipod have a dac already?
Yes, the ipod does have a dac. You would need an ipod line out cable to connect to headphone amp.

As for your computer, that would need a usb cable to go to a dac/amp, i.e. hotusb1 or mkIV.

Since you would be using the ipod more, then either the upgradeable amp with opa2134 or the TPA6120a2 would work well for you. I have the opa2134 one and love it. He's been working with mostly the TPA of late so I would suggest you email hotaudio40 to get his thoughts. He is very responsive via email and will be a great service.
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post #123 of 768
12/3/08 at 4:11am
Quote:
Originally Posted by powerslave View Post
Yes, the ipod does have a dac. You would need an ipod line out cable to connect to headphone amp.

As for your computer, that would need a usb cable to go to a dac/amp, i.e. hotusb1 or mkIV.

Since you would be using the ipod more, then either the upgradeable amp with opa2134 or the TPA6120a2 would work well for you. I have the opa2134 one and love it. He's been working with mostly the TPA of late so I would suggest you email hotaudio40 to get his thoughts. He is very responsive via email and will be a great service.
Thank you
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post #124 of 768
12/4/08 at 10:42am
Anyone have experience with running one of hotaudio's amps with a set of Denon AH-D2000. I think they're 25 ohms and sound like it might be a harder load to power than many headphones of that price range. Is the Hotaudio Mark IV a good match for them or is there a better suited DAC+AMP for around that price? Also, is the Mark IV a large jump from the HOTUSB1? The reason for choosing the Mark IV over the HOTUSB1 is I'm guessing it will drive more demanding headphones. Good work on your quality DIY from all the great feedback I read.
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post #125 of 768
12/4/08 at 9:35pm
The HOTUSB1 can drive down to 16 ohm loads according to the specifications, but maximum power is only 12mW.

The Mark IV, because it has a buffer stage, can drive 150mW into 16 ohm headphones.

So a pretty big difference in power.

Whether or not you need that much power totally depends on how efficient your headphones are and how loud you like to listen to your music.

hotaudio40
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post #126 of 768
12/4/08 at 9:44pm
Good to know...I think I remember coming across that but it's nice to have that confirmed. In my opinion, whether it is needed or not, I like to have it available (the extra power that is). Expect an order in the near future . I just need to confirm what headphones I want.
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post #127 of 768
12/8/08 at 6:10pm
I changed my mind and decided not to go with the Denon cans. Instead, I'm looking between the Beyerdynamic model DT880 and DT990 (both 2005 models and 250ohms). Based on that and their power rating (acc. to IEC 60268-7) of 100mW, will the Mark IV suffice? Also, what can you tell me about the differences between the Mark IV's PCM2705 chip with output buffer and the TPA6120A2 only as far as the amp is concerned? Obviously I know one is a DAC and one is not, but is there a substantial difference between the two units and their amp quality and capability? Even better yet, will one of them do a substantially better job with Beyer's such as the ones I have mentioned?

Thanks!!
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post #128 of 768
12/8/08 at 6:21pm
I am driving DT990's with the Dac Destroyer aka Mark IV. I also drive them via a Littledot MKV and the Mark IV. It is sufficient to drive the DT990's.

I listen to Prog Rock, Metal, Alternative and classic rock. With a bit of electronic music mixed in.
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post #129 of 768
12/12/08 at 12:32am
Is there a significant difference between the TPA6120a2 and the PCM2705 (with output buffer) in terms of just the amplification? I know one is a DAC and one is not, but I'm only concerned with the quality of amplification between the two.

Thanks
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post #130 of 768
12/12/08 at 1:26am
Well I think that nothing compares to the sound of the TPA6120, but if something "were" to compare to the sound of the TPA6120, it would be the buffer in the PCM2705 with output buffer.

I don't use the TPA6120 in the PCM2705 models, but I use a very close relative... I believe it is very worthy of being used as a buffer for the already amazing sounding PCM2705.

hotaudio40
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post #131 of 768
12/14/08 at 12:07pm
I'm looking for an amp to pair with my Squeezebox which i just ordered.

hotaudio40s amps immediately came to mind since they're so cheap and given the current $AUD being so poor i really value bang for buck right now.

Which would the most suitable for use with a Squeezebox Classic and Alessandro MS-1s?

Thanks in advance
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post #132 of 768
12/14/08 at 1:05pm
Since the squeezbox has a dac already, you'll need just a headphone amp so one of the TPA6120A2 amps should be fine. You'll need an RCA to mini to connect the 2. Send dave an email and he'll respond to any other queries you have as well.
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post #133 of 768
12/15/08 at 6:22am

will hotusb1 suits with senn hd 580

hi
i used to own a cmoy to amp senn hd 580, but i was disappointed by its minimal changes
will this dac drives 580 well?
thx
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post #134 of 768
12/15/08 at 8:22am
Quote:
Originally Posted by powerslave View Post
Since the squeezbox has a dac already, you'll need just a headphone amp so one of the TPA6120A2 amps should be fine. You'll need an RCA to mini to connect the 2. Send dave an email and he'll respond to any other queries you have as well.
sweet thanks

will do
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post #135 of 768
12/15/08 at 1:04pm
The MARK IV will drive the HD 580s.

hotaudio40
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