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prelude or microdac? - Page 2

post #16 of 28
1/8/08 at 11:11pm
Thanks for the info, I will look into getting the 2007 MicroDac Ultra unless anyone thinks there is a better DAC for the money or that little bit more?
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post #17 of 28
1/8/08 at 11:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by j0shimi View Post
Thanks for the info, I will look into getting the 2007 MicroDac Ultra unless anyone thinks there is a better DAC for the money or that little bit more?
A used Benchmark DAC1, maybe...
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post #18 of 28
1/8/08 at 11:22pm
....Maybe a touch less then that
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post #19 of 28
1/8/08 at 11:51pm
The 2007 HeadRoom Ultra Micro DAC is $699 plus shipping, and used non-USB DAC1s usually sell for between $725-750... Not so much difference.
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post #20 of 28
1/9/08 at 12:06am
The DAC1 is $975.00 on the Benchmark site, where can I find it cheaper and willing to ship to the UK?

Also, is the DAC1 non USB a worthwhile step up and good for PC use? Movies, Music and Gaming?
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post #21 of 28
1/9/08 at 1:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by j0shimi View Post
The DAC1 is $975.00 on the Benchmark site, where can I find it cheaper and willing to ship to the UK?
Check the FS forums here, and Audiogon.

Quote:
Originally Posted by j0shimi
Also, is the DAC1 non USB a worthwhile step up and good for PC use? Movies, Music and Gaming?
Yes, as long as you have a digital output on your computer or sound card to get the audio to the DAC. For gaming purposes, it's even better to have an internal card feeding an external DAC, rather than a USB solution.
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post #22 of 28
1/9/08 at 2:41pm
I think you have convinced me to go for the DAC1 and get my HD650 Balanced... my girlfriend is going to kill me!

Any recommendations on a balanced cable, maybe the ZU or Equinox?
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post #23 of 28
1/12/08 at 1:36am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by j0shimi View Post
KPT, what have you gone for? I have a X-Fi Prelude and am really interested in the MicroDac but want to retain all the 3D effects and EAX when in Gaming Mode on the Prelude.
Thanks everyone for the input! Sorry for dropping out for 3 months since I started this thread.

Here's where I am at: When I asked this question I was building a new entertainment PC. The PC is for music primarily, plus movies (in stereo only) and no gaming.

I chose a Gigabyte "ultra durable 2" series motherboard for its better power handling and solid capacitors -- supposedly more stable and longer-lasting. Didn't even consider the on-board audio because I was upgrading from the (rubbish) Audigy ES card that I already had.

I set up the computer and started listening to some music and - wow - the sound quality is miles beyond my Audigy card, just using the on-board ALC889A. Much better overall clarity and cleaner low end. The improvement is big enough that I suspect new speakers might be a better next-step than a DAC (but I'll keep watching and probably pull the trigger on a better DAC soon enough anyway!)

Cheers.
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post #24 of 28
1/12/08 at 2:11am
Don't underestimate the important of having external DAC.
I have Klipsch Promedia 4.1, and they've been around since 2002, I have change soundcard 2 - 5 times, from SB Live 5.1, Vibra, TurtleBeach, Karajan onBoard, & Audigy 2 ZS, but none give me a "wow" factor than plugging in my iBasso D1 to this speaker, suddenly the speaker back alive, with full energy, bigger and better bass extension, clarity and the warmth of the sound.
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post #25 of 28
1/12/08 at 1:03pm
Well, I have been researching a lot over the past few days and think I'm going to give the HeadRoom Balanced Desktop Amp with DAC a go.

I really want to give my HD650's a go at being balanced and have read that the balanced outputs on the DAC1 are not so good, although I'm sure it's an amazing DAC through 1/4" Jack, I just have to satiate my Balance hunger.

There aren't many chances to tryout different gear here in the UK so I contacted Headroom and they said I can return it if I'm not happy.
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post #26 of 28
1/12/08 at 1:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by j0shimi View Post
Well, I have been researching a lot over the past few days and think I'm going to give the HeadRoom Balanced Desktop Amp with DAC a go.

I really want to give my HD650's a go at being balanced and have read that the balanced outputs on the DAC1 are not so good, although I'm sure it's an amazing DAC through 1/4" Jack, I just have to satiate my Balance hunger.

There aren't many chances to tryout different gear here in the UK so I contacted Headroom and they said I can return it if I'm not happy.
That's a completely different price level.

But it should be a very good combo if your emphasis is balanced headphone output.
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post #27 of 28
1/12/08 at 4:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by j0shimi View Post
Well, I have been researching a lot over the past few days and think I'm going to give the HeadRoom Balanced Desktop Amp with DAC a go.

I really want to give my HD650's a go at being balanced and have read that the balanced outputs on the DAC1 are not so good, although I'm sure it's an amazing DAC through 1/4" Jack, I just have to satiate my Balance hunger.

There aren't many chances to tryout different gear here in the UK so I contacted Headroom and they said I can return it if I'm not happy.
You'll be happy with your setup, as long you follow your heart and let your ears decide. I love my PK-1 and Senn MX550, no matter what people said, they're the best earphones in the world to me

Enjoy your new rigs
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post #28 of 28
1/12/08 at 4:27pm
Yeah it's a bit of a price hike but I will be getting a nice little bonus at work this month, although my girlfriend would rather I put it towards our holiday this year I'm sure you know we all have our prioritys

I'm going to be using it with an 8ft Equinox Balanced Cable. I'll let you all know how it goes with my new setup.
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