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Portable DAC or Amp/DAC Combo?

post #1 of 16
2/8/08 at 5:03pm
Thread Starter 
Is there any portable amp out there with a DAC that accepts TOSLINK input?
Or just a portable DAC with TOSLINK input?
Or anything that can get close to the requirements I'm looking for?

Thanks in advance
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post #2 of 16
2/8/08 at 5:35pm
Ibassi D1 should have what you're after, it's a little on the bulky side though...

Products
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post #3 of 16
2/9/08 at 7:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rav View Post
Ibassi D1 should have what you're after, it's a little on the bulky side though...

Products
Yes, D1 is only current one I found easilly enough. I also have an AOS Picollo but these are not made anymore (i.e. you'd be looking secondhand) and require an external 12V battery pack
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post #4 of 16
2/9/08 at 8:12am
There's always the DAC707 Super Pro for $79.95. I haven't used it, but I'd say if it does even a somewhat decent job, it may be worth its low price.

Or, for a headphone amp and DAC in one package, the Audio-Technica AT-HA25D for $189.99.

EDIT: Oops, looks like both of these are really small, but not battery powered--and I guess you're looking for something battery powered... So I guess that would leave the HeadRoom Micro DAC (pre-2007) from the used market.
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post #5 of 16
2/9/08 at 1:40pm
x2 on the pre-2007 HR microdac. I just got one and it sounds great.
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post #6 of 16
2/9/08 at 2:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by musicmaker View Post
x2 on the pre-2007 HR microdac. I just got one and it sounds great.

x3
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post #7 of 16
2/9/08 at 10:38pm
Thread Starter 
From what I researched however, would it be right to say that the Pre '07 MicroDAC digests batteries like no one's business? Its pretty costly too (B-stock for $399, le ouch).

Aaaand, to make things worse, I live in Canada! D:

I might regret (or my wallet might) asking this but, Musicmaker, what's your opinion of the D1's DAC (Old? New? Modded?) section in comparison to the MicroDAC?

Presently gearing towards the D1 instead.
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post #8 of 16
2/10/08 at 12:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zephyron View Post
From what I researched however, would it be right to say that the Pre '07 MicroDAC digests batteries like no one's business? Its pretty costly too (B-stock for $399, le ouch).
It'll eat two alkaline 9 volts every 8-10 hours. Plus, you have to trade battery positions periodically to get an even battery drain. That is what sucks about the MicroDAC. MicroDAC owners learn where to get cheap bulk batteries...or buy two sets of rechargeables.

However, it makes up for it in sound and 100% flexibility as it has every digital connection you could want. It's also very well made though I'm not a big fan of how they did the battery access panel. But at $400, its worth every cent.
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post #9 of 16
2/10/08 at 12:23pm
There's one for sale in the FS forum right now at a good price ($225). I would almost buy it myself, but...
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post #10 of 16
2/10/08 at 12:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by wolfen68 View Post
But at $400, its worth every cent.
I may be mistaken, but I think the pre-2007 model was priced at $299 new, and the 2007 model brought with it a $100 price increase.
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post #11 of 16
2/10/08 at 2:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rav View Post
Ibassi D1 should have what you're after, it's a little on the bulky side though...

Products
X2
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post #12 of 16
2/10/08 at 3:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zephyron View Post
From what I researched however, would it be right to say that the Pre '07 MicroDAC digests batteries like no one's business? Its pretty costly too (B-stock for $399, le ouch).

Aaaand, to make things worse, I live in Canada! D:

I might regret (or my wallet might) asking this but, Musicmaker, what's your opinion of the D1's DAC (Old? New? Modded?) section in comparison to the MicroDAC?

Presently gearing towards the D1 instead.
Pre-2007 microdacs retailed for $299 if I remember correctly. You can pick up used ones on the FS forums for around the $200 mark depending on condition. I do have to agree that its a bit power hungry. At home/office I use it with the power adapter. On the go, I use rechargeables. It is extremely well made and what it lacks in battery life it makes up for in sound quality.

The D1 with the LT6234, LT6241HV or AD8656 opamp is also a very capable dac. I had a hard time picking a winner between the microdac and the D1's dac. Both units bring out excellent detail and sound great. The microdac has a relatively warmer sound signature and slightly better bass. The differences are slight but noticeable. At the end of the day, you'll be happy with either unit from a sound quality perspective.

One other factor to consider is service. Headroom and iBasso are both excellent companies to do business with. No issues there. For me, I'd rather not be shipping things back and forth between the US and China should a service situation arise or to get battery replacements in the case of the D1. So that was another factor for me. Hope this helps a bit.
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post #13 of 16
2/10/08 at 3:17pm
Thread Starter 
That's of a big help, thanks

The main problem right now is that I live in Canada, and the thing about the MicroDACs in the FS forums is that a lot of them are limited to CONUS at present, which is a huge no-go for my case x_x

The B-stock retail from Headroom also costs $399, which is another huge no-go as well x_x

Given the 1HA-EPC's warmth, it'd seem that the 'colder' (between the 2) D1 would make for a better setup sonically with my setup, I guess.

Again, thanks for the input, its much appreciated
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post #14 of 16
2/10/08 at 9:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jaska View Post
I may be mistaken, but I think the pre-2007 model was priced at $299 new, and the 2007 model brought with it a $100 price increase.
Yup....you and musicmaker are correct. I've had mine so long I've forgotten what I paid for it. But like I said earlier....still worth it at $400 IMO.
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post #15 of 16
2/11/08 at 6:02am
I don't own any other amps, so I don't have any direct point of reference here, but I can recommend the Leckerton Audio UHA-3. I also live in Canada, and it shipped here in 5 business days. Nick Leckerton also offers great customer service. Oh, and the sound is excellent, and it uses easily replaceable lithium batteries.
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