UPDATED 2/22 REVIEW 13 USB DAC amp - Predator, Pico, 2/3MOVE, D10 D3 D2 Viper/Boa D1, Lyrix,... - Page 13

You can find more info on opamps for the D2 over at this thread:

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/opa...per-d2-308023/

Powertoold reported liking two AD8599 for use with IEMs. He commented they were lighter on the bass.

I didn't spot the post, but I have this info in my notes (from HiFlight, I think):

The first PN is for THS4032CD.

- Dave

thank you very much.... great great!!

helpful,thank you,learned a lot

Question HeadphoneAddict, not sure if you've addressed this already or not.. did you get to test the Pico as a DAC for your tube amps as you remarked you'd try in your review?

I'm curious as to just how well the Pico would perform as a USB DAC/Preamp driving a more robust headphone amp. The amp section would have to be very linear, neutral and transparent for proper preamp duty, and from what i've read it seems to fit those criteria. I'd be very interested in your impressions.

mini-review USB DAC

Great review . Just recently got back in to Headphones . All the reviews I have read were Great . I purchased a RSA Predator , ALO Modded HD 600 , ALO Jumbo Mini . I must agree with the Organic sound of the Predator . Nice warmth and smoothness . The DAC sounds terrific . I have been loading all my CD's in the Computer to create a server type of set-up . I have not hooked it up to my Home Rig yet . Need to pick up a cable for that to happen . Leaning towards an ALO Mini to RCA . The reviews on this sight are invaluable to those of us looking for information to make an informed decision on what to purchase . KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK .

Which version of the Headroom Micro Amp (2006) did you test? ....the micro module or desktop module?

Here are some other things to consider:

I have the Headroom Micro Amp (2006) with the desktop module installed - it has the better sound quality (according to Headroom) but at the expense of battery life. I only get 2 to 3 hours life from 2 x 9.6v Powerex rechargeable batteries. I love this amp but it is not as 'portable' as I would like.

The Porta 2move is a great choice. It sounds great and lasts for around 12 to 15 hours from a single 1 x 9.6v Powerex rechargeable battery. It also has the built in DAC included which does a great job with my apple lossless music files via usb from the pc.

If I had to choose the between these 2 amps I would pick the 2move as the better 'portable' amp based on its small size, long battery life, built in DAC & equal (but different) sound quality. Oh, & I nearly forgot to mention the price difference!

thanks HeadphoneAddict - a quality & objective review.
jeff h

thank you for recommending me to deal with hiflight.... it was quik...
Now that i have those opamps in my hand... should i put those opamps into my d2 right away or i sould let d2 burn in a little more or alot more... i only have about 50 hours of burn in only.....

I burned mine in with new opamps, but I think I read that otheres waited for full burn in before swapping. I'm guessing that's just because they wanted it burned in before they started evaluating. I don't think the opamps are affected by burnin since they're solid state.

I wasn't sure if I'd be able to hear the difference with burn-in, but I definately could. I especially noticed improvement in the mids and bottom end. I believe Jam and HeadphoneAddict were recommending something like 400 hours, which is what I did (plugged it in downstairs and played continuous music for 17 days).

thank you.. i am putting in new opamps right now.....can't wait to hear the difference

oh, by the way, how is dac section of d2... can I feed tube amp with it...that's when i get a tube amp...(I am still researching..)