Little dot MKVII or Audio-gd C2C ?

I cant tell you which one is better, but i will have the little dot MKVII and Dac_1 combo in the next few weeks.Everything i've read about the c2c is very good, but i have not found an amp that matches the specs of the MKVII at it's price point, even in single ended mode.

I've listened to both and I would say combo#1, depending on your material. I've found DAC19 to be really detailed and musical at the same time. It's like G-I-G-O.

#2 is more powerful and balanced, of course. but if using SE for an apples for apples comparison, then #1 is my preference.

But LD wins on the price factor definitely. Its bang for buck is a real winner. No other balanced setup can touch it at that price.

would you say it's still a bargain if the buyer was only going to use it in single ended mode?

You can ask them to replace the original se with balanced headphone outs. Then c2c will be a "fully" balanced amp. I am sure they can do that.

I'm afraid not. For the C2C to be fully balanced, you'd have to put two of them in a case together. That's why the Roc and Phoenix exist. A fully balanced headphone amp is basically 4 mono amps, 2 for each channel instead of just the usual 1 per channel for a regular amp with a passive ground/signal return. The confusing exception is the AMB M^3 which has an active ground channel. What "balanced" actually meant confused me at first.

I'd go for option #2 if the OP wants to go balanced in the future

That's a good simple explanation. So many people are confused of what balance really is. You just can't flip a switch or add a few parts for an amp to be balance. That's why most balance amps are so expensive.

Nope...but why would anyone purposely buy a balanced rig without doing the simple mod to their headphones to use the full potential of the gear ?

If I was sticking with an SE system, combo 1* is far and away a better choice whereas combo number 2 is the cheapest pathway to a fully balanced rig.

Whether or not combo 2 outperforms combo 1 is an unknown at this particular time. I tend to favor the A-gd DAC since it's a terrific performer for the price but I also understand that the MKVII/DAC1 combo is a very competitive option. Until a head a head comparison can be made there is little concrete info to make a determination either way. I would think either gear pairing would be a very good system.

If the OP decides on combo 1 I would urge he spend the extra bucks for the upgraded* C-2C. It really is worth the additional cost for a stepped pot.

Peete.

i'm also tempted to sell my WA6 and try a balanced setup via LD MKVII

is the DAC19mk3 a better option than the LD DAC? is it worth the extra money?

I have the upgraded c2c and the DAC19mk3 powering my D7000's and it was way more than I expected. But I can't say I've had much to compare it too. There are 2 modes you can order the c2c in. Mode a and mode b. I chose it to come with mode b and havn't even tried mode a yet, although I do have it standing by. I am impressed every time I put my cans on. It sounds incredible IMO. You won't be disappointed for sure. I should be getting my Woo WA6 in a week or two so that will be interesting considering it is my first tube amp.

On spec, you're getting a much better deal with the DAC19MK3. I'd be very surprised if the LD could come close, going by the spec and my comparisons of DACs and that of others.

The problem is that the DAC19MK3 is not a balanced DAC (i dont see XLR output on its back) so maybe the final sound quality will be better on the LD MkVii+ DAC_1 combo.