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Good USB DAC / amp to go with a netbook

post #1 of 9
12/26/09 at 2:24pm
Thread Starter 
I'm looking for a low-priced (~$150 or less) solution for a good sounding combination USB DAC and headphone amplifier to go with a very modest netbook. The only device like this that I've heard is Justin of Headamp's superb Pico, but it's outside of my price range.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated! TIA.
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post #2 of 9
12/26/09 at 2:30pm
What about the uDAC
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post #3 of 9
12/26/09 at 2:38pm
Thread Starter 
That actually looks like it would fit the bill perfectly. I'll be reading a bit more about it.

EDIT: $99, small and powered by USB, looks like a winner
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post #4 of 9
12/26/09 at 10:14pm
plus it uses a sabre dac chip inside
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post #5 of 9
12/26/09 at 10:42pm
Get the iBasso D4, that is if you want the best.Its worth every cent, don't take my word for it.Search the forums and you will know why.
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post #6 of 9
12/26/09 at 10:59pm
I too like the D4 and think it is a very sounding unit. Bryan, if you can not decide shoot me a PM and I can loan you my D4 so you can test it with your gear for a couple of weeks. Cheers.
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post #7 of 9
12/27/09 at 4:24am
I've been comparing the uDAC and D4 and both are excellent - so you wont go wrong either way. But, if you can read my D4 impressions in the big D4 Mamba thread (including opamp rolling), and my uDAC review too, I think that would help you.

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/6238748-post363.html

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Nuforce uDAC USB DAC AMP with line out and S/PDIF out - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio
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post #8 of 9
12/29/09 at 9:19pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks very much for the offer Miguel! I'll let you know if I can't decide within the next few days.

Thanks for posting the links Larry. I get the impression that the uDAC is a little more detailed/brighter and the D4 is more full and laid back stock. I usually prefer the latter, but don't need the extra functionality of an analog input or batteries, so it's going to be a tough choice. I'll have to do a little bit more reading.
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post #9 of 9
12/29/09 at 9:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by HiGHFLYiN9 View Post
Thanks very much for the offer Miguel! I'll let you know if I can't decide within the next few days.

Thanks for posting the links Larry. I get the impression that the uDAC is a little more detailed/brighter and the D4 is more full and laid back stock. I usually prefer the latter, but don't need the extra functionality of an analog input or batteries, so it's going to be a tough choice. I'll have to do a little bit more reading.
No, the uDAC is warmer and fuller and slightly more forward than the D4, and it is not what I would call bright. I do like it a lot, but the D4 is also very good.
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