Review: Audinst HUD-mx1 USB DAC/amp - Page 5

Hello:

I'm putting together a laptop based high end audio system - USB.  I won't ever be using headphones but rather only listening through floor speakers.  As this thread has touched upon amps I hope it is o.k. to ask about them here. 

First, I'm leaning toward the LD Dac 1 for my Dac since all its focus is on the non-headphone design - if you had another choice I'd love to hear about it.  I do not know if the Audinst MX1 would be as good for this type of listening or not.  But as far as amplifiers, can anyone suggest a few choices that I could choose from.  I'm willing to spend up to $600.00 for a nice unit.  As far as my sound likes: I like a clear, clean sound with a bit of analogue warmth, but definitely not a bright fatiguing interpretation.  A unit that sounds much more expensive with good fit, finish and quality would be a bonus. 

Thanks so much.

Chuck

i own a audinst but haf the option of getting a maverick d1 at a steal...i hear the mav doesn't do 24/96 out of the box, but the amp incl. has stronger output than the audinst...will it complement the audinst or will it just be a waste of $$. Some guy is selling the mav d1 for as low as 60usd.

^ thanks, but i've decided i might choose the matrix m-stage over the A1 due to its availability and pairing with the k701s.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by livewire 

Project86 thanks for another glowing product review!

 

I have the MX1 - K702 combo and wholeheartedly agree with your perceptions.

I also love the portability factor when traveling with my laptop.

No walwart needed, just plug and play while I'm away.

 

After reading this thread, I pulled the trigger on a M-Stage today.

My 702's are crying out for more power while at home.

Per your review, the MX-1 > M-Stage > K702 combo looks like a winner to me!

this sounds like the combo i'm hoping to achieve in the coming months, but not now that's for sure. i'm considering a k701 to compliment my m50 which does my trance/electronica but I need open cans for my acoustic/orchestra tunes. Would running a k701 on the mx1 alone be bearable in terms of SQ?

@ avexdevil,

My impressions of running the K702's on just the MX1 is that the SQ is bearable,

but with a smaller soundstage and less headroom. The upper treble regions are

a bit strained, I wouldnt go as far as to say "scratchy" but can become fatiguing

after an hour or so. I think that trait could be minimized with proper EQ.

The upper spectrum also seems to be rolled off at the top compared

to that when coupled with the M-Stage. More headroom is a good thing....

Acoustic guitar upper mids do sound wonderful!

The bass isnt anything substantial, slightly punchy, but it is tight.

The K70X's are just hard to drive properly without a more powerful amp,

I was amazed that the puny MX1 performed as well as it does with these phones.

With the M-Stage added to the mix, I found that all of the above traits were improved

substantially.

Still, most bassheads would find it lacking.

I was ok with it, I prefer the added power and tonal balance that the M-Stage brings to the table.

Thanks for the excellent review.

I just ordered one to go with my HD-650's.

I appreciate the time and effort you put into this. Made the decision to buy much easier, especially since I was also looking for a computer soundcard.

cheers

Quote:

Originally Posted by livewire 

My impressions of running the K702's ~snip~

thanks for the response, though i bit the bullet and went ahead with getting the k701 anyway. It seems with music like jazz and pop with high focus on vocals, the audinst seems to hold its ground fine, with my volume dial @ 3pm, detail is amazing (i.e. Zee Avi's album). However, once i play classical/orchestral tracks (i.e. mahler, hans zimmer, etc), there are entire segments of the song with instrumental solos that seem to be too soft for enjoyment. But I guess if anything, the k701's are performing true to the word -- great soundstage with accurate imaging, in which case orchestral tracks should be expectedly softer due to the acoustics of a performing hall. Bu then again, I don't know if i should attribute it to my amp or my flac source. The sonic differences listening to a studio-recorded jazz and orchestral track seem worlds apart. Could you perhaps link me a flac/wav that you enjoy listening on your k701 that absolutely brings out its capabilties?

hi all, i'm waking up this thread for this one -probably dumb- question: does the 24/96 output works on all connectors, i mean can i get 24/96 output from analog rca outputs and from headphone jacks?

thanks!

Yes. The RCA and headphone jacks are analog, so they won't affect the 24/96 digital conversion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yoga Flame 

Yes. The RCA and headphone jacks are analog, so they won't affect the 24/96 digital conversion.

thanks for the reply! i'll use it with my m-audio av40 powered speakers, can't wait to hear them :)

Anyone know how it works with orthos? I've read on headfonia that it can drive the Hifiman HE-4 but I would like to get another opinion on it. I would like to trade my beyerdynamic 1350's for the he-4's ^^

Thanks for the reply. I was thinking about getting the asgard or pick up the Hifman ef-5 to run them babies. Heard the HD800s at a store and I'm also a Grado fan so something that many people have been claiming are better is something I'm looking forward too!

Update, I have owned the Audinst HUD-MX1 for about a year now. It's a keeper, no problems whatsoever.

I am using it as a semi-portable DAC/headamp at the office, paired with my modded HD555's.

The sound is enjoyable, although not excellent. I am not a big fan of the opamp sound.

For me the value of this device is in it's versitality. At home I use it as a USB to optical SPDIF converter

to feed the Toslink input of my Neko DAC. Overall the results are excellent! My Stax never sounded so good.

Can anyone give comparison between udac2 and mx1?