Good All-in-ones for the HD800.

Hi everyone,

I am thinking about supplementing my rig with a decent all-in-one amp+dac unit. It would probably be fed by an Airport Express. Basically, I am now down to one headphone, my HD800, and have been meaning to try a decent solid state with them for a while. I also like the simplicity and elegance of a one-box unit which can sit by the bedside without offending my partner too much.  

At the moment, I am torn between the Grace m902 and the Meier Symphony.2 - with a slight lean towards the Symphony. The Grace looks great, but there has been a confusing response to how it plays with the HD800 - some people suggest it as a go-to amp, and others say the pairing doesn't sound quite right. I am leaning towards the symphony, as I have been meaning to try out one of Meier Audio's designs for quite a while (very almost bought a stageDAC earlier this year). Anyhow, I thought that I would see if anyone in the community had any suggestions about units that have escaped my attention, or opinions on those two that I have listed.

Thanks in advance.

Quote:

Originally Posted by feifan 

For all-in-ones for any quality cans, you really ought to include the Headroom desktop ultra. Proven quality and reliability over time. Some feel that the DPS is optional, but I'd disagree. The extra $400-500 is worth it..

Thanks for the suggestion. I will look into it - looks nice and tweaky (like the Meier stuff) and Headroom seem to have a great reputation.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by hifidk 

I have no experience with DAC19DSP but I don't know if m902 will be better than your current rig. I certainly liked WA6 much more than m902 when they were fed with the same DAC (and even when DAC of m902 was used). If you have limited space then m902, Lavry DA10/11, Benchmark DAC1 could be all good choices although I have never heard DA11 (only had DA10). Also, like above, Headroom amps are very well known.

I am actually thinking along the same lines. To clarify, I won't be getting rid of my WA6 rig, I guess I am just interested in the solid-state world, and have need of a small bedside unit. I guess getting a really nice DAC with a headphone out (like the Lavry or the Benchmark) is a sensible option as it would pave the way for me to try a balanced amp at some point in the future. Thanks for your input.

Quote:

Originally Posted by feifan 

If you're thinking balanced for the future, be sure to go with balanced DACs: left and right XLR outputs to amps.You'll be able to use them with balanced amps.
 

Indeed, I was a little bit gutted when the balanced (ref5) counterpart to the DAC19DSP came out about ten days after I bought my DAC19. Still, It is a wonderful unbalanced DAC so I shouldn't moan. I have always liked the look of the DA11 - seems to get great reviews, and the PiC image control looks like it could be useful.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trogdor 

The Lavry DA11 is an EXCELLENT choice with the HD800.

I've been reading this quite a bit, looks like a pretty solid option. I think I am gonna go down the DAC route, and grab a balanced amp when my wallet has recovered in the future. Thanks for everyone's input.