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<$200 portable dac/amp for D2000

post #1 of 15
7/6/10 at 11:12pm
Thread Starter 

TL;DR version (because I know how repetitive these threads are)

 

$210 max

Headphone: Denon D2000

Source: Laptop / iPod (via LOD)

Desired sound signature (yes, I know amps are supposed to be neutral but...): Slightly softened treble, elevated mids (hopefully to compensate for the D2000's recessed mids), slightly increased bass impact (without losing the quality), and as wide of a soundstage as possible.

 

*must be pocketable (similar size to iBasso D2+), battery life is not yet a concern

 

Relevant headphone specs: 25 ohm, 106 dB/mW

 

Thanks! 


Edited by solidsnake - 7/16/10 at 11:06pm
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post #2 of 15
7/7/10 at 1:18pm

I will highely recommend the D4 Mamba, it's bit over your budget but it's AMPs n DAC parts are so supperior than many others and ranked very high in DAC and AMPs world(please check the reviews here). BTW lod has very important role in chain to sound much better and i will recommend the ALO 18AWG CXS(Cryo x Silver) dock cables for extra soundstage, better mids and better bass. Silver dock cables shows no extra soundstage, no improvement in bass, only highs get better.


Edited by ZARIM - 7/7/10 at 1:27pm
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post #3 of 15
7/7/10 at 5:30pm
Thread Starter 

What about the D2+ Boa? As for your comment on the LOD, I don't believe in cables effecting SQ much, but I will purchase the best I can afford.


Edited by solidsnake - 7/13/10 at 12:27am
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post #4 of 15
7/8/10 at 1:35pm
Thread Starter 

bump

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post #5 of 15
7/8/10 at 1:57pm

I've only heard the D2000 with full-size desktop amps, but I will make another recommendation for the D4 Mamba. To my ears the amp section is more vivid, lush and engaging compared to the D2+ Boa - they're a great value for just over $200.

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post #6 of 15
7/9/10 at 1:04pm

The headroom total bithead worked great with the D2000s when I had them.  Any decent amp will make a difference though.  Especially in the bass.

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post #7 of 15
7/12/10 at 8:57pm

Denons are known for recessed mids. Don't expect miracles from amps.

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post #8 of 15
7/13/10 at 12:54am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Azathoth View Post

I've only heard the D2000 with full-size desktop amps, but I will make another recommendation for the D4 Mamba. To my ears the amp section is more vivid, lush and engaging compared to the D2+ Boa - they're a great value for just over $200.


After reading Skylab and HeadphoneAddict's reviews on the D4; it seems perfect for me, but my budget isn't flexible at all. I'm 14 and I have no job, so what my parents give me is what I get. I would wait for more money (and I'm sure it'd be worth it), but I have a trip coming up in less than a month and I really want to have my rig complete for it. I'll keep my eyes on the For Sale forums for now... OR, I could scrap the LOD; then I could afford it. hmm, is the iPod's line out really that bad? (iPod touch 1g/iPod Nano 3g/iPod Nano 1g) 

 

I'm still open to recommendations, right now I'm looking at the iBasso D2+, Total BitHead, Leckertron UHA-x (used), iBasso D3 (used), and NuForce Icon Mobile. 

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post #9 of 15
7/13/10 at 1:29am

I've had great success with the Nuforce Icon Mobile.  

 

I had heard people talk about this combo long ago, but it wasn't until I had a chance to listen to it with my own ears that I could finally recommend it.

 

Plus, it's only 100 dollars, which means more money for other stuff (bills, rent, food, .. I mean headphones!)

 

edit:  One side note: I didn't think it was a good pairing with an iPod or iPhone.  It's ok, but it definitely sounded better with my laptop (using the Mobile's inbuilt DAC), Xbox 360, and Dreamcast.


Edited by roker - 7/13/10 at 1:31am
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post #10 of 15
7/13/10 at 2:09am

I'd like to recommend the Leckerton Audio UHA-6 or a refurbished UHA-3... *click*.

I had both and they're great for the asked prices. Very sturdy, well designed and with a replaceable battery.

You can find my reviews here: UHA-6 review ... UHA-3 review (both in german though).

Search headfi for the UHA-6 and you'll find some other reviews and opinions.

 

regards.

bearmann

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post #11 of 15
7/17/10 at 2:07pm
Thread Starter 

Ok, so somehow I managed to pull the trigger on the D4 last night. Thanks everyone for the help. One more question, I run a 64-bit system, will all the drivers for the DAC install fine for me?

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post #12 of 15
7/17/10 at 5:36pm

USB DAC part will work fine with any PC because it's takes digital signals(audio) from PC via USB and convert it.

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post #13 of 15
7/20/10 at 1:38pm

Is LOD very important ? i was thinkin to go with the LOD from ibasso itself. cb06 or 07  i guess.
 

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post #14 of 15
7/21/10 at 2:35pm

Every LOD is sufficient, as long as it's properly shielded... wouldn't pay too much for some inches of cable and two connectors.

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post #15 of 15
7/21/10 at 10:31pm
Thread Starter 

My D4 came today... All I can say is thank you everyone :) 

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