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What is the best DAC-AMP for MDR-SA5000 under $350

post #1 of 6
7/19/10 at 8:58am
Thread Starter 

What is the best DAC-AMP for MDR-SA5000 under $350?

I'm thinking of Maverick D1 or Matrix mini-i.

Do they suit the cans? If not, please guide me other models.

 

The issue is that SA5000 is so fatiguing, and I want to have them softened or smoothened

 

Thank you


Edited by Tidal - 7/19/10 at 9:09am
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post #2 of 6
7/19/10 at 9:42am

try explicit eq - much cheaper, more effective than trying to do the same by buying a "synergistic" amp

 

above average sensitivity for full size cans and intermediate low Z makes SA5000 fairly easy to drive so you probably aren't clipping - but do check - then change listening levels to preserve your hearing or just maybe you do need more power

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post #3 of 6
7/19/10 at 5:14pm
Thread Starter 

Hmmm, thank you for your post. But I still think that the amp might be the best solution.

I think that the SA5000 are not working well with low volume, which I prefer more than high volume.

I don't know why. Maybe it's the stage and some bass zone that do not present themselves with the low volume.

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post #4 of 6
7/19/10 at 5:57pm

If anybody can compare the D1 to the Matrix, that would be cool.

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post #5 of 6
7/19/10 at 5:57pm

look up Fletcher Munson effect - at low SPL levels frequency perception changes - you need boost for highs and lows - the justification for the "loudness" knob on really old consumer stuff

 

frequency response and the interaction with listening SPL are 1st order effects on "sound quality" - for all you won't hear any discussion of on the forum

 

poor source, really bad built in amplification could be problems - loop-back testing with free RMAA audio analyzer software can find some problems - you may need an attenuator for testing an amp

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post #6 of 6
10/31/10 at 6:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tidal View Post

What is the best DAC-AMP for MDR-SA5000 under $350?

I'm thinking of Maverick D1 or Matrix mini-i.

Do they suit the cans? If not, please guide me other models.

 

The issue is that SA5000 is so fatiguing, and I want to have them softened or smoothened

 

Thank you


Late to the party but the Matrix Mini-i gets my vote as it's a very musical DAC. I've found myself listening longer without any fatigue.

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