Hi all. I currently frequent this forum, and while I don't know as much as I would like about audio, I'm always eager to learn. My current setup is a Creative X-Fi XtremeGamer PCI audio card with Ultrasone DJ1 Pro (same as Pro 550). After realizing that I do about 70% music listening and only 30% gaming, I've decided to get rid of the card in favor or a higher quality DAC/Amp combo.
I think tube amps are really cool, as is the idea of tube rolling, so I was considering a Little Dot I+ with a Zero DAC. However, I'm not entirely sure this would be a worthwhile investment for the headphones that I have - I can't really tell anything over 320kbps mp3 anyways. Also I would really like to spend under $250.
I would like something that takes SPDIF in from my computer, preferably with a line out as well for my receiver and desktop speakers - these are crappy so not worth mentioning, but they do need signal. Anyways, here are my considerations so far.
AUNE Mini USB DAC + Headphone Amp [Special Edition]
I like the looks of this, even though I know you can build this unit yourself for cheaper. I don't have the time or know-how for that. Questions on this unit: Will its headphone amp be suitable to drive my 64-ohm cans? I get the impression that SS amps are not as picky with impedance, but I could be wrong. Also, it has a switch for "headphone amp mode" or "DAC mode." Is this to say that it cannot function as both at the same time? Because that would be a deal-breaker.
Musiland Monitor 02 USB
No SPDIF input, but thats not too bad, I just don't have many USB ports left on my computer. I've read nothing but good things about this unit from anyone who's owned one. It's not as pretty as some of the other offerings, but thats ok as well. I have the same question about impedance with this one.
HiFiMAN EF2 USB
It has tubes! I like. The only problem is no line out, so I'm not sure how I would get signal to my receiver without it being a pain to switch. Still, it looks like an interesting option provided I could hook it up right and possibly roll tubes?
09 ZERO DAC
I did quite a bit of research on this one. It has everything I listed as wanting. The only problem is that I've read several accounts of people receiving units that fail within a short period of time. I certainly do not like taking large risks when it comes to investing my money in a product, so that's the main thing holding me back from this one. But if the 09 is more reliable or lots of people tell me differently, I would reconsider it, as its a very nice looking product in my opinion. Were it not for the unfavorable comments about reliability I probably would have already purchased this.
Those are the combo DAC/Amps that I have considered so far. I would really appreciate some help from the experts here on choosing my first high-end (to me) audio equipment. Also, if it helps I listen mostly to heavy metal, dubstep, and blues, in that order, with Foobar2000/WASAPI for music playback.
