What DAC will drive my HD650's appropriately?

The uDac is combination of a DAC (Digital-Analog-Converter) and headphone amp. An amp is what that "drives" the headphone and a DAC converts the digital signal to analog .

I doubt the HD650 drivers are getting driven well with a uDac (not a powerful amp).

This. Look at separating them first.

I'd buy a good amp before finding a better DAC/amp. Separates generally make more sense because new DAC chips roll out every 12-18 months and people aren't always interested in buying "old" technology. Amps don't change much, so you could keep one for years and change the DAC more often.

Though don't get too hung up on sources. I know the "source first" thing has some traction around here. However, keep in mind that was part of a marketing campaign 40 years ago and the guy who started it thought that the biggest audiophile sin was to have an undriven speaker in the same room as a powered one. Don't ask me to explain that one.

Alex have you poked around in those threads on the audio gd nfb11 or nfb12 yet. I really like my Sparrow and the nfb11 and nfb12 look like the Sparrow on steroids for not a whole lot more money.

Do what you want but that nfb 11 for example may perform similar to the Nuforce HDP for 1/2 the cost of the HDP. If I were you I'd at least go read through the threads. They are probably improvements as a source and definitely as an amp. The NFB 11 uses the same Sabre DAC chip as the HDP which is a better chip than what is in your uDAC. The NFB 12 has dual Wolfson chips which is what is in the Audinst and both USB connections are 24/96 which is an improvement over the uDAC and I imagine one of the reasons you liked the Audinst. And the Amp sections in the Audio GD''s are not at all wimpy. Bottom line is they look good and they perform well if my Sparrow is any indication. Finally you shouldn start a thread looking for suggestions if you've already made up your mind. Hey if after you read through the  NFB threads and maybe participate a little you find you still want an Asgard at least you will have done your due dilligence.

Uncle Eric makes a very good point.

 

As owner of both I can tell you that Audinst and HD650 make a very listenable combo and a pleasing experience.

However it's far from a doing proper justice to these headphones. Driving them by a good amp (M-Stage, M3, etc) and a better source reveals a whole new side and dimension to the headphones.

All of this is just obscured or muted on lesser equipment.

 

 

I do not disagree with your general idea, but the irony of it is that uDAC actually uses the DAC chip to drive the headphones.

The entire output stage is built in the Sabre ESS 9022.

Just out of curiosity Alex what are the obvious reasons for getting the Asgard and is Schiit doing something right now that makes the Asgard more appealing price wise. What does Schiit has a good deal mean?  I get the appeal of it because I seriously considered buying it myself and feeding it with the uDAC. Sold the uDAC to defray the costs of my new purchase. Of course keeping the uDAC and using it as a source to feed an amp is a a very legitimate and reasonable idea. As long as your head isnt full of shiit

 

Sorry about that couldnt resist. Just playing devils advocate here knowing your penchant for being frugal and trying to get the most bang for your buck. Not sure if you read any of those threads or not but one of the reasons I chose the Sparrow is Audio GD's reputation around here. They had or have the Zero, the Compass, the Fun, the Sparrow, and now the NSB 11 and NSB 12. And that's just their budget stuff. They've got some really expensive shiit too.

 

All I'm trying to tell you is before you get seduced by the idea of a dedicated amp that's all the rage do some due dilligence, shop around a little, educate yourself on some other gear that's available. If one of the reasons you are so enamoured with the Asgard is because it's going to look good sitting on your desk, just know that the Audio GD stuff has a little eyeball too

 

 

Fair enough Alex. the headphone out on the uDAC is a problem, no argument here. It's supposed to function quite capably as a source though, so it will be a great source for feeding an amp like the Asgard. Which is precisely why I considered the same combo myself. I got my Sparrow from Pacific Valve in Illinois though and their price included free shipping. Total price was the same as ordering direct from Audio GD and paying shipping. Got it from them because they offer a 30 day return policy and they will service the unit if there is an issue. I apologize if it seemed like I was trying to change your mind, when actually all I was trying to articulate is the threads on the NSB 11 and NSB 12 were worth the time it would take to peruse them. Enjoy your new headphones and whatever you end up getting to plug them into.