Hey guys, been awhile but I always come pitifully crawling back.
Here's what I've got:
1) Windows 7 x64 PC running a PCI Emu-0404 sound card
2) Heed Canamp
3) AKG K701
4) Sensaphonic ProPhonic 2X-S custom dual driver IEM's
5) Current Generation 15" Macbook Pro
I'd like to purchase a DAC that will be both an upgrade over the Emu-0404 and compatible with the Macbook Pro. I think I can do digital-out from the Emu-0404 to the new DAC; the macbook pro does digital out as well. USB might be the easier alternative, as I could use it on any computer or laptop I run into.
Another thing.. other than the UE Super.Fi 5, the Sensaphonics are the first IEM I've owned that I would consider high end. I've never heard any amped IEM. I'd like to hear peoples opinions on if it is necessary (to them) or not. Should I get a DAC/Amp combo? Are there DAC/Amp combos out there that can be used in an either/or way? Like just as an AMP or just as a DAC for instance.
Budget: I plan on trading/selling a few items to fund this purchase. I have a pair of Van Den Hul (The First) interconnects, UE Super.Fi 5, Sony MDR-V6 w/ pads modded, and a couple Linksys Wireless N routers. I'm gonna put my budget at no more than 350-400$.
I listen to a lot of electronic music. Stuff with good bass. I also like classic rock and jazz. Much less often than all the others, classical.
Any and all help is appreciated guys! I've got quite a few things headed for trade in the forums once I figure out all this stuff!
j
EDIT//
been doing some reading. What do you guys think of the Pico DAC or the Amp/DAC combo? I could use it like this:
Pico -> Heed canamp -> K701
Pico -> line out -> IEM
I like the idea of the pico DAC that has both line out and RCA out in case I want to go from Pico to Amp or Pico to IEMs. That being said, I would like to take advantage of the fact that my laptop is capable of doing optical out. I like the DACs that have at least optical in and USB.
I like the Pico and the Gamma-2 so far. Gamma2 can do SPDIF or USB in while also doing RCA and line out while the Pico can only do USB in and RCA/line out. What other DACs do this? Being able to listen to true 24bit music would be nice, but I dont have that large of a selection for it anyways, so USB will work fine, but I like to keep my options open.
Thoughts!!??
