Best Headphone Amp/DAC combos for ~$200
Jan 20, 2011 at 11:53 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 18

jakevance

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Now that I'm finally pretty happy with my headphones, and I've finally upped all my source MP3s to 256kbps or better, so now I'm looking for advice on a nice little amp to sit next to my MacBook Pro. I'd like something in the $100 - $200 range. I've looked at the Hifiman EF2A and the Maverick Audio D1 so far, and both of those SEEM pretty ideal for me. I'd lead towards something a little smaller than the D1, so maybe the hifiman is a better bet.
 
My only real requirements are that it's not huge. It needs to fit on a small side-table alongside some headphones and my MacBook Pro. It also just has to have a built-in DAC that'll accept USB. If it also accepts a line-in, that's a nice bonus. I also like the idea of tubes, but if something non-tube is better/cheaper, that's cool too. I don't need anything portable, as the only time I listen to my iPod/iPhone is when I'm in the car. If it looks good too, that's a plus, since it'll be in full view in my living room. I like sleek, semi-retro designs, and exposed tubes look pretty hot. =]
 
Anything in my price range, similar to the two I've mentioned that I should look into? How do they stack up? Should I save up for something in a slightly higher price range?
 
For reference, my headphones are AKG K240s, and I also often use assorted IEMs - UE Triple.fi 10s, Ety HF5s, Shure SE425s, and Monster Turbine Pro Golds.
 
Jan 21, 2011 at 10:11 AM Post #2 of 18
Jan 21, 2011 at 12:51 PM Post #3 of 18
That looks pretty interesting. I hadn't noticed that model from Nuforce before. I love that it's USB-powered. How's the sound? Is it a real, noticeable step above a laptop soundcard, unamped? The price is certainly enticing. 
 
Jan 21, 2011 at 12:56 PM Post #4 of 18
Oh, and I just noticed the μDAC-2-HP which ditches the RCA/coax. It looks like it's the exact same DAC and amp otherwise, and it's only $99. Should I be wary of it for any reason, or is it really the same quality if I don't need to output to speakers?
 
Jan 21, 2011 at 1:23 PM Post #5 of 18


Quote:
Oh, and I just noticed the μDAC-2-HP which ditches the RCA/coax. It looks like it's the exact same DAC and amp otherwise, and it's only $99. Should I be wary of it for any reason, or is it really the same quality if I don't need to output to speakers?

I've never heard that one.  I've seen it in the catalog, but I think it's based upon their older generation μDAC.  I would steer clear of it and spend the extra 30 bux.
 
 


Quote:
That looks pretty interesting. I hadn't noticed that model from Nuforce before. I love that it's USB-powered. How's the sound? Is it a real, noticeable step above a laptop soundcard, unamped? The price is certainly enticing. 


The sound is awesome compared to any laptop soundcard I've ever heard...no contest.
 
Jan 21, 2011 at 4:25 PM Post #6 of 18
Considering he tends to review high-end equipment, Skylab recently gave the $125 MP-302 amp a generally encouraging review. (Haven't heard it myself)
 
Jan 21, 2011 at 5:39 PM Post #7 of 18
Hmm, both of those look good. Looks like I can get what I need for under $130, so with that extra cash, what does everyone think of the Nuforce Icon Mobile? Since I've got a lot of room left in the budget, and I do _sometimes_ use the iPod/iPhone, maybe I should spring for a portable amp too.
 
Is it a nice improvement over the iPhone/iPod's built-in amp, for the 100 bucks it costs?
 
Jan 21, 2011 at 5:57 PM Post #8 of 18
Another amp/dac combo you may want to check out is the Audio-gd nfb12. It might go a tiny bit over your budget with shipping and paypal fees, but since its on special for 200 bucks it seems like a great value. Apparently its pretty small too.
 
Edit: 
 
If you're set on the nuforce though and still have some money left over for a portable amp for ipod listening, I'd check out the fiio e7. You can pick it up for around 80 bucks and it really helps out with the ipod. 
 
Jan 21, 2011 at 9:32 PM Post #9 of 18


Quote:
Hmm, both of those look good. Looks like I can get what I need for under $130, so with that extra cash, what does everyone think of the Nuforce Icon Mobile? Since I've got a lot of room left in the budget, and I do _sometimes_ use the iPod/iPhone, maybe I should spring for a portable amp too.
 
Is it a nice improvement over the iPhone/iPod's built-in amp, for the 100 bucks it costs?


It's a cool box, and if it sounded any good, it would be a steal.  Much to my dismay, it sounds awful to these ears.  I wouldn't give you a plug nickel for one.  To me, it sounds as bad as the μDAC-2 sounds good.  That's my story and I'm sticking to it.  
 
Jan 21, 2011 at 10:54 PM Post #10 of 18
Alright guys, I think I'm set on the Nuforce uDAC-2. After scouring the net, I can't find anything less that dozens and dozens of glowing reviews. Plus, I found it on Crutchfield.com with free 2-day shipping and a $20 coupon code ("3A825" if anyone's interested. It's $20 off $100 or more), so I'm looking at $109, total, which seems like a steal.
 
Thanks for all the input, and I'll also probably read up a bit more about the Fiio e7 if I decide to get a portable amp for my iPhone.
 
Jan 21, 2011 at 11:23 PM Post #14 of 18
Audinst HUD-MX1 has tons of power and sounds pretty decent and neutral for the price. Likewise, people have said the Hifiman EF2 is nice, although I haven't heard it myself.
 

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