Hey all, sorry for posting a thread like this, but I figure it's the best way to get some good advice and suggestions. I'm fairly new to the world of audiophilia, got my first piece of gear at the start of this year, (Grado SR 80i) and once I put those cans on, it was all downhill from there, I can't get enough of this stuff. So far, amplification-wise, all I have is a Fiio E5.
So that leads to my question for all of you: I've got about two or three hundred bucks (I could possibly swing a little more, but would prefer to keep it inexpensive) to spend on a nice home setup, using my computer as a source. I've been looking around, and a couple DAC/amplifier setups seem appealing to me, but like I said, I don't have any experience with these products and I can't really just go somewhere and A/B them. So maybe you guys can toss some ideas my way.
Here's some info on what I'm looking for:
- I need a good DAC and a good amp, it doesn't really matter to me if they are one unit or seperate.
-The main can used with the setup will be my modified Grado SR 80i, but cans in my future will probably include HeadDirect RE0 and eventually Sennheiser HD 650, however synergy with the Grado is most important.
-Source will be a PC and/or netbook playing FLAC and MP3 (320 kbps or V0). PC will output S/PDIF over coax, but netbook is USB. Both would be nice, but coax is what I'll use more, so that's priority.
-I would really dig it if the DAC was at least 24/96, even though most of what I play will be 16/44.1 (I have a few 24/96 albums in my collection that I would like to enjoy at their maximum quality.
-It would be nice if the amp had a preamp function/switch so I can later hook up a power amp and bookshelf speakers, but not necessary.
-I don't mind DIY units, it's not a problem. I can solder SMT with no problem, read schematics, etc. It would be rad if the PCB was available for purchase though, as my laser printer recently died and I don't have a way to etch my own boards at home right now.
-I listen to a very wide range of music, mostly indie rock, hardcore punk, folk, bluegrass and electronic music, but I don't ever use EQ, I really like my music to sound like it was intended to sound like.
I know what I'm asking is a lot, and I don't expect to find the perfect setup at this price point, but I thought I'd let you know what I could use, etc. Sorry for such a long post! I always just figure too much info is better than not enough.
So, what do you guys think? Recommendations? Units I was looking at that seem pretty appealing are Fiio 7/Fiio 9 combo, Audio GD stuff like the Sparrow or Compass (someone had one for sale here), DIY stuff like the y1/y2 for a DAC and a Millet MAX or M^3 (though I'm pretty sure they would put me a good deal over budget). The option that intrigues me the most is the ZERO DAC, it seems I can nab one off eBay for just over $150 shipped, has all the ins and outs I would want, ability to change op amps, 24/192, etc. I've heard a lot of great things, but I've also heard horror stories and the super low price scares me a bit, but so far, that seems to what I'm leaning toward.
So, Head Fi, want to help a newbie audiophile get a decent home setup started? Thanks a ton, I really appreciate it!
So that leads to my question for all of you: I've got about two or three hundred bucks (I could possibly swing a little more, but would prefer to keep it inexpensive) to spend on a nice home setup, using my computer as a source. I've been looking around, and a couple DAC/amplifier setups seem appealing to me, but like I said, I don't have any experience with these products and I can't really just go somewhere and A/B them. So maybe you guys can toss some ideas my way.
Here's some info on what I'm looking for:
- I need a good DAC and a good amp, it doesn't really matter to me if they are one unit or seperate.
-The main can used with the setup will be my modified Grado SR 80i, but cans in my future will probably include HeadDirect RE0 and eventually Sennheiser HD 650, however synergy with the Grado is most important.
-Source will be a PC and/or netbook playing FLAC and MP3 (320 kbps or V0). PC will output S/PDIF over coax, but netbook is USB. Both would be nice, but coax is what I'll use more, so that's priority.
-I would really dig it if the DAC was at least 24/96, even though most of what I play will be 16/44.1 (I have a few 24/96 albums in my collection that I would like to enjoy at their maximum quality.
-It would be nice if the amp had a preamp function/switch so I can later hook up a power amp and bookshelf speakers, but not necessary.
-I don't mind DIY units, it's not a problem. I can solder SMT with no problem, read schematics, etc. It would be rad if the PCB was available for purchase though, as my laser printer recently died and I don't have a way to etch my own boards at home right now.
-I listen to a very wide range of music, mostly indie rock, hardcore punk, folk, bluegrass and electronic music, but I don't ever use EQ, I really like my music to sound like it was intended to sound like.
I know what I'm asking is a lot, and I don't expect to find the perfect setup at this price point, but I thought I'd let you know what I could use, etc. Sorry for such a long post! I always just figure too much info is better than not enough.
So, what do you guys think? Recommendations? Units I was looking at that seem pretty appealing are Fiio 7/Fiio 9 combo, Audio GD stuff like the Sparrow or Compass (someone had one for sale here), DIY stuff like the y1/y2 for a DAC and a Millet MAX or M^3 (though I'm pretty sure they would put me a good deal over budget). The option that intrigues me the most is the ZERO DAC, it seems I can nab one off eBay for just over $150 shipped, has all the ins and outs I would want, ability to change op amps, 24/192, etc. I've heard a lot of great things, but I've also heard horror stories and the super low price scares me a bit, but so far, that seems to what I'm leaning toward.
So, Head Fi, want to help a newbie audiophile get a decent home setup started? Thanks a ton, I really appreciate it!
