Adding DAC between Macbook Pro and Valhalla

I recently picked up a Schiit Valhalla as my new headphone amp (jumping up from a CMoy). I like the amp so far, but I feel that it is being limited significantly by my computer's sound card (although, I understand that the MacBook Pro has a pretty decent sound card) and/ or my SR-80s.

I was planning to pick up a set of K701s in the near future, but I bought the amp first because I am a huge fan of tube gear and was more excited about that purchase. As a guitarist, I first learned about the beauty of tube gear with a late 50's Fender Deluxe amplifier that I pulled out of a basement and restored to working order a few years ago. In a headphone rig, I want the warmth and organic/ analog sound of tubes, although I still consider accuracy and detail to be pretty important (not a fan of super warm/muddy/colored sound). From the reading I've done, as well as my experience with the amp in it's first 15 hours or so, I think I've made a good choice with the Valhalla.

The issues I'm hoping to correct with a DAC

- I am getting some distortion on bass notes, not just in hip hop and heavy rock, but even on James Taylor tracks, etc.

- I want to hear more separation/ a larger sound stage. 

- More "impact" would be great.

- Improved detail. 

I've been reading about DACs for the past few days, and I almost bought the Hot Audio Extasy a few minutes before composing this post. Do you guys think that the Extasy will be a good solution for me? Is it worth it to get a DAC to improve my current setup while still holding out a couple months for the K701s (also considering DT880s)? Should I hold off on the DAC in order to get new cans sooner (maybe the SR-80s aren't quite the headphones I need...)?

-Ian

Quote:

Originally Posted by MorbidToaster 

Honestly, wait on the Schiit DAC that everyone's been buzzing about. Maybe get something that's a jump from the Mac card like the HRT Music Streamer and get hype for the matching Schiit.

I did hear that Schiit was supposed to be dropping a DAC (or two) later this year... Any idea on the price point(s)?

By recommending the HRT Music Streamer are you suggesting that the Extasy wouldn't be enough of an upgrade from the MacBook Pro sound card? That is a question I'm really hoping to answer. I don't want to spend more money than I have to, but I would rather skip the baby steps and make upgrades that are more satisfying. 

The Extasy is certainly a bit cheaper than the Valhalla and the new cans that I'm planning to purchase soon... which brings me to a new question:

Is there a guideline that Head-fiers tend to follow for the cost of each component of a rig? Is it typical to match a $300 pair of cans with a $300 dollar amp and a $300 DAC? Or is money typically dispersed less evenly?

Quote:

Originally Posted by fluffygdog95 

You are using low impedance cans with an OTL style amplifier. That is usually not recommended. That could explain the undesired sounds that you are hearing. The Schiit Asgard probably would be a better pairing. :/

I realize that the cans I am using aren't ideal for the amp, although I did read that someone thought the amp sounded surprisingly good with their SR325s (same impedance as SR80s I believe) and the amp is rated down to 32 ohms... More importantly, I didn't buy the amp to match these cans, I bought it for the cans I plan to buy soon (K701s or DT880s) and now I'm just trying to decide which to buy first: cans or a DAC and, further, which DAC will be best suited for the Valhalla and either of those future sets of cans. 

Never mind, problem solved. It turns out Schiit sent me a 230V version of the amp by mistake. The shipping box was labeled 115V and everything, but somehow they boxed up the wrong amp. Jason Stoddard was terrific to work with, he responded to all of my e-mails within minutes and refunded my return shipping cost just as quickly. I got the correct (115V) amp within a few days of contacting Jason and it this time it sounds excellent. I'm still burning the amp in (at about 8 hours now) but at the correct voltage the amp sounds extremely promising!