Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Portable Headphone Amps › MacBook Air >> USB Amp / DAC ? >> FA-003
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

MacBook Air >> USB Amp / DAC ? >> FA-003

post #1 of 2
5/1/11 at 7:49pm
Thread Starter 

Hey there folks.

I am looking for some advice on a USB Amp / DAC setup to connect the MacBook Air with the FA-003s.

 

1: Do these HPs need an amp or just a DAC?

2: Are all USB Amp / DACs Apple compatible?

3: The Air has limited ports, so it'd have to be USB accessible.

4: The Air is not the world's highest-power computer, so that's maybe a factor? (I am ok with moderate battery drain)

 

I'm not really looking for any sort of serious volume boost, I just want the HPs to be properly powered, and to skip the whole soundcard issue. 

 

I don't own or use an iPod, but I do travel with the laptop, so portability is a factor. However, this would always be at least an chair-arm-top amp, not for pocket use or anything smile.gif

 

My budget would be preferably under $200 USD, but i'm not looking to spend money just to spend money. This is my first even-remotely-decent quality setup, so I need something functional and helpful, but I just won't be hearing minute performance differences yet.

 

THANK YOU THANK YOU!

 

Reply
post #2 of 2
5/1/11 at 9:40pm

Hi spiritlake,

 

I've not used this, but the NuForce Icon Mobile headphone amplifier /USB DAC might be a good choice.  I've seen it recommended and the price is around $80.

 

I use the Headroom Total Bithead  headphone amplifier /USB DAC has similar features, and comes in around $150.  I'm quite happy with this one.

 

Note, however, that I haven't compared the two so I'm unable to say which is better.

 

Steve

Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Portable Headphone Amps
Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Portable Headphone Amps › MacBook Air >> USB Amp / DAC ? >> FA-003