Looking for a new AMP/DAC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gorgatron 

For the amp I was thinking of maybe getting this: http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/550750/fs-muse-m20-ex2-ta2020-tripath-power-amplifier-t-amp

I don't mean to burst your bubble, but that's a Tripath amplifier.  It's a speaker amplifier that can be repurposed to drive power-hungry headphones (like orthos).  Unless you're rocking a pair of HiFiMan HE-6, I don't think you're going to need something along those lines.

If you're looking for an amp/DAC combination box for $200, I'd go with the Audio-gd NFB-12 (Link: http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/NFB12/NFB12EN.htm).  It's a steal at the price and can drive most anything you throw at it. If you're looking to get a separate amp and DAC, that's going to be tough at that budget.

Your best bang for the buck solution is going to be a DIY solid state amp, like a Dynalo.  If you have the soldering skills, there's a lot of resources on the DIY forum.

Alternatively, you can buy a prebuilt Dynalo on eBay, or from Acoustic Fun (Link: http://www.acoustic-fun.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=62), but that's a bit over your spending limit.  The Gilmore Lite, which has been discontinued by HeadAmp, pops up on the Amplification For Sale forums from time to time, but is also a little above your $200 limit (http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/553619/gilmore-lite-reduced-price).

The above solutions, however, are amp only.

I'd send the guys at Audio-gd an e-mail and see what the turnaround time will be.  I'm not sure if they've dealt with their supply problem, but if they have, you might be in luck.

Although, I'm wondering why you don't just hang onto your E7/E9 and just buy the uDac-2.

If you want an amp/DAC usb combo for home use, consider the Audinst HUD-MX1. It's an ecellent DAC paired with a decent amplifier and can power any 600ohm headphone.

It's very neutral sounding and doesn't color the sound at all. If you want a good DAC, a powerful amp, in a small package consider going to ebay and buy one for $179.

Promise me, it's excellent value.