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NuForce HDP versus KICAS non-caliente (amp only)

post #1 of 2
5/23/11 at 3:36pm
Thread Starter 

Just a quick question for anyone who has heard both. I have the KICAS but I need a DAC, but I'm poor so I can't really afford a decent stand alone DAC. The HDP seems to come highly recommended, especially for the DAC section.

 

My question is, how would the two amps compare?

 

If they are roughly equal, I'd go for the HDP, but if the KICAS is clearly better than I might have to figure out a different strategy. I can't find any specs for the KICAS, so I just need some anecdotal input. I'm using HD650s, btw.

 

Thanks!

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Gear mentioned in this thread:

Sennheiser HD 650 Headphones
NuForce Icon HDP (High-end Headphone Amp, USB DAC, Preamp)
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post #2 of 2
5/24/11 at 9:57am

If you already have the KICAS, there are decent enough 16bit DACs for about $150, some, much less. Search "TDA1541" or "TDA1543" (smooth, good mids, rolled off at both ends) and "CS4398" (no roll off but some implementations can have rough edges on the treble) on eBay.

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Gear mentioned in this thread:

Sennheiser HD 650 Headphones
NuForce Icon HDP (High-end Headphone Amp, USB DAC, Preamp)
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