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Laptop DAC? 500 bucks tops for my first DAC. Suggestions?

post #1 of 10
6/20/11 at 6:21am
Thread Starter 

I have 500 bucks (max) to burn on a DAC for my laptop. Does not have to be portable. To be matched with Beyerdynamic DT880 + Little Dot MK3.

 

I've seen so many suggestions and I'm more and more confused the more I look. V-Dac from Musical Fidelity seems to be a solid choice, but as with all the contenders I don't know if it would pair well with my current headphones + amp. Would it be too bright (headphones are borderline sibilant even with the tube amp)?

 

I'd also like to know whether I'll actually notice that much of a difference in sound quality (from my on-board laptop sound chip)? $500 is more than my headphones cost and almost twice the cost of my amp. Would it really be worth it?

 

Thanks for any help!

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post #2 of 10
6/20/11 at 6:28am

Squeeze $100 more out of your budget and get the Apogee Duet 2.

 

http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/558000/brand-new-apogee-duet-2-unboxing-video

 

033011-apogee-duet-2.jpg

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post #3 of 10
6/20/11 at 6:30am
Thread Starter 

Would consider it, but it appears to be only for Macs! Any other suggestions?

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post #4 of 10
6/20/11 at 6:41am

perhaps cambridge audio dacmagic?

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post #5 of 10
6/20/11 at 6:48am

Lead Audio's LA-100 seems to fit the bill. Few impressions here but it's got great reviews if you do a quick google search. 

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post #6 of 10
6/20/11 at 9:01am
Thread Starter 

I'm going to try out Lead Audio's LA-100, boasts better components than the Cambridge's DACMAGIC. Found impressive and honest reviews on it. If I don't like it I'll just send it back for credit. :)

 

I'll update this thread once it arrives, maybe even do a novice review.

 

Further suggestions are still welcome! dt880smile.png


Edited by cludlefud - 6/20/11 at 9:02am
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post #7 of 10
6/20/11 at 9:30pm

Looking forward to your impressions smile_phones.gif


Edited by VaSpn - 6/20/11 at 9:32pm
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post #8 of 10
6/20/11 at 10:54pm

You might want to look at this.  http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/555151/review-lars-audio-dac1-mkii

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post #9 of 10
6/21/11 at 12:49am

I would look at the DACport and the DACport LX http://www.centrance.com/products/dacport/ the first is a DAC/amp that can be used as a DAC and the second a DAC only.

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post #10 of 10
6/21/11 at 8:44am

I would  consider Music Streamer II+, very good value for the money and sounds fantastic, also portable. I would also consider the dacport.

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