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Powerful dac/amps with quality sound for orthos.

post #1 of 81
9/8/11 at 7:07pm
Thread Starter 

Hello, I am looking to see what kind of desktop amps there are about 1k and less that are power houses.  Besides the Schiit Lyr amp.  It can be a dac/amp combo or just a dedicated amp.  I currently just got the NFB-5 but in the future I'd like to upgrade.  

 

What are some power house amp/dacs?

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post #2 of 81
9/8/11 at 7:22pm

The point is that are you happy with NFB-5  or do you need more quantity vs quality? Maybe a different headphone might be a better choice.

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post #3 of 81
9/8/11 at 8:16pm
Thread Starter 

Well I'll be upgrading to the LCD-2 most likely.  I have heard that the NFB-5 is good enough for it but not to many people have said it was just one.  I guess I'd like to have both.  But I still haven't tested the NFB-5.  Im suck in school and its sitting in its package on my bed for me when I get home.  
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by john57 View Post

The point is that are you happy with NFB-5  or do you need more quantity vs quality? Maybe a different headphone might be a better choice.



 

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post #4 of 81
9/12/11 at 12:07am
Thread Starter 

Nothing??  No suggestions?

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post #5 of 81
9/12/11 at 12:13am

HeadAmp GS-1.  Fantastic solid state amp, particularly in its price category.  Very neutral, uncolored, and black (in a good way).

 

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/headamp/gs1.html

http://www.headamp.com/home_amps/gs1/index.htm

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post #6 of 81
9/12/11 at 12:13am

If you going to spend $1k, you may as well move up a little bit to $1500. That will give you many more options. The under $1k space is tough. I haven't heard anything under $1k that's really made me go "wow!"

 

I know there are a lot of fans of A-GD stuff, but everything I've heard from them, outside of their TOTL DACs, has left me wanting.


Edited by purrin - 9/12/11 at 12:15am
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post #7 of 81
9/12/11 at 1:06am
Quote:
Originally Posted by purrin View Post

If you going to spend $1k, you may as well move up a little bit to $1500.


And using this advice - after moving up to $1500... $2000, why not

 

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post #8 of 81
9/12/11 at 1:59am

What do you need all that power for?  Power does not equal quality.

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post #9 of 81
9/12/11 at 7:54am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jjinh View Post


And using this advice - after moving up to $1500... $2000, why not


Because I feel the $1000-$1500 range is sort of a sweet spot where you get a notable improvement from the sub $1000 amps. The next jump would be > $2200.

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Uncle Erik View Post

What do you need all that power for?  Power does not equal quality.

 

I'm thinking in "powerhouse", he's referring to quality too, not just quantity.

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post #10 of 81
9/12/11 at 8:19am
The Burson Audio HA-160D looks good.
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post #11 of 81
9/12/11 at 10:20am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Croozer View Post

The Burson Audio HA-160D looks good.


I was looking at that also.  Thanks!

 



Quote:
Originally Posted by purrin View Post




Because I feel the $1000-$1500 range is sort of a sweet spot where you get a notable improvement from the sub $1000 amps. The next jump would be > $2200.

 

 

I'm thinking in "powerhouse", he's referring to quality too, not just quantity.

Ya I'd like it to be strong enough to drive the LCD-2 or the He-500.  I do mean both.  Thats why I said besides the LYR.  I know its a power house but I'd like it to do both as in quality and driving power.  =)  
 

 

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post #12 of 81
9/12/11 at 10:30am
Thread Starter 

How about the Isabellina?  I know there is the Isabellina HPA but that might be just a little out of my range at the moment.  IF I save up I might as well go for the Audez ALO pack.  But the Isabellina looks quiet tempting...

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post #13 of 81
9/12/11 at 11:18am


Gee, That is a bit pricey does have a few options to choice from.
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hawaiiancerveza View Post

How about the Isabellina?  I know there is the Isabellina HPA but that might be just a little out of my range at the moment.  IF I save up I might as well go for the Audez ALO pack.  But the Isabellina looks quiet tempting...



 

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post #14 of 81
9/12/11 at 11:24am
Thread Starter 

Ya the Isabellina is a little cheaper. I was just throwing the Audez alo pack out there.  I most likely wouldn't get it unless I was set in a really good job.  But since I'm still a college student I'll go for something a little cheaper like perhaps the Burson 160D or the isabellina.  
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by john57 View Post


Gee, That is a bit pricey does have a few options to choice from.
 



 



 

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post #15 of 81
9/12/11 at 12:38pm

For something a bit cheaper what about Hi-Fi Man - EF5 ?

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