Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Computer Audio › DAC recommendations
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

DAC recommendations

post #1 of 8
12/4/11 at 7:49pm
Thread Starter 

I'm in the market for an external DAC - possibly DAC/amp - as I feel my Xonar DG isn't cutting it anymore.

I'm currently using ATH-M50s for my headphones, and M-Audio BX8a Deluxe as my speakers. I'd like to be able to easily switch between the two. I'm unsure about the headphone amp because I'm not sure if it's necessary to drive my ATH-M50s.

My budget is ~$100, but it can be stretched a bit if I'll see a significant increase in quality.

Reply
post #2 of 8
12/4/11 at 7:55pm

That is not much of a budget if you are looking for a drastic increase, especially if you want both DAC and amp.  Maybe a uDAC2, Fubar II or there are a few others that are not coming to mind right this minute.  I would keep your eyes out in the buy and sell forums also to see what people might have for you.


Edited by ROBSCIX - 12/4/11 at 7:58pm
Reply
post #3 of 8
12/4/11 at 7:56pm
Thread Starter 

What's a more realistic price range?

Reply
post #4 of 8
12/4/11 at 8:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Loktera View Post

What's a more realistic price range?


That is a question that is not easy to answer as I am sure everybody has an opinion on that one.  I guess it just depends on what you are looking for and what type of headphone you have now and might buy in the future.  A DAC or DAC/amp..etc...

 

Do some research and see what is available in the various price ranges that you feel comfortable spending. Check the buy and sell forum here and see what is available for your budget and read up on them.  Buying used will give you the most bang for the buck but you can always buy new also.

 

 


Edited by ROBSCIX - 12/4/11 at 8:07pm
Reply
post #5 of 8
12/4/11 at 8:09pm
Thread Starter 

Alright, thanks for the help. I'll probably go with a DAC/amp just so I have more options in the future for headphones. There are just so many, it's a bit overwhelming.

Reply
post #6 of 8
12/4/11 at 8:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Loktera View Post

Alright, thanks for the help. I'll probably go with a DAC/amp just so I have more options in the future for headphones. There are just so many, it's a bit overwhelming.

Wish I could help more.  Give it a bit, I am sure you will get more recommendations.

The external market is fairly big, so some time spent reading reviews, impressions and asking questions is time well spent.
 

 

Reply
post #7 of 8
12/5/11 at 1:51pm

I have grown accustomed to my stagedac expensive yes but i like the way it makes the sound, sound more open sometime in the future i will get the classic to go along with this.

 

You could look into the stagedac http://www.meier-audio.homepage.t-online.de/amplifiers.htm .

 

...100 usd budget never mind then.


Edited by holylucifer - 12/5/11 at 1:52pm
Reply
post #8 of 8
12/12/11 at 4:05am
Thread Starter 

After spending a bit more time looking around, I've decided that I'm comfortable spending up to $200 on a DAC/amp combo.

I'm currently looking at the Musiland Monitor 02 US, or the Audinst HUD-MX1. 192khz sampling isn't a big deal for me, but the physical knob, as well as the RCA inputs being on the back of the HUD-MX1, are sort of convenient. Does anybody have personal experience with these two?

Alternatively, would the high end (Xonar STX/Titanium HD) sound cards compete with these external DACs?


Edited by Loktera - 12/12/11 at 4:10am
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Computer Audio
Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Computer Audio › DAC recommendations